JP5442309B2

JP5442309B2 - Icebreaker

Info

Publication number: JP5442309B2
Application number: JP2009104892A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 啓司原田
Original assignee: 池永鉄工株式会社
Priority date: 2009-04-23
Filing date: 2009-04-23
Publication date: 2014-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-23
Also published as: JP2010255899A

Description

本発明は、氷塊を破砕して小氷片を生成するのに用いる砕氷機に関する。 The present invention relates to an ice crusher used for crushing ice blocks to produce small ice pieces.

数ｃｍ角程度の氷塊（ブロックアイス）を破砕して不規則な凹凸を有する数ｍｍ程度の小氷片（クラッシュアイス）を生成するに際して砕氷機を用いる場合がある。砕氷機は、手動型と電動型とに大別されるが、電動型の砕氷機として、例えば以下示す特許文献１に開示されたものがある。同文献に開示された砕氷機は、氷塊が投入される砕氷室内の下端近傍にモータの回転力を受けて回転する回転軸が水平配置されたものであり、回転軸には氷塊を破砕する砕氷刃が設けられる。砕氷刃は、円筒状のロータ外周面に設けられた小突起状の支持部と、該支持部に植設され、刃先が回転軸の回転方向に指向した刃部とを有する。砕氷室を画成する周壁の一部領域には、砕氷室の開口寸法を徐々に縮小させる方向に傾斜した傾斜面が設けられる。この傾斜面はシュートとも称され、砕氷室に投入された氷塊を刃先の軌道内に案内する案内面として機能する。案内面の延長上には、砕氷刃を通過させるスリットが設けられている。かかる構成の砕氷機を用いた場合、小氷片は以下示すようにして生成される。 In some cases, an ice breaker is used when a small ice piece (crush ice) of about several millimeters having irregular irregularities is generated by crushing an ice block (block ice) of about several cm square. Ice breakers are roughly classified into manual types and electric types, and there are, for example, those disclosed in Patent Document 1 shown below as electric type ice breakers. In the ice breaker disclosed in the same document, a rotating shaft that rotates in response to the rotational force of a motor is horizontally disposed near the lower end in an ice breaking chamber into which ice blocks are charged. A blade is provided. The ice breaking blade has a small protrusion-shaped support portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical rotor, and a blade portion that is implanted in the support portion and has a blade tip oriented in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft. An inclined surface that is inclined in a direction of gradually reducing the opening size of the ice breaking chamber is provided in a partial region of the peripheral wall that defines the ice breaking chamber. This inclined surface is also called a chute, and functions as a guide surface that guides the ice block introduced into the ice breaking chamber into the track of the blade edge. On the extension of the guide surface, a slit through which the ice breaking blade passes is provided. When the ice breaker having such a configuration is used, small ice pieces are generated as follows.

まず、氷塊室に投入された氷塊が、傾斜面に沿って滑り落ちて砕氷刃の刃先軌道内に入り、当該氷塊の所定箇所に刃部の刃先が突き立つと、当該氷塊は、回転軸の回転に伴って砕氷室の底部側に案内される。これに伴い、当該氷塊に破砕力が作用する結果、その一部が破砕（分断）されて氷塊片が生成される。そして、スリット上に到達した氷塊片は、スリットを通過する砕氷刃によってスリット幅に見合った大きさの小氷片に破砕される。以上の動作が連続的に行われることによって小氷片が連続的に生成され、生成された小氷片は砕氷室の下方に設けた容器内に順次収容される。 First, when the ice block introduced into the ice block chamber slides down along the inclined surface and enters the cutting edge trajectory of the crushed ice blade, when the blade tip of the blade part protrudes at a predetermined position of the ice block, the ice block As it rotates, it is guided to the bottom of the ice chamber. Along with this, as a result of the crushing force acting on the ice block, a part of the ice block is crushed (divided) to generate an ice block. Then, the ice piece that has reached the slit is crushed into small ice pieces having a size corresponding to the slit width by an ice breaking blade that passes through the slit. By performing the above operation continuously, small ice pieces are continuously generated, and the generated small ice pieces are sequentially accommodated in a container provided below the ice breaking chamber.

実公平５−１０１９６号公報No. 5-10196

この種の砕氷機を用いた場合における小氷片の生成メカニズムは上述のとおりであり、小氷片を効率的に生成するには、まず、氷塊の一部を効率的に分断する必要がある。しかしながら、従来の砕氷機では、円筒状のロータ外周面に設けた小突起状の支持部に刃部を植設している構成上、氷塊が刃先軌道内に入り込むだけの十分なスペースが確保されておらず、氷塊の分断効率に難があり、小氷片を効率的に生成することができないという問題がある。また、小氷片の生成効率を高めるには、砕氷刃の強度も考慮する必要があるが、支持部に刃部を植設して構成される従来のものでは、十分な強度を具備させるのが困難である。従い、小氷片を効率的に生成するのが難しいばかりか、耐久寿命の点でも難がある。 The generation mechanism of small ice pieces when this type of ice breaker is used is as described above, and in order to efficiently generate small ice pieces, it is first necessary to efficiently divide a part of the ice block. . However, in the conventional ice breaker, the blade portion is implanted in the small protrusion-like support portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical rotor, so that a sufficient space for the ice block to enter the blade edge track is secured. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to split ice blocks and small ice pieces cannot be generated efficiently. In addition, in order to increase the generation efficiency of small ice pieces, it is necessary to consider the strength of the ice breaking blade. However, in the conventional configuration in which the blade portion is implanted in the support portion, sufficient strength is provided. Is difficult. Therefore, it is difficult not only to generate small ice pieces efficiently but also in terms of durable life.

本発明の課題は、この種の砕氷機において、小氷片の生成効率を高めることにある。 The subject of this invention is improving the production | generation efficiency of a small ice piece in this kind of ice breaker.

上記の課題を解決するため、本発明では、氷塊を破砕することによって小氷片を生成する砕氷機であって、氷塊が投入される砕氷室内に水平配置された回転軸と、回転軸に設けられ、刃先が回転軸の回転方向に指向した刃部を有する砕氷刃と、砕氷室の下方に配設され、小氷片を収容する容器とを備え、砕氷室を画成する周壁に、氷塊を刃先の軌道内に案内する案内面が設けられると共に、この案内面の延長上に、砕氷室と容器とを連通させるスリットが設けられ、回転軸の回転時に、砕氷刃を、スリットを通過させることによって小氷片を生成するものにおいて、スリットを、相対的に回転軸の回転方向前方側で砕氷刃を通過させる第１スリットと、第１スリットに対して角度をなして延び、相対的に回転軸の回転方向後方側で砕氷刃を通過させる第２スリットとで構成し、砕氷刃は、回転軸に取り付けられて回転軸の半径方向に延びるアーム部を有し、このアーム部を、回転軸の円周方向で互いに異なる方向に延び、それぞれが刃部を一体に有する第１および第２アームで構成すると共に、回転軸の回転中心に対する刃部の刃先の離間距離を第１アームと第２アームで互いに異ならせ、砕氷刃を回転軸の軸方向に複数設け、かつ、回転軸の円周方向における刃部の配設位置を隣り合う砕氷刃間で互いに異ならせたことを特徴とする砕氷機を提供する。 In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an ice breaker that generates small ice pieces by crushing ice blocks, a rotation shaft that is horizontally disposed in an ice breaking chamber into which the ice blocks are charged, and a rotation shaft. An ice crushing blade having a blade portion whose blade tip is oriented in the direction of rotation of the rotating shaft, and a container that is disposed below the ice crushing chamber and accommodates small ice pieces, and on the peripheral wall defining the ice crushing chamber, A guide surface that guides the blade into the orbit of the blade edge is provided, and a slit is provided on the extension of the guide surface to connect the ice breaking chamber and the container. When the rotating shaft rotates, the ice breaking blade passes through the slit. In this case, a small ice piece is generated, and the slit extends relatively at an angle with respect to the first slit, the first slit that allows the ice breaking blade to pass relatively on the front side in the rotational direction of the rotation shaft, and relatively Pass the ice breaker blade on the rear side of the rotation axis. Constituted by a second slit which, crushed ice blade, an arm portion extending in the radial direction of the rotary shaft mounted on the rotary shaft, the arm portions extending in different directions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, Each of the first and second arms each integrally having a blade portion is configured, and the separation distance of the blade edge of the blade portion with respect to the rotation center of the rotation shaft is made different between the first arm and the second arm, so that the ice breaking blade is a rotation shaft. There is provided an ice breaker characterized in that a plurality of blades are arranged in the axial direction and the positions of the blade portions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft are different between adjacent ice breaking blades .

この場合、アーム部の長さを適切に設定すれば、氷塊が入り込むスペースを拡大して氷塊片の生成効率を高めることができる。また、刃部は、アーム部に一体的に設けられていることから、両者の締結強度を高めることができる。従い、小氷片の生成効率を高めることができ、しかも耐久寿命を延ばすことができる。 In this case, if the length of the arm portion is set appropriately, the space for the ice mass to enter can be expanded, and the generation efficiency of the ice mass piece can be increased. Moreover, since the blade part is provided integrally with the arm part, the fastening strength of both can be increased. Accordingly, the generation efficiency of small ice pieces can be increased, and the durable life can be extended.

上記のアーム部を、回転軸の円周方向で互いに異なる方向に延び、刃部がそれぞれ設けられた複数のアームで構成すれば、小氷片の生成効率を一層高めることができる。しかし、余りに多くのアームを有するものとすると、回転軸の円周方向で隣り合う刃部同士の離間距離が縮小する分、氷塊が刃先軌道内に入り込み難くなる。アーム部を長大化すればこの問題を解消することも可能ではあるが、砕氷刃が大径化する分、砕氷機の大型化や高価格化を招く。従い、アーム部は、回転軸の円周方向で互いに異なる方向に延び、刃部をそれぞれ有する２つのアーム（第１および第２のアーム）で構成するのが望ましい。 If the above-mentioned arm part is composed of a plurality of arms extending in different directions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft and provided with blade parts, the generation efficiency of small ice pieces can be further increased. However, if there are too many arms, the ice lump will not easily enter the blade edge track as the distance between the blade portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft decreases. Although it is possible to solve this problem by increasing the length of the arm portion, the size of the ice breaker is increased and the price is increased because the diameter of the ice breaker blade is increased. Therefore, it is desirable that the arm portion is composed of two arms (first and second arms) that extend in different directions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft and each have a blade portion.

この場合、両アームの長さは同一とすることもできるし、互いに異ならせることもできる。両アーム長さを互いに異ならせた場合には、回転軸の径方向で複数の刃先軌道を形成することができる。そのため、例えば、砕氷作業が進行して案内面上に残存する氷塊の大きさにバラツキが生じた場合でも、効率的に小氷片を生成することができる。 In this case, the lengths of both arms can be the same or different from each other. When both arm lengths are different from each other, a plurality of cutting edge trajectories can be formed in the radial direction of the rotating shaft. Therefore, for example, even when the ice breaking operation progresses and the size of ice blocks remaining on the guide surface varies, small ice pieces can be generated efficiently.

上記の砕氷刃（およびスリット）を、回転軸の軸方向に複数設ければ、これらを一対設ける場合に比べて小氷片の生成効率を一層高めることができる。しかしながら、この場合に全ての刃部が回転軸の円周方向で同一位置に配設されていると、一度に破砕する氷塊の量や生成する小氷片の量が多くなって破砕力を高める必要が生じる。例えば、電動型の砕氷機においては、より高出力のモータを使用すれば破砕力を高めることができるが、砕氷機の大型化や高価格化を招く。そのため、砕氷刃およびスリットを複数設ける場合には、回転軸の円周方向における刃部の配設位置を、隣り合う砕氷刃間で互いに異ならせるのが望ましい。また、このようにすれば、隣接する砕氷刃で刃先軌道内に入った氷塊の横すべりを規制することができるので、氷塊の破砕効率を高めることができる。 If a plurality of the above ice breaking blades (and slits) are provided in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the generation efficiency of the small ice pieces can be further increased as compared with the case where a pair thereof is provided. However, in this case, if all the blades are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, the amount of ice blocks to be crushed at once and the amount of small ice pieces to be generated increase, thereby increasing the crushing force. Need arises. For example, in an electric ice breaker, if a higher output motor is used, the crushing force can be increased. However, this increases the size and cost of the ice breaker. For this reason, when a plurality of ice breaking blades and slits are provided, it is desirable that the arrangement positions of the blade portions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft are different between adjacent ice breaking blades. In addition, if this is done, it is possible to regulate the side slip of the ice block that has entered the blade edge track with the adjacent ice breaker blade, so that the ice block breaking efficiency can be increased.

以上の構成において、砕氷室と容器とを連通させるスリットは、相対的に回転軸の回転方向前方側で砕氷刃を通過させる第１スリットと、この第１スリットに対して角度をなして延び、相対的に回転軸の回転方向後方側で砕氷刃を通過させる第２スリットとで構成されたものとすることができる。このようにすれば、小氷片の生成ポイントを増加して一層効率的に小氷片を生成することが可能となる。 In the above configuration, the slit for communicating the ice breaking chamber and the container extends at an angle with respect to the first slit for allowing the ice breaking blade to pass relatively on the front side in the rotational direction of the rotation shaft, The second slit that allows the ice breaking blade to pass relatively on the rear side in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft may be used. If it does in this way, it becomes possible to increase the production | generation point of a small ice piece, and to produce a small ice piece more efficiently.

ところで、従来の砕氷機においては、刃部が支持部に対して９０°の角度をなして延び、刃先中心線と回転軸の回転中心との径方向離間距離が、刃元側よりも刃先側の方が大きいために、刃先軌道内に案内された氷塊に対しては、主としてこれを厚み方向に分断する方向の破砕力が作用する。そのため、この点からも氷塊を効率的に破砕することが難しく、小氷片の生成効率に難がある。電動型の砕氷機においては、例えば、高出力のモータを使用すれば、その出力増大分だけ破砕力を高めることができるが、モータが大型化する分、砕氷機の大型化、ひいては高価格化を招く。また、手動型の砕氷機においては、作業者の労力が増大するという問題がある。 By the way, in the conventional ice breaker, the blade portion extends at an angle of 90 ° with respect to the support portion, and the radial separation distance between the blade center line and the rotation center of the rotary shaft is greater than the blade base side. Therefore, the crushing force in the direction of dividing the ice block guided in the cutting edge trajectory mainly in the thickness direction acts. For this reason, it is difficult to efficiently crush the ice block from this point, and the production efficiency of small ice pieces is difficult. In an electric icebreaker, for example, if a high-power motor is used, the crushing force can be increased by the increase in output, but the size of the icebreaker increases and the price increases as the motor becomes larger. Invite. Further, the manual type ice breaker has a problem that the labor of the worker increases.

このような問題点に鑑み、刃部は、その刃先中心線と回転軸の回転中心との離間距離が、刃元側から刃先側に向かって徐々に縮小するように設けるのが望ましい。なお、「刃先中心線」とは、回転軸の軸直交断面において、刃先を通って刃部を略二等分する方向に延びる線分をいう。また、「離間距離」とは、厳密には回転軸の軸直交断面における径方向離間距離をいう。 In view of such a problem, it is desirable that the blade portion be provided so that the separation distance between the center line of the blade edge and the rotation center of the rotation shaft gradually decreases from the blade edge side toward the blade edge side. The “blade edge center line” refers to a line segment extending in a direction that bisects the blade portion through the blade edge in the cross section orthogonal to the rotation axis. Further, the “separation distance” strictly refers to the radial separation distance in the cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

このようにすれば、案内面に沿って刃先軌道内に案内された氷塊に対し、これを斜めに横断する方向に破砕力を作用させることができる。そのため、回転軸がモータの駆動力を受けて回転する電動型の砕氷機においては、モータの出力を高める等の対策を講じずとも、氷塊の破砕効率を高めることができ、小氷片を効率的に生成することが可能となる。また、手動型の砕氷機においては、作業者の労力を軽減しつつも小氷片を効率的に生成することが可能となる。但し、刃元側と刃先側との間における上記の離間距離の差を大きくすればするほど良いというわけではなく、投入される氷塊の大きさや案内面の傾き等を考慮した上で上記の条件を満たすように砕氷刃を配設するのが望ましい。 If it does in this way, crushing force can be made to act in the direction which crosses this diagonally with respect to the ice lump guided in the blade edge track along the guide surface. Therefore, in an electric icebreaker whose rotating shaft is rotated by the driving force of the motor, the ice crushing efficiency can be increased without taking measures such as increasing the output of the motor. Can be generated automatically. In addition, in the manual ice breaker, it is possible to efficiently generate small ice pieces while reducing the labor of the operator. However, the larger the difference between the above-mentioned separation distances between the blade base side and the blade edge side, the better. However, the above-mentioned conditions are considered in consideration of the size of the ice block to be introduced and the inclination of the guide surface. It is desirable to arrange an ice breaking blade so as to satisfy.

以上に示すように、本発明によれば、効率的に小氷片を生成することが可能となる。 As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently generate small ice pieces.

本発明に係る砕氷機の斜視図である。1 is a perspective view of an ice breaker according to the present invention. 図１に示す砕氷機の要部を拡大して示す平面図である。It is a top view which expands and shows the principal part of the ice crusher shown in FIG. 図２中のＡ−Ａ断面図である。It is AA sectional drawing in FIG. 図３の要部拡大図である。It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. （ａ）図は、サブスイッチ機構を正面から見た図、（ｂ）図は同機構の動作態様を示す図である。(A) The figure which looked at the subswitch mechanism from the front, (b) The figure is a figure which shows the operation | movement aspect of the mechanism. 図１に示す砕氷機を用いての砕氷作業の初期段階を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the initial stage of the ice breaking operation | work using the ice breaker shown in FIG. 砕氷作業がある程度進行した状態を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the state which the ice-breaking operation | work progressed to some extent.

以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明の一実施形態に係る砕氷機１の全体構造を示す概略斜視図である。同図に示す砕氷機１は、数ｃｍ角程度の氷塊（ブロックアイス）を破砕して不規則な凹凸を有する数ｍｍ程度の小氷片（クラッシュアイス）を生成するものであり、特に、モータ駆動される電動型の砕氷機である。この砕氷機１は、氷塊が投入される破砕室８を画成する区画部７ａ、およびモータ１０等を保持した保持部７ｂを有する保持部材７と、該保持部材７を支持したケーシング４と、上部に開閉蓋３を有し、ケーシング４に対して着脱可能に設けられたカバー体２と、砕氷室８の下方に配設されて砕氷室８から排出される小氷片を収容するケーシング４に対して挿脱可能な容器５とを備え、破砕室８内には、砕氷室８に投入された氷塊を破砕するための砕氷刃２０（図２以降を参照）が水平軸回りに回転可能に配設されている。ケーシング４の側面には、モータ１０の駆動・停止（ＯＮ／ＯＦＦ）を制御するためのメインスイッチ６が設けられている。 FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an entire structure of an ice breaker 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ice breaker 1 shown in the figure generates a small ice piece (crash ice) of about several millimeters having irregular irregularities by crushing an ice block (block ice) of about several centimeters square. It is an electric icebreaker that is driven. The ice breaker 1 includes a partition member 7a that defines a crushing chamber 8 into which ice blocks are charged, a holding member 7 having a holding portion 7b that holds a motor 10 and the like, a casing 4 that supports the holding member 7, A cover body 2 having an opening / closing lid 3 at the top and provided detachably with respect to the casing 4, and a casing 4 disposed below the ice breaking chamber 8 and containing small ice pieces discharged from the ice breaking chamber 8. The ice breaking blade 20 (see FIG. 2 and subsequent figures) for crushing the ice block charged in the ice breaking chamber 8 can rotate around the horizontal axis. It is arranged. A main switch 6 for controlling driving / stopping (ON / OFF) of the motor 10 is provided on the side surface of the casing 4.

破砕室８を画成する区画部７ａは、図２にも示すように周壁を平面視で矩形状に配して構成され、前面側に位置する周壁内面には、図３に示すように、破砕室８の開口寸法を下方に向かって漸次縮小させる方向に傾斜した傾斜面が設けられている。この傾斜面は、砕氷室８に投入された氷塊を砕氷刃２０の刃先２２ａの軌道内に案内する案内面９として機能する。 The partition part 7a that defines the crushing chamber 8 is configured by arranging the peripheral wall in a rectangular shape in plan view as shown in FIG. 2, and on the inner surface of the peripheral wall located on the front side, as shown in FIG. An inclined surface that is inclined in a direction of gradually reducing the opening size of the crushing chamber 8 downward is provided. This inclined surface functions as a guide surface 9 that guides the ice block introduced into the ice breaking chamber 8 into the track of the cutting edge 22a of the ice breaking blade 20.

保持部７ｂには、モータ１０の回転力を適当な速度に減速した上で回転軸に伝達するための減速機構１１が設けられている。図示例の減速機構１１は、いわゆる減速歯車機構であり、水平方向に延びるモータ軸１０ａに装着された主歯車１４と、モータ軸１０ａと平行配置された第１従動軸１２に装着された第１および第２の従歯車１５，１６と、砕氷室８を横断するようにしてモータ軸１０ａと平行配置された回転軸としての第２従動軸１３に装着された第３の従歯車１７とで構成される。そして、主歯車１４と第１の従歯車１５、並びに第２の従歯車１６と第３の従歯車１７とを互いに噛み合わせることにより、モータ軸１０ａの回転力が減速されて、回転軸としての第２従動軸１３に伝達される。なお、図示例の減速機構１１はあくまでも一例であり、ベルトおよびプーリーの組、あるいはチェーンおよびスプロケットの組を具備するものであっても良い。 The holding portion 7b is provided with a speed reducing mechanism 11 for transmitting the rotational force of the motor 10 to the rotating shaft after being decelerated to an appropriate speed. The reduction mechanism 11 of the illustrated example is a so-called reduction gear mechanism, and is a first gear mounted on a main gear 14 mounted on a motor shaft 10a extending in the horizontal direction and a first driven shaft 12 arranged in parallel with the motor shaft 10a. The second driven gears 15 and 16 and the third driven gear 17 mounted on the second driven shaft 13 as a rotating shaft arranged in parallel with the motor shaft 10 a so as to cross the ice breaking chamber 8. Is done. Then, by engaging the main gear 14 and the first slave gear 15 and the second slave gear 16 and the third slave gear 17 with each other, the rotational force of the motor shaft 10a is reduced, so that It is transmitted to the second driven shaft 13. The illustrated speed reduction mechanism 11 is merely an example, and may include a belt and pulley set, or a chain and sprocket set.

回転軸としての第２従動軸１３のうち、砕氷室８内に位置する部分には、砕氷室８に投入された氷塊を破砕するための砕氷刃２０が設けられ、砕氷刃２０は、案内面９と所定の間隔をもって破砕室８内の下端近傍に配置される。この砕氷刃２０は、金属材料、ここでは強度（耐久性）や防錆性を考慮してＳＵＳ３０４等のステンレス鋼で形成された板状部材である。 Of the second driven shaft 13 serving as the rotation shaft, a portion located in the ice breaking chamber 8 is provided with an ice breaking blade 20 for breaking the ice block charged into the ice breaking chamber 8, and the ice breaking blade 20 has a guide surface. 9 and a predetermined interval in the vicinity of the lower end in the crushing chamber 8. This ice-breaking blade 20 is a plate-like member formed of stainless steel such as SUS304 in consideration of a metal material, here strength (durability) and rust prevention.

砕氷刃２０は、第２従動軸１３に取り付けられて第２従動軸１３の径方向に延びるアーム部２１を有し、このアーム部２１の外径端に、刃先２２ａが第２従動軸１３の回転方向に指向した刃部２２が一体に設けられる。アーム部２１は、第２従動軸１３の円周方向で互いに異なる方向に延び、かつ、互いに長さの異なる第１および第２アーム２３，２４（以下では、相対的に長大なアームを第１アーム２３、相対的に短小なアームを第２アーム２４と言う）で構成され、両アーム２３，２４の外径端にそれぞれ刃部２２が設けられる。第１および第２アーム２３，２４は、これらの外径端にそれぞれ設けた刃部２２の刃先２２ａが、第２従動軸１３の円周方向で概ね１８０°対向する位置に配設されるようにして異なる方向に延びている。但し、本実施形態において、第１アーム２３は、これが鉛直方向に沿って位置した状態（図３および図４に示す状態）において、回転方向の中心線２５が回転中心Ｏを通って鉛直方向に延びる線Ｏ_Ｌに対して回転方向後方側にずれている。詳細な説明は省略するが、第２アーム２４も同様である。 The ice breaking blade 20 has an arm portion 21 that is attached to the second driven shaft 13 and extends in the radial direction of the second driven shaft 13, and a blade edge 22 a of the second driven shaft 13 is provided at the outer diameter end of the arm portion 21. A blade portion 22 oriented in the rotational direction is integrally provided. The arm portion 21 extends in different directions in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13 and has different lengths from each other, and the first and second arms 23 and 24 (hereinafter, relatively long arms are referred to as the first arm). Arm 23, and a relatively short arm is referred to as second arm 24), and blade portions 22 are provided at the outer diameter ends of both arms 23 and 24, respectively. The first and second arms 23 and 24 are arranged so that the blade edges 22a of the blade portions 22 provided at the outer diameter ends thereof are opposed to each other by approximately 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13. And extend in different directions. However, in the present embodiment, the first arm 23 is in a state where the center line 25 in the rotation direction passes through the rotation center O in the vertical direction when the first arm 23 is positioned along the vertical direction (the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). It is shifted in the rotational direction rear side of the line extending O _L. Although the detailed description is omitted, the same applies to the second arm 24.

ここで、刃部２２の形成態様につき、図４を参照して詳述する。なお、両アーム２３，２４にそれぞれ設けられた刃部２２，２２は同一構造であるので、ここでは相対的に長大な第１アーム２３に設けた刃部２２を例にとって説明を行う。刃部２２は鎌刃形状をなし、図４に示す第２従動軸１３の軸直交断面において、刃先２２ａを通って刃部２２を略二等分する方向に延びる刃先中心線２６と回転中心Ｏとの離間距離が、刃元側から刃先２２ａ側に向かって徐々に縮小するようにして、第１アーム２３に一体に設けられる。さらに言えば、刃先中心線２６と第１アーム２３の回転方向の中心線２５との交差角θが鋭角となり、かつ、刃先２２ａが第１アーム２３の外接円（図中点線で示す）よりも内径側に位置するようにして、刃部２２は第１アーム２３に一体に設けられる。第１アーム２３の回転方向前方側の面と刃部２２の刃先２２ａとを接続する接続面は、刃先２２ａの軌道に沿った円弧面に形成されている。 Here, the formation mode of the blade portion 22 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition, since the blade parts 22 and 22 provided in both the arms 23 and 24 have the same structure, here, the blade part 22 provided in the relatively long first arm 23 will be described as an example. The blade portion 22 has a sickle blade shape, and a blade center line 26 and a rotation center O extending in a direction that bisects the blade portion 22 through the blade edge 22a in the axial orthogonal section of the second driven shaft 13 shown in FIG. Is provided integrally with the first arm 23 so as to gradually decrease from the blade base side toward the blade edge 22a side. Furthermore, the crossing angle θ between the cutting edge center line 26 and the center line 25 in the rotation direction of the first arm 23 is an acute angle, and the cutting edge 22a is more than the circumscribed circle of the first arm 23 (shown by a dotted line in the figure). The blade portion 22 is provided integrally with the first arm 23 so as to be positioned on the inner diameter side. The connection surface that connects the surface on the front side in the rotation direction of the first arm 23 and the blade edge 22a of the blade portion 22 is formed as an arc surface along the track of the blade edge 22a.

本実施形態では、以上の構成を具備する砕氷刃２０が、第２従動軸１３の軸方向に所定間隔で５つ設けられる（図２を参照）。５つの砕氷刃２０は、第２従動軸１３の円周方向における刃部２２の配設位置が隣り合う砕氷刃２０と異なるようにして、第２従動軸１３に設けられている。 In the present embodiment, five ice breaking blades 20 having the above configuration are provided at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the second driven shaft 13 (see FIG. 2). The five ice breaking blades 20 are provided on the second driven shaft 13 such that the arrangement positions of the blade portions 22 in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13 are different from the adjacent ice breaking blades 20.

各砕氷刃２０は、断面正六角形状を呈する嵌合孔２０ａを有し、この嵌合孔２０ａを第２従動軸１３に嵌合することにより第２従動軸１３に固定される。第２従動軸１３のうち、少なくとも砕氷刃２０の嵌合領域は、砕氷刃２０の嵌合孔２０ａ形状に対応した断面正六角形状に形成される。従い、砕氷刃２０を第２従動軸１３に嵌合すると、砕氷刃２０の回り止めが図られ（砕氷刃２０の自転が防止される）、また、各刃部２２の第２従動軸１３の円周方向における配設位置を異ならせることが容易に行い得る。各砕氷刃２０の軸方向両側には、図２に示すように筒状のスペーサ２５が設けられ、このスペーサ２５により砕氷刃２０の軸方向移動が規制される。 Each ice breaking blade 20 has a fitting hole 20 a having a regular hexagonal cross section, and is fixed to the second driven shaft 13 by fitting the fitting hole 20 a to the second driven shaft 13. Of the second driven shaft 13, at least the fitting region of the ice breaking blade 20 is formed in a regular hexagonal cross section corresponding to the fitting hole 20 a shape of the ice breaking blade 20. Therefore, when the ice breaking blade 20 is fitted to the second driven shaft 13, the ice breaking blade 20 is prevented from rotating (the rotation of the ice breaking blade 20 is prevented), and the second driven shaft 13 of each blade portion 22 is prevented from rotating. Different arrangement positions in the circumferential direction can be easily performed. As shown in FIG. 2, cylindrical spacers 25 are provided on both sides in the axial direction of each ice breaking blade 20, and the axial movement of the ice breaking blade 20 is restricted by the spacer 25.

砕氷室８内に設けた案内面９の延長上（氷塊の案内方向前方側）には、砕氷室８と容器５とを連通させるスリット３１が設けられている。スリット３１は、第２従動軸１３の回転時に砕氷刃２０を通過させるべく、第２従動軸１３の軸線に対して直交する方向に延び、砕氷刃２０の厚みよりも幅広に形成される。第２従動軸１３の軸方向に５つの砕氷刃２０が設けられている本実施形態においては、第２従動軸１３の軸方向に５条のスリット３１が設けられている（以上、図２を参照）。 A slit 31 that allows the ice breaking chamber 8 and the container 5 to communicate with each other is provided on the extension of the guide surface 9 provided in the ice breaking chamber 8 (front side in the guiding direction of the ice block). The slit 31 extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the second driven shaft 13 so as to pass through the ice breaking blade 20 when the second driven shaft 13 rotates, and is formed wider than the thickness of the ice breaking blade 20. In the present embodiment in which five ice breaking blades 20 are provided in the axial direction of the second driven shaft 13, five slits 31 are provided in the axial direction of the second driven shaft 13 (see FIG. 2 above). reference).

各スリット３１は、図３および図４に示すように、相対的に第２従動軸１３の回転方向前方側で砕氷刃２０を通過させる第１スリット３１ａと、この第１スリット３１ａに対して角度をなして延び（本実施形態では、第１スリット３１ａに対して概ね９０°の方向に延びている）、相対的に第２従動軸１３の回転方向後方側で砕氷刃２０を通過させる第２スリット３１ｂとで構成される。第１スリット３１ａは、案内面９に沿って延び、第２スリット３１ｂは、案内面９と対向する面に沿って延びている。また、第１スリット３１ａは、第２スリット３１ｂに比べ、第２従動軸１３（砕氷刃２０）の回転中心Ｏに対して離隔した位置にあり、砕氷刃２０のうち、相対的に長大な第１アーム２３の外径端は、第１および第２スリット３１ａ，３１ｂを通過可能とされる一方、相対的に短小な第２アーム２４の外径端は、第２スリット３１ｂのみを通過可能とされる。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each slit 31 has a first slit 31a that allows the ice breaking blade 20 to pass relatively on the front side in the rotational direction of the second driven shaft 13, and an angle with respect to the first slit 31a. (In this embodiment, it extends in the direction of approximately 90 ° with respect to the first slit 31a) and relatively passes through the ice breaking blade 20 on the rear side in the rotational direction of the second driven shaft 13. It is comprised with the slit 31b. The first slit 31 a extends along the guide surface 9, and the second slit 31 b extends along a surface facing the guide surface 9. Further, the first slit 31a is located at a position separated from the rotation center O of the second driven shaft 13 (ice breaking blade 20) as compared to the second slit 31b. The outer diameter end of one arm 23 can pass through the first and second slits 31a and 31b, while the outer diameter end of the relatively short second arm 24 can pass only through the second slit 31b. Is done.

なお、本実施形態では、砕氷室８の下端開口８ｂを閉塞する断面略Ｌ字形状の閉塞部材３０を区画部７ａ内面に固定し、この閉塞部材３０にスリット３１を上記態様で設けている。閉塞部材３０は、砕氷刃２０と同様の金属材料、ここでは強度や防錆性等を考慮してステンレス鋼で形成される。区画部７ａを有底筒状に形成し、区画部７ａに直接スリット３１を設けるようにしても良い。 In the present embodiment, a closing member 30 having a substantially L-shaped cross section that closes the lower end opening 8b of the ice breaking chamber 8 is fixed to the inner surface of the partition portion 7a, and the slit 31 is provided in the closing member 30 in the above-described manner. The closing member 30 is formed of the same metal material as that of the ice breaking blade 20, here, stainless steel in consideration of strength, rust prevention properties and the like. The partition part 7a may be formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the slit 31 may be provided directly in the partition part 7a.

保持部材７の前面側上端には、モータ１０の駆動回路の導通・非導通（モータ１０のＯＮ／ＯＦＦ）を制御するためのサブスイッチ機構４０が設けられる。サブスイッチ機構４０は、図５（ａ）にも示すように、保持部材７に沿って昇降可能に設けられた昇降部材４１と、昇降部材４１の下方に設けられたプッシュスイッチ４２とを主要部として構成される。昇降部材４１は、前面側に突設された頭部４１ａとプッシュスイッチ４２との間に設けられた弾性支持機構４３によって上方に附勢され、下方への加圧力が付加されていない状態においては、その上端部が保持部材７（区画部７ａ）の上端よりも上方に突出している。 A sub switch mechanism 40 for controlling conduction / non-conduction (ON / OFF of the motor 10) of the drive circuit of the motor 10 is provided at the upper end on the front side of the holding member 7. As shown in FIG. 5A, the sub switch mechanism 40 includes a lift member 41 that can be moved up and down along the holding member 7, and a push switch 42 that is provided below the lift member 41. Configured as The elevating member 41 is biased upward by an elastic support mechanism 43 provided between a head 41a projecting from the front side and the push switch 42, and in a state where no downward pressing force is applied. The upper end portion projects upward from the upper end of the holding member 7 (partition portion 7a).

本発明に係る砕氷機１は主に以上の構成からなり、以下示す態様で氷塊を破砕して小氷片を生成する。 The ice breaker 1 according to the present invention mainly has the above-described configuration, and crushes ice blocks in the following manner to generate small ice pieces.

まず、開閉蓋３を開き、砕氷室８に数ｃｍ角程度の氷塊ＢＩを図６に示す態様で複数投入した後、開閉蓋３を閉めると、開閉蓋３の前面側一端が昇降部材４１の上端部に当接して昇降部材４１を押し下げる。昇降部材４１が押し下げられると、プッシュスイッチ４２の弾性部４２ｂが弾性変形することによってスイッチ部４２ａが押し下げられ（以上、図５（ｂ）を参照）、これによってモータ１０の駆動回路が導通状態となってモータ１０が駆動される。モータ１０が駆動されると、減速機構１１を介してモータ１０の回転力が第２従動軸１３に伝達され、第２従動軸１３およびその外周に設けた砕氷刃２０が一体回転する。なお、この前提として、メインスイッチ６をＯＮの状態にしておかなければならないのはもちろんである。 First, the opening / closing lid 3 is opened, and a plurality of ice blocks BI of about several centimeters square are put into the ice breaking chamber 8 in the manner shown in FIG. 6, and then the opening / closing lid 3 is closed. The elevating member 41 is pushed down in contact with the upper end. When the elevating member 41 is pushed down, the elastic part 42b of the push switch 42 is elastically deformed to push down the switch part 42a (refer to FIG. 5B), thereby bringing the drive circuit of the motor 10 into a conductive state. Thus, the motor 10 is driven. When the motor 10 is driven, the rotational force of the motor 10 is transmitted to the second driven shaft 13 via the speed reduction mechanism 11, and the second driven shaft 13 and the ice breaking blade 20 provided on the outer periphery thereof rotate integrally. Of course, as a premise, the main switch 6 must be turned on.

但し、本実施形態に示す砕氷機１は、作業中における安全性を確保すべく、開閉蓋３の自重のみでは弾性支持機構４３（の弾性体）を圧縮変形させることはできず、作業者が開閉蓋３の前面側一端を下方に加圧することによってはじめて弾性支持機構４３の弾性体が圧縮変形し、昇降部材４１が押し下げられるようになっている。すなわち、砕氷室８に投入された氷塊は、回転する砕氷刃２０等に接触することによって砕氷室８内で乱れ飛ぶため、開閉蓋３の自重のみで昇降部材４１が押し下げられるようにしたのでは、砕氷室８内で乱れ飛ぶ氷塊が開閉蓋３の内面に衝突することによって開閉蓋３が開いてしまい、砕氷室８から飛び出した氷塊が作業者等に衝突等するおそれがあるからである。 However, the ice breaker 1 shown in the present embodiment cannot compress and deform the elastic support mechanism 43 (the elastic body thereof) only by its own weight of the opening / closing lid 3 in order to ensure safety during work. The elastic body of the elastic support mechanism 43 is compressed and deformed only when the front end of the opening / closing lid 3 is pressed downward, so that the elevating member 41 is pushed down. That is, since the ice lump charged into the ice breaking chamber 8 is disturbed in the ice breaking chamber 8 by contacting the rotating ice breaking blade 20 or the like, the elevating member 41 is pushed down only by its own weight of the opening / closing lid 3. This is because the ice lid that is disturbed and flies in the ice breaking chamber 8 collides with the inner surface of the opening and closing lid 3 to open the opening and closing lid 3, and the ice lump that has jumped out of the ice breaking chamber 8 may collide with an operator or the like.

氷塊室８に投入された氷塊ＢＩが案内面９に沿って滑り落ち、砕氷刃２０の刃先軌道内に案内されると、当該氷塊ＢＩの所定位置に砕氷刃２０の刃先２２ａが突き立つ（図６を参照）。刃先２２ａが突き立てられた氷塊ＢＩは、砕氷刃２０が回転するのに伴って下方に引きずり込まれ、これに伴い、当該氷塊ＢＩの先端側一部がえぐり取られるようにして分断されて氷塊片ＳＩが生成される（図７を参照）。生成された氷塊片ＳＩは、砕氷刃２０が回転し、砕氷刃２０がスリット３１を通過するのに伴って、より厳密に言うと、第１および第２アーム２３，２４の外径端（刃部２２）が第１スリット３１ａを、また、第１アーム２３の外径端（刃部２２）が第２スリット３１ｂを通過することにより、スリット３１幅に見合った大きさの小氷片ＣＩに破砕される。以上の動作が連続的に行われることによって小氷片ＣＩが連続的に生成され、生成された小氷片ＣＩは砕氷室８の下方に設けた容器５内に順次収容される。 When the ice block BI introduced into the ice block chamber 8 slides down along the guide surface 9 and is guided into the blade tip trajectory of the ice breaker blade 20, the blade edge 22a of the ice breaker blade 20 protrudes at a predetermined position of the ice block BI (FIG. 6). The ice block BI on which the blade tip 22a is projected is dragged downward as the ice breaker blade 20 rotates, and in accordance with this, the ice block BI is divided so that a part of the tip side of the ice block BI is removed, and the ice block BI A piece SI is generated (see FIG. 7). Strictly speaking, the generated ice lump pieces SI rotate as the ice breaking blade 20 rotates and the ice breaking blade 20 passes through the slit 31 (the outer diameter ends (blades) of the first and second arms 23, 24). The portion 22) passes through the first slit 31a and the outer diameter end (blade portion 22) of the first arm 23 passes through the second slit 31b, whereby a small ice piece CI having a size corresponding to the width of the slit 31 is obtained. It is crushed. By performing the above operation continuously, small ice pieces CI are continuously generated, and the generated small ice pieces CI are sequentially accommodated in a container 5 provided below the ice breaking chamber 8.

以上に示すように、刃部２２を、その刃先中心線２６と第２従動軸１３（回転軸）の回転中心Ｏとの離間距離が、刃元側から刃先２２ａ側に向かって徐々に縮小するように設ければ、刃先２２ａの軌道内に案内された氷塊ＢＩに対し、これを斜めに横断する方向に破砕力を作用させることができる。さらに言えば、砕氷刃２０の回転に伴って氷塊ＢＩに作用させるべき破砕力のロスを極力減じることができる。そのため、モータ１０の出力を高める等の対策を講じずとも、氷塊ＢＩの破砕効率（氷塊片ＳＩの生成効率）を高めることができ、小氷片ＣＩを効率的に生成することが可能となる。 As described above, the separation distance between the blade edge center line 26 of the blade portion 22 and the rotation center O of the second driven shaft 13 (rotation shaft) is gradually reduced from the blade base side toward the blade edge 22a side. If it provides in this way, crushing force can be made to act in the direction which crosses this diagonally across the ice lump BI guided in the track of the blade edge 22a. Furthermore, the loss of crushing force that should be applied to the ice block BI as the ice crushing blade 20 rotates can be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, without taking measures such as increasing the output of the motor 10, the crushing efficiency of the ice block BI (the generation efficiency of the ice block piece SI) can be increased, and the small ice piece CI can be generated efficiently. .

また、上記構成の刃部２２を、第２従動軸１３の径方向に延びるアーム部２１に設けたことから、アーム部２１を長大化すれば刃先２２ａの軌道内に氷塊ＢＩが入り込むスペースを拡大することができ、氷塊ＢＩの破砕効率を高めることができる。また、刃部２２は、アーム部２１に一体に設けられていることから、両者間の締結強度を高めることができる。従い、小氷片ＣＩの生成効率を高めることができ、しかも、耐久寿命を延ばすことができる。 In addition, since the blade portion 22 having the above-described configuration is provided on the arm portion 21 extending in the radial direction of the second driven shaft 13, if the arm portion 21 is lengthened, the space for the ice block BI to enter the track of the blade edge 22a is expanded. And the crushing efficiency of the ice block BI can be increased. Moreover, since the blade part 22 is integrally provided in the arm part 21, it can raise the fastening strength between both. Accordingly, the generation efficiency of the small ice pieces CI can be increased, and the durable life can be extended.

また、砕氷刃２０を第２従動軸１３の軸方向に複数（図示例では５つ）設けたことから、小氷片ＣＩの生成効率を一層高めることができる。このような場合に、砕氷刃２０に設けた刃部２２の全てが、第２従動軸１３の円周方向において同一位置に配設されていると、一度に生成し得る氷塊片ＳＩおよび小氷片ＣＩの量が増大する分、高出力のモータを使用する必要が生じる。モータの高出力化は、砕氷機１の大型化や高価格化を招く一因となるため極力回避する必要がある。この点、第２従動軸１３の円周方向における刃部２２の配設位置を、隣り合う砕氷刃２０，２０間で互いに異ならせたことから、モータ１０を高出力化することなく小氷片ＣＩの生成効率を高めることができる。また、このようにすれば、隣接する砕氷刃２０によって、刃先軌道内に入った氷塊ＢＩの横すべり（第２従動軸１３の軸方向に沿った移動）を規制することができるので、氷塊片ＳＩの生成効率を一層高めることができる。 Further, since a plurality of ice breaking blades 20 are provided in the axial direction of the second driven shaft 13 (five in the illustrated example), the generation efficiency of the small ice pieces CI can be further increased. In such a case, if all the blade portions 22 provided on the ice breaking blade 20 are disposed at the same position in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13, the ice lump pieces SI and the small ice that can be generated at one time. As the amount of the piece CI increases, it is necessary to use a high-power motor. The increase in the output of the motor contributes to an increase in the size and cost of the ice breaker 1, so it is necessary to avoid it as much as possible. In this respect, since the arrangement positions of the blade portions 22 in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13 are made different between the adjacent ice breaking blades 20, 20, small ice pieces without increasing the output of the motor 10. CI generation efficiency can be increased. In this way, the ice block BI that has entered the blade tip trajectory (movement along the axial direction of the second driven shaft 13) can be regulated by the adjacent ice breaking blade 20, so that the ice block piece SI. The production efficiency of can be further increased.

さらに、各砕氷刃２０は、刃部２２がそれぞれ設けられた複数のアームを有するものであるから、更なる小氷片ＣＩの生成効率の向上を図ることができる。しかし、余りに多くのアームを有するものとすると、第２従動軸１３の円周方向で隣り合う刃部２２間の離間距離が縮小する分、氷塊ＢＩが刃先２２ａの軌道内に入り込み難くなり、かえって氷塊ＢＩの分断効率（氷塊片ＳＩの生成効率）が低下するおそれがある。アーム部２１を長大化すれば上記の問題も解消し得るが、砕氷機１の大型化を招く。この点、アーム部２１を、第２従動軸１３の円周方向で互いに異なる方向に延び、刃部２２をそれぞれ有する第１および第２ｂのアーム２３，２４で構成したことから、砕氷機１を大型化することなく小氷片Ｃ１の生成効率を高めることができる。特に、刃部２２の刃先２２ａが第２従動軸１３の円周方向で１８０°位相が異なるようにして第１および第２アーム２３，２４を配置したことから、上記のメリットを有効に享受することができる。 Furthermore, since each ice breaking blade 20 has a plurality of arms each provided with a blade portion 22, it is possible to further improve the generation efficiency of small ice pieces CI. However, if the arm has too many arms, the distance between the blade portions 22 adjacent in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13 is reduced, so that the ice block BI is less likely to enter the track of the blade edge 22a. There is a possibility that the fragmentation efficiency of ice block BI (the generation efficiency of ice block piece SI) is lowered. If the arm part 21 is lengthened, the above problem can be solved, but the ice breaker 1 is increased in size. In this respect, since the arm portion 21 is composed of first and second b arms 23 and 24 that extend in different directions in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13 and have blade portions 22, respectively, the ice breaker 1 is The generation efficiency of the small ice pieces C1 can be increased without increasing the size. In particular, since the first and second arms 23 and 24 are arranged so that the blade edge 22a of the blade portion 22 has a phase difference of 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the second driven shaft 13, the above-described merits can be enjoyed effectively. be able to.

さらに本実施形態では、回転中心Ｏを通って径方向に延びる線Ｏ_Ｌに対し、両アーム２３，２４の回転方向中心を回転方向後方側にずらして設けた。このようにすれば、図３や図４に示す状態、すなわち氷塊ＢＩを刃先軌道内に導き入れる状態において、アーム２３，２４を、その回転方向中心が上記の線Ｏ_Ｌと一致するように設ける場合に比べて案内面９との離間距離を拡大することができる。そのため、氷塊ＢＩを砕氷刃２２の刃先軌道内に導入し易くすることができ、氷塊片ＳＩの生成効率を高めることができる。 Further, in this embodiment, through the rotation center O to the line O _L extending in the radial direction, it is provided by shifting the center of the direction of rotation of the arms 23, 24 in the rotation direction rear side. Thus, the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, i.e. in the state put led ice blocks BI to the cutting edge orbit, the arms 23 and 24, the direction of rotation center provided so as to coincide with said lines O _L Compared to the case, the distance from the guide surface 9 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to easily introduce the ice block BI into the blade tip trajectory of the ice breaking blade 22, and the generation efficiency of the ice block piece SI can be increased.

また、各アーム部材２１に設けた第１および第２アーム２３，２４の長さを互いに異ならせたので、第２従動軸１３の径方向で複数の刃先軌道を形成することができる。そのため、砕氷作業が進行して案内面９上にある氷塊ＢＩの大きさにバラツキが生じた場合でも、氷塊片ＳＩの生成効率を高めることができ、小氷片ＣＩの生成効率をさらに高めることができる。 Further, since the lengths of the first and second arms 23 and 24 provided on each arm member 21 are made different from each other, a plurality of cutting edge trajectories can be formed in the radial direction of the second driven shaft 13. Therefore, even when the ice breaking operation progresses and the size of the ice blocks BI on the guide surface 9 varies, the generation efficiency of the ice block pieces SI can be increased, and the generation efficiency of the small ice pieces CI can be further increased. Can do.

また、砕氷室８と容器５とを連通させるスリット３１を、相対的に第２従動軸１３の回転方向前方側で砕氷刃２０を通過させる第１スリット３１ａと、第１スリット３１ａに対して角度をなして延び、相対的に第２従動軸１３の回転方向後方側で砕氷刃２０を通過させる第２スリット３１ｂとで構成し、特に第２スリット３１ｂを第１スリット３１ａに対して略９０°の方向に延ばすようにして、案内面９に対向する面に沿って設けた。この場合、例えば、砕氷刃２０のうち、第１アーム２３の刃部２２の刃先２２ａが接触することによって生成された氷塊片ＳＩは、第１アーム２３が回転（角度変位）する際に、即座に第２スリット３１ｂ（特に、第２スリット３１ｂの下側領域）に押し付けられて小氷片ＣＩとなる。そのため、案内面９に沿って延びる第１スリット３１ａのみでスリット３１が構成される場合に比べて氷塊片ＳＩの破砕効率、すなわち小氷片ＣＩの生成効率を高めることができる。 In addition, the slit 31 for communicating the ice breaking chamber 8 and the container 5 is relatively angled with respect to the first slit 31a and the first slit 31a for allowing the ice breaking blade 20 to pass relatively on the front side in the rotational direction of the second driven shaft 13. And the second slit 31b through which the ice breaking blade 20 passes relatively on the rear side in the rotation direction of the second driven shaft 13, and in particular, the second slit 31b is approximately 90 ° with respect to the first slit 31a. It was provided along the surface facing the guide surface 9 so as to extend in the direction of. In this case, for example, among the ice breaking blades 20, the ice piece SI generated by the contact of the blade edge 22a of the blade portion 22 of the first arm 23 is immediately generated when the first arm 23 rotates (angular displacement). To the second slit 31b (particularly the lower region of the second slit 31b) to form a small ice piece CI. Therefore, the crushing efficiency of the ice lump pieces SI, that is, the generation efficiency of the small ice pieces CI can be increased as compared with the case where the slits 31 are configured by only the first slits 31a extending along the guide surface 9.

以上、本発明の一実施形態に係る砕氷機１について説明を行ったが、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々の変更を採用し得ることは言うまでもない。また、以上では、回転軸およびこれに設けた砕氷刃２０がモータ駆動されるいわゆる電動型の砕氷機１に本発明を適用した場合について説明を行ったが、本発明は、いわゆる手動型の砕氷機にも好ましく適用することができる（図示は省略する）。手動型の砕氷機に本発明を適用した場合には、作業者の労力を軽減することができる。 As mentioned above, although the ice breaker 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, it cannot be overemphasized that a various change is employable in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. In the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to the so-called electric ice breaker 1 in which the rotating shaft and the ice breaking blade 20 provided on the rotating shaft are driven by a motor has been described. The present invention can also be preferably applied to a machine (illustration is omitted). When the present invention is applied to a manual ice breaker, the labor of an operator can be reduced.

１砕氷機
５容器
７ａ区画部
８砕氷室
９案内面
１０モータ
１１減速機構
１３第２従動軸（回転軸）
２０砕氷刃
２１アーム部
２２刃部
２２ａ刃先
２３第１アーム
２４第２アーム
２６刃先中心線
３１スリット
３１ａ第１スリット
３１ｂ第２スリット
４０サブスイッチ機構
ＢＩ氷塊
ＳＩ氷塊片
ＣＩ小氷片 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Icebreaker 5 Container 7a Partition part 8 Icebreaking chamber 9 Guide surface 10 Motor 11 Deceleration mechanism 13 2nd driven shaft (rotating shaft)
20 Ice breaking blade 21 Arm portion 22 Blade portion 22a Cutting edge 23 First arm 24 Second arm 26 Cutting edge center line 31 Slit 31a First slit 31b Second slit 40 Subswitch mechanism BI Ice block SI Ice block CI Small piece of ice

Claims

An ice breaker that generates small ice pieces by crushing ice blocks,
A rotating shaft horizontally disposed in an ice breaking chamber into which ice blocks are charged, an ice breaking blade provided on the rotating shaft and having a blade portion whose blade edge is directed in the rotation direction of the rotating shaft, and disposed below the ice breaking chamber And a container for accommodating small ice pieces, and a guide surface for guiding an ice block into the track of the blade edge is provided on a peripheral wall defining the ice breaking chamber, and the ice breaker is provided on an extension of the guide surface. A slit that communicates the chamber and the container is provided, and when the rotating shaft rotates, the ice breaking blade generates a small piece of ice by passing the slit,
A first slit that allows the ice breaking blade to pass relatively on the front side in the rotational direction of the rotary shaft, and an angle with respect to the first slit, and is relatively rearward in the rotational direction of the rotary shaft. A second slit through which the ice breaking blade passes,
The ice breaking blade has an arm portion that is attached to the rotation shaft and extends in a radial direction of the rotation shaft, and the arm portions extend in different directions in a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft, and each of the blade portions is the blade portion. And the first arm and the second arm are different from each other in the separation distance of the blade edge of the blade portion with respect to the rotation center of the rotation shaft.
A plurality of the ice breaking blades are provided in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the disposition positions of the blade portions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft are made different between the adjacent ice breaking blades. .

In the cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary shaft, the blade portion has a separation distance between a blade center line extending in a direction that bisects the blade portion through the blade tip and the rotation center of the rotary shaft, The ice crusher of Claim 1 provided so that it may reduce gradually toward a blade edge side .

The one of the first and second arms is configured to pass through both the first and second slits, and the other arm is configured to pass only through the second slit. The ice breaker according to 2.

The ice breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotating shaft is rotated by receiving a driving force of a motor .