ICE-Making Apparatus

This application claims priority to German Patent Application 102024116647.9, filed on Jun. 13, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The invention relates to an ice-making apparatus, in particular for a household appliance, comprising a housing and at least one mould element which is suitable and intended for moulding a piece of ice.

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

Removing the piece of ice from the mould element and then making it available to a user has so far required a great deal of technical effort or is associated with effort for the user.

The task of the present invention is to provide an ice-making apparatus which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a household appliance which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

According to the invention, an ice-making apparatus, in particular for a household appliance, is provided, comprising a housing and at least one mould element which is suitable and intended for moulding a piece of ice, wherein at least one mould holding device is provided, in which the at least one mould element is arranged, wherein the at least one mould holding device is pivotable about a first pivot axis relative to the housing from a first position into an ejection position, wherein a pivoting into the ejection position actuates an ejection mechanism acting on the at least one mould element in such a way that in the ejection position the ice piece emerges from the mould element.

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

The coupling of the movement of the at least one mould holding device or the at least one mould element arranged therein into an ejection position with the actuation of the ejection mechanism according to the invention provides a particularly simple ice preparation device, which provides the user with the piece of ice in a simple manner.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one mould element is fluidically connected to a liquid supply device. The liquid supply device can be part of the ice-making apparatus or also part of the household appliance. In the following, a piece of ice is to be understood as the result of a transition of a liquid into the solid state of aggregation. The liquid is advantageously fed to the mould element via the liquid feed device. A piece of ice is thus understood below to be the solid form of the liquid used. The liquid is preferably water, but can also be a mixture of water-based liquids.

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

Advantageously, the filling of the at least one mould element with the liquid and the formation of the piece of ice takes place when the at least one mould holding device is in the first position. As soon as the process of forming the piece of ice is complete, the piece of ice can be ejected at the user's request. After ejection, the at least one mould holding device is preferably pivoted back from the ejection position to the first position.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one drive and/or transmission device is provided, which is operatively connected to the at least one mould holding device. Preferably, the drive and/or transmission device drives the pivoting of the mould holding device. Accordingly, the drive and/or transmission device may, for example, comprise an electric motor. Other drive devices would of course be appreciated. Preferably, the drive and/or transmission device comprises at least one power transmission element, for example a gearbox, a belt or the like. Preferably, the drive and/or transmission device drives the pivoting of the at least one mould holding device from the first position to the ejection position. Preferably, the drive and/or transmission device drives the pivoting of the at least one mould holding device from the ejection position to the first position.

Preferably, the at least one mould holding device is pivoted from the first position to the ejection position by a predetermined angle α. Preferably, the angle α is in a range between 90° and 180°, more preferably in a range between 160° and 180°, even more preferably in a range between 170° and 180°. The angle α thus spans between the first position and the ejection position.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the at least one drive and/or transmission device provides a force transmission for pivoting the mould holding device. In this case, the at least one drive and/or transmission device is advantageously operatively connected to a drive device external to the ice preparation device. This drive device then preferably provides a force and/or a torque to the at least one drive and/or transmission device, which then causes the pivoting of the at least one mould holding device. Preferably, the drive and/or transmission device causes the at least one mould holding device to pivot from the first position to the ejection position. Preferably, the drive and/or transmission device causes the at least one mould holding device to pivot from the ejection position to the first position.

The at least one drive and/or transmission device is advantageously arranged in or on the housing. Preferably, the housing comprises a partition wall, which is arranged between the drive and/or transmission device and the at least one mould holding device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a first coupling element is arranged on the housing. Preferably, the first coupling element is circular cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the first coupling element is fixedly arranged on the housing. The term “fixed” is intended to mean that the first coupling element is arranged so firmly on the housing that no movement, for example rotation, of the first coupling element relative to the housing is possible. It would be conceivable that the first coupling element is arranged on the housing by means of a material connection, for example a welded connection. However, other connections are also conceivable, for example positive connections such as screw connections. Preferably, the first coupling element is arranged on the housing in such a way that the first pivot axis extends through the centre of the first coupling element. Preferably, the first pivot axis is a fictitious axis.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a connection arrangement is provided, which provides an operative connection between the at least one drive and/or transmission device and the at least one mould holding device. The said operative connection via the connection arrangement preferably transmits a torque to the at least one mould holding device. Preferably, the connection arrangement extends through a bore in the first coupling element. Preferably, the bore is arranged in the centre of the first coupling element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a second coupling element is provided. Preferably, the second coupling element is operatively connected to the first coupling element. Advantageously, the second coupling element is designed in the shape of a circular cylinder. Preferably, a rotary shaft element is arranged on the second coupling element. It is further preferred that the rotating shaft element is rotatably mounted on the at least one mould holding device. Advantageously, when the at least one mould holding device is pivoted about the first pivot axis, the second coupling element rolls on the first coupling element so that the second coupling element and the rotary shaft element move along an outer circumference of the first coupling element. The rotary shaft element is thus pivoted about the first pivot axis with the at least one mould holding device. It is advantageous that when the at least one mould mounting device is pivoted about the first pivot axis, the rotary shaft element is both pivoted about the pivot axis and rotates about an axis of rotation. Preferably, the axis of rotation corresponds to a centre axis of the rotary shaft element, which extends along a longitudinal extension of the rotary shaft element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one third coupling element is arranged on the rotary shaft element in a rotationally fixed manner. The term “rotationally fixed” is intended to express the fact that the at least one third coupling element cannot rotate independently relative to the rotary shaft element. A rotation of the rotary shaft element thus causes the at least one third coupling element to rotate about the same axis of rotation. Advantageously, the at least one third coupling element is designed in the shape of a circular cylinder. The at least one third coupling element is advantageously operatively connected to at least one pusher element. It is advantageous that a rotation of the at least one third coupling element causes a linear movement of the at least one pusher element as a result of the active connection. Preferably, the linear movement of the pusher element along an ejection direction causes the piece of ice to be ejected. Preferably, pivoting the at least one mould holding device from the first position into the ejection position causes a linear movement of the pusher element along an ejection direction. When the at least one mould holding device is pivoted from the ejection position back to the first position, the rotary shaft element rotates in the opposite direction due to the opposite rolling movement of the second coupling element. Consequently, the at least one third coupling element also rotates in the opposite direction, as a result of which the at least one pusher element undergoes a linear movement of the pusher element against the ejection direction and is displaced back into the starting position.

The ejection mechanism preferably comprises at least the first coupling element, the second coupling element, the rotary shaft element, at least one third coupling element and at least one pusher element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first coupling element is designed as a first gear wheel. Preferably, the second coupling element is designed as a second gear wheel. Preferably, the second gearwheel meshes with the first gearwheel. Preferably, the first gear wheel and/or the second gear wheel is a spur wheel, i.e. a circular cylindrical disc with a toothed peripheral surface. Preferably, the toothing is a spur toothing.

Advantageously, the first gearwheel is fixed to the housing. Preferably, the first gearwheel is arranged on the housing in such a way that the first pivot axis extends through the centre of the first gearwheel. Advantageously, the bore is arranged in the centre of the circular first gearwheel.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first coupling element and the second coupling element are designed as wheel-like rolling elements. Preferably, a frictional force between the first coupling element and the second coupling element is sufficient to prevent slippage between the first coupling element and the second coupling element and thus to ensure a rolling movement of the second coupling element along the circumference of the first coupling element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one third coupling element is designed as at least one third gear wheel. Advantageously, the at least one pusher element has a rack section which meshes with the at least one third gearwheel. The meshing advantageously converts a rotation of the at least one third gearwheel into a linear movement of the at least one pusher element. Preferably, the linear movement of the at least one pusher element along an ejection direction causes the piece of ice to be ejected.

The ejection mechanism preferably comprises at least the first coupling element in the form of a first gearwheel, the second coupling element in the form of a second gearwheel, the rotary shaft element, at least one third coupling element in the form of a third gearwheel and at least one pusher element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the third coupling element is designed as a friction wheel, which is frictionally connected to a friction surface of the pusher element. This frictional active connection causes the rotation of the friction wheel to be transferred to the linear movement of the pusher element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one mould element is arranged in a holding device. Preferably, the holding device is integrated in the at least one mould holding device.

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

Preferably, the at least one retaining element is arranged along a circumference of the wall element. It is advantageous that the at least one retaining element is arranged at least partially circumferentially along a circumference of the wall element. Preferably, the at least one retaining 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 retaining element has a ring-like circumferential design and comprises a receiving groove in which the mating retaining 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 mould element is a silicone.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one mould element is connected to the at least one pusher element. Preferably, during the linear movement of the at least one pusher element along the ejection direction, the at least one mould element is deformed by the at least one pusher element in such a way that the piece of ice emerges from the mould element. Accordingly, when the mould holding device is moved into the ejection position, the mould element is deformed by the at least one pusher element in such a way that the piece of ice emerges from the at least one mould element. Preferably, during a linear movement of the at least one pusher element against the ejection direction, the at least one mould element is pulled into its original shape by the at least one pusher element. Accordingly, when the mould holding device is moved from the ejection position to the first position, the at least one mould element is pulled into its original shape by the at least one pusher element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least two mould elements are provided. Preferably, the at least two mould elements are arranged next to each other along a width axis (Y) in the at least one mould holding device. Preferably, the rotating shaft element extends along the width axis (Y). Advantageously, at least two third coupling elements and at least two pusher elements are provided. Preferably, one pusher element is assigned to each mould element.

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

The at least one mould element has an extension along a height axis (Z). In the ice preparation device according to the invention, the mould element is cooled along the vertical axis (Z) from above. The at least one mould element is cooled in such a way that the formation of the ice or the solid aggregate state in the mould 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 mould 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 piece of ice is therefore essentially clear or essentially transparent. The piece of ice produced by the ice preparation device is advantageously a clear piece of ice or a piece of ice with a clarity of greater than 90%. However, it is also possible to produce a cloudy piece of ice, i.e. a piece of ice with a clarity in a range between 0% and 90%, using the ice preparation device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one cooling supply device is provided, which supplies a cooled fluid to the at least one mould element in such a way that it impinges on an upper region of the at least one mould element along the height axis (Z). The cooled fluid is generated by a cooling device, which may be associated with the ice preparation device 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 in order to apply a flow of cold air to the at least one mould element. Static cooling of the upper area of the at least one mould element is thus provided. Such static cooling can ensure a slow layer-by-layer formation of the solid aggregate state.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a temperature sensor is integrated in the connection between the at least one pusher element and the at least one mould element, by means of which a temperature of the liquid located in the at least one mould element can be detected. By monitoring the temperature, it is advantageous to monitor the complete formation of the piece of ice in the mould element.

The task is also solved by a household appliance comprising an ice-making apparatus 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-making apparatus, either individually or in combination with one another, and vice versa.

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

show an ice-making apparatus, in particular for a household appliance, comprising a housingand at least one mould element, which is suitable and intended for moulding a piece of ice. At least one mould holding deviceis provided, in which the at least one mould elementis arranged, wherein the at least one mould holding deviceis pivotable about a first pivot axis S relative to the housingfrom a first positioninto an ejection position, wherein pivoting into the ejection positionactuates an ejection mechanismacting on the at least one mould elementin such a way that the piece of ice emerges from the mould elementin the ejection position.

The ice-making apparatusand the at least one mould elementextend along a height axis Z, a longitudinal axis X and a width axis Y.

The ice-making apparatuscan 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-making apparatuscan comprise any number of mould elements. The number of mould elementsdepends on the desired number of pieces of ice to be prepared. The shape of the ice pieces can also be arbitrary. A spherical shape or a cube shape would be conceivable.show, for example, an ice-making apparatusthat can provide two essentially spherical pieces of ice and thus comprises two mould elements., for example, shows an ice-making apparatuswhich can provide four essentially spherical pieces of ice and thus comprises four mould elements.show, for example, an ice-making apparatusthat can provide two essentially cube-shaped pieces of ice and thus comprises two mould elements. However, these numbers and shapes are not to be understood as limiting the generality.

The at least one mould elementcomprises a wall elementwhich encloses a receiving spaceThe receiving spaceis suitable and intended for forming a piece of ice. The piece of icecan be essentially spherical or essentially in the shape of an ellipsoid or essentially in the shape of a polyhedron or essentially in the shape of a cube. Of course, any other shape of the piece of iceis conceivable.

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

The at least one mould elementconsists of an elastic material and comprises an openingat the top along a height axis Z. The at least one mould elementcomprises a first section, which is arranged along the height axis Z above the retaining element. Furthermore, the at least one mould elementcomprises a second section, which is arranged along the height axis Z below the retaining element. The upper openingis intended and suitable for discharging the piece of iceafter it has been completely formed. Furthermore, the upper openingis intended for the liquid to enter the at least one mould elementvia this opening. However, it is conceivable that an inlet opening for a liquid could be provided in the lower section of mould element. Such an inlet opening could be arranged diametrically to the upper opening

The elastic material of the at least one mould elementmust therefore be designed in such a way that it has sufficient elasticity or rigidity to allow the mould elementto return to its original shape. Furthermore, the elastic material must retain such elasticity even when exposed to cold temperatures, preferably down to −30° C. Finally, the elastic material must be approved for use with foodstuffs.

The ice-making apparatuscomprises a housingwith an upper coverAt least one boreis provided in the upper cover, which is aligned with the upper openingof at least one mould element. Liquid can be fed into the at least one mould elementthrough the boreand the upper openingIf the ice-making apparatuscomprises several mould elements, a corresponding number of boresare present, with one borebeing assigned to each mould element. It is also conceivable that the mould elementsare fluidically connected to each other. Only one borecould then be provided in the housingfor the fluid supply.

The housingcomprises a partitionand an outer wall, both of which extend downwards along the height axis Z starting from the top coverThe mould holding deviceis pivotably mounted between the partitionand the outer wall. A first coupling elementin the form of a circular cylinder is fixedly arranged on an inner surfaceof the partition wall. The first coupling elementis designed as a first gear wheeland thus comprises a toothing running around its circumference. The first gear wheelcan therefore not rotate relative to the partition wallor the housing. It is conceivable that the first gearwheelis connected to the first partition wallby means of a material connection, for example a welded connection. However, other types of connection are also conceivable.

A drive and/or transmission deviceis arranged on an outer surfaceof the partition wall. This is operatively connected to the mould mounting deviceand provides a drive for pivoting the mould mounting device. The drive and/or transmission devicecan provide the drive directly, for example by means of an electric motor, or serve as a power transmission means and be operatively connected to a corresponding external drive.