Ice recycling device and ice recycling method

Abstract

To provide an ice regeneration device and an ice regeneration method for regenerating even so-called ice scraps into block ice. [Solution] An ice recycling device 1 according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a mold 2 and support stand 3 for storing ice scraps D, an input chute 4 for inputting the ice scraps into the mold, a piston 5 for pressurizing the ice scraps input into the mold, and a mold drive mechanism 6 for moving the mold relative to the support stand so that the mold is in contact with the mold or in an open mold state. An ice recycling method according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a scrap ice input step for inputting the ice scraps from the input chute into the mold, and an ice regeneration step for pressurizing the ice scraps with the piston to regenerate the ice scraps into block ice.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Ice, which is water in its solid state, is used to cool a variety of substances. For example, in modern society, ice plays a very important role in cooling fresh foods such as fish and meat to prevent them from deteriorating when they are distributed from producers to retailers such as supermarkets.

[0003] By the way, ice can be processed into various shapes, and efforts have been made to improve the cooling effect by changing the shape depending on the shape and properties of the object to be cooled. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an ice making vessel used to make spherical ice. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-183930 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By the way, when making ice of a specific shape, it is easier and of better quality to cut out the desired shape from a certain shape rather than directly making ice of the desired shape. For example, if you want to make spherical ice, it is easier and of better quality to make cube-shaped ice and carve out the spherical ice from the cube-shaped ice rather than pouring water into a spherical mold and cooling it.

[0006] However, when ice of a desired shape is carved out of ice of a fixed shape as described above, the ice that has been carved out has almost no uses and becomes what is called scrap ice, which is generally discarded. Generally, ice is composed of water, so it can be used as wastewater by melting it as it is, but discarding this ice leads to energy loss, making it an inefficient ice manufacturing method.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has an object to provide an ice recycling device and an ice recycling method that enable even so-called scrap ice to be recycled into block ice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An ice recycling device according to one aspect of the present invention which solves the above problems comprises a mold and support stand for storing scrap ice, an input chute for feeding the scrap ice into the mold, a piston for pressurizing the scrap ice fed into the mold, and a mold driving mechanism which enables the mold to be moved relative to the support stand so that it is in mold contact or mold open state.

[0009] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the mold is provided with an ice pushing-out mechanism for pushing out the recycled ice when the mold is in an open state relative to the support stand.

[0010] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the support base is provided with a drainage mechanism for draining the dissolved water.

[0011] Also, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the mold driving mechanism comprises a pillar member fixed to a support base, a sliding gripping member fixed to the mold and having a through hole formed therein, and the pillar member is inserted into the through hole and slid to enable the mold to be moved back and forth in the vertical direction, and a driving mechanism for moving the mold.

[0012] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the mold has a lower opening, and that when the mold is in contact with the mold, the support stand is configured to cover the lower opening of the mold, and when the mold is in an open state, a gap is provided between the support stand and the mold.

[0013] Furthermore, an ice regeneration method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a scrap ice injection step of injecting scrap ice into a mold from an injection chute, and an ice regeneration step of pressurizing the scrap ice with a piston to regenerate the scrap ice into block ice.

[0014] In addition, in this respect, although not limited to this, it is preferable to include a mold contact step in which the mold is moved and pressed against the support stand to bring the mold into mold contact, and a block ice exposure step in which the mold is moved to separate it from the support stand to expose the block ice on the support stand.

[0015] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to have an ice pushing-out step for pushing out exposed block ice. Effect of the Invention

[0016] As described above, the present invention can provide an ice recycling device and an ice recycling method that can regenerate even so-called scrap ice into block ice. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the front view (mold open state) of the ice recycling device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a side view of the ice recycling device according to an embodiment (mold open state). [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of the front of the ice regeneration device according to the embodiment (mold contact state). [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of the side (mold contact state) of the ice regeneration device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic diagram of a support base and a drainage mechanism of the ice recycling device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the relationship between the input chute and the mold of the ice recycling device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a photograph of the ice recycling device produced in the examples. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a photograph of ice chips used in the examples. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a photograph of regenerated ice created in the examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0019] Figures 1 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the ice recycling device (hereinafter referred to as "this device") 1 according to this embodiment as viewed from the front, and Figures 2 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing the device 1 as viewed from the side. Note that Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing the state in which the mold and the support stand are separated (hereinafter referred to as "mold open state"), and Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing the state in which the mold and the support stand are in contact (hereinafter referred to as "mold contact state").

[0020] As shown in these figures, the apparatus 1 comprises a mold 2 and a support stand 3 for storing ice scraps D, an inlet chute 4 for injecting the ice scraps D into the mold 2, a piston 5 for pressurizing the ice scraps D injected into the mold 2, and a mold drive mechanism 6 for moving the mold relative to the support stand 3 so that the mold is in a mold contact state or in a mold open state.

[0021] According to this device 1, a mold 2, a support stand 3, and a piston 5 are provided, and the mold is moved by a mold driving mechanism 6, so that, as will be clear from the description below, it is possible to provide an ice recycling device and ice recycling method that can regenerate even so-called scrap ice into block ice.

[0022] In addition, the ice recycled by this device 1 is assumed to be ice made by freezing water, although it is not limited to this. Generally, ice is water and does not have a negative effect on the environment if left as is, so recycling it has not been given much thought, but with this device 1, it is possible to recycle even so-called scrap ice, which makes it possible to reduce the energy and costs required to newly produce ice.

[0023] In the present apparatus 1, the die 2 is a member for storing the ice scraps D and for applying pressure to the ice scraps D together with the support stand 3 and the piston 5.

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

[0025] In addition, the shape of the mold 2 of the present device 1 is not limited to the above, but the horizontal cross section is preferably polygonal or approximately circular, and in the case of a polygonal shape, a square shape is particularly preferable. By making it a square shape, when the regenerated ice is pressurized (remolded) by the support base 3 and the piston 5, it becomes possible to make the regenerated ice into a cube shape (hexahedron) that is easy to handle.

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

[0027] In addition, in this device 1, the support table 3 is a member that supports and applies pressure to the ice scraps D together with the mold 2 and the piston 5. The support table 3 preferably has a flat surface that supports the ice scraps D. This allows a smoother surface to be formed on the recycled ice.

[0028] The material of the support base 3 in the present device 1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal.

[0029] In addition, in the present device 1, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the support base 3 is provided with a drainage mechanism 8 for draining the dissolved water. By providing the drainage mechanism 8, it is possible to avoid flooding with water generated when molding the regenerated ice and to drain it well. In particular, in the present device 1, ice made by freezing water is regenerated, and when pressure is applied to the ice, part of the ice melts. Therefore, it is very important to provide this mechanism.

[0030] Specifically, the structure of the drainage mechanism 8 is not limited, but is preferably, for example, a dish-shaped member that covers the periphery and bottom of the support base 3 with a gap. By providing a gap around and under the support base 3 in this way, it is possible to contain water leaking from the gap without leaving it on the support base. Figure 5 shows an image of the support base 3 and the drainage mechanism 8. Note that although the drainage mechanism 8 is a dish-shaped member, water can be discharged to the outside by providing a notch or a drain outlet in part of it.

[0031] In addition, in the present apparatus 1, the feeding chute 4 is for feeding the ice scraps D into the mold 2, as described above. As described above, in the present apparatus 1, the ice scraps D are fed between the mold 2, the support stand 3, and the piston 5, and the ice scraps D must be fed into the internal space formed by these elements. Thus, by providing the feeding chute 4, the ice scraps D can be efficiently fed into the internal space.

[0032] However, in the present device 1, it is also preferable that the input chute 4 is fixed to a non-moving member of the present device 1, specifically, to the support base 3, and more specifically, it is preferable that when the mold 2 is in the mold open state or the mold intermediate state, the scrap ice D cannot be input into the internal space, and that in the mold contact state, the scrap ice D can be input into the internal space. In the mold open state or the mold intermediate state, a gap is formed between the support base 3 and the mold 2, so that even if the scrap ice D is put into the mold 2, the scrap ice D will leak out from this gap. On the other hand, by making it possible to input the scrap ice D in the mold contact state, this risk can be reduced. To realize such a state, it is preferable, for example, to make the input port 41 of the input chute 4 blocked by the mold 2 in the mold open state, and to open the input port 41 of the input chute 4 when the mold 2 is gradually lowered to the mold contact state, although this is not limited thereto. An image of such a case is shown in FIG. 6. That is, in the present device 1, the scrap ice D is input into the mold 2 in the mold contact state.

[0033] In addition, in this device 1, the piston 5 is for pressurizing the ice scraps D contained in the mold 2 and support stand 3. The configuration of the piston 5 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the piston 5 has, for example, a piston head 51 and a piston shaft 52. In addition, when the piston head 51 is used, it is preferable that the shape of the piston head 51 matches the internal shape of the mold 2 so that it fits snugly into the internal shape of the mold 2. This makes it possible to minimize the gap between the mold 2, support stand 3, and piston 5, making it possible to efficiently produce recycled ice.

[0034] In addition, the material of the piston 5 can be adjusted as appropriate and is not limited, but it is preferable that the material be one that can withstand sufficient pressure and is not easily rusted by water, and is preferably a metal such as an aluminum alloy, but is not limited to this.

[0035] In addition, in this device 1, the die driving mechanism 6 is capable of moving the die 2 relative to the support table 3 so as to be in a die contact state or a die open state. Although not limited thereto, a preferred example is a motor 61. Note that, since a motor realizes rotational motion, it is preferable to use a conversion mechanism 62 for converting this to linear motion, specifically a ball screw, a timing belt, hydraulics, or the like, but this driving mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it can move the die up and down.

[0036] Furthermore, the die driving mechanism 6 is not limited as long as it has the above-mentioned functions, but it is preferable that the die driving mechanism 6 includes a pillar member 63 fixed to the support base 3, and a sliding gripping member 64 fixed to the die 2, having a through hole 641 formed therein, for inserting the pillar member 63 into the through hole 641 and sliding it to enable the die 2 to reciprocate in one axial direction, specifically, in the up-down direction in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to more reliably perform the up-down reciprocating movement.

[0037] Furthermore, the present device 1 is provided with an ice pushing-out mechanism 7 for pushing out the recycled ice when the mold 2 is in the mold open state relative to the support stand 3. This makes it possible to push out the recycled ice remaining on the support stand 3 when the mold is in the open state, making it easier for workers to hold the recycled ice.

[0038] (Ice Regeneration Method) Here, the ice regeneration method according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this method") will be described. This method can be easily realized by this device 1, although it is not limited thereto.

[0039] Specifically, this method includes: (S1) a mold contact step of moving the mold and pressing it against a support stand to bring it into mold contact; (S2) a scrap ice feeding step of feeding scrap ice into the mold from an feeding chute; (S3) an ice regeneration step of pressurizing the scrap ice with a piston to regenerate the scrap ice as block ice; (S4) a block ice exposure step of moving the mold to separate it from the support stand and exposing the block ice on the support stand; and (S5) an ice extrusion step of pushing out the exposed block ice.

[0040] First, as described above, this method includes a die contact step (S1) in which the die is moved and pressed against the support stand to bring the die into contact with the support stand, thereby preventing the ice chips from leaking out of the die even if the ice chips are poured into the die.

[0041] As described above, the method includes the step of (S2) feeding the scrap ice into the mold from the feeding chute. Since the mold and the support stand are in contact with each other in the above step (S1), the scrap ice will not leak out of the mold even if it is fed into the mold.

[0042] As described above, the method includes an ice regeneration step (S3) of pressurizing the ice scraps with a piston to regenerate the ice scraps as block ice. The ice scraps are accommodated in an internal space defined by a mold and a support stand, and are compressed and remolded as regenerated ice by applying strong pressure with a piston. In the method, the temperature and melting point of the ice are increased by the pressure, and the ice melts and is reintegrated. On the other hand, when the pressure by the piston is released, the pressure is reduced and the temperature and melting point of the ice are reduced again. In other words, the ice can be stabilized again by releasing the pressure on the ice. In this step, the ice that has been partially melted by the pressure flows onto the support stand through a small gap between the mold and the support stand, and is discharged to the outside of the device 1 by the drainage mechanism.

[0043] This method also includes a block ice exposing step (S4) of moving the mold to separate the mold from the support stand and exposing the block ice on the support stand. Specifically, the mold is moved upward to open the mold and expose the ice.

[0044] This method also includes an ice pushing-out step (S5) of pushing out the exposed block of ice. This eliminates the need for workers to reach directly under the mold 2, making the work safer. In particular, according to this method, since some of the melted water exists under the recycled ice, it becomes possible to slide the recycled ice on the support table with little force.

[0045] As described above, the present invention provides an ice recycling device and method that can recycle even so-called scrap ice into block ice. This method has the advantage that it can recycle at least 80% of the ice even when the device is at room temperature and the mold is at room temperature, 90% or more if the mold is cooled, and 95% or more if the mold is sufficiently cooled (close to 0°C). EXAMPLES

[0046] Here, an ice recycling device (hereinafter referred to as "this device") was actually manufactured, and the effects of this device and this method were confirmed. A specific description will be given below.

[0047] First, the device mentioned in the above embodiment was actually fabricated, and a photograph of this device is shown in FIG.

[0048] Next, we prepared more than 100 kg of scrap ice, which was made by hollowing out ice spheres with a diameter of approximately 10 cm (Figure 8).

[0049] The device 1 shown in the above figure was driven, the mold was brought into contact with the support base, and in this state, about 19 kg of the above ice scraps were fed into the mold and support base through the feed chute, and then the ice scraps were compressed by the piston. When the ice was sufficiently compressed, the mold was lifted to open the mold, exposing the ice, which was then pushed out by the ice pushing mechanism, yielding about 16 kg of hexahedral recycled ice. The obtained recycled ice is shown in Figure 9.

[0050] The properties of the regenerated ice were also examined to confirm its effectiveness. Specifically, the performance of ice made by freezing pure water for a long time (ultra-pure ice), ice made by simply freezing tap water (tap water ice), and ice regenerated by compression in this embodiment (compressed ice) were compared.

[0051] This comparative study was carried out by putting 10 liters of water at 12°C into three buckets of the same size, putting each of the above ice pieces cut into 1-kan sizes into each bucket, and measuring the change in water temperature. These buckets were placed in a room with an air conditioner set at 25°C, and the conditions were the same. As a result, 1.3% of the ultra-pure ice remained unmelted 4 hours after being put in, and 2.3% of the tap water ice remained unmelted 4 hours after being put in. The compressed ice of this embodiment also remained unmelted 1.8% 4 hours after being put in, and similar results were obtained for all of the ultra-pure ice, tap water ice, and compressed ice, with no significant difference between them. As a result, it was confirmed that the performance of the compressed ice of this embodiment was sufficiently secured, and the effects of the present invention were confirmed.

[0052] As described above, the effect of the present invention was demonstrated by using this device. [Industrial Applicability]

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

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

Claims

1. a mold and support for receiving the ice chips; an input chute for inputting ice chips into the mold; A piston that pressurizes the ice chips fed into the mold; A mold driving mechanism that can move the mold to a mold contact state or a mold open state relative to the support base. The mold driving mechanism includes: A pillar member fixed to the support base; a sliding gripping member fixed to the mold, having a through hole formed therein, and configured to insert the pillar member into the through hole and slide the pillar member to enable the mold to reciprocate in the up and down direction; An ice regeneration device comprising: a drive mechanism for moving the mold.

2. 2. The ice recycling device according to claim 1, further comprising an ice pushing-out mechanism for pushing out the recycled ice when the mold is in an open state relative to the support stand.

3. 2. The ice recycling device according to claim 1, wherein the support base is provided with a drainage mechanism for draining melted water.

4. The mold has a lower opening, In the mold contact state, the support base is configured to cover the lower opening of the mold, 2. The ice recycling device according to claim 1, wherein when the mold is in an open state, a gap is provided between the support stand and the mold.

5. An ice regeneration method using an ice regeneration device comprising: a mold and support stand for storing ice scraps, an input chute for feeding ice scraps into the mold, a piston for pressurizing the ice scraps fed into the mold, and a mold drive mechanism for enabling the mold to be moved relative to the support stand so that it is in mold contact or in a mold open state, wherein the mold drive mechanism comprises: a pillar member fixed to the support stand, a sliding gripping member fixed to the mold and having a through hole formed therein, the pillar member being inserted into the through hole and slid to enable the mold to be moved back and forth in an up and down direction, and a drive mechanism for moving the mold, a scrap ice injection step of injecting the scrap ice into the mold through an injection chute; The ice regeneration method includes an ice regeneration step of pressurizing the ice chips with a piston to regenerate the ice chips into block ice.

6. a mold contact step of moving the mold and pressing the mold against a support stand to bring the mold into contact with the support stand; The ice regeneration method according to claim 5, further comprising a block ice exposing step of moving the mold to separate the mold from the support stand and exposing the block ice on the support stand.

7. The ice regeneration method according to claim 6, further comprising an ice extrusion step of extruding the exposed block of ice.

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