Ice Slurry Production Equipment

Abstract

To provide an ice slurry manufacturing device easy to miniaturize.SOLUTION: An ice slurry manufacturing device comprises a freezing tank 12 that stores brine, and a flake ice making unit 15 arranged inside the freezing tank 12 and capable of being immersed in brine Ws. The flake ice making unit 15 has: a disk part 26 having plate surfaces 26a, 26b that circulate refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator 14 and generate ices of the brine Ws; a nozzle part 41 that gives a flow of the brine Ws to the plate surfaces 26a, 26b; and a sweeping part 33 that separates the ices formed on the plate surfaces 26a, 26b by being displaced with respect to the plate surfaces 26a, 26b from the plate surfaces 26a, 26b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing ice slurry for freezing, for example, food or other frozen items. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, fresh foods such as fish, shellfish, and meat are generally frozen as frozen goods, and these frozen goods are generally stored or transported. Ice slurry is used to freeze the frozen goods, and the goods are immersed in the ice slurry and instantly frozen to maintain the freshness of the food ingredients. In addition, Patent Document 1, which will be described later, discloses that flake ice (pieces of ice) dropped from an ice slurry raw material production device (200) is dropped into an ice storage tank (500) to produce ice slurry, and the ice slurry in the ice storage tank (500) is supplied to a freezing device (6) through an ice slurry supply pipe (45). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-207046 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in a conventional ice slurry production apparatus (200) and a refrigeration system as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ice slurry raw material production apparatus (200) is installed on an ice storage tank (500), and ice slurry is supplied from the ice storage tank (500) to the refrigeration apparatus (6) through an ice slurry supply pipe (45). Therefore, the ice slurry production apparatus and the refrigeration system tend to be large-sized, and it is not easy to reduce the size of the ice slurry production apparatus and the refrigeration system.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus that can be easily miniaturized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an ice slurry production tank for storing brine and immersing the product to be frozen, An ice making unit that is arranged inside the ice slurry production tank and can be immersed in the brine; Equipped with The ice making unit includes an ice making plate having an ice making surface that circulates a refrigerant supplied from a refrigerator and produces brine ice on at least one surface of the ice making plate; A flow forming unit that applies a flow of brine to the ice making surface; A sweeping section that is displaced relative to the ice making surface to separate ice formed on the ice making surface from the ice making surface; A drive unit that drives the sweeping unit; a holding part that holds at least the freezer, the ice making plate, the sweeping part, and the driving part together; The holding portion is It is made up of rod-shaped parts joined together. The refrigerator and the drive unit are disposed outside the ice slurry production tank, and the ice making plate and the sweeping unit are disposed inside the ice slurry production tank. The ice slurry is directly produced in the ice slurry production tank where the freezing operation of the frozen product is performed. The present invention relates to an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus. (2) In order to solve the above problem, another invention is the ice slurry production apparatus described in (1) above, characterized in that the sweeping section is arranged on a drive section that rotates or rotates back and forth relative to the ice making surface. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus that can be easily miniaturized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus and a refrigeration system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2(a) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of refrigerant piping in the disk portion, and FIG. 2(b) is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of refrigerant piping in the disk portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a schematic view of the flow of the aqueous solution around the disk portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a side view showing the principle by which a buff of a first embodiment associated with the sweeping portion separates ice from a disk portion, and FIG. 1B is a side view showing the principle by which a metal plate of a second embodiment associated with the sweeping portion separates ice from a disk portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view that shows a schematic diagram of a refrigeration tank according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view that shows a schematic diagram of the refrigeration tank according to (a). [Figure 6] FIG. 13(a) is a plan view that shows a schematic diagram of a refrigeration tank according to a third embodiment, and (b) is a side view that shows a schematic diagram of the refrigeration tank according to (a). [Figure 7] FIG. 13(a) is a plan view that shows a schematic diagram of a refrigeration tank according to a fourth embodiment, and (b) is a side view that shows a schematic diagram of the refrigeration tank according to (a). [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a refrigeration system according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a schematic diagram of an ice slurry production apparatus related to the refrigeration system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a refrigeration system according to still another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the ice slurry producing apparatus shown in FIGS. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modification of the refrigeration system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 15]12(a) is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the ice slurry production apparatus associated with the refrigeration system shown in FIG. 11, and (b) is an enlarged view showing another modified example of the ice slurry production apparatus associated with the refrigeration system shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 12 is an enlarged view showing another modified example of the ice slurry producing apparatus related to the refrigeration system shown in FIG. [Figure 17] 11 is a plan view showing a modified example of the hatch portion and the ice slurry production apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a modified example of the ice slurry producing apparatus shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The ice slurry production apparatus of the present invention and a refrigeration system using the ice slurry production apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the ice slurry production apparatus and refrigeration system of the present invention. The refrigeration system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is configured by combining an ice slurry production apparatus 11, a refrigeration tank 12, an aqueous solution pump 13, and the like.

[0010] Of these, ice slurry production apparatus 11 is capable of producing flake-shaped (also called thin pieces, flakes, small lumps, or granular) ice (flake ice) by precipitating ice from an aqueous solution of salt or the like (salt water that becomes brine). This ice slurry production apparatus 11 has a refrigerator 14, a flake ice production section 15 as an ice production section, and a refrigerant guide section 16. Furthermore, in ice slurry production apparatus 11, refrigerator 14, flake ice production section 15, and refrigerant guide section 16 are mounted on a frame section 17 as a holding section and integrated with each other.

[0011] The refrigerator 14, flake ice making section 15, and refrigerant guide section 16 of the ice slurry production device 11 constitute a refrigeration cycle, which circulates a predetermined refrigerant liquid (liquid refrigerant) to compress, condense, expand, and evaporate the refrigerant. Various common types of refrigeration cycles can be used.

[0012] The refrigerant is sent from the refrigerator 14 to the flake ice making section 15 via a refrigerant guide section 16. The refrigerant guide section 16 is equipped with a refrigerant inlet pipe 18a that introduces the refrigerant from the refrigerator 14 to the flake ice making section 15, and a refrigerant outlet pipe 18b that returns the refrigerant discharged from the flake ice making section 15 to the refrigerator 14.

[0013] The refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b may be, for example, a general refrigerant pipe made of a copper pipe covered with a heat insulating material. The refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b may be such a refrigerant pipe connected via a general pipe joint.

[0014] In this embodiment, each end of the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b is connected to the refrigerator 14 and the flake ice preparation unit 15 via piping joints (not shown in detail). The refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b are bent so as to form an upwardly protruding inverted U-shape. The refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b have similar lengths and sizes.

[0015] Also, the inner portion of refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and refrigerant outlet pipe 18b bent into an inverted U shape serves as freezing tank crossing section 19. When ice slurry production apparatus 11 is installed so that refrigerator 14 is located outside freezing tank 12 (described later) and flake ice preparation section 15 is located inside freezing tank 12, a part of wall section 12a of freezing tank 12 enters freezing tank crossing section 19 of refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and refrigerant outlet pipe 18b.

[0016] Here, as the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b, for example, it is possible to adopt flexible pipes that can be bent directly by hand without using tools by a worker assembling the ice slurry production apparatus 11. In this case, it is also preferable to cover the flexible pipes with a heat insulating material.

[0017] Next, the flake ice making section 15 includes a cooling section 21, a rotation driving section 22 as a driving section, a sweeping section 23 as an ice separating section, etc. Among these, the cooling section 21 includes a disk section 26 as an ice making plate and a refrigerant pipe 28.

[0018] Disk unit 26 is formed of a metal plate having a rectangular (here, square) plate surface (ice-making surface) and a predetermined thickness, and is fixed to frame unit 17 (described later). Here, disk unit 26 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a circular shape. Examples of materials for disk unit 26 include copper, stainless steel, steel that has been surface-treated to provide an anti-rust effect, aluminum, duralumin, and the like.

[0019] The size (dimension) of the disk portion 26 can be, for example, about 30 cm square. In this embodiment, the upper surface (plate surface 26a) and the lower surface (plate surface 26b) of the disk portion 26 are processed to be substantially flat and parallel to each other. Furthermore, a plurality of holes are formed inside the disk portion 26 so as to pass through the disk portion 26 in parallel with each other at substantially equal intervals.

[0020] The aforementioned refrigerant pipe 28 passes through the hole inside the disk portion 26. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the refrigerant pipe 28 is formed in a serpentine shape that alternates between straight and curved portions. Furthermore, one end of the refrigerant pipe 28 is connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a, and the other end is connected to the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b. The refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator 14 flows inside the refrigerant pipe 28 (pipe).

[0021] The outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 28 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the hole in the disk portion 26 so as to enable heat transfer. An example of the material of the refrigerant pipe 28 is a copper pipe, which generally has high thermal conductivity. As the refrigerant flows inside the refrigerant pipe 28, heat is removed from the disk portion 26, and the disk portion 26 is cooled.

[0022] It is also possible to use materials other than copper (for example, stainless steel, aluminum, duralumin, etc.) as the material of the refrigerant pipes 28. It is also possible to form a coating with excellent thermal conductivity on the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipes 28 (or the inner circumferential surface of the hole in the disk portion 26).

[0023] Furthermore, the refrigerant pipes 28 are not limited to being formed by inserting pipes as physical tubular parts into the holes of the disk portion 26. For example, it is also possible to omit the tubular parts and directly use holes drilled inside the disk portion 26 as the refrigerant pipes (refrigerant flow paths). In this case, the refrigerant flows while contacting the inner circumferential surface of the hole in the disk portion 26. Furthermore, when the tubular parts are omitted as described above, it is possible to form a serpentine refrigerant flow path by connecting a folded U-shaped tube to the disk portion 26 and liquid-tightly connecting the internal space of the U-shaped tube to the internal space of the hole in the disk portion 26.

[0024] Furthermore, without being limited to these, it is also possible to provide a serpentine hole having straight portions and folded portions inside the disk portion 26. In this case, it is considered to use a casting core for forming the refrigerant flow path and form the disk portion 26 with the serpentine hole by casting.

[0025] In this embodiment, ends 28a, 28b of refrigerant pipe 28, which are connected to refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and refrigerant outlet pipe 18b, extend in a direction perpendicular to other straight portions when disk portion 26 is viewed in a plan view as shown in Fig. 2(a). End 28b of refrigerant pipe 28, which is connected to refrigerant outlet pipe 18b, is positioned so as to overlap other portions in the thickness direction of disk portion 26.

[0026] Although not shown in the drawings, it is also possible to form the refrigerant pipes 28 in a shape that repeats more meanderings and overlaps, for example, two, three or more times in the thickness direction of the disk portion 26. In this way, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing inside the disk portion 26 can be increased, and the disk portion 26 can be cooled more effectively.

[0027] For example, the ends 28a, 28b of the refrigerant pipes 28 connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to other straight portions when the disk portion 26 is viewed in a plan view as shown in Fig. 2(b). This makes it easier to process the refrigerant pipes 28 and to drill holes in the disk portion 26. It also makes it easier to make the disk portion 26 thinner.

[0028] 3, the above-mentioned sweeping section 23 includes a buff support 31, and a plurality of buffs 33 are attached to each buff support 31. The buffs 33 are arranged to face the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk section 26 in the cooling section 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the buffs 33 are arranged to contact the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk section 26 with an appropriately weak pressure (low surface pressure). The buffs 33 have a function (sweeping function) of sweeping ice exposed on the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk section 26 and separating it from the disk section 26, as described below.

[0029] As the material or composition of the buff 33, various materials generally used for polishing and the like can be adopted. For example, urethane or other synthetic resins, metal, wool, and the like can be adopted as the material of the buff 33. In addition, examples of the material of the buff 33 include sponges, foams, brushes, scrubbing brushes (scrubbing brushes), resin nets, nonwoven fabrics, and the like using the various materials described above. Furthermore, examples of the material of the buff 33 include materials having a certain degree of flexibility.

[0030] Each buff 33 is attached to a rod-shaped spoke 34 provided on the buff support 31. Four spokes 34 of the buff support 31 are arranged at 90 degree intervals so as to face each plate surface 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26. The buff support 31 is integrally connected to a rotation transmission shaft 35 in the form of a round rod.

[0031] The rotation transmission shaft 35 penetrates the disk portion 26 in the thickness direction, avoiding the refrigerant pipes 28, and is capable of rotating in forward and reverse directions about its axis. The rotation transmission shaft 35 is capable of rotational displacement together with the buff 33 relative to the stationary disk portion 26.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each buff 33 has a blade-like (elliptical) shape, and the buffs 33 are arranged in a four-blade propeller shape and face the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26.

[0033] The sweeping part 23 is connected to the rotary drive part 22 via a rotation transmission shaft 35. A motor (buff drive motor) is incorporated in the rotary drive part 22, and the rotary drive part 22 is capable of continuously rotating the sweeping part 23 in the aqueous solution Ws (the liquid surface is shown imaginarily by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) stored in the freezing tank 12, as described below.

[0034] Here, the rotation drive unit 22 can be a geared motor that is an integral combination of a motor and a reduction gear (gear). The rotation drive unit 22 is located above the liquid surface of the aqueous solution Ws and is disposed so as to go outside the aqueous solution Ws. The rotation drive unit 22 is not limited to a unit that rotates the sweeping unit 23 in one direction, but may be a unit that rotates and reciprocates the sweeping unit 23 (a unit that rotates and reciprocates in the forward and reverse directions).

[0035] The arrangement of the buffs 33 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1 or 3, and various other arrangements may be adopted. For example, the number of buffs 33 on each of the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26 may be less than four or may be five or more.

[0036] Next, the above-mentioned frame portion 17 is formed by, for example, connecting rod-shaped parts to form a framework. As the material of the frame portion 17, general angle material, round pipes, square pipes, extrusion materials, etc. can be adopted. In FIG. 1, the parts of the frame portion 17 are drawn as strips to avoid cluttering the drawing, but it is desirable to select the material taking into consideration the required strength and structure.

[0037] The components of the frame portion 17 can be joined by welding, screw fastening (including bolt fastening), etc. Also, metal or synthetic resin can be used as the material of the frame portion 17, and among these, various common metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. can be used as the metal. Furthermore, when using metals such as steel, various common surface treatments can be performed in consideration of rust prevention.

[0038] The freezer 14 and the flake ice producing unit 15 are fixed to the frame unit 17, and the frame unit 17 supports the freezer 14 and the flake ice producing unit 15. The freezer 14 and the flake ice producing unit 15 can be fixed to the frame unit 17 by a general means such as bolts or screws. The frame unit 17 also supports the flake ice producing unit 15 so that the rotation drive unit 22 of the flake ice producing unit 15 is outside the aqueous solution Ws.

[0039] As mentioned above, the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b of the refrigerant guide section 16 are connected to the refrigerator 14 and the flake ice production section 15, and the frame section 17 also supports the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b of the refrigerant guide section 16 via the refrigerator 14 and the flake ice production section 15.

[0040] In the example of Figure 1, the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b of the refrigerant guide portion 16 are supported in a floating state relative to the frame portion 17, but it is also possible to form a portion (restraint portion) in the frame portion 17 that comes into contact with the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b and supports the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b.

[0041] When ice slurry production apparatus 11 is placed on the floor or the like, refrigerator 14 is placed on the floor, sandwiching a part of frame section 17 located below. In contrast, flake ice production section 15 is supported at a position horizontally offset by a specified amount from refrigerator 14 and at a position slightly higher than refrigerator 14.

[0042] And, between the freezer 14 and the flake ice making section 15, the freezing tank spanning section 19 of the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b are positioned in an open downward state. Here, in Fig. 1, a part of the frame section 17 and the freezing tank 12 are drawn as if they were cut out as shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0043] The height from the lower end to the upper end of ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be about 80 to 90 cm. Furthermore, the lower end of ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be the part of frame section 17 that contacts the floor surface, and the upper end of ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be the upper end of rotation drive section 22. By setting the height dimension of ice slurry production apparatus 11 to about 80 cm, the height of freezing tank 12, which will be described later, becomes a height that is easy for an operator performing the freezing work to work at.

[0044] Next, the freezing tank 12 and the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12 will be described. In this embodiment, the freezing tank 12 is formed in a rectangular container shape and has an open top. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the freezing tank 12 is surrounded by a thermal insulation material. Various general thermal insulation materials can be used here.

[0045] Also, each wall (including the bottom wall) of freezing tank 12 may have a built-in insulating material, may be hollow, etc. And, if sufficient insulation can be obtained by each wall of freezing tank 12 alone, the insulating material around freezing tank 12 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] The aqueous solution Ws shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1 is the original solution for the ice slurry (also called brine). In this embodiment, a salt solution with a predetermined concentration (here, 23.5%) is used as the aqueous solution Ws. The amount of the aqueous solution Ws can be, for example, about 200 L (liters).

[0047] Most of the flake ice preparation section 15 of ice slurry production apparatus 11 is located inside freezing tank 12. In other words, freezer 14 of ice slurry production apparatus 11 is located outside freezing tank 12 and faces wall section 12a at one end in the longitudinal direction of freezing tank 12 from the outside.

[0048] On the other hand, flake ice producing section 15 is located inside wall section 12a, and the part from the bottom to about the middle height is immersed in a predetermined amount of aqueous solution Ws stored in freezing tank 12. Disk section 26 is disposed at the bottom of flake ice producing section 15, and when flake ice producing section 15 is immersed in aqueous solution Ws, the entire disk section 26 is also immersed in aqueous solution Ws.

[0049] Next, the function of the aqueous solution pump 13 will be described. The aqueous solution pump 13 pumps up the aqueous solution Ws as shown by the two-dot chain arrow A1 in Fig. 1, and guides the aqueous solution Ws to the freezing tank 12 as shown by the arrow A2. The aqueous solution pump 13 then sprays the aqueous solution Ws toward the disk section 26 of the flake ice preparation section 15. Here, in Fig. 1, the route of the aqueous solution is shown by the arrows A1 and A2, and piping is not shown.

[0050] Additionally, while various common pumps can be used as the aqueous solution pump 13, it is considered to select the aqueous solution pump 13 taking into consideration the mixing of solids (flake ice in this case) with the aqueous solution Ws. Also, passing the aqueous solution Ws mixed with flake ice through the piping or the aqueous solution pump 13 can have the effect of preventing clogging of the flow path. However, if it is not desired to pass flake ice through the aqueous solution pump 13, it is also considered to place a filter at the inlet of the piping or upstream of the aqueous solution pump 13 in order to remove flake ice and foreign matter from the aqueous solution Ws.

[0051] The aqueous solution Ws delivered by the aqueous solution pump 13 is sprayed from the nozzle portion 41 as shown in Fig. 3. The nozzle portion 41 is immersed in the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12, and the aqueous solution Ws (indicated by arrow A3 here) sprayed from the nozzle portion 41 draws in the aqueous solution Ws in the freezing tank 12 to form a water flow. The aqueous solution Ws (arrow A3) sprayed from the nozzle portion 41 generates a flow velocity in the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12 and imparts momentum to the aqueous solution Ws. In other words, the aqueous solution pump 13, the nozzle portion 41, etc. constitute a water flow generating mechanism (propulsion mechanism) that serves as a flow forming portion that forms the flow of the aqueous solution Ws.

[0052] Various general nozzles can be used as the nozzle portion 41. Examples of the nozzle portion 41 include a nozzle that ejects the aqueous solution Ws in a cone shape as indicated by an arrow A3, and a nozzle that ejects the aqueous solution Ws in a linear shape (not shown).

[0053] Nozzle portion 41 is immersed in aqueous solution Ws so as to generate a water flow around disk portion 26 in flake ice producing portion 15. The water flow generated by the aqueous solution discharged from nozzle portion 41 circulates between walls 12a, 12b located at the ends of freezing tank 12 in the length direction (longitudinal direction, left-right direction in FIG. 1).

[0054] As described above, the disk portion 26 is cooled by the cold energy of the refrigerant from the refrigerator 14, and therefore the aqueous solution Ws flowing around the disk portion 26 is cooled by the disk portion 26. Then, by sufficiently cooling the disk portion 26, the conditions are met, and ice precipitates on the plate surfaces 26a, 26b, etc. of the disk portion 26, and fine ice adheres to the periphery of the disk portion 26.

[0055] The ice that has surfaced and adhered in this way is swept away and separated from the disk part 26 by the buff 33 of the sweeping part 23 continuously rotating and colliding with the adhered ice, as shown by the arrow A4 in Figure 3. As the sweeping part 23 rotates, the buff 33 passes by a certain location intermittently, and the ice is separated from the disk part 26 before it can grow large.

[0056] The ice that separates from each plate surface 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26 becomes flake ice, and these flake ice are caught up in the flow of the aqueous solution Ws (indicated by arrow A5) and are blown away, cooling the aqueous solution Ws to the freezing point of the aqueous solution Ws (approximately -21°C in the case of the aforementioned 23.5% saline solution).

[0057] By continuing the adhesion of ice and sweeping off the ice as described above while imparting fluidity to the aqueous solution Ws, the amount of flake ice in the aqueous solution Ws gradually increases, and an ice slurry with an ice concentration (IPF) of about 10% to 30% is produced at a temperature suitable for freezing the products to be frozen (for example, about -21°C).

[0058] The ice slurry of 23.5% salt water as described above maintains the freezing point temperature (about -21°C) as long as ice remains, and therefore can effectively freeze the product. Furthermore, the product can be frozen by, for example, placing the product in a metal basket indicated by reference numeral 45 in Fig. 1 and having an operator hold the basket 45 and immersing it in the ice slurry.

[0059] It is also possible to integrally assemble and fix the water flow generating mechanism, such as the aqueous solution pump 13 and the nozzle unit 41, to the frame unit 17. In this case, the water flow generating mechanism can be provided integrally with the ice slurry producing apparatus 11. Also, for example, the aqueous solution pump 13 may be installed at a position away from the frame unit 17, and only the nozzle unit 41 and the piping connected to the nozzle unit 41 may be fixed to the frame unit 17. When the aqueous solution pump 13 is installed at a position away from the frame unit 17, the weight of the frame unit 17, including the various devices it supports, can be reduced.

[0060] Next, Fig. 4(a) shows a schematic diagram of the buff 33 separating ice from the disk portion 26. The buff 33 attached to the spoke 34 moves horizontally (rotationally) from left to right in the figure as indicated by the two-dot chain arrow C. In the example of Fig. 4(a), the buff 33 is in contact with the upper plate surface 26a of the disk portion 26 with a moderately weak pressure (low surface pressure). The buff 33 is made of a material with a certain degree of flexibility, and has a rectangular (here, nearly square) cross-sectional shape.

[0061] 4(a), the buff 33 moves while in contact with the plate surface 26a of the disk portion 26, generating friction and deforming the cross-sectional shape into a parallelogram. The buff 33 strikes ice (not shown) formed on the plate surface 26a of the disk portion 26 to apply an external force to the ice, which is then swept off the plate surface 26a of the disk portion 26. Furthermore, the buff 33 sweeps off ice on the opposite surface of the disk portion 26 (the lower plate surface 26b) by the same principle.

[0062] In the example of Fig. 4(a), in explaining the principle of sweeping by the buff 33, the cross-sectional shape of the buff 33 and the cross-sectional shape of the spokes 34 are both rectangular. However, this is not limiting, and for example, in addition to a square bar, a round bar or other shapes can be used as the spokes 34. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the buff 33 can also be a shape other than a rectangle, and examples of shapes other than a rectangle include a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, a perfect circle, and an elliptical shape.

[0063] Furthermore, not only the cross-sectional shape of each buff but also the planar shape thereof may be various shapes other than the blade shape. Although not shown in the drawings, the planar shape of the buff 33 may be a circular plate shape with a diameter of about 30 cm, and the number of buffs 33 may be one on each side of the disk portion 26, and this buff 33 may rotate horizontally around its center. Furthermore, it is also possible to make the outer diameter of the buff 33 smaller than about 30 cm, and to rotate one or more buffs 33 while rotating.

[0064] As a further modified example, it is possible to transmit power to a buff (not shown) from the side (side of the end) of the disk unit 26 without drilling a hole in the disk unit 26 through which the rotation transmission shaft 35 passes. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to use a parallel crank mechanism and cause links (arms) of the parallel crank mechanism to reciprocate with the disk unit 26 sandwiched between them. By employing such a mechanism, the sweeping unit 23 can be configured to sandwich the disk unit 26 and operate like a car windshield wiper to sweep away ice.

[0065] Also, a predetermined gap (for example, 1 mm or less to several mm) may be provided between the buff 33 and each of the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26, and ice that has grown to a size larger than the gap may be swept away.

[0066] The buff 33 can be fixed to the spokes 34 by various general methods, such as adhesion, screw fastening (bolt fastening), riveting, clamping, and the like.

[0067] It is also possible to use a metal plate 38 instead of the buff 33, as shown in Fig. 4(b). Furthermore, other than the metal plate 38, for example, a synthetic resin plate or the like can also be used. When using such a rigid body, it is considered to provide a gap H between the metal plate 38 and the disk portion 26, as shown in Fig. 4(b). In this way, wear of the metal plate 38 and the disk portion 26 can be prevented.

[0068] Moreover, by moving the metal plate 38 etc. with a gap H, it is possible to generate turbulent flow, for example, in front of and behind the metal plate 38 etc., as shown by multiple arrows D in Fig. 4(b). Although not shown, it is considered possible to generate turbulent flow in the gap H between the metal plate 38 etc. and the disk portion 26. Even if the metal plate 38 etc. and the disk portion 26 are not in contact with each other, this turbulent flow can be used to separate ice from the disk portion 26. This turbulent flow is easily generated by moving the metal plate 38 etc. relatively quickly.

[0069] Here, the metal plate 38 and the like can be fixed to the spokes 34 in various general manners, such as by screw fastening (bolt fastening), riveting, clamping, welding, and the like.

[0070] The buff 33, the metal plate, etc. can be replaced periodically for maintenance.

[0071] Next, a description will be given of measures to prevent ice from adhering to the side portions of the disk portion 26. In this embodiment, ice adhering to each of the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26 is separated from the disk portion 26 by the buff 33 of the sweeping unit 23. However, for ice adhering to portions not in contact with the buff 33, such as the side portions of the disk portion 26, although the water flow of the aqueous solution Ws hits it, no further external force is applied thereto.

[0072] For this reason, if the ice adhering to the disk portion 26 grows and becomes large, and grows into an unexpected shape or size, the grown ice may press against the surrounding equipment (e.g., the refrigerant pipes 28, etc.), placing an excessive load on the surrounding equipment. Also, the grown ice may reach the plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26 and interfere with the buff 33, hindering the operation of the buff 33.

[0073] Taking these points into consideration, it is possible to partially provide an ice adhesion prevention portion on disk portion 26, as shown by reference numeral 46 in Figures 2(a) and (b). In the example of Figures 2(a) and (b), this ice adhesion prevention portion 46 is formed so as to cover the curved portion of refrigerant pipe 28 protruding from disk portion 26.

[0074] The ice adhesion prevention portion 46 can be formed, for example, from a synthetic resin having a lower thermal conductivity than the metal material of the disk portion 26. Also, the surface of the ice adhesion prevention portion 46 can be molded into a smooth shape without sharp corners, making it difficult for ice to adhere to it. In the example of Figures 2(a) and (b), only the outline of the ice adhesion prevention portion 46 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0075] According to refrigeration system 10 and ice slurry production apparatus 11 of the present embodiment as described above, since refrigerator 14, disk unit 26, rotary drive unit 22, and buff 33 are integrally configured in ice slurry production apparatus 11, ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be unitized. Therefore, when producing ice slurry, it is sufficient to place ice slurry production apparatus 11 on the floor so that flake ice production unit 15 is inside freezing tank 12 and refrigerator 14 is located outside freezing tank 12, and it becomes possible to install the equipment required to produce flake ice more simply and easily than before.

[0076] Also, because disk portion 26 of flake ice making unit 15 is directly immersed in aqueous solution Ws in freezing tank 12, no piping is required to send flake ice into freezing tank 12, making it possible to produce ice slurry with a simple mechanism. And, because ice slurry can be produced directly in freezing tank 12 where the freezing operation takes place, there is no need for the conventional process of first making ice and mixing it with a stock solution to prepare ice slurry.

[0077] Here, the operation of the refrigeration system 10 will be described. First, if the temperature of the aqueous solution Ws (e.g., 23.5% saline solution) adjusted in the freezing tank 12 is 15 degrees, when the ice slurry production device 11 is started, the flake ice (flake ice) produced by the disk unit 26 at first melts immediately and cools the aqueous solution Ws. Therefore, the temperature of the aqueous solution Ws drops at first. When the temperature of the aqueous solution Ws drops to -21 degrees Celsius, which is the freezing point of the aqueous solution Ws, the flake ice produced by the disk unit 26 does not melt but is mixed with the aqueous solution Ws to form a slurry. The ratio of ice in the slurry (ice concentration) gradually increases from zero by the operation of the ice slurry production device 11, and can be set to 10 to 30%, which is appropriate for freezing. After the freezing operation of the frozen product is started, the ice concentration of the slurry can be kept constant by adjusting the amount of flake ice production according to the amount of cold heat required to freeze the frozen product (for example, by adjusting the output of the refrigerator).

[0078] Furthermore, according to the refrigeration system 10 and ice slurry production apparatus 11 of the present embodiment, it is possible to produce the required amount of ice slurry when needed. Therefore, there is no need for a device for storing the produced ice slurry in advance and sending it to the freezing tank 12 when needed, and it is easy to make the refrigeration system 10 and ice slurry production apparatus 11 smaller and lighter overall.

[0079] Furthermore, because ice slurry production apparatus 11 has a structure in which freezer 14 and flake ice production unit 15 are connected via frame unit 17, freezer 14 and flake ice production unit 15 can be moved together by manually lifting frame unit 17. Therefore, for example, after the freezing operation, an operator can lift ice slurry production apparatus 11 and move flake ice production unit 15 so that it can be removed from freezing tank 12, and the parts of flake ice production unit 15 that were immersed in aqueous solution Ws can be washed with tap water or used for maintenance.

[0080] In addition, ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be moved, cleaned, etc., without touching refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and refrigerant outlet pipe 18b that connect refrigerator 14 and flake ice production unit 15. This reduces the possibility of deforming or damaging refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and refrigerant outlet pipe 18b when ice slurry production apparatus 11 is moved, cleaned, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, the orientation of ice slurry production apparatus 11 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1, and it is possible to change the orientation and install it. For example, it is possible to change the orientation of ice slurry production apparatus 11 by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees around freezing tank 12 shown in Fig. 1 without moving it. Furthermore, in this case, nozzle unit 41 can also be moved. However, if a sufficient water flow can be generated in the aqueous solution Ws, it is also possible to change the orientation of ice slurry production apparatus 11 without changing the position of nozzle unit 41.

[0082] Here, when the nozzle section 41, the aqueous solution pump 13, etc. are assembled to the frame section 17, the nozzle section 41, the aqueous solution pump 13, etc. will also change direction together with the flake ice producing section 15, etc.

[0083] In addition, in the refrigeration system 10 of this embodiment, since ice is swept off both plate surfaces 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26 in the ice slurry production apparatus 11, it is easy to increase the area to which ice adheres, and it is possible to produce a larger amount of ice slurry in a shorter time. Here, a plurality of disk portions 26 (for example, two disk portions 26) may be arranged in parallel, and buffs may be provided facing each of the disk portions 26, and these buffs may be rotated by the rotation transmission shaft 35. In this way, it is possible to produce a larger amount of ice slurry in a shorter time.

[0084] Furthermore, the frame section 17 supports the flake ice producing section 15 so that the rotation drive section 22 of the flake ice producing section 15 is outside the aqueous solution Ws. Therefore, even if the flake ice producing section 15 is immersed in the aqueous solution Ws, the rotation drive section 22 can be protected from the aqueous solution Ws.

[0085] Furthermore, because flake ice is made and ice slurry is produced in freezing tank 12 which is open at the top, it is thought that the ice melts more easily than when flake ice or ice slurry is produced in a sealed environment; however, for example, by providing sufficient insulation to freezing tank 12, the ice can be prevented from melting.

[0086] In addition, in the refrigeration system 10 of this embodiment, an aqueous solution Ws (salt water brine), which is salt water, is used as the raw liquid for the ice slurry instead of alcohol (alcohol brine), so that the cost is lower and handling is easier than when alcohol is used.

[0087] Furthermore, depending on the type, alcohol has a thermal conductivity of around 0.20 W / mK, which is lower than that of salt water (approximately 0.58 W / mK) and flake ice (approximately 2.2 W / mK). Freezing with alcohol brine utilizes temperature changes caused by sensible heat, while freezing with salt water brine mainly utilizes state changes caused by latent heat. Furthermore, freezing with salt water brine uses both ice and an aqueous solution to cool the product, and also freezes the product by hitting (colliding) the ice against it.

[0088] Furthermore, by making the ice slurry production apparatus 11 compact and easy to clean and maintain as in this embodiment, the following applications can be expected to expand: For example, the ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be installed not only in environments where it is easy to secure a large space, such as factories of frozen product sellers and food markets, but also in restaurants and stores in urban areas.

[0089] Here, ice slurry production apparatus 11 can employ common components such as refrigerator 14, refrigerant inlet pipe 18a, refrigerant outlet pipe 18b, aqueous solution pump 13, nozzle unit 41, and frame unit 17. Also, since ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be easily miniaturized, it is possible to select and employ small and inexpensive components such as refrigerator 14. Therefore, ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be manufactured at a lower cost than conventional large devices. As a result, refrigeration system 10 and ice slurry production apparatus 11 can be easily popularized in restaurants and the like in terms of price.

[0090] 1, as described above, the aqueous solution pump 13, the nozzle unit 41, etc. constitute a water flow generating mechanism that generates a water flow in the freezing tank 12. As a modified example, a water flow generating mechanism including the aqueous solution pump 13 and the nozzle unit 41 is integrally assembled and fixed to the frame unit 17 as described above.

[0091] However, it is possible to provide a water flow generating mechanism in the freezing tank 12 in place of the aqueous solution pump 13 and the nozzle unit 41, or in combination with the aqueous solution pump 13 and the nozzle unit 41. Below, an embodiment in which a water flow generating mechanism is provided in the freezing tank 12 will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts as those in the refrigeration system 10 shown in Fig. 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] 5(a) and (b) show schematic diagrams of a freezing tank (hereinafter, designated by reference numeral 52) to which a water flow generating mechanism has been added. Fig. 5(a) shows a schematic diagram of freezing tank 52 from above, and Fig. 5(b) shows a schematic diagram of freezing tank 52 from a longitudinal cross-sectional side.

[0093] As shown by arrow B in Fig. 5(a), a water flow circulating counterclockwise in the figure is generated in freezing tank 52. This water flow is formed by using screw portions 43 arranged on walls 52a, 52b located at the ends of the longitudinal direction of freezing tank 52. As shown in Fig. 5(a), the screw portions 43 are arranged in opposite directions at positions displaced (shifted) in the horizontal direction (here, the depth direction of freezing tank 52). Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the screw portions 43 are arranged at approximately the same height as each other.

[0094] Then, as the screw portion 43 rotates in the aqueous solution Ws, a reverse water flow is generated, and the water flow circulates between the walls 52a, 52b located at the longitudinal ends of the freezing tank 52. Since the planar shape of the freezing tank 52 is rectangular, the aqueous solution Ws circulates in a substantially racetrack shape (also called an oval shape, etc.) when viewed from above as shown in Fig. 5(a).

[0095] Here, reference numeral 48 in Figures 5(a) and (b) denotes three frozen items immersed in the aqueous solution Ws. Examples of the frozen items 48 include various foods that require rapid freezing. Here, the frozen items 48 are also shown diagrammatically by rectangular shapes. In addition, the three frozen items 48 can be stored in a single basket (here, a metal wire basket) 45 as shown in Figure 1, and the basket 45 can be held by an operator, for example, and immersed in the aqueous solution Ws.

[0096] In the example of Figures 5(a) and (b), as shown in Figure 5(a), disk unit 26 (combined with sweeping unit 23) is arranged in one corner of freezing tank 52 (the upper right corner in Figure 5(a)). Also, goods to be frozen 48 are immersed in freezing tank 52 so as to be lined up in a row in the length direction of freezing tank 52 (the longitudinal direction corresponding to the left-right direction in Figure 5(a)). Furthermore, one of goods to be frozen 48 faces disk unit 26 in the width direction of freezing tank 52 (the short side direction corresponding to the up-down direction in Figure 5(a)).

[0097] 5(b), the disk portion 26 and the article 48 to be frozen are located at approximately the same height as the screw portion 43 (here, the rotation axis of the screw portion 43). The circulating aqueous solution Ws flows while hitting the disk portion 26 and the article 48 to be frozen.

[0098] Here, in the examples of Figures 5(a) and (b), the size (length x depth x height) of freezing tank 52 can be made approximately the same as that of freezing tank 12 in the example shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, in Figure 5(b), disk unit 26 is located behind one item 48 to be frozen located at the right end of the figure.

[0099] Furthermore, it is not limited to storing three frozen items 48 in one basket 45 (not shown), but it is also possible to use one basket 45 for each frozen item 48 and immerse multiple (here, three) baskets 45 in the freezing tank 52. In this case, it is also possible to grasp the invention according to this embodiment by replacing the frozen items 48 in Figures 5(a) and (b) with the respective baskets 45.

[0100] 5(a) and (b), the water flow in freezing tank 52 is a horizontal flow that circulates horizontally. As shown in FIG. 5(a), partition plate 53 is disposed between three frozen items 48 and disk portion 26, and the four corners (planar shape) of freezing tank 52 are arc-shaped with R (radius). The water flow in freezing tank 52 is smoothly guided by the R-shapes at the corners of freezing tank 52 and partition plate 53, and circulates horizontally within freezing tank 52. Here, partition plate 53 is not shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0101] Next, Figures 6(a) and (b) show a schematic diagram of a freezing tank 54 according to another embodiment. Figure 6(a) shows a schematic diagram of the freezing tank 54 from above, and Figure 6(b) shows a schematic diagram of the freezing tank 54 from a longitudinal cross-section and from the side. Here, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as those in the example shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] 6(a) and (b), screw portion 43 is disposed on walls 54a and 54b located at the longitudinal ends of freezing tank 54. Also, as shown in Fig. 6(a), disk portion 26 is disposed in one corner of freezing tank 54 (the lower left corner in Fig. 6(a)), and product 48 to be frozen is immersed in freezing tank 54 so as to be positioned approximately in the same straight line as disk portion 26.

[0103] 6(b), the disk section 26 and the article 48 to be frozen are located at approximately the same height as the screw section 43 (here, the rotation axis of the screw section 43). The circulating aqueous solution Ws flows while hitting the disk section 26 and the article 48 to be frozen, as shown by the arrow B.

[0104] 6(a) and (b), the width dimension of freezing tank 54 is smaller than that of freezing tank 52 in the example of Figures 5(a) and (b). In other words, since the frozen goods 48 are arranged so as to be positioned substantially in the same straight line as disk portion 26, the depth of freezing tank 54 is set smaller than that of freezing tank 52 in the example of Figures 5(a) and (b).

[0105] 6(a) and (b), the water flow in the freezing tank 54 is a horizontal flow circulating in the horizontal direction, similar to the example shown in FIG. 5(a) and (b). As shown in FIG. 6(a), a partition plate 55 is disposed between the three frozen items 48 and the disk portion 26 and the opposing wall portion 54c, and the shape (planar shape) of the four corners of the freezing tank 54 is an arc shape with an R (radius). The water flow in the freezing tank 54 is smoothly guided by the R-shape at the corners of the freezing tank 54 and the partition plate 55, and circulates horizontally in the freezing tank 54. Here, the partition plate 55 is not shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0106] According to a refrigeration system equipped with a refrigeration tank 54 as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the refrigeration tank 54 can be made smaller (reduced in depth), and the refrigeration system can be made even smaller.

[0107] Next, Figures 7(a) and (b) show a schematic diagram of a freezing tank 56 according to another embodiment. Figure 7(a) shows a schematic diagram of the freezing tank 56 from above, and Figure 7(b) shows a schematic diagram of the freezing tank 56 from a longitudinal cross-sectional side. Here, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as those in the example shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] In the example shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the screw portions 43 are disposed on the walls 56a and 56b located at the ends of the freezing tank 56 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 7(a), the disk portion 26 is disposed at one corner of the freezing tank 56 (the lower left corner in Figure 7(a)), and the frozen product 48 is immersed in the freezing tank 56 so as to be positioned approximately in the same line as the disk portion 26. Furthermore, the screw portions 43 are disposed at the ends of the freezing tank 56 in the longitudinal direction (length direction), and are positioned approximately in the same line as each other. As shown in Figure 7(b), the screw portions 43 are disposed in positions shifted in the height direction, facing in opposite directions to each other.

[0109] 7(a) and (b), the water flow in freezing tank 56 is a vertical flow that circulates vertically. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the corners at the bottom of freezing tank 56 (side shape) are arc-shaped with an R (radius). The water flow in freezing tank 56 is smoothly guided by the R-shape at the corners of freezing tank 56, and circulates vertically within freezing tank 56.

[0110] 7(a) and (b), a refrigeration system equipped with a refrigeration tank 56 can circulate the aqueous solution Ws vertically (height direction), realizing a vertical aqueous solution circulation system. This makes it possible to efficiently freeze a taller article 48 to be frozen.

[0111] Although not shown, each of the freezing tanks 12, 52, 54, 56 described thus far may be provided with a water supply port through which the aqueous solution Ws is supplied, and the aqueous solution Ws may be supplied from this water supply port into the freezing tanks 12, 52, 54, 56. It is also possible to supply tap water from the water supply port to each of the freezing tanks 12, 52, 54, 56, and mix salt or the like with the tap water to create the aqueous solution Ws in each of the freezing tanks 12, 52, 54, 56. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a faucet having a valve (flow rate adjustment valve) at the water supply port.

[0112] 5 to 7 show freezing tanks 52, 54, and 56 equipped with a water flow generating mechanism, but as in the example shown in FIG. 1, if a water flow generating mechanism is not provided in freezing tank 12 and a water flow generating mechanism equipped with aqueous solution pump 13 and nozzle portion 41 is used to give a flow to the aqueous solution, it is not necessary to process the freezing tank to provide a water flow generating mechanism, and a general-purpose insulated water tank can be used as the freezing tank, which is low cost. However, as in the example of FIGS. 5 to 7, if a water flow generating mechanism is provided in freezing tanks 52, 54, and 56, it becomes easier to circulate the aqueous solution Ws. Furthermore, if a water flow generating mechanism using aqueous solution pump 13 or the like is used in combination with the water flow generating mechanism of freezing tanks 52, 54, and 56, it becomes even easier to circulate the aqueous solution Ws.

[0113] The above-described embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications or changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the refrigeration system 10 has been described as being configured by combining the ice slurry production device 11, the freezing tank 12, the aqueous solution pump 13, and the nozzle unit 41, but it is also possible for the "ice slurry production device" to be configured by including the freezing tank 12, the aqueous solution pump 13, and the nozzle unit 41.

[0114] The refrigeration system and ice slurry production apparatus may be of the type shown in Figures 8 to 10 or the type shown in Figure 11. Below, other types of refrigeration systems and ice slurry production apparatuses will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 11. Note that descriptions of parts similar to those of the refrigeration system 10 and ice slurry production apparatus 11 of the type shown in Figure 1 will be omitted where appropriate. Also, parts similar to those of the refrigeration system 10 and ice slurry production apparatus 11 of the type shown in Figure 1 will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0115] Refrigeration system 110 and ice slurry production apparatus 111 of the type shown in Figures 8 to 10 use a tank (hereinafter referred to as an "ice slurry production tank") 113. Ice slurry production tank 113 is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and stores an aqueous solution (reference number omitted) that will become the raw solution (also called brine) of ice slurry. Ice slurry production apparatus 111 and a water flow generating mechanism (propulsion mechanism) 142 as a flow forming section are attached to the side of ice slurry production tank 113 so as to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution.

[0116] Of these, water current generating mechanism 142 has screw unit 43. Screw unit 43 is arranged inside ice slurry production tank 113, and is driven to rotate about its axis by rotation drive unit 144 arranged outside ice slurry production tank 113. Water current generating mechanism 142 is oriented obliquely with respect to ice slurry production tank 113, and is fixed to ice slurry production tank 113 at a vertical angle indicated by symbol α1 in FIG. 8 and a horizontal angle indicated by symbol α2 in FIG. 9. Screw unit 43 is oriented toward ice slurry production apparatus 111 (described later), and generates a flow of aqueous solution (water current) in ice slurry production tank 113 by rotating.

[0117] 9 and 10, ice slurry production apparatus 111 includes cooling section 121, rotary drive section 122, and sweeping section 123 as an ice separation section. Of these, cooling section 121 and sweeping section 123 are disposed inside ice slurry production tank 113. Rotary drive section 122 is disposed outside ice slurry production tank 113.

[0118] Cooling section 121 includes disk section 126 and refrigerant piping 128. Disk section 126 and refrigerant piping 128 may be similar to those of cooling section 21 of ice slurry production apparatus 11 shown in Fig. 1. Refrigerant piping 128 is connected to a refrigerator (not shown) so that the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator flows through it, and various general refrigerators may be used as the refrigerator, similar to that of ice slurry production apparatus 11 shown in Fig. 1.

[0119] Disk portion 126 is fixed to the inside of ice slurry production tank 113 via stay 141. Stay 141 is fixed to hatch portion 143 which is detachably attached to ice slurry production tank 113. Disk portion 126 is supported by stay 141 at a position separated from the inner circumferential surface of hatch portion 143.

[0120] Here, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, hatch part 143 constitutes a part of ice slurry production tank 113, is sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution, and is assembled to ice slurry production tank 113. Furthermore, although not shown, hatch part 143 is assembled to ice slurry production tank 113 via a locking mechanism. Also, refrigerant piping 128 is also sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution, and passes through hatch part 143. Furthermore, in ice slurry production apparatus 111, cooling part 121, rotary drive part 122, and sweeping part 123 constitute an ice making part.

[0121] As shown in Fig. 10, the rotation drive unit 122 is fixed to the outer periphery of the hatch portion 143. Furthermore, a motor (buff drive motor) is incorporated in the rotation drive unit 122, and a rotating shaft 145 of the motor is sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution and passes through the hatch portion 143. The rotation drive unit 122 is capable of continuously rotating the sweeping portion 123 in the aqueous solution stored in the ice slurry production tank 113. Here, the rotation drive unit 122 can be a unit (geared motor) that integrally includes a motor and a reduction unit (gear unit).

[0122] Sweeping unit 123 includes buff 133 fixed to rotation shaft 145 of rotary drive unit 122. The material and composition of buff 133 may be the same as that of buff 33 of ice slurry production apparatus 11 shown in Fig. 1. The shape of buff 133 may be the same as that of buff 33 of ice slurry production apparatus 11 shown in Fig. 1 (such as a blade shape).

[0123] 8 to 10, similarly to the example shown in Fig. 1, the disk portion 126 in the aqueous solution is cooled by the cold heat of the refrigerant from a refrigerator (not shown), and the aqueous solution flowing around the disk portion 126 is cooled by the disk portion 126. Then, by sufficiently cooling the disk portion 126, the conditions are met, and ice precipitates on each plate surface 126a, 126b, etc. of the disk portion 126, and fine ice adheres to the periphery of the disk portion 126.

[0124] The ice that has surfaced and adhered in this way is swept away and separated from the disk portion 126 by the buff 133 of the sweeping portion 123 continuously rotating and colliding with the adhered ice, as shown by the arrow A6 in Figure 10. Since the disk portion 126 is rotating, the buff 133 passes by a certain location intermittently, and the ice is separated from the disk portion 126 before it can grow large.

[0125] The ice separated from each plate surface 126a, 126b of disk portion 126 becomes flake ice, which is caught up in the flow of the aqueous solution and blown away, mixing with the aqueous solution to form ice slurry. By continuing this process of ice attachment and sweeping away of ice while giving fluidity to the aqueous solution, the amount of flake ice in the aqueous solution gradually increases, and ice slurry at a predetermined temperature (for example, about -21°C) is stored in ice slurry production tank 113.

[0126] Furthermore, although not shown, the ice slurry production tank 113 is connected to a refrigeration device in which the frozen product is immersed via an ice slurry supply pipe and an ice slurry return pipe, so that ice slurry can be supplied to and collected from the refrigeration device. Note that the ice slurry supply pipe, ice slurry return pipe, refrigeration device, and associated equipment may be the same as the ice slurry supply pipe (45), ice slurry return pipe (46), refrigeration device (6), and associated equipment in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2019-207046 A).

[0127] With such refrigeration system 110 and ice slurry production apparatus 111, it becomes possible to produce ice slurry using small and simple ice slurry production apparatus 111. Also, since ice slurry production apparatus 111 is provided in detachable hatch portion 143, it is possible to easily clean and maintain ice slurry production apparatus 111 by reducing the aqueous solution to such an extent that the liquid level reaches a position lower than hatch portion 143 and then removing hatch portion 143 from ice slurry production tank 113.

[0128] Alternatively, a plurality of disk units 126 (for example, two or three) may be arranged in parallel (coaxially), a buff facing each disk unit 126 may be provided, and these buffs may be rotated. In this way, it is possible to produce a larger amount of ice slurry in a shorter time. FIG. 12 shows an example in which two disk units 126 are arranged in parallel (coaxially). Also, in FIG. 12, in order to avoid the illustration becoming complicated, refrigerant pipes and the like connected to the disk unit 126 arranged on the inner side (the upper stage in FIG. 12, the stage closer to the center of the ice slurry production tank 113) are omitted from the illustration.

[0129] Furthermore, instead of applying a water flow using a screw as in the examples shown in Figs. 8 to 10, the cooling unit 121 including the disk unit 126 and the buff 133 may be arranged on the water surface of the aqueous solution Ws as in the refrigeration system 150 shown in Figs. 13 and 14, and the aqueous solution Ws pumped up by a pump (aqueous solution pump) 151 may be continuously supplied from the supply pipe unit 152 to each ice-making surface (plate surface 126a, 126b) of the disk unit 126 at a sufficient flow rate. In this case, if the aqueous solution is continuously supplied to each ice-making surface (plate surface 126a, 126b) at a sufficient (moderate) flow rate, it is substantially the same as placing (immersing) the disk unit 126 in the aqueous solution Ws. When the cooling unit 121 is arranged outside the aqueous solution Ws in this way, the cooling unit 121 is on the water surface, and therefore maintenance of the cooling unit 121 is easy. Here, the supply pipe section 152 is fixed to the ice slurry production tank 113 at a vertical angle indicated by symbol α3 in FIG. 13 and at a horizontal angle indicated by symbol α4 in FIG.

[0130] In addition, the refrigeration system 110 shown in Figures 8 and 9 has been described as being configured by combining ice slurry production apparatus 111, water flow generating mechanism 142, etc., but it is also possible for the "ice slurry production apparatus" to be configured by including the above-mentioned ice slurry production apparatus 111, water flow generating mechanism 142, etc.

[0131] Next, a refrigeration system 160 and ice slurry production apparatus 161 shown in Fig. 11 will be described. Note that the same parts as those in the refrigeration system 10 and ice slurry production apparatus 11 shown in Fig. 1 and the refrigeration system 110 and ice slurry production apparatus 111 shown in Figs. 8 to 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0132] Ice slurry production apparatus 161 of refrigeration system 160 shown in Fig. 11 includes cooling section 121, rotation drive section 122, and sweeping section 123 similar to those in the examples of Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. However, in ice slurry production apparatus 161 shown in Fig. 11, cooling section 121 and sweeping section 123 are housed in case 162.

[0133] The case 162 has an outer dimension somewhat larger than that of the sweeping part 123, and forms a space 163 for circulating the aqueous solution around the sweeping part 123. The case 162 also has an aqueous solution inlet 164 and an aqueous solution outlet 165 formed therein.

[0134] The aqueous solution inlet 164 is connected to a brine tank (aqueous solution tank) 168 via an aqueous solution pump 166 and a flow rate control valve 167. By operating the aqueous solution pump 166 with the flow rate control valve 167 open, the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 168 is continuously supplied into the case 162. Here, in the example of Fig. 11, the aqueous solution pump 166 functions as a water flow generating mechanism (propulsion mechanism) serving as a flow forming section.

[0135] An aqueous solution outlet 165 of the case 162 is connected to an ice slurry tank 173. A temperature sensor 171 and an IPF (ice concentration) sensor 172 are installed in the piping between the aqueous solution outlet 165 and the ice slurry tank 173.

[0136] 8 to 10, in the aqueous solution, disk portion 126 is cooled by the cold heat of the refrigerant from a refrigerator (not shown), and the aqueous solution flowing around disk portion 126 is cooled by disk portion 126. Then, as shown by arrow A6 in FIG. 11, the buff 133 of sweeping portion 123 continuously rotates and collides with the adhering ice, thereby sweeping it off and separating it from disk portion 126.

[0137] The ice separated from disk portion 126 becomes flake ice, and these flake ice are caught up in the flow of the aqueous solution and blown away, mixed with the aqueous solution, and discharged from case 162. Then, the aqueous solution mixed with the flake ice is sequentially sent to ice slurry tank 173 and stored in ice slurry tank 173.

[0138] The temperature of the ice slurry sent out from ice slurry production device 161 is monitored by temperature sensor 171. Then, the temperature of disk portion 126 is adjusted so that the temperature of the ice slurry becomes a predetermined temperature (for example, about -21°C). Also, the ice concentration in the ice slurry pipeline is monitored by IPF sensor 172, and flow rate control valve 167 is adjusted so that the ice concentration is maintained at a predetermined value.

[0139] Here, the temperature control and ice concentration control as described above may be performed manually by an operator while visually checking the output of temperature sensor 171 and IPF sensor 172, or may be performed by automatic control using the output signals of temperature sensor 171 and IPF sensor 172.

[0140] 11, the recessed portion of space 163 in case 162 is filled with filler 169 so that the flow of the aqueous solution or ice slurry is smooth and not stagnant in the recessed portion. A synthetic resin or the like can be used as the material for filler 169. Here, in FIG. 11, filler 169 is hatched to indicate that it is a cross section, but hatching is omitted for case 162 so as not to make the drawing too complicated.

[0141] According to such refrigeration system 160 and ice slurry production apparatus 161, it is possible to produce ice slurry using a further compact ice slurry production apparatus 161. Furthermore, by reducing the size of case 162, the flow rate of the aqueous solution in the case (flow rate of the bypass flow) can be increased.

[0142] Here, as shown, for example, in Fig. 15(a), a plurality of disk parts 126 (e.g., three disk parts) may be arranged in parallel (coaxially), buffs 133 may be provided facing each disk part 126, these buffs may be rotated, and a partition plate 154 may be provided so that the aqueous solution flows evenly in parallel to the three disk parts 126. Here, arrow E in Fig. 15(a) indicates the flow of the aqueous solution. Also, in Fig. 15(a), the partition plate 154 is depicted as having a triangular cross section, and divides the aqueous solution flowing in from the aqueous solution inlet 164 into two directions.

[0143] 15(b), a plurality of disk parts 126 (e.g., three) may be arranged in parallel (coaxially), buffs 133 may be provided facing each disk part 126, and partition plates 156, 157 may be provided so that the aqueous solution flows in series while successively contacting the three disk parts 126 arranged coaxially (so that the aqueous solution flows by turning twice in a hook shape) by rotating these buffs. In FIG. 15(b), one (front stage) partition plate 156 guides the aqueous solution flowing in from an aqueous solution inlet 164, and the other (rear stage) partition plate 157 guides the aqueous solution toward an aqueous solution outlet 165.

[0144] Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the water may flow while successively contacting three disk parts 126 arranged in series in the direction of flow. By arranging the disk parts 126 as in the examples shown in FIG. 15(a), (b) and FIG. 16, it is possible to produce a large amount of ice slurry in a shorter time. By arranging the disk parts 126 as in the examples shown in FIG. 15(a) and (b), it is possible to arrange the disk parts 126, etc. while suppressing the installation area (projected area) of the disk parts 126, etc. By arranging the disk parts 126 as in the example shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to simplify the path of the water flow.

[0145] The temperature control and ice concentration control performed in refrigeration system 160 in Fig. 11 can also be appropriately adopted in refrigeration system 10 in Fig. 1, and the refrigeration systems in Figs. 8 to 10, 13, and 14. Also, the corners of case 162 in ice slurry production apparatus 161 in Fig. 11 can be made R (radial) shaped to smoothly guide the water flow. This is also true for ice slurry production apparatuses of the types shown in Figs. 15(a), (b) and 16.

[0146] Next, a modified example of the refrigeration system 110 of the type shown in Figures 8 to 10 and the ice slurry production apparatus 111 (and the refrigeration system 150 shown in Figures 13 and 14) will be described with reference to Figure 17. Note that parts similar to those of the refrigeration system 110 and the ice slurry production apparatus 111 of the type shown in Figures 8 to 10 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0147] In the example shown in Figures 8 to 10, etc., disk section 126 of cooling section 121 is disposed inside hatch section 143, and refrigerant pipe 128 passes through hatch section 143. In contrast to this, in the example shown in Figure 17, disk section 186 in ice slurry production apparatus 181 enters opening 193a formed in hatch section 193 and protrudes somewhat inside hatch section 193 to close opening 193a. And, outer surface 186b of disk section 186 is exposed to the outside of ice slurry production tank 113 from opening 193a.

[0148] The periphery of the disk portion 186 is liquid-tightly sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution. As a means for sealing, a general means such as application of a sealing material or welding can be adopted. In the example of FIG. 17, as shown in a part thereof, the periphery of the disk portion 186 is sealed with a sealing material 194. Only the inner surface 186a of the disk portion 186 is in contact with the aqueous solution in the ice slurry production tank 113.

[0149] 17, refrigerant pipes 188 are led out from outer surface 186b of disk portion 186 to the outside of ice slurry production tank 113. Furthermore, rotation drive unit 122 is disposed on the outside of disk portion 186. Rotation shaft 145 of rotation drive unit 122 is sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution, and penetrates disk portion 186 in the horizontal direction. Rotation drive unit 122 is capable of continuously rotating sweeping unit 123 in the aqueous solution stored in ice slurry production tank 113.

[0150] The sweeping unit 123 is provided with a buff 133 on the inside of the disk unit 186. The buff 133 is fixed to the rotation shaft 145 of the rotation drive unit 122, and collides with ice adhering to the inner surface 186a of the disk unit 186 that comes into contact with the aqueous solution, thereby separating the ice from the disk unit 186.

[0151] By employing a configuration such as that shown in the example of FIG. 17, the refrigerant pipes 188 do not come into direct contact with the aqueous solution, and it is possible to prevent ice from adhering to the refrigerant pipes 188.

[0152] Next, a modified example of the refrigeration system 160 and ice slurry production apparatus 161 of the type shown in Fig. 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Note that the same parts as those of the refrigeration system 160 and ice slurry production apparatus 161 of the type shown in Fig. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0153] In the example shown in Fig. 11, disk part 126 of cooling part 121 is housed inside case 162, and refrigerant piping 128 passes through case 162. In contrast, in the example shown in Fig. 18, end 207 of disk part 206 in ice slurry production apparatus 201 protrudes from case 212, and refrigerant piping 218 is led out from end 207 of disk part 196 to the outside.

[0154] A plurality of salt water inlet pipes (aqueous solution inlet pipes) 219a and a plurality of salt water outlet pipes (aqueous solution outlet pipes) 219b are connected to the case 212, and salt water is introduced into the space 163 in the case 212 via the salt water inlet pipes 219a. The salt water (aqueous solution) introduced into the space 163 in the case 212 comes into contact with the plate surfaces 206a, 206b of the disk portion 206, and is cooled by the disk portion 206.

[0155] The ice that is exposed and adheres to the plate surfaces 206a and 206b of the disk portion 206 is swept away from the disk portion 206 by the rotating buff 133 and separated. The ice that is separated from the disk portion 206 becomes flake ice, which mixes with the salt water and is discharged from the case 212 via the salt water outlet pipe 219b.

[0156] The rotary drive unit 122 that rotates the buff 133 is disposed on the upper part of the case 212, and the rotary shaft 145 of the rotary drive unit 122 is inserted downward into the case 212. The space between the rotary shaft 145 and the case 212 is sealed to prevent leakage of salt water.

[0157] 18, refrigerant pipes 218 do not come into direct contact with salt water, making it possible to prevent ice from adhering to refrigerant pipes 218. In addition, in the example of Fig. 18, rotating shaft 145 of rotation drive unit 122 is inserted downward into case 212, and therefore a hole (reference number omitted) of case 212 through which rotating shaft 145 passes opens upward, making it difficult for salt water to leak from case 212. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 10, 110, 160... refrigeration system, 11, 111, 161... ice slurry production device, 12, 52, 54, 56... refrigeration tank, 13, 166... ​​aqueous solution pump (flow forming section), 14... refrigerator, 15... flake ice production section (ice production section), 16... refrigerant guide section, 17... frame section (holding section), 22, 122... rotation drive section, 23, 123... sweeping section, 26, 126... disk section (ice making plate), 26a, 26b, 126a, 126b... plate surface (ice making surface), 33... buff (separation section), 38... metal plate (separation section), 41... nozzle section (flow forming section), 142... water flow generating mechanism (flow forming section), Ws... aqueous solution (brine)

Claims

1. an ice slurry production tank for storing the brine and immersing the frozen products; An ice making unit that is arranged inside the ice slurry production tank and can be immersed in the brine; Equipped with The ice making unit includes an ice making plate having an ice making surface that circulates a refrigerant supplied from a refrigerator and produces brine ice on at least one surface of the ice making plate; A flow forming unit that applies a flow of brine to the ice making surface; A sweeping section that is displaced relative to the ice making surface to separate ice formed on the ice making surface from the ice making surface; A drive unit that drives the sweeping unit; a holding part that holds at least the freezer, the ice making plate, the sweeping part, and the driving part together; The holding portion is It is made up of rod-shaped parts joined together. The freezer and the drive unit are disposed outside the ice slurry production tank, and the ice making plate and the sweeping unit are disposed inside the ice slurry production tank; 13. An ice slurry producing apparatus comprising: an ice slurry producing tank for producing ice slurry directly in the ice slurry producing tank where the freezing operation of the frozen product is carried out.

2. 2. The ice slurry producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping unit is disposed on a drive unit that rotates or reciprocates with respect to the ice making surface.

Images