ICE-MAKING APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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.

TECHNICAL FIELD

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

It shows:

FIG. 1 a view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 a plan view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 a sectional view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 a sectional view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 a sectional view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 a sectional view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 a view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 a sectional view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 a sectional view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 a sectional view of an ice-making apparatus according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 11 a schematic circuit diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-10 show an ice-making apparatus 1, in particular for a household appliance 100, comprising a housing 2 and at least one mould element 3, which is suitable and intended for moulding a piece of ice. At least one mould holding device 4 is provided, in which the at least one mould element 3 is arranged, wherein the at least one mould holding device 4 is pivotable about a first pivot axis S relative to the housing 2 from a first position 5 into an ejection position 6, wherein pivoting into the ejection position 6 actuates an ejection mechanism 7 acting on the at least one mould element 3 in such a way that the piece of ice emerges from the mould element 3 in the ejection position 6.

The ice-making apparatus 1 and the at least one mould element 3 extend along a height axis Z, a longitudinal axis X and a width axis Y.

The ice-making apparatus 1 can be installed in a household appliance 100, 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 apparatus 1 can comprise any number of mould elements 3. The number of mould elements 3 depends 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. FIGS. 1 to 6 show, for example, an ice-making apparatus 1 that can provide two essentially spherical pieces of ice and thus comprises two mould elements 3. FIG. 4, for example, shows an ice-making apparatus 1 which can provide four essentially spherical pieces of ice and thus comprises four mould elements 3. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show, for example, an ice-making apparatus 1 that can provide two essentially cube-shaped pieces of ice and thus comprises two mould elements 3. However, these numbers and shapes are not to be understood as limiting the generality.

The at least one mould element 3 comprises a wall element 3a, which encloses a receiving space 3b. The receiving space 3b is suitable and intended for forming a piece of ice 3. The piece of ice 3 can 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 ice 3 is conceivable.

The ice-making apparatus 1 comprises a holding device 20, in which the at least one mould element 3 is arranged. The at least one mould element 3 further comprises a retaining element 21. This can be completely formed by the wall element 3a or can be arranged on the wall element 3a. The at least one retaining element 21 is non-positively and/or positively connected to at least one mating retaining element 22 of the holding device 20. In the figures, the retaining element 21 is formed circumferentially along the circumference of the mould element 3. The retaining element 21 is designed as a ring-like element which comprises a circumferential retaining groove 21a. The mating retaining element 22, which is designed as a retaining projection, engages in this retaining groove 21a. The retaining element 21 is arranged essentially centrally along the extension along the height axis Z of the at least one mould element 3.

The at least one mould element 3 consists of an elastic material and comprises an opening 3c at the top along a height axis Z. The at least one mould element 3 comprises a first section, which is arranged along the height axis Z above the retaining element 21. Furthermore, the at least one mould element 3 comprises a second section, which is arranged along the height axis Z below the retaining element 21. The upper opening 3c is intended and suitable for discharging the piece of ice 3 after it has been completely formed. Furthermore, the upper opening 3c is intended for the liquid to enter the at least one mould element 3 via this opening. However, it is conceivable that an inlet opening for a liquid could be provided in the lower section of mould element 3. Such an inlet opening could be arranged diametrically to the upper opening 3c.

The elastic material of the at least one mould element 3 must therefore be designed in such a way that it has sufficient elasticity or rigidity to allow the mould element 3 to 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 apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2 with an upper cover 2a. At least one bore 2b is provided in the upper cover, which is aligned with the upper opening 3c of at least one mould element 3. Liquid can be fed into the at least one mould element 3 through the bore 2b and the upper opening 3c. If the ice-making apparatus 1 comprises several mould elements 3, a corresponding number of bores 2b are present, with one bore 2b being assigned to each mould element 3. It is also conceivable that the mould elements 3 are fluidically connected to each other. Only one bore 2b could then be provided in the housing 2 for the fluid supply.

The housing 2 comprises a partition 25 and an outer wall 26, both of which extend downwards along the height axis Z starting from the top cover 2a. The mould holding device 4 is pivotably mounted between the partition 25 and the outer wall 26. A first coupling element 9 in the form of a circular cylinder is fixedly arranged on an inner surface 25a of the partition wall 25. The first coupling element 9 is designed as a first gear wheel 16 and thus comprises a toothing running around its circumference. The first gear wheel 16 can therefore not rotate relative to the partition wall 25 or the housing 2. It is conceivable that the first gearwheel 16 is connected to the first partition wall 25 by means of a material connection, for example a welded connection. However, other types of connection are also conceivable.

A drive and/or transmission device 8 is arranged on an outer surface 25b of the partition wall 25. This is operatively connected to the mould mounting device 4 and provides a drive for pivoting the mould mounting device 4. The drive and/or transmission device 8 can 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.

The partition wall 25 and the first coupling element 9 or the first gear wheel 16 have a bore 11. The bore 11 is provided at the centre of the circular cylinder-shaped first coupling element 9. A connection arrangement 10 extends through this bore 11, which provides an active connection between the drive and/or gearbox device 8 and the mould holding device 4. This can be clearly seen in FIG. 6, for example. The connection arrangement 10 comprises a shaft-like element 10a, which is subjected to a torque by the drive and/or transmission device 8. The shaft-like element 10a comprises a pin-like end section 10b, which is non-rotatably arranged in a receptacle 4a of the mould holding device 4. The torque proof connection is ensured by projections on the pin-like end section 10b, which engage in the receptacle 4a. This non-rotatable connection allows rotation of the shaft-like element 10a to be transmitted to the mould holding device 4. Along the width axis Y, however, the aforementioned torque proof connection can be released.

The receptacle 4a protrudes into the bore 11 and is thus mounted with respect to the pivoting. On the opposite outer wall 26, the mould holding device 4 is mounted on a bearing element 26a of the outer wall 26. The mould holding device 4 can thus be pivoted by means of the drive and/or transmission device 8 about a pivot axis S, which extends centrally through the bore 11, from the first position 5 into an ejection position 6. Similarly, the mould holding device 4 can be pivoted back about a pivot axis S from the ejection position 6 to the first position 5 by means of the drive and/or transmission device 8.

The first position 5 of the mould holding device 4 is shown in FIG. 3. In this first position 5, the at least one mould element 3 is filled with the liquid and the at least one piece of ice is formed in the at least one mould element 3. After the at least one piece of ice has been formed, the ejection mechanism 7 can be actuated at the user's request, whereby the mould holding device 4 is pivoted about the pivot axis S into the ejection position 6. The ejection position 6 is shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 6. When pivoting from the first position 5 to the ejection position 6, a centre axis M of the mould element 3 is rotated by an angle α (not shown in the figures). The angle α lies in a range between 90° and 180°, preferably in a range between 160° and 180°, more preferably in a range between 170° and 180°. By pivoting the piece of ice into the ejection position 6 in this way, it can be easily removed by a user, for example by dropping it into a container such as a drinking glass. It would also be conceivable for the at least one piece of ice to be ejected into a collecting container. The pivoting and the pivot axis S are indicated by the arrow 27 in FIG. 6.

However, simply pivoting into the ejection position does not usually result in the piece of ice being released from the mould element. Accordingly, an ejection mechanism 7 acting on the mould element is provided according to the invention. This ejection mechanism 7 is coupled to the pivoting of the mould holding device 4.

The ejection mechanism 7 comprises at least one second coupling element 12, a rotating shaft element 13, at least one third coupling element 14 and at least one pusher element 15.

The circular cylinder-shaped second coupling element 12 is designed as a second gearwheel 17 and is operatively connected to the first gearwheel 16 (first coupling element 9). The second gearwheel 17 meshes with the first gearwheel 16. Since the first gearwheel 16 is arranged in a fixed position, the second gearwheel 17 rolls along the circumference of the first gearwheel 16 when the mould mounting device 4 is pivoted about the pivot axis S. This is shown by the arrow 28 in FIGS. 3 and 5.

The second gear wheel 17 (second coupling element 12) is non-rotatably connected to a rotary shaft element 13. The rolling movement of the second gearwheel 17 thus causes the rotary shaft element 13 to rotate about an axis of rotation D. The axis of rotation D is congruent with a centre axis MD of the rotary shaft element 13 and extends along a longitudinal extension of the rotary shaft element 13 along the width axis Y. The rotary shaft element 13 is rotatably mounted on the mould holding device 4 by means of bearing devices 4b of the mould holding device 4.

When the at least one mould holding device 4 is pivoted about the first pivot axis S, the second gear wheel 17 (second coupling element 12) thus rolls on the first gear wheel 16 (first coupling element 9), so that the second gear wheel 17 and the rotary shaft element 13 move along an outer circumference 9a of the first gear wheel 16. The rotary shaft element 13 is thus both pivoted about the pivot axis S and rotated about an axis of rotation D.

At least one third coupling element 14 is arranged on the rotary shaft element 13 so that it cannot rotate. The at least one circular cylinder-shaped third coupling element 14 is designed as a third gearwheel 18. A rotation of the rotary shaft element 13 thus also causes a corresponding rotation of the at least one third gearwheel 18. The third gearwheel 18 is operatively connected to a pusher element 15. The pusher element 15 comprises a rack section 19, which meshes with the third gearwheel 18.

Due to the engagement of the third gearwheel 18 in the rack section 19, the pusher element 15 is moved linearly when the third gearwheel 18 rotates. The direction of this linear movement depends on the direction of rotation of the third gearwheel 18. When the mould holding device 4 is pivoted about the pivot axis S from the first position 5 to the ejection position 6, the second gearwheel 17 and thus the rotary shaft element 13 and the at least one third gearwheel 18 rotate in a first direction of rotation. The pusher element 15 is thus displaced linearly along the ejection direction A. When the mould holding device 4 is pivoted from the ejection position 6 back into the first position 5, the second gear wheel 17 and thus the rotary shaft element 13 and the at least one third gear wheel 18 rotate in a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation. The pusher element 15 is thus displaced linearly against the ejection direction A.

The holding device 20 comprises a bowl-shaped holding section 20a, which opens into a hollow cylinder-like intermediate section 20b. A hollow cylinder-like channel section 20c adjoins the intermediate section 20b. Preferably, the hollow cylinder-like channel section 20c has an essentially square base area. The channel section 20c has a smaller diameter than the intermediate section 20b. The pusher element 15 is displaceably arranged in the channel section 20c. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 2, the channel section 20c has an upper opening groove 20d. This opening groove 20d allows the third gearwheel 28 to engage with the rack section 19.

The pusher element 15 has an end section 15a, which is arranged in a receiving section 3e of the mould element 3 in such a way that the pusher element 15 and the mould element 3 are firmly connected. The second section of the at least one mould element 2 merges into the receiving section 3e. Preferably, the receiving section 3e is formed integrally with the wall element 3a of the at least one mould element 3.

The end section 15a has a gradation along the longitudinal extent of the pusher element 15, whereby an outer diameter of the pusher element 15 in the end section is gradually reduced. The receiving section 3e has a correspondingly complementary design. Such a positive connection ensures a good hold of the pusher element 15 in the receiving section 3e. It is conceivable that there could also be a material connection, for example an adhesive connection, between the pusher element 15 and the receiving section 3e. FIG. 3 shows that the toothing of the rack section 19 and the width of the wall of the receiving section 3e are flush along a width direction Y.

The linear displacement of the pusher element 15 in the ejection direction A moves the pusher element 15 into the holding device 20, causing the piece of ice to be ejected. The pusher element 15 is displaced within the channel section 20c and the intermediate section 20b. In the case of a linear displacement along the ejection direction A, the receiving section 3e is pushed out of the intermediate section 20b along the ejection direction A. This deforms a lower section of the elastic mould element 3, which is clearly visible in FIGS. 5 and 6. By retaining the mould element 3 via the retaining element 21 in the mating retaining element 22, an overall displacement of the mould element 3 by the pusher element 15 is avoided. Due to the deformation or the thrust of the pusher element 15, the piece of ice is displaced along the ejection direction A and thus emerges from the opening 3c of the mould element.

In the case of spherical pieces of ice, it is necessary for the upper opening 3c to be enlarged during ejection. For this purpose, the at least one mould element 3 has fold-like widening elements 29. During ejection, the upper opening 3c can be sufficiently enlarged by deforming the widening elements 29 so that the spherical piece of ice can emerge.

After the piece of ice has been ejected, the at least one mould holding device 4 is pivoted back from the ejection position 6 to the first position 5. Due to the opposite rotation of the third gear wheel 18, the pusher element 15 is again displaced out of the holding device 20 in the opposite direction to the ejection direction A. The fixed connection of the pusher element 15 to the receiving section 3e causes the receiving section 3e to be displaced back into the intermediate section 20b. The deformation of the mould element 3 is therefore reversed accordingly. The mould element 3 thus finally returns to its original shape and position. By retracting the mould element 3, a complete restoration of the original shape is thus ensured.

A temperature sensor 23 is integrated in the connection between the at least one pusher element 15 and the at least one mould element 3. The end section 15a and the receiving section 3e have an opening in the centre in which the temperature sensor 23 is accommodated. The temperature sensor 23 can have a water-repellent coating, for example a rubber coating. The pusher element 15 is shaped like a hollow cylinder so that a sensor cable 30 can be routed inside the pusher element 15 starting from the temperature sensor 23. The temperature sensor 23 can be used to detect the temperature of the liquid in the mould element 3. The temperature of the liquid provides information about the formation of the piece of ice. It is therefore possible to determine when the piece of ice is fully formed.

Furthermore, at least one heating device 24 is provided, by means of which the at least one mould element 3 can be at least partially heated. Heating the mould element 3 enables the piece of ice to be detached from the wall 3a of the mould element 3. This makes it easier to eject the piece of ice. FIG. 4 shows the heating device 24 in the form of a heating wire. The heating wire is arranged on or in the wall 3a of the mould element 3. Preferably, the heating wire is arranged in a lower section of the mould element 3.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the ice-making apparatus 1. This embodiment comprises a mould holding device 4, in which 4 mould elements 3 are arranged. These four mould elements 3 are arranged next to each other along the width axis Y in the mould holding device 4. Accordingly, four third gear wheels 14, 18 are arranged next to each other on the rotating shaft element 13. The third gear wheels 14, 18 are each operatively connected to a pusher element 15 or each mesh with a rack element 19. Furthermore, a drive and/or transmission device 8 is provided with a first gear wheel 9, 16 and a second gear wheel 12, 17. The mode of operation and the other features are analogous to the embodiments described above. The description of the previously described embodiments thus also applies here mutatis mutandis.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show a further embodiment. This embodiment differs from the preceding embodiments only in that a substantially cube-shaped piece of ice is formed instead of a spherical piece of ice. The mould element 3 is therefore designed differently. FIG. 10 shows the ejection position in which the mould holding device is pivoted and the pusher element 15 has been displaced accordingly into the holding device 20. According to this embodiment, the mould elements 3 are provided with at least one overflow recess 32. The mould elements 3 are fluidically connected to one another by this at least one overflow recess 32. Thus, only one hole 2b in the housing 2 is required for the liquid supply. The supplied liquid is distributed evenly into the mould elements 3 via the at least one overflow recess 32.

One difference to the previous embodiments is the design of the attachment of the pusher element 15 to the mould element 3. A different positive connection is provided here. The mould element 3 has a T-shaped connecting section on its lower wall along the height axis Z, which is embraced by a complementary section of the pusher element 15. This also ensures a firm connection both along the ejection direction A and against the ejection direction A.

Since a closed mould is not necessary when moulding essentially cube-shaped pieces of ice, it can be advantageous if a cover is provided for the mould element 3 in order to keep dirt particles away from the piece of ice or the liquid. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the housing 2 has a cover section 33 which covers the mould element 3.

With regard to a further description of the embodiment according to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the description of the preceding embodiments can apply. The description of the previously described embodiments thus also applies here mutatis mutandis.

The domestic appliance 100 comprises a cooling device 102 connected and suitable for and intended to supply cooled fluid, preferably cooled air, to the upper region of the at least one mould element 3. Preferably, only this upper area is thus subjected to the cooled fluid. This ensures that the liquid in the at least one mould element 3 freezes in layers along the height axis Z from top to bottom. Static cooling is provided. The cooled fluid, or the cooled air, is supplied to the upper area of the at least one mould element 3 by means of convection. This ensures that the liquid in the mould element freezes sufficiently slowly, resulting in an essentially clear piece of ice.

The ice-making apparatus 1 can also be used to produce at least one cloudy piece of ice. Accordingly, a cold air flow can also be provided as a cooling supply.

Furthermore, at least one control device 101 is provided. The control device 101 can be associated with the ice-making apparatus 1 or the household appliance. FIG. 11 shows a control device 101 that controls the corresponding components. Several control devices 101 may also be provided, which control different components and may be associated with the ice-making apparatus 1 and/or the domestic appliance 100.

The control unit 101 is signalled to the temperature sensor 23, the heating unit 24 and the cooling device 102. The control device 101 is also signalled to the drive and/or transmission device 8 and/or an external drive device. Furthermore, the control device 101 can control a liquid supply device 103, which supplies a liquid to the at least one mould element 3.

A cycle for producing at least one piece of ice initially comprises filling the liquid into the at least one mould element 3. The solid aggregate state or the piece of ice is formed by exposing the at least one mould element 3 to the cooled fluid. If the temperature sensor 23 detects that the piece of ice is fully formed, a user can initiate an ejection process. To do this, the heating device 24 is first activated, causing the piece of ice to detach from the mould element 3. The drive and/or transmission device 8 is then activated, causing the mould holding device 4 to pivot from the first position 5 to the ejection position 6 and simultaneously actuating the ejection mechanism 7 so that the pusher element 15 enters the holding device 20. After the piece of ice has been ejected, the drive and/or transmission device 8 is activated in such a way that the mould holding device 4 is pivoted from the ejection position 6 into the first position 5. This pivoting actuates the ejection mechanism 7 in such a way that the pusher element 15 pulls the mould element back into its original shape or position. A new cycle can then begin and the mould element can be filled again.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as being essential to the invention, provided that they are new, either individually or in combination, compared to the prior art. It should also be noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous in themselves. The skilled person immediately recognises that a particular feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, the skilled person recognises that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 1 Ice-making apparatus
  • 2 Housing
  • 2a Cover
  • 2b Bore
  • 3 Mould element
  • 3a Wall element
  • 3b Receiving space
  • 3c Upper opening
  • 3d Inlet opening
  • 3e Receiving section
  • 4 Mould holding device
  • 4a Receptacle of the mould holding device
  • 4b Bearing device of the mould holding device
  • 5 First position of the mould holding device
  • 6 Ejection position
  • 7 Ejection mechanism
  • 8 Drive and/or transmission device
  • 9 First coupling element
  • 9a outer circumference of the first coupling element
  • 10 Connection arrangement
  • 10a Shaft-like element
  • 10b Pin-like end section of the shaft-like element
  • 11 Bore in the first coupling element
  • 12 Second coupling element
  • 13 Rotating shaft element
  • 14 Third coupling element
  • 15 Pusher element
  • 15a End section
  • 16 First gearwheel
  • 17 Second gearwheel
  • 18 Third gearwheel
  • 19 Rack section
  • 20 Holding device
  • 20a Holding section
  • 20b Intermediate section
  • 20c Channel section
  • 20d Upper opening groove
  • 21 Retaining element
  • 21a Retaining groove
  • 22 Mating retaining element
  • 23 Temperature sensor
  • 24 Heating device
  • 25 Partition wall
  • 25a Inner surface of the partition wall
  • 25b Outer surface of the partition wall
  • 26 Outer wall
  • 26a Bearing element of the outer wall
  • 27 Arrow
  • 28 Arrow
  • 29 Widening element
  • 30 Sensor cable
  • 31 Connecting section
  • 32 Overflow recess
  • 33 Cover section
  • 100 Household Appliance
  • 101 Control Device
  • 102 Cooling device
  • 103 Liquid supply device
  • A Ejection direction
  • M Centre line of the mould element
  • MD Centre line of the rotary shaft element
  • S First pivot axis
  • D Rotational axis
  • U Circumference
  • X Longitudinal axis
  • Y Width axis
  • Z Height axis