Ice regeneration device and ice regeneration method

Abstract

This invention provides an ice regeneration device and ice regeneration method that enable the regeneration of so-called "scrap ice" into block ice. [Solution] An ice regeneration apparatus 1 according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a mold 2 and a support base 3 for containing waste ice D, an input chute 4 for feeding waste ice into the mold, a piston 5 for pressurizing the waste ice fed into the mold, and a mold drive mechanism 6 that allows the mold to move relative to the support base to a state of contact with the mold or a state of open mold. An ice regeneration method according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a waste ice input step of feeding waste ice into the mold from the input chute, and an ice regeneration step of pressurizing the waste ice with the piston to regenerate the waste ice into block ice.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice regeneration device and an ice regeneration method, and more specifically, to an ice regeneration device and an ice regeneration method for ice obtained by freezing water.

Background Art

[0002] Ice, which is the solid state of water, is used to cool various substances. For example, in modern society, when fresh food products such as fish and meat are distributed from producers to retailers such as supermarkets, it plays a very important role in cooling the fresh food products so as not to deteriorate them.

[0003] By the way, ice can be processed into various shapes, and devices have been devised to enhance the cold storage effect by varying the shape according to the shape and properties of the object to be cooled. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an ice production container and the like used when producing spherical ice.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when manufacturing ice of a predetermined shape, it is possible to produce a simpler and higher-quality product by cutting out the desired shape from a certain shape rather than directly manufacturing the ice of the desired shape. For example, when it is desired to manufacture spherical ice, instead of putting water into a spherical mold and cooling it, it is possible to produce a simpler and higher-quality product by producing cubic ice and cutting out spherical ice from this cubic ice.

[0006] However, as described above, when ice of a desired shape is cut from ice of a certain shape, the remaining ice has little use and becomes so-called "scrap ice," which is generally discarded. Generally, since ice is composed of water, it can be melted and used as wastewater, but discarding this ice leads to energy loss and is an inefficient method of ice production.

[0007] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an ice regeneration device and an ice regeneration method that enable the regeneration of so-called rubbish ice into block ice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An ice recycling apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, which solves the above problems, comprises a mold and support base for containing scrap ice, an input chute for feeding scrap ice into the mold, a piston for pressurizing the scrap ice fed into the mold, and a mold drive mechanism that allows the mold to move relative to the support base so that it is in a state of contact with the mold or a state of openness with the mold.

[0009] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the mold be equipped with an ice extrusion mechanism for extruding regenerated ice when the mold is open relative to the support base.

[0010] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the support base be provided with a drainage mechanism for discharging dissolved water.

[0011] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, the mold drive mechanism preferably comprises a column member fixed to a support base, a sliding gripping member fixed to the mold and having a through hole formed therein, which allows the mold to reciprocate vertically by inserting the column member into the through hole and sliding, and a drive mechanism for moving the mold.

[0012] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the mold has a lower opening, that in the mold contact state the support base covers the lower opening of the mold, and that in the mold open state a gap is provided between the support base and the mold.

[0013] Furthermore, an ice regeneration method according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a waste ice input step of introducing waste ice into a mold from an input chute, and an ice regeneration step of pressurizing the waste ice with a piston to regenerate the waste ice into block ice.

[0014] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable to include a mold contact step in which the mold is moved and pressed against the support base to create a mold contact state, and a block ice exposure step in which the mold is moved to separate the mold from the support base and expose the block ice on the support base.

[0015] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable to include an ice pushing step for pushing out exposed block ice. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] In summary, the present invention provides an ice regeneration device and an ice regeneration method that enable the regeneration of so-called "scrap ice" into block ice. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the front view (mold open state) of the ice regeneration apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the side view (mold open state) of the ice regeneration apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the front view (mold contact state) of the ice regeneration apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the side view (mold contact state) of the ice regeneration apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the support base and drainage mechanism of the ice regeneration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an outline of the relationship between the input chute and the mold of the ice regeneration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a photographic view of the ice regeneration device manufactured in the example. [Figure 8] It is a photographic view of the crushed ice used in the example. [Figure 9] It is a photographic view of the regenerated ice created in the example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited only to the specific examples described in the following embodiments and examples. [[ID=۲۱]]

[0019] Figures 1 and 3 are diagrams showing an outline when viewed from the front of the ice regeneration device (hereinafter referred to as "this device") 1 according to the present embodiment, and Figures 2 and 4 are diagrams showing an outline when viewed from the side of the device 1. Note that Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of the state where the mold and the support base are separated (hereinafter referred to as "mold open state"), and Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of the state where the mold and the support base are in contact (hereinafter referred to as "mold contact state").

[0020] As shown in these figures, the device 1 includes a mold 2 and a support base 3 for accommodating crushed ice D, an input chute 4 for inputting the crushed ice D into the mold 2, a piston 5 for pressing the crushed ice D input into the mold 2, and a mold drive mechanism 6 that enables the mold to be movable between a mold contact state and a mold open state with respect to the support base 3.

[0021] According to the device 1, by providing the mold 2, the support base 3, and the piston 5 and having a configuration in which the mold is moved by the mold drive mechanism 6, as will be clear from the following description, an ice regeneration device and an ice regeneration method for enabling regeneration as block ice even for so-called crushed ice can be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, while not limited to specific types, the ice recycled by this device 1 is assumed to be ice made by freezing water. Generally, ice is water and does not have any adverse effects on the environment if left as is, so recycling has not been considered much. However, with this device 1, even so-called "scrap ice" can be recycled, making it possible to improve the energy and cost of producing ice anew.

[0023] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, the mold 2 contains the ice debris D, while together with the support base 3 and piston 5, it is a component for applying pressure to the ice debris D.

[0024] Furthermore, although not limited to this apparatus 1, the mold 2 is equipped with a lower opening 21 and is movable vertically up and down, and can be divided into a state in which it is in the lowest position and in contact with the support base 3 (mold contact state), a state in which it is not in contact and is in the uppermost position (mold open state), and an intermediate state (mold intermediate state). In the mold contact state, the support base 3 is configured to cover the lower opening 21 of the mold 2, and in the mold open state and mold intermediate state, it is preferable that a gap S is provided between the support base 3 and the mold 2.

[0025] Furthermore, while the shape of the mold 2 of this apparatus 1 is not limited as described above, it is preferable that the cross-section along the horizontal direction be polygonal or substantially circular, and in the case of a polygonal shape, it is particularly preferable that it be square. By making it square, when the recycled ice is pressurized (reformed) by the support base 3 and piston 5, it is possible to make the recycled ice into an easy-to-handle cube shape (hexahedron).

[0026] Furthermore, while the shape of the mold 2 in this apparatus 1 is not particularly limited, it is preferably made of metal, and more preferably of stainless steel or the like, which is resistant to rust.

[0027] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, the support base 3 is a component that supports the crushed ice D and applies pressure to it, together with the mold 2 and piston 5. It is preferable that the support base 3 has a flat surface for supporting the crushed ice D. This makes it possible to form a smoother surface on the regenerated ice.

[0028] Furthermore, while there are no particular limitations on the material of the support base 3 in this device 1, it is preferable that it be made of metal.

[0029] Furthermore, in this device 1, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the support base 3 be provided with a drainage mechanism 8 for discharging dissolved water. Providing a drainage mechanism 8 prevents the device from becoming flooded with water generated during the formation of recycled ice, and allows for proper drainage. In particular, in this device 1, ice made by freezing water is recycled, and when pressure is applied to the ice, some of the ice melts. Therefore, providing this mechanism is extremely important.

[0030] Specifically, the structure of the drainage mechanism 8 is not limited, but it is preferable that it be a dish-shaped member that covers the periphery and lower part of the support base 3 with a gap. By creating a gap around the periphery and lower part of the support base 3 in this way, it is possible to contain water that leaks out through this gap without leaving any on the support base. Figure 5 shows an illustrative diagram of the support base 3 and the drainage mechanism 8. The drainage mechanism 8 is a dish-shaped member, but water can be discharged to the outside by providing a notch or a drain port in part of it.

[0031] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, the input chute 4 is for feeding the crushed ice D into the mold 2, as described above. As described above, in this apparatus 1, the crushed ice D is fed between the mold 2, the support base 3, and the piston 5, and the crushed ice D must be fed into the internal space formed by these components. By providing the input chute 4, the crushed ice D can be efficiently fed into the internal space.

[0032] However, in this device 1, it is preferable that the input chute 4 is fixed to a non-moving member of this device 1, specifically to the support base 3. More specifically, it is preferable that when the mold 2 is in the open state or intermediate state, the waste ice D cannot be introduced into the internal space, but when it is in contact with the mold, the waste ice D can be introduced into the internal space. In the open state or intermediate state, a gap is formed between the support base 3 and the mold 2, so even if waste ice D is placed inside the mold 2, the waste ice D will leak out through this gap. On the other hand, by making it possible to introduce waste ice D when it is in contact with the mold, this risk can be reduced. In order to achieve such a state, although not limited to this, it is preferable, for example, that when the mold is open, the input port 41 of the input chute 4 is blocked by the mold 2, and when the mold 2 is gradually lowered to the mold contact state, the input port 41 of the input chute 4 is opened. An image of such a case is shown in Figure 6. In other words, in this device 1, the waste ice D is introduced into the mold 2 when it is in contact with the mold.

[0033] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, the piston 5 is for pressurizing the waste ice D contained in the mold 2 and support base 3. The configuration of the piston 5 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to have, for example, a piston head 51 and a piston shaft 52. When a piston head 51 is used, it is preferable that the shape of the piston head 51 matches the internal shape of the mold 2 so that it fits snugly inside the mold 2. This makes it possible to minimize the gap between the mold 2, support base 3 and piston 5, and to produce recycled ice efficiently.

[0034] Furthermore, the material of the piston 5 can be adjusted as appropriate and is not limited, but it is preferable that it be made of a material that can withstand sufficient pressure and is resistant to rust caused by water, and is preferably a metal such as an aluminum alloy, but is not limited to this.

[0035] Furthermore, in this apparatus 1, the mold drive mechanism 6 allows the mold 2 to move relative to the support base 3 so that it is in a mold contact state or a mold open state. While not limited to this, a motor 61 is a preferred example. In the case of a motor, since it realizes rotational motion, it is preferable to also use a conversion mechanism 62 to convert this into linear motion, specifically a ball screw, timing belt, hydraulic system, etc. However, this drive mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it can move the mold up and down.

[0036] Furthermore, while the mold drive mechanism 6 is not limited to having the above-described functions, it is preferable to include a column member 63 fixed to the support base 3 and a sliding gripping member 64 fixed to the mold 2, having a through hole 641 formed therein, which allows the mold 2 to reciprocate in one axis direction, specifically in the vertical direction, by inserting the column member 63 into the through hole 641 and sliding it. This makes the vertical reciprocating movement more reliable.

[0037] Furthermore, this device 1 is equipped with an ice pushing mechanism 7 for pushing out recycled ice when the mold 2 is in an open state relative to the support base 3. This pushes out the recycled ice remaining on the support base 3 when the mold is open, making it easier for workers to hold the recycled ice.

[0038] (Ice regeneration method) Here, we will describe the method for regenerating ice according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this method"). This method is not limited to this, but can be easily implemented with the present apparatus 1.

[0039] Specifically, this method comprises: (S1) a mold contact step in which the mold is moved and pressed against the support base to create a mold contact state; (S2) a waste ice input step in which waste ice is introduced into the mold from the input chute; (S3) an ice regeneration step in which the waste ice is pressurized by a piston to regenerate the waste ice into block ice; (S4) a block ice exposure step in which the mold is moved to separate the mold from the support base and expose the block ice on the support base; and (S5) an ice extrusion step in which the exposed block ice is pushed out.

[0040] First, as described above, this method includes a mold contact step (S1) in which the mold is moved and pressed against the support base to create a mold contact state. This prevents the ice scraps from leaking out of the mold even if they are put into the mold.

[0041] Furthermore, as described above, this method includes a waste ice input step (S2) in which waste ice is introduced into the mold from the input chute. Because the mold and the support base are in contact with each other due to step (S1), even if waste ice is introduced into the mold, the waste ice will not leak out of the mold.

[0042] Furthermore, as described above, this method includes an ice regeneration step (S3) in which the crushed ice is pressurized by a piston to regenerate it into block ice. The crushed ice is placed in an internal space defined by the mold and support base, and by strongly pressurizing it with the piston, the ice is compressed and reshaped as regenerated ice. In this method, in particular, the temperature and melting point rise due to the pressurization, causing some of the ice to melt, and as the ice melts, it becomes integrated again. On the other hand, when the pressurization by the piston is released, the pressure decreases and the temperature and melting point of the ice decrease again. In other words, by releasing the pressurization on the ice, the state of the ice can be stabilized again. In this step, the ice that has partially melted due to the pressurization flows out onto the support base through a minute gap between the mold and the support base and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus 1 by a drainage mechanism.

[0043] Furthermore, this method includes a block ice exposure step (S4) in which the mold is moved to separate it from the support base and expose the block ice on the support base. Specifically, the mold is moved upward to open the mold and expose the ice.

[0044] Furthermore, this method includes (S5) an ice extrusion step in which the exposed block ice is pushed out. This eliminates the need for workers to put their hands directly beneath the mold 2, allowing for safer operation. In particular, with this method, since partially melted water is present beneath the recycled ice, the recycled ice can be slid onto the support stand with less force.

[0045] In summary, the present invention provides an ice regeneration apparatus and ice regeneration method that enable the regeneration of so-called "scrap ice" into block ice. Furthermore, this method has the advantage that at least 80% of the ice can be regenerated even when the apparatus and mold are at room temperature, at least 90% can be regenerated when the mold is cold, and at least 95% can be regenerated when the mold is sufficiently cold (close to 0°C). [Examples]

[0046] Here, we actually manufactured an ice regeneration device (hereinafter referred to as "the device") and confirmed the effectiveness of the device and the method described. The details are explained below.

[0047] First, the apparatus described in the above embodiment was actually fabricated. A photographic diagram of this apparatus is shown in Figure 7.

[0048] Next, we prepared more than 100 kg of ice scraps, which consisted of ice scraps that had been removed from spherical ice balls about 10 cm in diameter (Figure 8).

[0049] The apparatus 1 shown in the figure above was driven to bring the mold into contact with the support base, and in this state, approximately 19 kg of the above-mentioned crushed ice was fed into the input chute, into the mold and support base, and then the crushed ice was compacted by a piston. Once it was sufficiently compacted, the mold was lifted to open it, exposing the ice, and the ice was pushed out by the ice extrusion mechanism to obtain approximately 16 kg of hexahedral recycled ice. This obtained recycled ice is shown in Figure 9.

[0050] Furthermore, the properties of this recycled ice were verified. Specifically, the performance of ice produced by freezing pure water over a long period of time (ultrapure ice), ice made by simply freezing tap water (tap water ice), and ice recycled by compression in this example (compressed ice) were compared and examined.

[0051] This comparative study was conducted by filling three buckets of the same size with 10 liters of 12°C water, adding each of the aforementioned ice cut to a standard 1-kanme size, and measuring the change in water temperature. These buckets were placed in a room with the air conditioner set to 25°C to ensure identical conditions. The results showed that 1.3% of the ultrapure ice remained melted after 4 hours, and 2.3% of the tap water ice remained melted after 4 hours. The compressed ice used in this embodiment also remained melted at a rate of 1.8% after 4 hours. Similar results were obtained for all three types of ice—ultrapure ice, tap water ice, and compressed ice—with no significant differences between them. Therefore, it was confirmed that the performance of the compressed ice used in this embodiment is sufficient, and the effectiveness of the present invention was confirmed.

[0052] In summary, the effects of the present invention have been demonstrated using this device. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] The present invention has industrial applicability as an ice regeneration device and ice regeneration method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1…Ice regeneration device 2…Mold 21...Lower opening 3…Support stand 4... Shots put in 5... Piston 6…Mold drive mechanism 61...motor 62...Conversion mechanism 63...Column member 64... Sliding gripping member 641... Through hole 7…Ice extrusion mechanism 8…Drainage mechanism D...Scrap ice

Claims

1. A mold and support base for containing ice scraps, The aforementioned mold includes an input chute for loading crushed ice, A piston that pressurizes the crushed ice placed in the mold, An ice regeneration apparatus comprising a mold drive mechanism that moves the mold relative to the support base so that it is in a state of contact with the mold or a state of openness with the mold.

2. The ice regeneration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ice extrusion mechanism for extruding regenerated ice when the mold is in an open state relative to the support base.

3. The ice regeneration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support base is provided with a drainage mechanism for discharging dissolved water.

4. The mold drive mechanism is A column member fixed to the support base, A sliding gripping member is fixed to the mold, has a through hole formed in it, and allows the mold to reciprocate vertically by inserting the column member into the through hole and sliding it, The ice regeneration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism for moving the mold.

5. The mold has a lower opening, In the aforementioned mold contact state, the support base is configured to cover the lower opening of the mold. The ice regeneration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the mold open state, a gap is provided between the support base and the mold.

6. The ice scrap loading step involves loading the ice scraps into the mold from the loading chute. An ice regeneration method comprising an ice regeneration step of pressurizing the aforementioned crushed ice with a piston to regenerate the crushed ice into block ice.

7. A mold contact step involves moving the mold and pressing it against the support base to create a mold contact state. The ice regeneration method according to claim 6, further comprising a block ice exposure step of moving the mold to separate the mold from the support base and exposing the block ice on the support base.

8. The ice regeneration method according to claim 7, further comprising an ice extrusion step for extruding the exposed block of ice.

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