Electric control apparatus for auger type ice making machine

An electric control apparatus for an auger type ice making machine having a water tank for supplying water connected to an evaporator housing incorporating an auger rotatable by an electric motor and having an evaporator provided on an outer wall thereof, a compressor connected to the evaporator, a water tank arranged to supply fresh water therefrom into the evaporator housing, and a solenoid water valve disposed within a water supply pipe connecting the water tank to a source of water, to thereby permit supply fresh water into the tank when the solenoid water valve is opened by energization thereof, the electric control apparatus comprising:

• a first float switch for detecting the level of water in the water tank to be actuated when the water level drops below a lower limit;
• a second float switch for detecting the level of water in the water tank to be actuated when the water level reaches an upper limit;
• a first control means for, when the first float switch is actuated, opening the solenoid water valve by energization thereof and cutting off power supply to the electric motor and the compressor;
• a second control means for, when the second float switch is actuated after the first float switch is actuated in accordance with an increase of water in the water tank, closing the solenoid water valve by deenergization thereof and then permitting power supply to the electric motor and the compressor;
• a timer means for, when the second float switch is actuated, starting measurement of a control time corresponding to a time for the level of water in the water tank to drop from the upper limit to the lower limit;
• and
• a third control means for cutting off power supply to the electric motor and compressor when the measurement of the control time terminates in a condition where the first float switch is not actuated due to malfunction thereof in accordance with a decrease of water in the water tank.