U.S. patent application number 14/758799 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for a crashed ice making machine and refrigerator wherein the same is used.
The applicant listed for this patent is ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI, Cagatay BOLUKBASI, Ciprian Virgiliu CALABU, Ahmet Ziya DEMIR, Ahmet SERT. Invention is credited to Cagatay BOLUKBASI, Ahmet Ziya DEMIR, Ciprian Virgiliu PARCALABU, Ahmet SERT.
Application Number | 20150345850 14/758799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49885287 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150345850 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOLUKBASI; Cagatay ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
A CRASHED ICE MAKING MACHINE AND REFRIGERATOR WHEREIN THE SAME IS
USED
Abstract
The present invention relates to a crashed ice making machine
(1) comprising an ice container (4) having at least one partition
(5) wherein water can be filled and that enables ice to be formed
by the water filled therein being frozen in the cold environment;
an ice dispensing mechanism (A) that enables the ice to be pushed
out of the ice container (4), an ice cutting mechanism (B) that is
placed at the inlet portion of the ice container (4) and that cuts
the ice pushed out of the ice container (4) by rotating thus
providing crashed ice, and a driving mechanism (D) that drives the
ice dispensing mechanism (A) and the ice cutting mechanism (B); and
also relates to a refrigerator wherein the said crashed ice making
machine (1) is used.
Inventors: |
BOLUKBASI; Cagatay;
(Istanbul, TR) ; PARCALABU; Ciprian Virgiliu;
(Istanbul, TR) ; DEMIR; Ahmet Ziya; (Istanbul,
TR) ; SERT; Ahmet; (Istanbul, TR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOLUKBASI; Cagatay
CALABU; Ciprian Virgiliu
DEMIR; Ahmet Ziya
SERT; Ahmet
ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI |
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul |
|
TR
TR
TR
TR
TR |
|
|
Family ID: |
49885287 |
Appl. No.: |
14/758799 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
December 30, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/078114 |
371 Date: |
June 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 1/04 20130101; F25C
5/02 20130101; F25C 2400/10 20130101; F25C 5/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25C 1/04 20060101
F25C001/04; F25C 5/04 20060101 F25C005/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 31, 2012 |
TR |
A 2012/15782 |
Claims
1-A crashed ice making machine (1) comprising an ice container (4)
having at least one partition (5) wherein water can be filled and
that enables ice to be formed by the water filled therein being
frozen in the cold environment, an ice dispensing mechanism (A)
that enables the ice to be pushed out of the ice container (4) and
that has a sealing element (7), at least one ice pushing shaft (8),
a shaft carrier (9) and a first flange (10), an ice cutting
mechanism (B) that is placed at the inlet portion of the ice
container (4), that cuts the ice pushed out of the ice container
(4) by rotating thus providing crashed ice and that has an ice
cutting blade (2) and a blade fixing member (3), and a driving
mechanism (D) that drives the ice dispensing mechanism (A) and the
ice cutting mechanism (B) and that has a transmission mechanism
(11), a second flange (12) and a motor (13), characterized by the
ice dispensing mechanism (A) having at least one pushing mechanism
(C) that is placed into the partition (5) so as to linearly rise
and descend between the base portion and the inlet portion of the
ice container (4), that moves upwards when driven forwards by the
driving mechanism (D) and thus pushes and enables the ice to be
dispensed from the ice container (4) and that moves downwards when
driven backwards by the driving mechanism (D) and thus discharges
the partition (5) in order to fill in water.
2-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by
an ice container (4) that has more than one partition (5) wherein
water can be filled and that enables ice to be formed separately in
each partition (5) by the water filled in the partitions (5) being
frozen in the cold environment and by the ice dispensing mechanism
(A) having more than one pushing mechanism (C), each placed into
one partition (5) so as to linearly rise and descend between the
base portion and the inlet portion of the partition (5), that moves
upwards when driven forwards by the driving mechanism (D) and thus
pushes and enables the ice to be dispensed from the partition (5)
and that moves downwards when driven backwards by the driving
mechanism (D) and thus discharges the partition (5) in order to
fill in water.
3-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by
the ice cutting mechanism (B) comprising an ice cutting blade (2)
that is placed at the inlet portion of the ice container (4) and
provides crashed ice by rotating and cutting the ice pushed out of
the ice container (4).
4-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 3, characterized by
the ice cutting blade (2), the lower surface of which is realized
so as to be seated onto the inlet of the ice container (4) in a
flat manner and the upper surface of which is realized to be
inclined (.theta.).
5-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by
a motor (13), the driving mechanism (D) comprising a transmission
mechanism (11) that can be rotated by the motor (13) and that has
at least one worm and at least one gear placed outside the
partitions (5), more than one pushing mechanism (C) each driven by
the transmission mechanism (11) so as to rise and descend in the
ice container (4) and the ice cutting mechanism (B) driven by the
transmission mechanism (11) so as to cut the ice pushed out of the
ice container (4) by rotating.
6-A crashed ice making mechanism (1) as in claim 5, characterized
by the driving mechanism (D) comprising the transmission mechanism
(11) having a worm placed outside the partitions (5) so that the
rotational axis (Z) thereof is parallel to the axis of the
partitions (5) in the base-inlet direction.
7-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 6, characterized by
the ice cutting mechanism (B) that is connected to the end of the
worm so as to pass over the inlet portions of the ice container (4)
partitions (5) and that cuts the ice pushed out of the ice
container (4) by rotating.
8-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by
the partitions (5) that are placed at equal intervals around the
rotational axis of the ice cutting mechanism (B) and the plane
formed by the inlet portions thereof being parallel to the
rotational plane of the ice cutting mechanism (B).
9-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by
the partitions (5), each shaped as a receptacle extending linearly
in the base-inlet direction, the cross-section of each remaining
stationary along the axis thereof in the base-inlet direction or
the cross-section of each widening from the base portion towards
the inlet portion along the axis thereof in the base-inlet
direction.
10-A crashed ice making mechanism (1) as in claim 9, characterized
by the partitions (5), the cross-section perpendicular to the axis
thereof in the base-inlet direction of each being configured in
circular, triangular, square, rectangular or trapezoidal form.
11-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by
the ice container (4) having an inlet port (6) that opens to at
least one partition (5) and that enables water to be filled into
the partition (5) and furthermore having water passage openings
that enable the water to pass from one partition (5) to another
partition (5).
12-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by
the pushing mechanism (C) realized by means of at least one pushing
shaft (8) that extends into the partition (5) through an opening
formed at the base portion of the ice container (4) and skidded to
the ice container (4) opening over a sealing element (7) so as to
rise and descend, wherein when the portion of the pushing shaft (8)
remaining outside the ice container (4) is driven upwards by the
driving mechanism (D), the portion thereof remaining inside the
partition (5) rises, pushes the ice towards the partition (5) inlet
and out of the partition (5) and wherein when the portion of the
pushing shaft (8) remaining outside the ice container (4) is driven
downwards by the driving mechanism (D), the portion thereof
remaining inside the partition (5) descends and discharges the
partition (5) in order to fill in water
13-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 12, characterized
by more than one pushing mechanism (C), each being realized by
means of a pushing shaft (8) that extends into the partition (5)
through an opening formed at the base portion of the partition (5)
and skidded to the partition (5) opening over a sealing element (7)
so as to rise and descend and by the ice dispensing mechanism (A)
having a geared or screwed shaft carrier (9) driven by the driving
mechanism (D) and whereon the pushing shafts (8) are fixed.
14-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 13, characterized
by a stopping mechanism that limits the forwards-backwards movement
of the shaft carrier (9).
15-A refrigerator characterized by a freezing compartment, a
crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 1, placed into the
freezing compartment, a control unit that controls the driving
mechanism (D) of the crashed ice making machine (1) and the water
filling mechanism filling the ice container (4) with water, and a
crashed ice collection receptacle that is stationary or detachable,
that can be accessed from inside or outside the refrigerator and
wherein crashed ice pieces produced by the crashed ice making
machine (1) are collected.
16-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 2, characterized by
the ice cutting mechanism (B) comprising an ice cutting blade (2)
that is placed at the inlet portion of the ice container (4) and
provides crashed ice by rotating and cutting the ice pushed out of
the ice container (4).
17-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 16, characterized
by the ice cutting blade (2), the lower surface of which is
realized so as to be seated onto the inlet of the ice container (4)
in a flat manner and the upper surface of which is realized to be
inclined (.theta.).
18-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 17, characterized
by a motor (13), the driving mechanism (D) comprising a
transmission mechanism (11) that can be rotated by the motor (13)
and that has at least one worm and at least one gear placed outside
the partitions (5), more than one pushing mechanism (C) each driven
by the transmission mechanism (11) so as to rise and descend in the
ice container (4) and the ice cutting mechanism (B) driven by the
transmission mechanism (11) so as to cut the ice pushed out of the
ice container (4) by rotating.
19-A crashed ice making mechanism (1) as in claim 18, characterized
by the driving mechanism (D) comprising the transmission mechanism
(11) having a worm placed outside the partitions (5) so that the
rotational axis (Z) thereof is parallel to the axis of the
partitions (5) in the base-inlet direction.
20-A crashed ice making machine (1) as in claim 19, characterized
by the ice cutting mechanism (B) that is connected to the end of
the worm so as to pass over the inlet portions of the ice container
(4) partitions (5) and that cuts the ice pushed out of the ice
container (4) by rotating.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a crashed ice making
machine and a refrigerator wherein the same is used.
[0002] Producers of white goods design a large number of different
types of crashed ice making machines and refrigerators wherein the
same is used in order to meet the crashed ice need of consumers.
The crashed ice making machines occupy large space due to their
complex structures and reduce the usable volume of the
refrigerators. Since the consumers prefer refrigerators with large
inner volumes, producers of white goods prefer using small crashed
ice making machines in refrigerators. Small crashed ice making
machines produce limited crashed ice and cannot fully meet the need
of consumers.
[0003] In order to solve this problem, producers of white goods
design crashed ice making machines that are plain in mechanical
terms and that occupy less space.
[0004] In the state of the art International Patent Application No.
WO2010/131867A2, an ice maker is described, having a driving unit
and wherein a single electric motor that enables the ice separating
unit and the ice elevating unit to be driven.
[0005] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a
crashed ice making machine that is plain in mechanical terms and
can be operated efficiently, that occupies a small space, that does
not reduce the inner volume of the refrigerator and efficiently
meets the crashed ice need of the user.
[0006] The crashed ice making machine realized in order to attain
the aim of the present invention, explicated in the attached claims
is suitable to be used in a refrigerator and comprises an ice
dispensing mechanism having at least one pushing mechanism that is
placed into the partition so as to linearly rise and descend
between the base portion and the inlet portion of the ice
container, that moves upwards when driven forwards by the driving
mechanism and thus pushes and enables the ice to be dispensed from
the ice container and that moves downwards when driven backwards by
the driving mechanism and thus discharges the partition in order to
fill in water. Thus, the entire inner volume of the partition is
enabled to be used for making ice. Moreover, the entire ice formed
in the ice container is enabled to be dispensed from the ice
container. Thus, when fresh water is filled into the partition in
the next crashed ice making cycle, water is not added onto the
remainder ice remaining inside the partition contrary to the case
with the present crashed ice making machines. Consequently, the
crashed ice need of the user is provided with the frozen fresh
water in each cycle.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice container
comprises more than one partition wherein water can be filled. Ice
can be formed separately in each partition with the water filled
into the ice container partitions being frozen in the cold
environment. Moreover, the ice dispensing mechanism comprises more
than one pushing mechanism, each placed into one partition so as to
linearly rise and descend between the base portion and the inlet
portion of the partition. When driven forwards by the driving
mechanism, each pushing mechanism rises and thus pushes and
dispenses the ice from the partition. Furthermore, when driven
backwards by the driving mechanism, each pushing mechanism descends
and discharges the partition in order to fill in water. Thus, the
inner volumes of the ice container partitions are enabled to be
used more effectively. Consequently, a large amount of crashed ice
can be formed and the crashed ice need of the user can be
efficiently met.
[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice cutting
mechanism comprises an ice cutting blade that is placed at the
inlet portion of the ice container and provides crashed ice by
rotating and cutting the ice pushed out of the ice container. Thus,
the ice is enabled to be cut while being pushed out of the ice
container.
[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface
of the ice cutting blade is realized so as to be seated onto the
inlet of the ice container in a flat manner. Thus, the ice cutting
blade is enabled to be operated in a balanced manner and safely
driven. The upper surface of the ice cutting blade is inclined.
Thus, the ice can be cut as thin layers.
[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the driving
mechanism comprises a motor and a transmission mechanism that can
be rotated by the motor and that has at least one worm and at least
one gear placed outside the ice container partitions. Thus, the
entire inner volume of the partition is enabled to be used for
making ice. The transmission mechanism drives both the ice cutting
mechanism and each pushing mechanism. Each pushing mechanism is
driven by the transmission mechanism so as to rise and descend in
the ice container. The ice cutting mechanism is driven by the
transmission mechanism so as to cut the ice pushed out of the ice
container by rotating. Thus, a crashed ice making machine that
operates efficiently and that is plain in mechanical terms is
obtained. In an embodiment of the present invention, the
transmission mechanism comprises a worm. The worm is placed outside
the ice container partitions so that the rotational axis thereof is
parallel to the axis of the ice container partitions in the
base-inlet direction. Thus, the crashed ice making machine is
enabled to have a small width and to occupy a small space.
[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice cutting
mechanism that cuts the ice pushed out of the ice container by
rotating is connected to the end of the worm so as to pass over the
inlet portion of the ice container partitions. Thus, an ice cutting
mechanism that operates efficiently and that is plain in mechanical
terms is obtained. Moreover, the cutting mechanism can be more
easily serviced and repaired.
[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice cutting
mechanism is placed so that the rotational plane thereof is
parallel to the plane formed by the inlet portions of the ice
container partitions. Moreover, the ice container partitions are
placed at equal intervals around the rotational axis of the ice
cutting mechanism. Thus, the crashed ice making machine is enabled
to occupy a small space.
[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, each partition is
realized as a receptacle that extends linearly in the base-inlet
direction. The cross-section of each partition remains stationary
along the axis thereof in the base-inlet direction. Thus, there is
no unusable volume left between the partitions. Moreover, the
crashed ice making machine is enabled to occupy a small space.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
cross-section of each ice container partition widens from the base
portion towards the inlet portion along the axis thereof in the
base-inlet direction. Thus, after being pushed and separated from
the ice container partitions, the ice is enabled to be easily
pushed out of the ice container partitions. Moreover, in the case
that water is filled into the partition without taking the entire
ice out of the ice container, the remainder ice is enabled to rise
freely towards the inlet portion of the ice container, to freeze
together with the newly forming ice at a position close to the
inlet portion and to be cut firstly at the next cycle, thereby
providing crashed ice. Thus, the remainder ice is prevented from
getting stuck to the base of the ice container and remaining at the
base of the ice container for a long time. Consequently, dirt
accumulation in the ice container is prevented.
[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
cross-section of each ice container partition perpendicular to the
axis thereof in the base-inlet direction is configured preferably
in circular, triangular, square, rectangular or trapezoidal form.
Thus, thin ice layers obtained by cutting have proper shapes. Thus,
the ice container volume is enabled to be used more effectively in
order to make ice.
[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice container
comprises an inlet port that opens to at least one partition and
that enables water to be filled into the partition. Moreover, the
ice container comprises water passage openings that enable the
water to pass from one partition to another partition. Thus, the
ice container is enabled to be filled with water before the next
crashed ice making cycle.
[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pushing
mechanism is realized by means of a pushing shaft that extends into
the partition through an opening formed at the base portion of the
ice container and skidded to the ice container opening over a
sealing element so as to rise and descend. When the portion of the
pushing shaft remaining outside the ice container is driven upwards
by the driving mechanism, the portion thereof remaining inside the
partition rises, pushes the ice towards the partition inlet and out
of the partition. When the portion of the pushing shaft remaining
outside the ice container is driven downwards by the driving
mechanism, the portion thereof remaining inside the partition
descends and discharges the partition in order to fill in water. It
is not compulsory for the pushing mechanism to be composed of a
pushing shaft. In another embodiment of the present invention, the
pushing mechanism comprises more than one gear-shaft that is placed
at the base portion of the partition and that can open/close
telescopically, one being screwed onto the other so as to rotate
freely around an axis perpendicular to the partition base. When
driven forwards by the driving mechanism, the gear-shafts change
from a closed position to a telescopically open position and push
the ice out of the ice container. When driven backwards by the
driving mechanism, the gear-shafts changes from the telescopically
open position to the closed position and discharges the partition
in order to fill in water. Thus, the entire inner volume of the
partition is enabled to be used for making ice. Moreover, the
entire ice formed in the ice container is enabled to be pushed out
of the ice container. Moreover, the crashed ice making machine is
enabled to occupy a small space.
[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice container
comprises more than one partition wherein water can be filled. A
pushing mechanism is provided in each partition. Each pushing
mechanism is realized by means of a pushing shaft that extends into
the partition through an opening formed at the base portion of the
partition and skidded to the partition opening over a sealing
element so as to rise and descend. Moreover, the ice dispensing
mechanism comprises a geared or screwed shaft carrier driven by the
driving mechanism and whereon the pushing shafts are fixed. In
another embodiment of the present invention, the pushing mechanism
in each partition comprises more than one gear-shaft that is placed
at the base portion of the partition and that can open/close
telescopically, one being screwed onto the other so as to rotate
freely around an axis perpendicular to the partition base.
[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the crashed ice
making machine comprises a stopping mechanism that limits the
forwards-backwards movement of the shaft carrier. Thus, the crashed
ice making machine is enabled to be operated in a safe manner.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the stopping
mechanism comprises a stopper realized as a first flange that is
situated on the shaft carrier and that limits the forwards movement
of the shaft carrier. In an embodiment of the present invention,
the stopping mechanism furthermore comprises a second stopper
realized as a second flange that is situated on the lower side of
the worm in the driving mechanism and that limits the backwards
movement of the shaft carrier. Thus, the forwards-backwards
movement of the shaft carrier is limited.
[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator
comprises a freezing compartment, a crashed ice making machine of
the present invention placed into the freezing compartment, a
control unit that controls the driving mechanism of the crashed ice
making machine and the water filling mechanism filling the ice
container with water, and a crashed ice collection receptacle that
is stationary or detachable, that can be accessed from inside or
outside the refrigerator and wherein crashed ice pieces produced by
the crashed ice making machine are collected. Thus, the user is
enabled to easily reach the crashed ice pieces.
[0022] By means of the present invention, a crashed ice making
machine is realized, that is plain in mechanical terms and can be
operated efficiently, that occupies a small space, that does not
reduce the inner volume of the refrigerator and efficiently meets
the crashed ice need of the user.
[0023] The model embodiments relating to the crashed ice making
machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present
invention are illustrated in the attached figures, where:
[0024] FIG. 1--is a perspective view of the crashed ice making
machine with its components separated in an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2--is a perspective view of the crashed ice making
machine in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3--is another perspective view of the crashed ice
making machine in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as
follows:
[0028] 1. Crashed ice making machine
[0029] 2. Ice cutting blade
[0030] 3. Blade fixing member
[0031] 4. Ice container
[0032] 5. Partition
[0033] 6. Inlet port
[0034] 7. Sealing element
[0035] 8. Ice pushing shaft
[0036] 9. Shaft carrier
[0037] 10. First flange
[0038] 11. Transmission mechanism
[0039] 12. Second flange
[0040] 13. Motor
[0041] In all embodiments of the present invention, the crashed ice
making machine (1) comprises an ice container (4) having at least
one partition (5) wherein water can be filled and that enables ice
to be formed by the water filled therein being frozen in the cold
environment; an ice dispensing mechanism (A) that enables the ice
to be pushed out of the ice container (4) and that has a sealing
element (7), at least one ice pushing shaft (8), a shaft carrier
(9) and a first flange (10); an ice cutting mechanism (B) that is
placed at the inlet portion of the ice container (4), that cuts the
ice pushed out of the ice container (4) by rotating thus providing
crashed ice and that has an ice cutting blade (2) and a blade
fixing member (3); and a driving mechanism (D) that drives the ice
dispensing mechanism (A) and the ice cutting mechanism (B) and that
has a transmission mechanism (11), a second flange (12) and a motor
(13) (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3).
[0042] In all embodiments of the present invention, the crashed ice
making machine (1) comprises an ice dispensing mechanism (A) having
at least one pushing mechanism (C) that is placed into the
partition (5) so as to linearly rise and descend between the base
portion and the inlet portion of the ice container (4), that moves
upwards when driven forwards by the driving mechanism (D) and thus
pushes and enables the ice to be dispensed from the ice container
(4) and that moves downwards when driven backwards by the driving
mechanism (D) and thus discharges the partition (5) in order to
fill in water (FIG. 2, FIG. 3). Thus, the entire inner volume of
the partition (5) is enabled to be used for making ice (FIG. 2,
FIG. 3). Moreover, the entire ice formed in the ice container (4)
is enabled to be dispensed from the ice container (4). Thus, when
fresh water is filled into the partition (5) in the next crashed
ice making cycle, water is not added onto the remainder ice
remaining inside the partition (5) contrary to the case with the
present crashed ice making machines. Consequently, the crashed ice
need of the user is provided with the frozen fresh water in each
cycle.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice container
(4) comprises more than one partition (5) wherein water can be
filled (FIG. 2, FIG. 3). Ice can be formed separately in each
partition (5) with the water filled into the ice container (4)
partitions (5) being frozen in the cold environment. Moreover, the
ice dispensing mechanism (A) comprises more than one pushing
mechanism (C), each placed into one partition (5) so as to linearly
rise and descend between one base portion and one inlet portion of
the partition (5) (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3). When driven forwards by
the driving mechanism (D), each pushing mechanism (C) rises and
thus pushes and dispenses the ice from the partition (5) (FIG. 1,
FIG. 2, FIG. 3). Moreover, when driven backwards by the driving
mechanism (D), each pushing mechanism (C) descends and discharges
the partition (5) in order to fill in water (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG.
3). Thus, the inner volumes of the ice container (4) partitions (5)
are enabled to be used more effectively. Consequently, a large
amount of crashed ice can be formed and the crashed ice need of the
user can be efficiently met. The crashed ice making machine (1)
shown in the figures has preferably seven partitions (5). However,
the number of partitions (5) is not limited to seven. A single
partition (5) is sufficient.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice cutting
mechanism (B) comprises an ice cutting blade (2) that is placed at
the inlet portion of the ice container (4) and provides crashed ice
by rotating and cutting the ice pushed out of the ice container (4)
(FIG. 1, FIG. 3). Thus, the ice is enabled to be cut while being
pushed out of the ice container (4). The said cutting blade (2) is
preferably produced from steel. The width of the ice cutting blade
(2) is sized so as to fit into the region between two partitions
(5). Thus, while the ice cutting blade (2) is rotating, the ice can
be pushed out of the ice container (4).
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, a lower surface
of the ice cutting blade (2) is realized so as to be seated onto
the inlet of the ice container (4) in a flat manner (FIG. 3). Thus,
the ice cutting blade (2) is enabled to be operated in a balanced
manner and safely driven. An upper surface of the ice cutting blade
(2) is inclined (8) (FIG. 3). Thus, the ice can be cut as thin
layers.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the driving
mechanism (D) comprises a motor (13) and a transmission mechanism
(11) that can be rotated by the motor (13) and that has at least
one worm and at least one gear placed outside the ice container (4)
partitions (5) (FIG. 1). Thus, the entire inner volume of the
partition (5) is enabled to be used for making ice. The
transmission mechanism (11) drives both the ice cutting mechanism
(B) and each pushing mechanism (C) (FIG. 1). Each pushing mechanism
(C) is driven by the transmission mechanism (11) so as to rise and
descend in the ice container (4) (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3). The ice
cutting mechanism (B) is driven by the transmission mechanism (11)
so as to cut the ice pushed out of the ice container (4) by
rotating (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3). Thus, a crashed ice making
machine (1) that operates efficiently and that is plain in
mechanical terms is obtained.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission
mechanism (11) comprises a worm (FIG. 1). The worm is placed
outside the partitions (5) so that the rotational axis (Z) thereof
is parallel to the axis of the ice container (4) partitions (5) in
the base-inlet direction (FIG. 1). Thus, the crashed ice making
machine (1) is enabled to have a small width and to occupy a small
space. The thickness of thin ice layers obtained by cutting is
determined by the step of the worm.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice cutting
mechanism (B) that cuts the ice pushed out of the ice container (4)
by rotating is connected to the end of the worm so as to pass over
the inlet portions of the partitions (5) (FIG. 1, FIG. 3). The ice
cutting blade (2) in the ice cutting mechanism (B) is connected to
the worm preferably by means of a blade fixing member (3). Thus, an
ice cutting mechanism (B) that operates efficiently and that is
plain in mechanical terms is obtained. Moreover, the ice cutting
mechanism (B) can be more easily serviced and repaired.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice cutting
mechanism (B) is placed so that the rotational plane thereof is
parallel to the plane formed by the inlet portions of the
partitions (5) (FIG. 3). Moreover, the partitions (5) are placed at
equal intervals around the rotational axis of the ice cutting
mechanism (B) (FIG. 3). Thus, the crashed ice making machine (1) is
enabled to occupy a small space.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, each partition
(5) is realized as a receptacle that extends linearly in the
base-inlet direction. The cross-section of each partition (5)
remains stationary along the axis thereof in the base-inlet
direction. Thus, there is no unusable volume left between the
partitions (5). Consequently, the crashed ice making machine (1) is
enabled to occupy a small space. In another embodiment of the
present invention, the cross-section of each partition (5) widens
from the base portion towards the inlet portion along the axis
thereof in the base-inlet direction. Thus, after being pushed and
separated from the partitions (5), the ice is enabled to be easily
pushed out of the ice container (4) partitions (5). Moreover, in
the case that water is filled into the partition (5) without taking
the entire ice out of the ice container (4), the remainder ice is
enabled to rise freely towards the inlet portion of the ice
container (4), to freeze together with the newly forming ice at a
position close to the inlet portion and to be cut firstly at the
next cycle, thereby providing crashed ice. Thus, the remainder ice
is prevented from getting stuck to the base of the ice container
(4) and remaining at the base of the ice container (4) for a long
time. Consequently, dirt accumulation in the ice container (4) is
prevented.
[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
cross-section of each partition (5) perpendicular to the axis
thereof in the base-inlet direction is configured preferably in
circular, triangular, square, rectangular or trapezoidal form (FIG.
3). Thus, thin ice layers obtained by cutting have proper shapes.
Thus, the ice container (4) volume is enabled to be used more
effectively in order to make ice.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice container
(4) comprises an inlet port (6) that opens to at least one
partition (5) and that enables water to be filled into the
partition (5) (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3). Moreover, the ice container
(4) comprises water passage openings that enable the water to pass
from one partition (5) to another partition (5) (FIG. 3). Thus, the
ice container (4) is enabled to be filled with water before the
next crashed ice making cycle.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pushing
mechanism (C) is realized by means of a pushing shaft (8) that
extends into the partition (5) through an opening formed at the
base portion of the ice container (4) and skidded to the ice
container (4) opening over a sealing element (7) so as to rise and
descend (FIG. 1). When the portion of the pushing shaft (8)
remaining outside the ice container (4) is driven upwards by the
driving mechanism (D), the portion thereof remaining inside the
partition (5) rises, pushes the ice towards the partition (5) inlet
and out of the partition (5). When the portion of the pushing shaft
(8) remaining outside the ice container (4) is driven downwards by
the driving mechanism (D), the portion thereof remaining inside the
partition (5) descends and discharges the partition (5) in order to
fill in water (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). The length of the pushing shaft
(8) is preferred to be such that when pushed entirely into the ice
container (4), the pushing shaft (8) reaches the inlet of the ice
container (4). Thus, the entire ice is enabled to be taken out of
the ice container (4). It is not compulsory for the pushing
mechanism (C) to be composed of a pushing shaft (8). In another
embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the
pushing mechanism (C) comprises more than one gear-shaft that is
placed at the base portion of the partition (5) and that can
open/close telescopically, one being screwed onto the other so as
to rotate freely around an axis perpendicular to the partition (5)
base. When driven forwards by the driving mechanism (D), the
gear-shafts change from a closed position to a telescopically open
position and push the ice out of the ice container (4). When driven
backwards by the driving mechanism (D), the gear-shafts change from
the telescopically open position to the closed position and
discharge the partition (5) in order to fill in water. Thus, the
entire inner volume of the partition (5) is enabled to be used for
making ice. Moreover, the entire ice formed in the ice container
(4) is enabled to be pushed out of the ice container (4).
Consequently, the crashed ice making machine (1) is enabled to
occupy a small space.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ice container
(4) comprises more than one partition (5) wherein water can be
filled (FIG. 3). A pushing mechanism (C) is provided in each
partition (5). Each pushing mechanism (C) is realized by means of a
pushing shaft (8) that extends into the partition (5) through an
opening formed at the base portion of the partition (5) and skidded
to the partition (5) opening over a sealing element (7) so as to
rise and descend. Moreover, the dispensing mechanism (A) comprises
a geared or screwed shaft carrier (9) driven by the driving
mechanism (D) and whereon the pushing shafts (8) are fixed (FIG.
1). The pushing shafts (8) are fixed to the shaft carrier (9)
preferably by screwing. The sealing element (7) is composed of a
sealing element (7) (FIG. 1). In another embodiment of the present
invention not shown in the figures, the pushing mechanism (C) in
each partition (5) comprises more than one gear-shaft that is
placed at the base portion of the partition (5) and that can
open/close telescopically, one being screwed onto the other so as
to rotate freely around an axis perpendicular to the partition (5)
base.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the crashed ice
making machine (1) comprises a stopping mechanism that limits the
forwards-backwards movement of the shaft carrier (9). Thus, the
crashed ice making machine (1) is enabled to be operated in a safe
manner.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the stopping
mechanism comprises a stopper realized as a first flange (10) that
is situated on the shaft carrier (9) and that limits the forwards
movement of the shaft carrier (9). In an embodiment of the present
invention, the stopping mechanism furthermore comprises a second
stopper realized as a second flange (12) that is situated on the
lower side of the worm in the driving mechanism (D) and that limits
the backwards movement of the shaft carrier (9). Thus, the
forwards-backwards movement of the shaft carrier (9) is
limited.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention not shown in the
figures, the refrigerator comprises a freezing compartment, a
crashed ice making machine (1) of the present invention placed into
the freezing compartment, a control unit that controls the driving
mechanism (D) of the crashed ice making machine (1) and the water
filling mechanism filling the ice container (4) with water, and a
crashed ice collection receptacle that is stationary or detachable,
that can be accessed from inside or outside the refrigerator and
wherein crashed ice pieces produced by the crashed ice making
machine (1) are collected. Thus, the user is enabled to easily
reach the crashed ice pieces.
[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention not shown in the
figures, the refrigerator furthermore comprises a control panel
connected to the control unit. Thus, the user is enabled to use the
crashed ice making machine (1) via the control panel.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention not shown in the
figures, a heating electric cable controlled by the control unit
and provides the heating of the ice container (4) is wrapped around
the ice container (4) in order that the ice is easily separated
from the ice container (4) and taken out. However, it is not
compulsory to use the electric cable. It is possible to take the
ice out of the ice container (4) by using the pushing mechanism (C)
without heating.
[0060] By means of the present invention, a crashed ice making
machine (1) is realized, that does not reduce the inner volume of
the ice container (4) nor the refrigerator, that is plain in
mechanical terms and occupies a small space, that can be
efficiently operated, and that enables the entire ice formed in the
ice container (4) to be taken out of the ice container (4) and
above all that efficiently meets the crashed ice need of the
user.
[0061] The crashed ice making machine (1) shown in the figures has
more than one partition (5). The crashed ice making machine (1) not
shown in the figures and comprising a single partition (5) should
be considered within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *