Ice makers and attachments

Abstract

To provide an ice making machine and an attachment capable of easily mounting a disinfecting device for disinfecting an ice storage.SOLUTION: An ice making machine 1 includes an ice making part (16) for making ice, an ice storing part (14) for storing the ice, and a disinfecting attachment 18 disposed between the ice making part (16) and the ice storing part (14) and equipped with a disinfecting device (70) for disinfecting the ice storing part (14).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice maker and an attachment. [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 a 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 the 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 attachment that can easily be equipped with a sterilization device that can sterilize the ice storage compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The ice making machine of the present disclosure includes an ice making unit that produces ice, an ice storage unit that stores the ice, and a sterilization attachment that is disposed between the ice making unit and the ice storage unit and that is provided with a sterilization device that sterilizes the ice storage unit. The sterilization attachment has a duct through which the ice produced in the ice making unit can pass. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a sterilization device capable of sterilizing the ice storage compartment can be easily installed. [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] Exploded view of ice maker [Diagram 3] Exploded perspective view of the storage case [Figure 4] Top view of the storage case [Diagram 5] Block diagram showing the control configuration of the sterilization attachment [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of the sterilization attachment during sterilization operation [Figure 7] A longitudinal sectional view of an ice making machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing a control configuration of an ice making machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 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, in such an ice-making machine, in addition to the sterilization device that sterilizes the ice storage, it is necessary to install multiple devices such as an ozone generating tube and a pump. In this case, the installation of each device in such an ice-making machine may be complicated. In addition, the inventors discovered a problem that the ice-making machine may become large depending on the arrangement position of each device, and have come to constitute the subject of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an ice maker and attachment that can easily be equipped with a sterilization device that can sterilize the 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. 6. 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 this embodiment is a cell-type ice-making machine. Ice-making machine 1 includes ice-making machine main body 10 and legs 12 that support ice-making machine main body 10. Ice-making machine main body 10 includes ice storage bin 14 consisting of a box whose surrounding walls are made of a thermal insulating material, ice-making unit 16 provided above ice storage bin 14, and sterilization attachment 18 provided between ice storage bin 14 and ice-making unit 16.

[0014] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of ice making machine 1. For ease of explanation, side panels and a top panel of housing 30 are omitted in Fig. 2. As shown in Figure 2, 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. Ice storage chamber 14 has opening 17 on the top surface, which is completely open. Ice storage chamber 14 corresponds to the "ice storage section" of this disclosure.

[0015] Ice-making unit 16 functions as an ice-making section that produces ice in ice maker 1. This ice-making unit 16 includes a housing 30 that forms an exterior body of ice-making unit 16, and an ice-making mechanism 32. The internal space of housing 30 is divided into a machine chamber 31 and an ice-making chamber 35 by a partition plate 34, which is a plate-shaped member.

[0016] Of the bottom surface of housing 30, a portion located in machine chamber 31 is covered by bottom panel 33. Of the bottom surface of housing 30, a portion located in machine chamber 31 is open, and an ice-making chamber opening 37 is provided.

[0017] Ice-making mechanism 32 includes a cell unit 40, a condenser 42, a compressor 44, refrigerant piping connecting these, a blower 48 that blows air to the condenser 42, and a control box 49 that houses a control board 47 that controls the entire ice-making machine 1. The cell unit 40 is housed in the ice-making chamber 35 , and the condenser 42 , the compressor 44 , the refrigerant piping connecting these, the blower 48 which blows air to the condenser 42 , and the control box 49 are housed in the machine room 31 .

[0018] The cell unit 40 includes an evaporator 50, a plurality of ice-making cells 52, a water tray 54, a water tank 56, and a circulation pump 58. In ice-making chamber 35, evaporator 50 is provided at a position close to the top surface of housing 30. A plurality of ice-making cells 52 are provided below evaporator 50. Each ice-making cell 52 is formed in a box shape that opens downward. A water tray 54 is provided at the lower end of each ice-making cell 52, covering the entire lower surface of the ice-making cell 52. A water tank 56 is fixed to the lower end of this water tray 54. A circulation pump 58 is provided at the lower end of the water tank 56, which sprays the ice-making water supplied to the inside of the water tank 56 from a water spout formed on the surface of the water tray 54 onto each of the ice-making cells 52.

[0019] Water tray 54 is supported so as to be rotatable about one end in the left-right direction of ice making machine 1 as an axis. That is, water tray 54, water tank 56 fixed to water tray 54, and circulation pump 58 are provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction as a unit about one end of water tray 54 as an axis. Hereinafter, when water tray 54 is in a position covering each of ice making cells 52, it is referred to as a closed state, and when water tray 54 has rotated to a position separated from each of ice making cells 52, it is referred to as an open state. In FIG. 2, water tray 54 is in a closed state.

[0020] When ice making machine 1 is operated, refrigerant is discharged from compressor 44 that constitutes the refrigeration circuit, condensed in condenser 42, decompressed in the expansion mechanism, and supplied to evaporator 50. The refrigerant evaporated in evaporator 50 is returned to compressor 44.

[0021] After ice-making machine 1 is operated, circulation pump 58 is operated, and ice-making water supplied to water tank 56 is sprayed from nozzles formed on the surface of water tray 54 to each ice-making cell 52. At this time, water tray 54 is in a closed state. The ice-making water stored inside each ice-making cell 52 is cooled and turns into ice by the evaporation of the refrigerant in evaporator 50.

[0022] After a predetermined time has passed during which the ice-making water turns into ice, the water tray 54 rotates to an open state, causing the ice to fall out of each of the ice-making cells 52 and drop downward. Ice making unit 16 corresponds to the "ice making section" of this disclosure.

[0023] [1-1-2. Configuration of sterilization attachment] Sterilization attachment 18 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member. In a plan view, sterilization attachment 18 has substantially the same shape as the top surface of ice storage bin 14. Similarly, sterilization attachment 18 has a shape such that top surface 77 covers the entire bottom surface of housing 30. Sterilization attachment 18 is placed on ice storage bin 14 such that bottom surface 79 abuts against the top surface of ice storage bin 14. This forms ice making machine body 10. Therefore, ice storage chamber 11 and ice making chamber 35 are separated by sterilization attachment 18. The sterilization attachment 18 corresponds to the "sterilization attachment" of this disclosure.

[0024] Sterilization attachment 18 is provided with a communication duct 60. Communication duct 60 extends in the vertical direction of ice making machine 1 and is formed in a duct shape that provides communication from top surface 77 to bottom surface 79 of sterilization attachment 18. In this embodiment, communication duct 60 is formed so as to have a rectangular shape when viewed from above on sterilization attachment 18. Communication duct 60 provides communication between ice making unit 16 and ice storage chamber 14.

[0025] The communicating duct 60 is provided in the sterilization attachment 18 at a position where at least a portion of it overlaps with the ice-making chamber opening 37 when viewed in a plan view of the ice-making machine 1, and where ice that falls from each of the ice-making cells 52 can pass through the inside of the communicating duct 60. As a result, communication duct 60 communicates ice making chamber 35 with ice storage chamber 11. In other words, communication duct 60 forms an ice passage that guides ice produced in ice making unit 16 toward ice storage chamber 11. As a result, ice that falls from each of ice making cells 52 drops through communication duct 60 into ice storage chamber 11 and is stored there. The communication duct 60 corresponds to the "duct" in this disclosure.

[0026] The sterilization attachment 18 is provided with a storage section 61. The storage section 61 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space whose longitudinal direction extends along one side surface of the communication duct 60. In the present embodiment, the storage section 61 is provided along a side surface 71 of the communication duct 60 which is disposed at a position where the entirety of the storage section 61 overlaps with the machine chamber 31 in a plan view of the ice making machine 1. This side surface 71 extends along the front-rear direction of the ice making machine 1. A nozzle hole 63 which is a through hole is provided in this side surface. This nozzle hole 63 communicates the one side surface of the storage section 61 with the side surface of the communication duct 60.

[0027] One longitudinal end of the storage section 61 communicates with a front opening 65 provided on the front surface of the sterilization attachment 18. That is, the storage section 61 is open to the front surface of the sterilization attachment 18 through the front opening 65.

[0028] A storage case 62 is housed in the storage section 61. The storage case 62 is a rectangular parallelepiped box having approximately the same dimensions as the storage section 61. The storage case 62 is provided detachably from the storage section 61 via a front opening 65, as shown in FIG.

[0029] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the container case 62. In Fig. 3, a side surface 71 is indicated by a dashed line. 3, the storage case 62 includes a storage case main body 64 that forms each of the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the storage case 62, and a lid 66 that forms the top surface of the storage case 62. The lid 66 is provided detachably from the storage case main body 64. In the storage case body 64, the side surfaces and the bottom surface except the front surface are each provided with a heat insulating material 90. Similarly, the lid body 66 is provided with a heat insulating material 90.

[0030] A nozzle hole 67 is provided on the side surface of the storage case main body 64 facing the communication duct 60. This nozzle hole 67 is provided at a position overlapping with the nozzle hole 63 when the storage case 62 is housed in the storage section 61. A front panel 68 that forms the front surface of the storage case main body 64 is provided with an air vent 69. This air vent 69 is a through hole that allows the inside and outside of the storage case 62 to communicate with each other. When the storage case 62 is stored in the storage section 61, the front panel 68 is flush with the front surface of the sterilization attachment 18. That is, in this case, the front panel 68 fits into the front opening 65.

[0031] Storage case 62 is formed according to the dimensions of each part of device housing 72. Similarly, the dimension along the up-down direction of sterilization attachment 18, i.e., the height dimension, is formed according to the dimension along the up-down direction of storage case 62, i.e., the height dimension. This makes it possible to prevent ice maker 1 from increasing in size by suppressing the increase in size of sterilization attachment 18.

[0032] The sterilization attachment 18 may have another storage section along any of the other side surfaces of the communication duct 60, within the range in which the communication duct 60 can be formed. For example, a box may be provided along the side surface opposite side surface 71, and another storage section may be provided in the box. The other storage section may house, for example, electrical components such as a power supply, a power supply circuit, and a control board. In this embodiment, a box 74 is provided along the side surface opposite side surface 71. This box 74 does not have another storage section and is formed to be solid or hollow.

[0033] [1-1-2. Configuration of electrostatic atomizer] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the storage case 62. For ease of explanation, the cover 66 is omitted in Fig. 4, and the sterilization control board 80 and the side surface 71 are indicated by dashed lines. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing case 62 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.

[0034] 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, electrostatic atomizer 70 generates mist inside casing 62 by utilizing moisture contained in the air that flows in through ventilation opening 69. The electrostatic atomization device 70 corresponds to the "sterilization device" of this disclosure.

[0035] 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 inserted into the nozzle holes 63 and 67. The electrostatic atomization device 70 is connected to the ice passage inside the communication duct 60 by this nozzle 78. The housing case 62 is provided with a sterilization control board 80 that controls the electrostatic atomization device 70.

[0036] The storage case 62 can be easily attached to and detached from the sterilization attachment 18 by being pulled out from the sterilization attachment 18. The storage case 62 stores an electrostatic atomization device 70 and a sterilization control board 80. Therefore, in the ice making machine 1, the storage case 62 and the sterilization control board 80 can each be easily inspected and replaced.

[0037] When the electrostatic atomizer 70 starts to operate and starts generating mist, the mist is sent into the communication duct 60 via the nozzle 78 . The mist that flows into the inside of the communication duct 60 is sent by gravity along the communication duct 60 to the ice storage chamber 11. 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, the ice stored in ice storage chamber 11, and communication duct 60.

[0038] In this way, by providing sterilization attachment 18 in ice making machine 1, it is possible to sterilize the ice passage formed by communication duct 60, each part of ice storage chamber 14, and each of the ice. In this manner, by providing sterilization attachment 18 that integrally comprises electrostatic atomization device 70 and communication duct 60, ice making machine 1 can sterilize ice storage compartment 14 with a simple structure.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In this embodiment, electrostatic atomizer 70 is housed in housing case 62, each surface of which is provided with heat insulating material 90. Housing case 62 is housed in housing section 61, which is a space separated from ice passage for sending out ice and ice storage chamber 11 in which the ice is stored. Housing case 62 is also located at a position away from ice making chamber 35 and close to machine chamber 31, which becomes at a predetermined temperature or higher due to heat generated by control board 47 and compressor 44 disposed therein. 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.

[0041] The electrostatic atomizing device 70 is provided with a power line that is connected to the power circuit and can be connected to an external power source. That is, the sterilizing attachment 18 has a power line different from that of the ice-making unit 16. This allows the sterilizing attachment 18 to supply power to the electrostatic atomizing device 70 without connecting the electrostatic atomizing device 70 to the control board 47 via, for example, a power line or a signal line. Therefore, the sterilizing attachment 18 does not need to perform wiring connection work with the ice-making unit 16, and the ice-making machine 1 can be formed simply by arranging the sterilizing attachment 18 between the ice-making unit 16 and the ice storage 14. That is, the ice-making machine 1 can be easily provided with the electrostatic atomizing device 70.

[0042] The power supply circuit of the electrostatic atomization device 70 may be provided on the sterilization control board 80. In addition, for example, the sterilization attachment 18 may include electrical components such as a power supply, a power supply circuit, and a control board housed in another housing, and signals and power may be supplied to the electrostatic atomization device 70 from the electrical components via electric wires and signal lines provided along each side of the sterilization attachment 18.

[0043] [1-1-2. Control configuration of electrostatic atomizer] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the sterilization attachment 18. 5, the ice making machine 1 includes a sterilization control board 80 that controls the electrostatic atomization device 70. The sterilization control board 80 includes a processor 82, a memory 84, a timer 85, and an I / F 86. The I / F 86 indicates an interface.

[0044] The processor 82 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPC (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The processor 82 functions as an operation control unit 83 and a timer 85 by reading and executing a control program 81 stored in a memory 84.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 electrostatic atomization device 70 and communicates with the device. It should be noted that the devices connected to the sterilization control board 80 are not limited to these devices, and other devices may also be connected.

[0047] The electrostatic atomization device 70 is driven under the control of the sterilization control board 80, and performs an operation for generating mist.

[0048] The timer 85 is a timing unit that measures time. The timer 85 starts and stops measuring time. Note that the timer 85 may be provided separately from the processor 82 in the sterilization control board 80. For example, the timer 85 may be provided as a device separate from the sterilization control board 80.

[0049] The operation control unit 83 controls the sterilization operation of the sterilization attachment 18. The sterilization operation controlled by the operation control unit 83 is an operation in which the electrostatic atomization device 70 starts operation, and the generated mist is sent to the ice passage and the ice storage chamber 11 to sterilize each part of the ice making machine 1 and the ice.

[0050] 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 ice passage consisting of the communication duct 60, each part of the ice storage room 14, and each piece of ice can be sterilized by the mist from the electrostatic atomization device 70. 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 this disclosure.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 85 and stored in the memory 84. The operation control unit 83 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0054] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 70 in relation to the sterilization operation of the sterilization attachment 18 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart FA showing the sterilization operation of the sterilization attachment 18. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation control unit 83 starts driving the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA1).

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, ice maker 1 includes ice-making unit 16 that produces ice, ice storage compartment 14 that stores the ice, and sterilization attachment 18 that is arranged between ice-making unit 16 and ice storage compartment 14. Sterilization attachment 18 is provided with electrostatic atomization device 70 that sterilizes ice storage compartment 14.

[0062] Thus, in ice making machine 1, by disposing sterilization attachment 18 between ice making unit 16 and ice storage compartment 14, ice storage compartment 14 can be sterilized. Therefore, in ice making machine 1, electrostatic atomization device 70 can be provided with a simple structure.

[0063] As in this embodiment, the sterilization attachment 18 is provided with a communicating duct 60 through which ice can pass when the ice produced by the ice making unit 16 is sent to the ice storage room 14, and the electrostatic atomization device 70 may be covered with insulation material 90. This prevents the electrostatic atomization device 70 from being placed in a low temperature environment in the ice making machine 1 even when the electrostatic atomization device 70 is disposed adjacent to the communication duct 60. Therefore, in the ice making machine 1, the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 to generate mist can be prevented from being hindered.

[0064] As in this embodiment, the electrostatic atomization device 70 may be provided detachably from the sterilization attachment 18. This allows the user to easily access the electrostatic atomization device 70 and the sterilization control board 80 in the ice-making machine 1. Therefore, in the ice-making machine 1, the storage case 62 and the sterilization control board 80 can each be easily inspected and replaced.

[0065] As in this embodiment, ice-making unit 16 is provided with machine chamber 31 housing compressor 44 and ice-making chamber 35 housing evaporator 50, and electrostatic atomization device 70 may be provided in a position closer to machine chamber 31 than ice-making chamber 35. As a result, electrostatic atomization device 70 is located away from ice-making chamber 35, which becomes cold as ice is made, and is located close to machine chamber 31, which becomes a predetermined temperature or higher due to heat generated by control board 47 and compressor 44 disposed therein. As a result, 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.

[0066] As in this embodiment, the operation control unit 83 may stop the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 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. As a result, in ice-making machine 1, electrostatic atomization device 70 can cause the mist to reach each part of ice-making machine 1. Therefore, operation control unit 83 can sterilize each part of ice-making machine 1.

[0067] (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.

[0068] [2-1. Configuration] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of ice-making machine 1 according to embodiment 2 taken along a plane parallel to the front-rear direction of ice-making machine 1 and passing through partition plate 34. As shown in FIG. In ice making machine 1 in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, 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 the pressure on the presser is released. In ice storage chamber 11, the presser of detection switch 100 is pressed by ice stored in ice storage chamber 11.

[0070] 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 is stored in ice storage compartment 14 or when the amount of ice stored in ice storage compartment 14 is such that only a small amount of ice has accumulated on the bottom surface of ice storage compartment 14. In other words, when the pressure on the presser is released and transmission of the detection signal stops, it is assumed that the amount of ice stored in ice storage compartment 14 is below a predetermined amount.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of ice making machine 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the I / F 86 is connected to and communicates with the detection switch 100 . The detection switch 100 outputs a detection signal to the sterilization control board 80. This detection signal is acquired by the operation control unit 83. As described above, the detection signal is transmitted when the amount of ice 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 the detection signal, it determines that the amount of ice 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 stored in ice storage tank 14 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In this embodiment, the detection signal of detection switch 100 is transmitted when the amount of ice stored in ice storage bin 14 is not more than the amount that causes a small amount of ice to accumulate 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 stored inside ice storage bin 14 is not more than a small amount. As a result, in ice-making machine 1, when the area covered with ice 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 involved in the sterilization operation of the ice making machine 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart FB showing the operation of the sterilization operation of the ice making machine 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the operation control unit 83 starts driving the electrostatic atomization device 70 (step SA1).

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] [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 with ice 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.

[0082] (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.

[0083] For example, instead of the detection switch 100, the 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 the ice maker body 10. This operation switch may output a predetermined detection signal to the sterilization control board 80 when it is pressed or otherwise operated. Then, the operation control unit 83 may start the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 70 when it acquires the predetermined detection signal. 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.

[0084] Also, for example, ice-making unit 16 provided in ice maker 1 is not limited to a cell type, and may be provided with other ice-making mechanisms 32 such as an auger type. In this case, sterilization attachment 18 is provided with communication duct 60 having a dimension capable of guiding ice according to the dimension of an opening provided in ice-making unit 16 for sending the ice to the outside of ice-making unit 16.

[0085] Also, for example, the electrostatic atomization device 70 may be controlled by a control unit included in the control board 47. In this case, the sterilization control board 80 may be omitted. Further, for example, a drive current may be supplied to the electrostatic atomization device 70 and the sterilization control board 80 via a power supply line provided in the ice making unit 16.

[0086] Also, for example, ice-making machine 1 may be provided with an ice crusher that crushes ice produced by ice-making unit 16. In this case, the ice crusher is placed on the top surface of ice storage chamber 14, and sterilization attachment 18 is disposed between the ice crusher and ice-making unit 16. This allows sterilization attachment 18 to sterilize not only ice storage chamber 14, but also the ice crushing mechanism provided in the ice crusher.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The timer 85 may be provided in the sterilization control board 80 separately from the processor 82. Furthermore, for example, the timer 85 may be provided as a device separate from the sterilization control board 80.

[0091] In addition, in ice making machine 1, a device that functions as a sterilization device, including electrostatic atomization device 70, may sterilize the ice making water.

[0092] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7 and 9 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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]

[0096] The present disclosure is applicable to ice-making machines that realize sterilization of the ice storage compartment with a simple structure. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a cellular type ice-making machine in which the ice-making unit and the ice storage compartment can be separated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Ice maker 14 Ice storage (ice storage section) 16 Ice making unit (ice making section) 18 Sterilization attachment 31 Machine room 35 Ice Room 44 Compressor 50 Evaporator 60 Connecting duct (duct) 90 Insulation 70 Electrostatic atomizer (sterilization device) 83 Operation control unit (control unit) 98 Timer 100 Detection switch (detection part) T1 First specified time (specified time)

Claims

1. an ice making unit for producing ice; an ice storage section for storing the ice; a sterilization attachment disposed between the ice making unit and the ice storage unit and equipped with a sterilization device for sterilizing the ice storage unit; The sterilization attachment has a duct through which ice produced by the ice making unit can pass. An ice maker characterized by:

2. The sterilization device is provided detachably from the sterilization attachment.

2. The ice making machine according to claim 1 .

3. The ice making unit is provided with a machine chamber in which a compressor is housed and an ice making chamber in which an evaporator is housed, The sterilization device is provided at a position closer to the machine room than the ice making room.

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

4. A control unit for controlling the operation of the sterilization apparatus is provided, The control unit stops operation of the sterilization apparatus when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sterilization apparatus started operating. The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 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, The control unit starts the operation of the sterilization device in response to a signal from the detection unit. The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An operation unit; A control unit that controls the operation of the sterilization apparatus, The control unit starts operation of the sterilization apparatus when the operation unit is operated. The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The sterilization device is an electrostatic atomization device. The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An attachment for forming an ice making machine, the attachment being provided between an ice making unit for making ice and an ice storage unit for storing the ice, the attachment being provided below the ice making unit and having a duct through which the ice can pass, A sterilization device for sterilizing the ice storage section is provided. An attachment characterized by:

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