ICE Maker

The invention relates to an ice maker, in particular for a household appliance, comprising at least one moulding element which is suitable and intended for moulding an ice piece, wherein the at least one moulding element is fluidically connected to a liquid supply device.

Such household appliances are, for example, refrigeration appliances of household equipment, in particular refrigerators, freezers or the like. Such appliances often include an ice maker to provide ice pieces. By means of a liquid supply device, a liquid, usually water, is supplied to a moulding element in which the liquid then freezes. The moulding element determines the shape of the ice pieces.

In addition to the shape, the clarity of the ice piece plays a particularly important role in terms of the aesthetic impression. Currently available ice makers generally provide cloudy ice pieces. It is therefore desirable to provide ice pieces that are as clear as possible.

The object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is also the object of the invention to provide a household appliance which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

According to the invention, there is provided an ice maker, in particular for a household appliance, comprising at least one moulding element which is suitable and intended for moulding an ice piece, wherein the at least one moulding element is fluidically connected to a liquid supply device, wherein at least one cooling supply device is provided, which supplies a cooled fluid to the at least one moulding element in such a way that it impinges on an upper region, along the height axis (Z), of the at least one moulding element, wherein the liquid supply device comprises at least one cooling supply device, which supplies a cooled fluid to the at least one moulding element in such a way that it impinges on an upper area of the at least one moulding element along the height axis (Z), wherein the liquid supply device comprises at least one liquid reservoir which is arranged along the height axis (Z) below the at least one moulding element.

The household appliance is preferably a refrigeration appliance of the household equipment, for example a refrigerator, a freezer or the like.

In the following, an ice piece is understood to be the result of the transition of a liquid into the solid state of aggregation. The liquid is advantageously supplied to the moulding element via the liquid supply device. In the following, an ice piece is thus to be understood as the solid form of the liquid used. The liquid is preferably water, but can also be a mixture of water-based liquids. The ice piece produced by the ice maker is advantageously a clear ice piece or an ice piece with a clarity of greater than 90%.

By cooling the at least one moulding element, the liquid in the moulding element could freeze or change to a solid state. The at least one moulding element determines the shape of the ice piece. The ice piece can advantageously be spherical. However, other geometric shapes are also conceivable, for example cuboid, cube-shaped, ellipsoid, etc.

The at least one moulding element has an extension along a height axis (Z). In the ice maker according to the invention, the moulding element is cooled along the height axis (Z) from above. The at least one moulding element is cooled in such a way that the formation of the ice or the solid aggregate state in the moulding element takes place along the height axis (Z) from top to bottom. Furthermore, the cooling takes place in such a way that the formation of the solid aggregate state or the ice takes place in layers from top to bottom. It has been found that the cause of the formation of cloudy ice is the inclusion of certain gases in the ice. Due to the layer-by-layer formation of the ice in the at least one moulding element along a direction, in particular from top to bottom, such a gas is displaced into the underlying liquid residue during the formation of the solid aggregate state and is not included in the ice. The formed ice piece is thus essentially clear or essentially transparent.

It is advantageous that there is a residual amount of liquid along the height axis (Z) below the forming ice piece, in which any gas present can be dissolved. According to the invention, a liquid reservoir is fluidically connected to the moulding element. This ensures that even after the complete ice piece has been formed in the at least one moulding element, the residual liquid with the unwanted gas can be displaced into the reservoir. If the liquid is advantageously water, a certain residual amount of water is displaced into the reservoir, as the transition to the solid aggregate state results in an increase in volume in the at least one moulding element.

Advantageously, the increase in volume is in a range between 8% and 12%, preferably in a range between 8% and 10%.

The cooling supply device is advantageously designed in such a way that a cooled fluid acts on an upper area of the at least one moulding element. The cooled fluid is generated by a cooling device, which may be associated with the ice maker or may also be part of the household appliance. The cooled fluid is advantageously transported by convection. Preferably, a fan or the like is provided to apply a cold air flow to the at least one moulding element. Static cooling of the upper area of the at least one moulding element is thus provided. Such static cooling can ensure a slow layer-by-layer formation of the solid aggregate state.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one moulding element is arranged in a holding device. Advantageously, the cooling supply device is integrated into the holding device. Preferably, the cooling supply device is designed in the form of a duct so that cooled fluid, for example cooled air, passes from a cooling device to the upper area of the at least one moulding element by means of convection.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one moulding element comprises an upper opening along a height axis (Z) and a lower inlet opening. Preferably, the liquid enters the at least one moulding element through the lower inlet opening. Preferably, a connecting element is arranged between the at least one liquid reservoir and the at least one moulding element. Such a connecting element can, for example, be a tubular element, a hose or the like. Advantageously, this connecting element is at least partially enclosed by a receiving section of the at least one moulding element. Thus, advantageously, the connecting element additionally represents a lower fastening of the at least one moulding element. Advantageously, the liquid passes from the at least one liquid reservoir through the connecting element into the at least one moulding element.

Preferably, the upper opening of the at least one moulding element is designed such that the ice piece can be removed from the at least one moulding element. Preferably, the upper opening and lower inlet opening are diametrically opposed.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a first heating device is provided which heats the liquid intended to enter the at least one moulding element. This has the advantage that the liquid in the liquid reservoir is never frozen and thus the residual liquid can always be forced back into the reservoir when the ice piece is formed. Furthermore, once the ice piece has been ejected, liquid can immediately be conveyed from the at least one liquid reservoir into the at least one moulding element. Advantageously, the first heating device is at least partially arranged in the at least one liquid reservoir. It would also be conceivable for the heating device to be arranged on or in a wall of the liquid reservoir. According to such an embodiment, the heating device would preferably not be in direct contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the walls have a corresponding thermal conductivity to enable the liquid to be heated.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one sensor device is provided by means of which the temperature of the liquid can be determined. Preferably, at least one control device is provided, which is connected to the sensor device for signalling purposes. The at least one control device may be associated with the ice maker or may also be associated with the household appliance. Preferably, the at least one control device controls or regulates the first heating device in such a way that the liquid entering the at least one moulding element has a temperature greater than 0° C.

Preferably, the first heating device is controlled or regulated by the at least one control device on the basis of the temperature data from the sensor device. Advantageously, the liquid is thus maintained at a temperature which ensures that the liquid in the liquid reservoir and in the connecting element does not freeze. For example, the liquid is thus maintained at a temperature which is in a range between 0.° C. and 3° C., preferably in a range between 1° C. and 2° C.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sensor device is arranged at least partially between the at least one liquid reservoir and the at least one moulding element. Preferably, the sensor device is at least partially arranged in the connecting element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the liquid supply device comprises a pre-reservoir for the liquid. Preferably, the pre-reservoir is fluidically connected to the at least one liquid reservoir. Preferably, the pre-reservoir comprises a filling level measuring device. The level measuring device can thus be used to determine whether there is sufficient liquid in the entire liquid supply device. Thus, after the ejection of the at least one ice piece, the at least one moulding element can be filled with the liquid from the liquid supply device. This design has the advantage that the liquid in the at least one liquid reservoir or the liquid supply device is renewed after each ejection. This means that there is no old, older liquid in the ice maker. The liquid supply device is also connected to a liquid source, for example a tap.

According to a further preferred embodiment, several moulding elements are provided. Preferably, a liquid reservoir is arranged along the height axis (Z) under each of the moulding elements. Preferably, these liquid reservoirs are fluidically connected to the pre-reservoir and together form the liquid supply device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one moulding element consists of an elastic material. Preferably, at least one holding element is provided, which is arranged on the at least one moulding element or is formed by a wall element of the at least one moulding element. Preferably, the at least one holding element is non-positively and/or positively connected to at least one counter holding element of the holding device. Preferably, the non-positive and/or positive connection between the at least one holding element and the at least one counter holding element prevents upward displacement of the at least one moulding element along the height axis (Z).

Preferably, the at least one holding element is arranged along a circumference of the wall element. It is advantageous that the at least one holding element is arranged at least partially circumferentially along a circumference of the wall element. Preferably, the at least one holding element is completely circumferential along the circumference of the wall element. However, it is also conceivable that spatially separated sections of the retaining element are arranged distributed along the circumference of the wall element. Preferably, the holding element has a ring-like circumferential design and comprises a holding groove in which the counter holding element of the holding device engages.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the elastic material is also designed in such a way that it retains its elasticity even when exposed to cold temperatures, preferably down to −30° C. Furthermore, the elastic material is approved for handling foodstuffs, for example FDA compliant. Preferably, the elastic material of the at least one moulding element is a silicone.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one second heating device is provided, by means of which the at least one moulding element can be heated. Preferably, the at least one second heating element can be activated before and/or during dispensing of the ice piece. Such a second heating element can, for example, be a resistance wire. Alternatively, a heating fan or the like could also be provided. The second heating element can be used to release the ice piece from the at least one moulding element, thereby enabling ejection.

According to another preferred embodiment, the holding device comprises two sections that can be moved relative to each other. Preferably, a first section is arranged along the height axis (Z) below a second section. Preferably, a movement of the second section towards the first section deforms the at least one moulding element, whereby the at least one ice piece is ejected from the at least one moulding element.

A cycle for producing at least one ice piece thus initially comprises filling the liquid into the at least one moulding element. By applying the cooled fluid to the upper area of the at least one moulding element, the solid aggregate state or the ice piece is slowly formed in layers. Gas, which would cause the ice to become cloudy, is forced into the residual amount of liquid located under the ice piece. After the at least one ice piece is completely formed in the at least one moulding element, the residual amount of liquid is forced into the liquid reservoir due to the increase in volume.

The liquid in the liquid reservoir is kept at a constant temperature, which is greater than zero. This allows the residual amount of liquid to be displaced into the liquid reservoir. By moving the second section relative to the first section, the ejection of the at least one ice piece is now initiated. After the ice piece has been ejected, the at least one moulding element is filled with liquid from the at least one liquid reservoir.

The task is also solved by a household appliance comprising an ice maker according to one of the described embodiments. The household appliance can be equipped with all the features already described above in the context of the ice maker, either individually or in combination with one another, and vice versa.

The household appliance is preferably a refrigeration appliance of the household equipment, for example a refrigerator, a freezer or the like.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention are explained with reference to the following descriptions of the attached figures. Similar components may have the same reference signs in the various embodiments.

show ice maker, in particular for a household appliance, comprising at least one moulding elementwhich is suitable and intended for moulding an ice piece, wherein the at least one moulding elementis fluidically connected to a liquid supply device, wherein at least one cooling supply deviceis provided, which supplies a cooled fluid to the at least one moulding elementin such a way that it impinges on an upper areaof the at least one moulding elementalong the height axis Z, wherein the liquid supply devicecomprises at least one liquid reservoirwhich is arranged along the height axis Z under the at least one moulding element.

The ice makerand the at least one moulding elementextend along a height axis Z, a longitudinal axis X and a width axis Y.

The ice makercan be installed in a household appliance, for example a refrigeration appliance for household use, in particular a refrigerator, a freezer or another household appliance.

The liquid is preferably water or a water-based mixture.

The ice makercan comprise any number of moulding elements. The number of moulding elementsdepends on the desired number of ice piecesto be prepared. In the present figures, for example, an ice makeris shown which can provide four essentially spherical ice piecesand thus comprises four moulding elements. However, this number is not to be understood as a limitation of the generality.

The at least one moulding elementcomprises a wall elementwhich encloses a holding space. The holding spaceis suitable and intended for forming an ice piece. The ice piececan be essentially spherical or essentially in the form of an ellipsoid or essentially in the form of a polyhedron. Of course, any other shape of the ice pieceis conceivable. In the figures and in the following, reference is made to an essentially spherical shape of the ice pieceand a correspondingly designed moulding element. However, this is not to be understood as a limitation of the generality.

The ice makercomprises a holding device, in which the at least one moulding elementis arranged. The at least one moulding elementfurther comprises a retaining element, which can be completely formed by the wall elementor can be arranged on the wall elementThe at least one holding elementis non-positively and/or positively connected to at least one counter holding elementof the holding device. In the figures, the holding elementis formed circumferentially along the circumference. The holding elementis designed as a ring-like element which comprises a circumferential holding grooveThe counter holding element, which is designed as a retaining projection, engages in this holding grooveThe holding elementis arranged essentially centrally along the extension along the height axis Z of the at least one moulding element.

Furthermore, a cooling supply deviceis provided, which is integrated into the holding device. The cooling supply deviceis connected to a cooling device and is suitable and intended for guiding cooled fluid, preferably cooled air, to the upper areaof the at least one moulding element. The cooled fluid is therefore preferably only applied to this upper areaThis ensures layer-by-layer freezing of the liquid in the at least one moulding elementalong the height axis Z from top to bottom. Static cooling is provided. The cooled fluid, or the cooled air, is supplied to the upper areaof the at least one moulding elementby means of convection. The cooling supply devicethus comprises walls which guide the cooled fluid to the at least one moulding elementaccordingly.

This ensures that the liquid in the moulding element freezes slowly enough. A certain residual amount of liquid is thus present under the forming ice piece. If the ice piececompletely fills the at least one moulding element, this residual amount of liquid is displaced into the at least one liquid reservoir, which is fluidically connected to the at least one moulding element. This displacement is particularly simple, as the ice pieceis formed along the height axis Z from top to bottom and the at least one liquid reservoiris arranged along the height axis Z under the at least one moulding element. Gases that cause turbidity in the ice pieceremain dissolved in the residual amount of liquid during such a process. The forming ice pieceis thus essentially clear.

The at least one moulding elementis made of an elastic material and comprises an upper openingalong a height axis Z and a lower inlet opening. The at least one moulding elementcomprises a first section, which is arranged along the height axis Z above the holding element. Furthermore, the at least one moulding elementcomprises a second section, which is arranged along the height axis Z below the holding element. The upper openingis intended and suitable for discharging the ice pieceafter it has been completely formed. The upper openingand the lower inlet openingare diametrically opposed.

The lower inlet openingis intended for the liquid to enter the at least one moulding elementvia this opening. A connecting elementis arranged between the at least one liquid reservoirand the at least one moulding element. The connecting elementis cylindrical in shape, preferably circular cylindrical in shape. The at least one moulding elementcomprises an access sectionThe second section of the at least one moulding elementmerges into this access sectionPreferably, the access sectionis integrally formed with the wall elementof the at least one moulding element. The access sectionencloses the connecting elementin a sealing manner. Furthermore, a clip elementis provided, which is arranged around the access sectionThe clip elementcauses a pressure between the access sectionand the connecting element, thereby providing a sealing closure between the at least one moulding elementand the connecting element. This can be clearly seen in. The connecting elementcomprises a clearancewhich can accommodate liquid. From this clearancethe liquid can enter the at least one moulding elementvia the inlet opening.

A first heating deviceis provided, which heats the liquid intended to enter the at least one moulding element. The first heating deviceis arranged at least partially in the at least one liquid reservoir.

Furthermore, at least one sensor deviceis provided, by means of which the temperature of the liquid can be determined. The sensor deviceis arranged in the connecting elementand protrudes into the clearanceIn this clearancethe sensor devicecontacts the liquid.

Furthermore, at least one control deviceis provided, which is connected to the sensor devicein terms of signalling. This is shown in. The control devicemay be associated with the ice maker. It is also conceivable that the household appliancecomprises a control device. It is also conceivable that several control devices,are provided, which control/regulate certain subtasks and are associated with the ice makerand/or the household appliance. In such a case, the control devices,would be connected to each other by signalling.shows a control device,that controls the corresponding components. However, this circuit diagram should be understood in such a way that several control devices,can also be provided, which control different components and can be associated with the ice makerand/or the household appliance.

The at least one control device,controls or regulates the first heating devicein such a way that the liquid entering the at least one moulding elementhas a temperature greater than 0° C. The control or regulation of the first heating deviceby the at least one control device,is based on the temperature data of the sensor device. Advantageously, the liquid is thus maintained at a temperature which ensures that the liquid in the liquid reservoir and in the connecting element does not freeze. For example, the liquid is thus maintained at a temperature which is in a range between 0.5° C. and 3° C., preferably in a range between 1° C. and 2° C.

The liquid supply devicecomprises a pre-reservoir, which is fluidically connected to the at least one liquid reservoir. This is clearly recognisable inas an example.shows a plate elementon which four liquid reservoirsare arranged. The liquid reservoirsare hollow cylindrical in shape and preferably have a circular base. The liquid reservoirsare each covered by a first sectionof the holding device. The connecting elementsare arranged in the respective first sectionsof the holding device.

Each liquid reservoircomprises a first heating device, which is in the form of heating wires. The liquid reservoirshave a wall with openings through which the heating wires can be passed. It is also conceivable that the heating wires are arranged on the outside of the walls of the liquid reservoirs. Preferably, the walls have a corresponding thermal conductivity to enable the liquid to be heated.

The four liquid reservoirsare fluidically connected to a central distributor element. The distributor elementhas a channel-like design and is arranged on the plate element. In the present embodiment, two liquid reservoirsare arranged opposite each other along the longitudinal axis X. Similarly, two liquid reservoirsare arranged opposite each other along the width axis Y. A first in-line arrangement of two liquid reservoirscan thus be defined, which are opposite each other along the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, a second in-line arrangement of two liquid reservoirs, which are opposite each other along the longitudinal axis X, can be defined. The distributor elementis arranged along the width axis Y centrally between the first in-line arrangement of two liquid reservoirsand the second in-line arrangement of two liquid reservoirs. The distributor elementis fluidly connected to each of the four liquid reservoirs. It will be understood that the present number of liquid reservoirsis intended to be exemplary. Of course, more or fewer liquid reservoirsmay be provided. The number of liquid reservoirscorresponds to the number of moulding elements. The distributor elementmay further be designed such that it is fluidically connected to more or less than four liquid reservoirs.

The distributor elementis fluidically connected to the pre-reservoir. The pre-reservoiris tubular in shape and extends upwards along the height axis Z starting from the distributor element. The first heating devicecomprises a section which is arranged on the pre-reservoir. This section of the first heating deviceis designed as at least one heating wire, which winds around the pre-reservoir. This is clearly visible in. The liquid in the pre-reservoircan thus also be heated so that it does not freeze.