Ice making machine and method for controlling ice making machine

Abstract

To provide an ice making machine and a method of manufacturing the ice making machine capable of more reliably disinfecting an ice storage.SOLUTION: An ice making machine 1 includes an ice making part (32) for making ice, an ice storing part (14) for storing the ice, and a casing 30 in which the ice making part (32) is housed. A disinfecting device (70) for disinfecting the ice storing part (14) is housed in the casing 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice-making machine and a method for controlling an ice-making machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ice storage cabinet with a sterilizer that can sterilize the surfaces and ice inside the cabinet while the ice-making mechanism is operating. This ice storage cabinet with sterilizer includes an ice-making mechanism, an ozone generating tube that converts air sent in via a pump into ozone, and a sterilizer that injects and fills the ice storage cabinet with ozone generated in the ozone generating tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 04-024380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an ice maker and a method for controlling an ice maker that can more reliably sterilize an ice storage compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The ice making machine in the present disclosure includes an ice making unit that produces ice, Place the ice making unit on top an ice storage section for storing the ice; a chute whose longitudinal direction is arranged along the vertical direction of the ice making unit and which forms a passage therein for passing ice made in the ice making unit to the ice storage unit; a duct-shaped guide section which connects an upper end of the ice making unit to a position close to an upper end of the chute and passes the ice made in the ice making unit; and a sterilization device installed above the ice making unit. Equipped with The sterilization device and the upper end of the chute are connected by a nozzle, and the mist generated by the sterilization device is sent into the chute through the nozzle. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the ice storage chamber can be sterilized more reliably. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice making machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2]A longitudinal section of the ice-making machine taken along plane II of FIG. [Diagram 3] Perspective view of the ice making unit [Figure 4] A perspective view of an electrostatic atomizer [Diagram 5] Enlarged view of the area indicated by V in Figure 2 [Figure 6] Block diagram showing the control configuration of the ice maker [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of the sterilization operation of the ice maker [Figure 8] A longitudinal sectional view of an ice making machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing a control configuration of an ice making machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the operation of the sterilization operation of the ice making machine according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology for sterilizing the inner surface of an ice storage bin and the ice stored in the ice storage bin while the ice-making mechanism was operating. This ice-making machine includes an ice-making mechanism for producing ice, an ice storage bin for storing the ice, an ozone generating tube for converting air sent in via a pump into ozone, and a sterilizing device for injecting and filling the ice storage bin with the ozone generated in the ozone generating tube.

[0009] However, the inventors discovered a problem with such ice making machines in that, depending on the device used as the sterilization device and the location where the sterilization device is installed, the temperature of the ice stored in the ice storage compartment may hinder the operation of the sterilization device.In order to solve this problem, the inventors have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an ice maker and a control method for an ice maker that can more reliably sterilize an ice storage compartment.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. The symbol FR in each figure indicates the front of the ice-making machine when it is installed on an installation surface and in normal use, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the ice-making machine, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the ice-making machine. In the following description, each direction is along the direction of the ice-making machine.

[0012] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Ice maker configuration]

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of ice-making machine 1 according to embodiment 1. Ice-making machine 1 of the present embodiment is an auger-type ice-making machine. Ice-making machine 1 includes ice-making machine body 10 and legs 12 that support ice-making machine body 10. Ice-making machine body 10 includes ice storage bin 14, which is a box-shaped body with surrounding walls made of a thermal insulating material, and ice-making unit 16 provided above ice storage bin 14.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of ice making machine 1 taken along plane II in Fig. 1. Plane II is parallel to the front-rear direction of ice making machine 1 and passes through auger unit 40 and chute 66. Ice storage chamber 11, which is a space capable of storing ice, is provided inside ice storage chamber 14. Two openings 13, 15 are provided on the front of ice storage chamber 14. Opening 13 is closed by slide door 20 that can be opened and closed by sliding. Opening 15 is closed by swing door 22 that can be opened and closed by swinging. An opening that is completely open is provided on the top surface of ice storage chamber 14. Ice storage chamber 14 corresponds to the "ice storage section" of this disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing ice making unit 16. For ease of explanation, the side panels and top panel of housing 30 are omitted in Fig. 3. Ice making unit 16 includes a housing 30 that forms an exterior body of ice making unit 16, and an ice making mechanism 32. Ice making mechanism 32 is housed in a machine chamber 31 that is the internal space of housing 30. The bottom of housing 30 is covered by a bottom panel 33. Ice maker body 10 is formed by placing ice making unit 16 on the top surface of ice storage room 14. Therefore, ice storage room 11 and machine room 31 are separated by bottom panel 33. Bottom panel 33 is provided with a communication opening 35 which is a through hole.

[0016] Ice-making mechanism 32 includes an auger unit 40, a condenser 42, a compressor 44, refrigerant piping connecting these, a water supply unit 46 that supplies ice-making water to auger unit 40, a blower 48 that blows air to condenser 42, and a control box 49 that houses a control board 80 that controls the entire ice-making machine 1.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the auger unit 40 includes an ice-making cylinder 50 having an ice discharge portion 52 at its upper end, an auger 54 arranged to vertically penetrate the ice discharge portion 52 and the ice-making cylinder 50, an agitator 56 that turns the columnar ice discharged from the ice discharge portion 52 into ice pieces, and an evaporator 58 wrapped around the ice-making cylinder 50. Auger 54 scrapes off the ice film that has frozen on the inner wall of ice-making cylinder 50 due to heat exchange in evaporator 58, compresses it, and transports it to upper ice delivery section 52. Auger 54 is rotated by an auger motor 60 disposed adjacent to ice-making cylinder 50. The rotation of auger motor 60 is reduced in speed by a reducer 62 disposed below ice-making cylinder 50 and auger motor 60 before being transmitted to auger 54.

[0018] Auger unit 40 is provided with a guide body 64 that covers ice delivery section 52 and agitator 56 (FIG. 5). Guide body 64 is a duct-like member with a substantially L-shaped passage formed therein and with guide openings 63, 65 provided at both ends. Guide body 64 has guide opening 63 connected to the upper end of ice making cylinder 50, and the end side provided with guide opening 65 extends to the side of ice delivery section 52, agitator 56, and auger unit 40. In this embodiment, guide body 64 is formed from a resin material.

[0019] Chute 66 is provided in machine chamber 31. Chute 66 is a rectangular tubular duct-like member with a linear passage formed inside. Chute 66 is arranged with its longitudinal direction aligned with the vertical direction of ice making machine 1, and is placed on bottom panel 33. An opening located at one end of chute 66 is connected to communication opening 35. Therefore, the internal passage of chute 66 communicates with ice storage chamber 11. The other end of the chute 66 , in other words the upper end of the chute 66 , is disposed at a position close to the top surface of the housing 30 and is covered by a plate-shaped cover member 68 .

[0020] A guide opening 65 of the guide body 64 is connected to a side surface 67 of the chute 66 at a position close to the other end of the chute 66. This allows the passage inside the guide body 64 to communicate with the passage inside the chute 66.

[0021] In ice making machine 1, ice produced by auger unit 40 is sent out from ice delivery section 52 and turned into ice pieces by agitator 56. The ice pieces are sent by agitator 56 through guide body 64 to chute 66, fall through the inside of chute 66, and are stored in ice storage chamber 11. That is, ice making machine 1 is provided with an ice passage that guides ice sent out from ice sending section 52 toward ice storage chamber 11 by guide body 64 and chute 66. Ice making mechanism 32 corresponds to the "ice making section" of this disclosure.

[0022] [1-1-2. Configuration of electrostatic atomizer] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrostatic atomizer 70. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover member 68 is provided with an electrostatic atomizer 70. The electrostatic atomizer 70 is a device that generates a mist containing charged fine water particles. The electrostatic atomizer 70 includes, for example, a discharge unit that discharges electricity to supplied moisture to generate a mist containing charged fine water particles, and a power supply circuit that generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge unit. The discharge unit and the power supply circuit are housed in a rectangular parallelepiped device housing 72.

[0023] The electrostatic atomized water contains active ingredients such as electrostatic mist that exhibit disinfecting and deodorizing effects. The electrostatic atomizer 70 deodorizes the object onto which the mist is sprayed and suppresses the growth of bacteria on the object. In this embodiment, the electrostatic atomizer 70 uses moisture contained in the air inside the machine room 31 to generate mist. The electrostatic atomization device 70 corresponds to the "sterilization device" of this disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by V in FIG. The electrostatic atomization device 70 is attached to the cover member 68 via the attachment member 74. The attachment member 74 is a member that is bent into a substantially L-shape so as to extend upward from the upper surface of the cover member 68 and then extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the ice-making machine 1. The attachment member 74 includes a plate-shaped mounting portion 76 that extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the ice-making machine 1. The device housing 72 is placed on the upper surface of the mounting portion 76 so that the longitudinal direction extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction of the ice-making machine 1. That is, the electrostatic atomization device 70 is attached to the upper end of the chute 66 via the attachment member 74 and the cover member 68.

[0025] By providing the device housing 72 in this manner in the machine room 31, in the ice making machine 1, it becomes possible to arrange the electrostatic atomization device 70 in a position close to the top surface of the housing 30. In this embodiment, the placement portion 76 extends along the front-rear direction of the ice making machine 1, and the electrostatic atomization device 70 is disposed above the auger unit 40.

[0026] A nozzle 78 is provided in the device housing 72. The nozzle 78 is a tubular member through which the mist generated by the electrostatic atomization device 70 flows. The nozzle 78 is bent at a predetermined bending angle. One end of the nozzle 78 is connected to the device housing 72, and the other end is connected to the cover member 68. The nozzle 78 connects the electrostatic atomization device 70 to the ice passage inside the chute 66.

[0027] A guide member 79 is provided on a flat surface 69 of the cover member 68, which is located on the ice passage side inside the chute 66. The guide member 79 is a plate-like member having one end connected to the flat surface 69. The guide member 79 extends from the flat surface 69 along the longitudinal direction of the chute 66, and is then bent at a predetermined angle so as to extend toward the guide opening 65. The other end of the guide member 79 faces the guide opening 65 and is disposed at a predetermined distance away from the guide opening 65.

[0028] When the electrostatic atomizer 70 starts to operate and starts generating mist, the mist is sent into the inside of the chute 66 through the nozzle 78. The mist that has flowed into the chute 66 is guided by the guide member 79 to flow into the inside of the guide body 64 through the guide opening 65, and sterilizes each part of the auger unit 40, such as the agitator 56 and the ice delivery part 52. Furthermore, the mist flowing inside the guide body 64 flows to the guide opening 63, and then flows into the chute 66 again through the guide opening 65.

[0029] The mist that flows back into the chute 66 moves downward along the chute 66 by gravity and is sent to the ice storage chamber 11 via the communication opening 35. In ice making machine 1, this mist sterilizes ice storage chamber 11, specifically each side surface surrounding ice storage chamber 11 of ice storage room 14, and the ice pieces stored in ice storage chamber 11.

[0030] In this manner, in ice making machine 1, electrostatic atomizer 70 is provided at the upper end of chute 66, and mist is supplied from the upper end of chute 66 to the inside of said chute 66. As a result, in ice making machine 1, it is possible to sterilize the ice passage consisting of chute 66 and guide body 64, each part of auger unit 40, each part of ice storage bin 14, and each of the ice pieces.

[0031] As described above, the electrostatic atomizer 70 generates mist by using moisture in the surrounding air. Therefore, in a low-temperature environment, due to a drop in humidity or freezing, a sufficient amount of mist may not be generated, which may impede operation.

[0032] In this embodiment, electrostatic atomization device 70 is provided in machine room 31. Machine room 31 is a space separated from the ice passage that sends out the ice pieces and ice storage chamber 11 in which the ice pieces are stored. In other words, electrostatic atomization device 70 is separated from the ice passage and ice storage chamber 11 in which the ice pieces are stored. Furthermore, the temperature of the machine room 31 is increased to a predetermined temperature or higher by heat generated from the control board 80 and the compressor 44 disposed in the machine room 31. That is, the electrostatic atomization device 70 is disposed in an environment where the temperature is increased to a predetermined temperature or higher. Therefore, in ice making machine 1, electrostatic atomization device 70 is prevented from being placed in a low temperature environment, and the operation of generating mist is prevented from being hindered.

[0033] [1-1-2. Control configuration of ice maker] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of ice making machine 1. 6, the ice making machine 1 includes a control board 80 that controls each part of the ice making machine 1. The control board 80 includes a processor 82, a memory 84, and an I / F 86. The I / F 86 indicates an interface.

[0034] The processor 82 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPC (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The processor 82 functions as an operation control unit 83 by reading and executing a control program 81 stored in a memory 84.

[0035] The memory 84 is a storage unit that stores programs and data. The memory 84 stores the control program 81 and data to be processed by the processor 82. The memory 84 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 84 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the processor 82.

[0036] The I / F 86 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, such as a connector, a communication circuit, etc. The I / F 86 is connected to the compressor motor 90, the fan motor 92, the auger motor 60, the solenoid valve 96, the timer 98, and the electrostatic atomizer 70, and communicates with these devices. It should be noted that the devices connected to the control board 80 are not limited to these devices, and other devices may also be connected.

[0037] The compressor motor 90 is driven under the control of the control board 80 to drive the compressor 44 .

[0038] The fan motor 92 is driven under the control of the control board 80 to rotate the blower 48 .

[0039] The auger motor 60 is driven under the control of the control board 80 to rotate the auger 54 .

[0040] The solenoid valve 96 is driven under the control of the control board 80 to open and close the water supply pipe connecting the ice making cylinder 50 and the water supply unit 46, thereby supplying and cutting off the ice making water.

[0041] The timer 98 is a timing unit that measures time. The timer 98 is driven under the control of the control board 80, and starts and stops timing.

[0042] The electrostatic atomizer 70 is driven under the control of the control board 80 and performs an operation for generating mist.

[0043] The operation control unit 83 controls various devices connected to the control board 80 to control the ice-making operation and sterilization operation of the ice maker 1. The ice-making operation controlled by the operation control unit 83 may be an operation in which the ice-making water supply process, the freezing process, and the ice piece production process are continuously performed in this order, or an operation in which only one of the processes is performed, or an operation in which two or more of the processes are performed in any order.

[0044] Here, the ice-making water supply process is a process of supplying ice-making water from water supply unit 46 to ice-making cylinder 50. The freezing process is a process of driving each part forming the refrigeration circuit such as compressor 44 to freeze the ice-making water. The ice piece production process is a process of driving auger 54 and agitator 56 to turn the ice produced in the freezing process into ice pieces and send them to ice storage chamber 11.

[0045] The sterilization operation is an operation in which electrostatic atomization device 70 starts operating, and the mist generated is sent to the ice passage and ice storage chamber 11 to sterilize each part of ice making machine 1 and ice pieces.

[0046] The sterilization operation performed by the operation control unit 83 starts and stops the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 multiple times within a predetermined period of time. In the sterilization operation, the operation control unit 83 operates the electrostatic atomization device 70 until the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed, and then stops the operation. This first predetermined time T1 is the time during which the mist from the electrostatic atomization device 70 can sterilize the ice passage consisting of the chute 66 and the guide body 64, each part of the auger unit 40, each part of the ice storage 14, and each of the ice pieces. In this manner, the operation control unit 83 can sterilize each part of the ice making machine 1 by operating the electrostatic atomization device 70 until the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed. The first predetermined time T1 corresponds to the "predetermined time" in the present disclosure.

[0047] When the stop time, which is the elapsed time since the operation was stopped, reaches the second predetermined time T2, the operation control unit 83 starts the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 again. In this manner, the operation control unit 83 causes the electrostatic atomization device 70 to alternately start and stop the operation. In this way, the operation control unit 83 operates the electrostatic atomization device 70 after the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the operation was stopped, thereby preventing the electrostatic atomization device 70 from operating excessively and preventing a decrease in the product life of the electrostatic atomization device 70. In addition, the operation control unit 83 can sterilize each part of the ice maker 1 at an appropriate opportunity when sterilization is required.

[0048] When the total operation time of the electrostatic atomizer 70 reaches a third predetermined time T3 during a predetermined period, the operation control unit 83 stops the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 70. This predetermined period is, for example, 24 hours. In this way, by making the operating time of the electrostatic atomization device 70 equal to or less than the third predetermined time T3 within a predetermined period of time, the operation control unit 83 can prevent the electrostatic atomization device 70 from operating excessively and prevent a decrease in the product life of the electrostatic atomization device 70.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first predetermined time T1, the second predetermined time T2, the third predetermined time T3, and the predetermined period are stored in the memory 84. In addition, the operation time, stop time, and total operation time of the electrostatic atomization device 70 are each measured by a timer 98 and stored in the memory 84. The operation control unit 83 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0050] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the ice making machine 1 in relation to the sterilization operation will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart FA showing the sterilization operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation control unit 83 starts driving the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA1).

[0051] Next, the operation control unit 83 determines whether or not a second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the previous operation stop of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA2). The second predetermined time T2 is, for example, two hours. When the operation control unit 83 determines that the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the previous operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 was stopped (step SA2: YES), it starts the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA3).

[0052] When the operation control unit 83 determines that the second predetermined time T2 has not elapsed since the electrostatic atomization device 70 was previously stopped (step SA2: NO), the operation control unit 83 returns the process to step SA2 and performs the processes from step SA2 onward again.

[0053] After the process of step SA3, the operation control unit 83 determines whether or not the first predetermined time T1 or more has elapsed since the electrostatic atomization device 70 started to operate (step SA4). When the operation control unit 83 determines that the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the start of operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA4: YES), it stops the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA5).

[0054] When the operation control unit 83 determines that the first predetermined time T1 has not elapsed since the start of operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA4: NO), the operation control unit 83 returns the process to step SA4 and performs the processes from step SA4 onward again.

[0055] After the process of step SA5, the operation control unit 83 determines whether the total operation time of the electrostatic atomization device 70 is equal to or longer than the third predetermined time T3 (step SA6). T3 is, for example, 6 hours. When the operation control unit 83 determines that the total operation time of the electrostatic atomization device 70 is not equal to or longer than the third predetermined time T3 (step SA6: NO), the operation control unit 83 returns the process to step SA2 and performs the processes from step SA2 onward again.

[0056] When the operation control unit 83 determines that the total operation time of the electrostatic atomization device 70 is equal to or longer than the third predetermined time T3 (step SA6: YES), it stops driving the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA7).

[0057] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, ice maker 1 comprises ice-making mechanism 32 that produces ice, ice storage compartment 14 that stores the ice, and housing 30 in which ice-making mechanism 32 is housed, and housing 30 houses electrostatic atomization device 70 that sterilizes ice storage compartment 14.

[0058] This prevents the electrostatic atomization device 70 from being placed in a low-temperature environment in the ice-making machine 1. Therefore, in the ice-making machine 1, the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 to generate mist can be prevented from being hindered.

[0059] As in this embodiment, ice produced by ice making unit 16 is supplied to ice storage 14 via chute 66, and electrostatic atomization device 70 may be provided above chute 66. As a result, in ice-making machine 1, mist can be sent through chute 66 and guide body 64 to the entire inside of chute 66 and to each part of ice-making machine 1. Therefore, in ice-making machine 1, each part of ice-making machine 1, such as ice storage room 14, can be sterilized.

[0060] As in this embodiment, the operation control unit 83 may cause the electrostatic atomization device 70 to stop operating when the time that has elapsed since the electrostatic atomization device 70 started operating becomes equal to or longer than the first predetermined time T1. This allows the operation control unit 83 to prevent the electrostatic atomization device 70 from operating excessively, thereby preventing the product life of the electrostatic atomization device 70 from being shortened.

[0061] The control method for ice-making machine 1 includes a step of performing a sterilization operation for sterilizing ice storage room 14, and stops the sterilization operation when a first predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the start of the sterilization operation.

[0062] This provides the same effects as those of the ice making machine 1 described above.

[0063] (Embodiment 2) Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. In the description of embodiment 2, the same components as those of ice-making machine 1 of embodiment 1 will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0064] [2-1. Configuration] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of ice-making machine 1 according to the second embodiment, taken along a plane that is parallel to the front-rear direction of ice-making machine 1 and passes through auger unit 40 and chute 66. As shown in FIG. Ice making machine 1 in embodiment 2 is provided with detection switch 100 as shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, detection switch 100 is provided in ice storage chamber 11. Detection switch 100 has a presser that protrudes toward ice storage chamber 11. Detection switch 100 transmits a predetermined detection signal when the presser is pressed, and stops transmitting the detection signal when pressure on the presser is released. In ice storage chamber 11, the pressing element of detection switch 100 is pressed by ice pieces stored in ice storage chamber 11.

[0065] In this embodiment, detection switch 100 is located on a side panel forming the rear surface of ice storage bin 14, close to the bottom surface of ice storage bin 14. For this reason, detection switch 100 releases the pressure on the presser when no ice pieces are stored in ice storage compartment 14 or when the amount of ice pieces stored in ice storage compartment 14 is not enough to cause a small accumulation on the bottom surface of ice storage compartment 14. In other words, when the pressure on the presser is released and the transmission of the detection signal stops, it is assumed that the amount of ice pieces stored in ice storage compartment 14 is not more than a predetermined amount.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of ice making machine 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the I / F 86 is connected to and communicates with the detection switch 100 . The detection switch 100 outputs a detection signal to the control board 80. The detection signal is acquired by the operation control unit 83. As described above, the detection signal is transmitted when the amount of ice chips stored in ice storage tank 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and is stopped when the amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. Therefore, when operation control unit 83 acquires a detection signal, it determines that the amount of ice chips stored in ice storage tank 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and when transmission of the detection signal is stopped, it determines that the amount of ice chips stored in ice storage tank 14 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.

[0067] During the sterilization operation, the operation control unit 83 determines whether or not to operate the electrostatic atomization device 70 based on the detection signal of the detection switch 100. Then, when the operation control unit 83 determines that the transmission of the detection signal of the detection switch 100 has stopped, it causes the electrostatic atomization device 70 to operate. The operation control unit 83 operates the electrostatic atomizer 70 until the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed, and then stops the operation.

[0068] In this embodiment, the detection signal of detection switch 100 is transmitted when the amount of ice chips stored in ice storage bin 14 is such that a small amount of ice chips are accumulated on the bottom surface of ice storage bin 14. Therefore, operation control unit 83 causes electrostatic atomization device 70 to operate when the amount of ice chips stored inside ice storage bin 14 is small. As a result, in ice making machine 1, when the area covered by ice pieces is small on each of the inner surfaces of ice storage compartment 14, sterilization of the inside of ice storage compartment 14 is performed. Therefore, in ice making machine 1, the entire ice storage compartment 14 can be sterilized more reliably.

[0069] The detection switch 100 corresponds to the "detection section" of the present disclosure. Ice making machine 1 may include another sensor body, such as an infrared sensor, as the detection unit, instead of detection switch 100. Detection switch 100 may transmit a predetermined detection signal when pressure on the presser is released, and stop transmitting the detection signal when the presser is pressed.

[0070] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the ice making machine 1 in relation to the sterilization operation will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart FB showing the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 70. As shown in FIG. 10, the operation control unit 83 starts driving the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA1).

[0071] Next, the operation control unit 83 determines whether or not the detection switch 100 is transmitting a detection signal (step SA2). If the operation control unit 83 determines that the detection switch 100 is not transmitting a detection signal, that is, that the transmission of the detection signal has stopped (step SA2: YES), it starts the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA3).

[0072] When the operation control unit 83 determines that the detection switch 100 is transmitting a detection signal, that is, that the transmission of the detection signal has not been stopped (step SA2: NO), the operation control unit 83 returns the process to step SA2 and performs the processes from step SA2 onwards again.

[0073] After the process of step SA3, the operation control unit 83 determines whether or not the first predetermined time T1 or more has elapsed since the start of operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA4). When the operation control unit 83 determines that the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the start of operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA4: YES), it stops the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA5).

[0074] When the operation control unit 83 determines that the first predetermined time T1 has not elapsed since the start of operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA4: NO), the operation control unit 83 returns the process to step SA4 and performs the processes from step SA4 onward again.

[0075] After the process of step SA5, the operation control unit 83 returns the process to step SA2 and performs the processes of step SA2 and thereafter again.

[0076] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, ice making machine 1 includes detection switch 100 that detects the amount of ice stored in ice storage 14, and operation control unit 83 that controls the operation of electrostatic atomization device 70. Operation control unit 83 starts the operation of electrostatic atomization device 70 when detection switch 100 detects a predetermined amount of stored ice. As a result, in ice-making machine 1, when the area covered by ice chips is small on each of the inner surfaces of ice storage compartment 14, sterilization of the inside of ice storage compartment 14 is performed. Therefore, in ice-making machine 1, the entire ice storage compartment 14 can be sterilized more reliably.

[0077] The control method for ice-making machine 1 includes a step of performing a sterilization operation for sterilizing ice storage compartment 14, and starts the sterilization operation when the amount of ice stored in ice storage compartment 14 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0078] This provides the same effects as those of the ice making machine 1 described above.

[0079] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first and second embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first and second embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0080] For example, instead of detection switch 100, ice maker 1 may be provided with an operation unit such as an operation switch that can be operated by a user on any part of ice maker body 10. This operation switch may output a predetermined detection signal to control board 80 when pressed or otherwise operated. Then, operation control unit 83 may start operation of electrostatic atomization device 70 when the predetermined detection signal is obtained. This allows ice-making machine 1 to sterilize ice storage compartment 14 at any opportunity desired by the user. In this case, the operation control unit 83 operates the electrostatic atomizer 70 until the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed, and then stops the operation.

[0081] Also, for example, electrostatic atomizer 70 is not limited to being provided at the top end of chute 66, but may be provided at other locations on chute 66, such as above the side surface. Furthermore, electrostatic atomizer 70 is not limited to being provided on chute 66, but may be provided at any location that communicates with ice storage chamber 11, such as guide body 64 or ice storage chamber 14.

[0082] Also, for example, in ice making machine 1, ice storage bin 14 or chute 66 may be provided with an ice-filled sensor that stops the operation of ice-making unit 16 when the amount of ice pieces stored in ice storage bin 14 reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount. In ice making machine 1, the ice-filled sensor may stop the operation of electrostatic atomization device 70 when it detects that the amount of ice pieces stored in ice storage bin 14 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.

[0083] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, ice-making machine 1 is equipped with electrostatic atomization device 70 as a sterilization device. However, this is not limited thereto, and ice-making machine 1 may be equipped with any device that can sterilize ice storage room 14. Such devices include, for example, a device that generates ozone, a device that generates hypochlorous acid water, or a device that sprays liquid such as alcohol.

[0084] Among such devices, when a device that uses a liquid such as water is provided as a sterilization device, the ice making machine 1 prevents the device from being placed in a low-temperature environment, thereby preventing the operation of the device from being hindered.

[0085] In embodiment 2, if ice making machine 1 is equipped with a device other than electrostatic atomization device 70 described above, when operation control unit 83 determines that detection switch 100 is transmitting a detection signal while the device is operating, it may stop the operation of the device.

[0086] The timer 85 may be provided integrally with the control board 80. Also, for example, the processor 82 may include a time measuring unit such as the timer 85.

[0087] In the ice making machine 1, a device that functions as a sterilization device, including the electrostatic atomization device 70, may sterilize the ice making water.

[0088] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7 and 10 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0089] The processor 82 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The processor 82 may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, the processor 82 is configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0090] The control program 81 executed by the processor 82 can also be realized in a state in which the control program 81 is recorded on a portable information recording medium. Examples of the information recording medium include magnetic recording media such as hard disks, optical recording media such as CDs, and semiconductor storage devices such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories and SSDs (Solid State Drives), but other recording media can also be used.

[0091] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] The present disclosure is applicable to ice-making machines that achieve sterilization of an ice storage compartment with a simple structure. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to an auger-type ice-making machine equipped with a chute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Ice maker 14 Ice storage (ice storage section) 16 Ice making unit 30 Case 32 Ice making mechanism 32 (ice making section) 66 Shooter 70 Electrostatic atomizer (sterilization device) 83 Operation control unit (control unit) 98 Timer 100 Detection switch (detection part) T1 First specified time (specified time) T2 Second specified time T3 Third Scheduled Time

Claims

1. an ice making unit for producing ice; an ice storage section on which the ice making section is placed to store the ice; a chute having a longitudinal direction aligned along the vertical direction of the ice making unit and forming a passage therein for passing ice made by the ice making unit to the ice storage unit; a duct-shaped guide portion that is connected to an upper end of the ice making portion and an upper end of the chute at a position close to the upper end of the ice making portion and through which ice made by the ice making portion passes; A sterilization device installed above the ice making unit; Equipped with The sterilization device and the upper end of the chute are connected by a nozzle, and the mist generated by the sterilization device is sent into the chute through the nozzle. An ice maker characterized by:

2. A detection unit that detects the amount of ice stored in the ice storage unit; A control unit that controls the operation of the sterilization apparatus; Equipped with The control unit starts operation of the sterilization device when the detection unit detects that the amount of stored ice is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

2. The ice making machine according to claim 1 .

3. The sterilization device is an electrostatic atomization device.

3. The ice making machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A method for controlling an ice making machine having an ice making unit that makes ice and an ice storage unit that stores the ice, comprising: detecting an amount of ice stored in the ice storage section; A step of performing a sterilization operation for sterilizing the ice storage section; Including, When the amount of ice stored falls below a predetermined amount, the sterilization operation is started. A method for controlling an ice making machine.

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