Ice maker with specific position identifier, and household refrigeration apparatus

An ice maker for installation in a household refrigeration apparatus includes a housing with an opening, a storing bowl for ice, wherein the storing bowl is formed with an opening, which is accessible from the top. The storing bowl can be inserted into the housing through the opening of the housing and the storing bowl is arranged in a final position at the housing in the inserted state. A position identifier captures the position of the storing bowl, wherein the position identifier includes a capturing sensor. A control electronic, which is arranged in a front area in depth direction of the ice maker, includes a circuit board. The capturing sensor is arranged on the circuit board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

One aspect of the invention relates to an ice maker for a household refrigeration apparatus. A further aspect of the invention relates to a household cooling appliance with an ice maker.

Ice makers for household refrigeration apparatuses are known. They comprise a storing bowl for ice form parts. Ice form parts can be ice cubes. The ice maker can also comprise an ice producer. The ice form parts are generated by it. Thereto, an ice tray is provided. Form areas are formed in it, into which water can be introduced. This water is frozen to the ice form parts in the ice producer. The storing bowl for this ice is arranged in a housing of the ice maker. This storing bowl is displaceably arranged in the housing.

In order to be able to correspondingly isolate the ice maker in its environment, the storing bowl is to be attached in a defined final position. Thereby, the storage conditions in the interior of the ice maker can be maintained. The exit of cold air from the ice maker can thereby be avoided. Thus, it is important to be able to securely adjust the final position of the storing bowl.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an ice maker, in which the interior of the ice maker is best possible shielded towards the environment and a storing bowl of the ice maker can be securely brought into the final position. Similarly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a household refrigeration apparatus with such an ice maker.

These objects are solved by an ice maker and a household refrigeration apparatus according to the independent claims.

An aspect of the invention relates to an ice maker for installation in a household refrigeration apparatus, comprising:

a housing with an opening;

a storing bowl for ice, wherein the storing bowl comprises an opening, which is accessible from the top, wherein the storing bowl can be inserted into the housing through the opening of the housing, wherein the storing bowl is arranged in a final position in the inserted state,

a position identifier, by which the position of the storing bowl can be captured, wherein the position identifier comprises a capturing sensor,

a control electronic, which is arranged in a front area in depth direction of the ice maker, wherein the control electronic comprises a circuit board, wherein

the capturing sensor is arranged on the circuit board.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration apparatus with an ice maker, wherein the ice maker comprises:

a housing with an opening;

a storing bowl for ice, wherein the storing bowl comprises an opening, which is accessible from the top, wherein the storing bowl can be inserted into the housing through the opening of the housing, wherein the storing bowl is arranged in a final position in the inserted state,

a position identifier, by which the position of the storing bowl can be captured, wherein the position identifier comprises a capturing sensor,

a control electronic, which is arranged in a front area in depth direction of the ice maker, wherein the control electronic comprises a circuit board, wherein

the capturing sensor is arranged on the circuit board.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the front area is a front third area.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the circuit board is arranged laterally next to the storing bowl in width direction of the ice maker when the storing bowl is arranged in the final position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ice maker comprises an ice producer. The ice producer is arranged in the housing of the ice maker.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ice producer comprises a sub housing. The ice producer comprises a drive. The drive is arranged in the sub housing. The circuit board is arranged in the sub housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ice producer comprises an ice tray, in which the ice form parts are produced, wherein the ice tray is coupled to the drive to move the ice tray.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ice maker comprises a heater, by which the ice form parts in the ice tray can be partially melted, wherein the heater is controlled by the control electronic.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ice maker comprises an ejector, by which ice form parts in the ice tray can be ejected from the ice tray, wherein the ejector is controlled by the control electronic.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the ice maker comprises at least one temperature sensor, by which the temperature in the ice maker can be captured, wherein the temperature sensor is controlled by the control electronic.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the capturing sensor is a Hall sensor.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the position identifier comprises a magnet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the magnet is arranged at the storing bowl.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the storing bowl comprises a first sidewall, which faces the circuit board upon introducing the storing bowl into the housing. The first sidewall comprises an upper border. The magnet is arranged adjacent to the upper border.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a receiving pocket for receiving the magnet is formed at the upper border. The magnet is arranged between an outer side of the first sidewall and a pocket wall of the receiving pocket.

Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of figures and/or shown in the figures alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, implementations are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention, which are not explicitly shown in the figures and explained, but arise from and can be generated by separated feature combinations from the explained implementations. Implementations and feature combinations are also to be considered as disclosed, which thus do not comprise all of the features of an originally formulated independent claim. Moreover, implementations and feature combinations are to be considered as disclosed, in particular by the implementations set out above, which extend beyond or deviate from the feature combinations set out in the back-references of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the figures, identical or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference signs.

With indications of “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “width direction”, “height direction”, etc., the positions and orientations given in intended use and intended arrangement of the apparatus are specified.

InFIG. 1in a perspective view an embodiment of a household cooling appliance1is shown. The household cooling appliance1is configured for storing and preserving food items. In the shown embodiment the household cooling appliance1is a fridge freezer combination appliance. However, it can also be only a cooling or refrigeration appliance.

The shown household cooling appliance1comprises an outer housing2. In the outer housing a first receiving space for food items is configured, which here is a refrigeration compartment3. In an embodiment the household cooling appliance1moreover comprises a second receiving space for food items, which is separate from the first receiving space and which here is a freezer compartment4. As can be recognized, in the embodiment shown here the refrigeration compartment3and the freezer compartment4are arranged one above the other in the height direction (y-direction) of the household cooling appliance1. The freezer compartment4, which is arranged further below, is capable of being locked by a door5. The door5in the shown embodiment is a front wall of a drawer, which can be shifted linearly in the depth direction (z direction) of the household cooling appliance1. The refrigeration compartment3is capable of being locked by two separate doors6and7, which are shown inFIG. 1in the opened state. The two separate doors6and7are capable of being pivoted about pivot axles, which are vertically oriented, and are arranged on the outer housing2. The two doors6and7are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction (x direction) and extend in the closed state in a front side plane. In particular also the door5in the closed stated extends in this plane, in which also the two doors6and7extend in the closed state.

In an embodiment the household cooling appliance1moreover comprises a dispenser10configured to output ice form elements or crushed ice. The dispenser10moreover can also optionally be configured to output a drink. In an embodiment the household cooling appliance1comprises a module8. In an embodiment the dispenser10comprises said module8.

The module8in the shown embodiment is arranged in the interior of the refrigeration compartment3. This means that whilst the module8is arranged to be thermally insulated against the refrigeration compartment3, however, that it is only accessible and reachable via the feed opening of the refrigeration compartment3. Thus, the module8can only be made accessible, when at least the door6is opened.

The dispenser10in addition to the module8also comprises an output9. The output9here is for instance configured to be integrally formed in the door6. On an outer side of the door6, which faces away from the refrigeration compartment3and then is also a front side, a niche is formed, in which a receiving container can be placed and in which then via the output9the ice form elements or the crushed ice can be output.

In the closed state of the door6the output9is coupled with the module8so that via an ice chute11formed here in the output9ice form elements or crushed ice can arrive at the output9from the module8.

The module8can be an ice compartment12a. The household cooling appliance1can then also be configured without an ice maker12. The module8can also be an ice maker12. The ice compartment12acan be an integral part of the ice maker12if the household cooling appliance1comprises an ice maker12.

InFIG. 1an example for a household cooling appliance1comprising an ice maker12is schematically shown. The ice maker12is arranged in the refrigeration compartment3. Viewed from the front side, it is arranged in a left top corner portion of the refrigeration compartment3. The ice maker12is arranged to be thermally insulated from the remaining volume of the receiving space3. The ice maker is only accessible, if the door6is opened.

InFIG. 2, an arrangement of partial components of the ice maker12is shown in a perspective representation.

InFIG. 2, partial components of the module8are illustrated. This module8comprises a storing bowl13. Ice form parts, in particular ice cubes, are stored in this storing bowl13. Moreover, the module8comprises an ice producer14. This ice producer14produces the ice form parts. Thereto, water is frozen. The water is introduced in form areas15. The form areas15are formed in an ice tray16. The ice tray16is separate to the storing bowl13. The ice tray16is a constituent of the ice producer14.

The ice producer14is arranged next to the storing bowl13in width direction (x-direction). In an embodiment, the storing bowl13comprises a tray17. Moreover, it comprises a front wall18. In an embodiment, a cutter arrangement19is arranged at the front wall18. Ice form parts stored in the tray17can be crushed by this cutter arrangement19upon leading out of the tray17. For leading the ice form parts out of the tray17, the module8comprises a conveyor20. The conveyor20can be a screw conveyor. The storing bowl13, in particular the tray17, comprises an opening21. This opening21is accessible from the top.

Moreover, the module8comprises a housing22, as it is apparent inFIG. 1. The housing22is not shown inFIG. 2. The storing bowl13and the ice producer14are arranged in the housing22. The storing bowl13can be inserted into and withdrawn from this housing22in depth direction (z-direction). In this context, the front wall18also forms a front wall of the housing22in the embodiment.

In an embodiment, the ice maker12comprises a control electronic23, as it is shown inFIG. 2. This control electronic23comprises a circuit board24. A capturing sensor26(FIGS. 6 and 7) is arranged on this circuit board24. This capturing sensor26is a constituent of a position identifier25. The position identifier25is a constituent of the ice maker12. In particular, the position identifier25is a constituent of the module8. The position of the storing bowl13can be detected by the position identifier25. In an embodiment, it can thereby be captured when the storing bowl13is arranged in its completely inserted final position in the housing22. This capturing sensor26is a capturing sensor. In an embodiment, it is a Hall sensor.

Moreover, the position identifier25comprises at least one magnetically interacting component. In an embodiment, the magnetically interacting component is a magnet27. This magnet27is separate to the capturing sensor26. The magnet27is arranged at the storing bowl13. In an embodiment, the magnet27is arranged at the tray17. In an embodiment, the magnet27is arranged at a vertical sidewall28of the tray17. In an embodiment, the magnet27is formed at an upper border29of this vertical sidewall28. The sidewall28is the sidewall facing the ice producer14. Moreover, the tray17comprises a further vertical sidewall30. It is further spaced from the ice producer14than the first vertical sidewall28in width direction.

InFIG. 2, the storing bowl13is shown in an inserted intermediate position, which is not yet the completely inserted final position.

InFIG. 3, a representation of the components according toFIG. 2is shown in this context. However, the storing bowl13is shown in the completely inserted final position inFIG. 3. In this state, the magnet27is arranged immediately adjacent to the capturing sensor26. Due to the magnetic interaction between the capturing sensor26and the magnet27, this final position is uniquely detected. In particular, it is detected without contact in this respect. Thereby, the inserted final position can be reliably and securely identified.

The position of the capturing sensor26is particularly advantageous. The circuit board24of the originally present control electronic23is also utilized to receive this capturing sensor26. Therefore, a separate circuit board for the capturing sensor26is not required.

Furthermore, it is advantageous, as it is apparent inFIG. 3, that this circuit board24with the capturing sensor25is arranged in a front area31of the module8. In this respect, the front area31is to be viewed in depth direction. In an embodiment, this circuit board24with the capturing sensor26is arranged in a front third of length of the module8. Therein, the length is measured in depth direction. By this front-side positioning of the circuit board24, installation space is released in the rear area of the module8. In an embodiment, the ice producer14and the storing bowl13can be arranged in improved manner in this respect.

The construction of the module8is simplified by this arrangement of the circuit board24displaced to the front. The complexity of the ice maker12is thereby reduced. Less electronic components and less current feeds are required. Moreover, the accessibility to the circuit board24is simpler. Then, the accessibility to the capturing sensor25is also simpler.

By the configuration of the capturing sensor26as a Hall sensor, both the presence of the storing bowl13in principle and the position of this storing bowl13in depth direction can be very accurately determined.

InFIG. 4, the storing bowl13is shown in a perspective representation.

InFIG. 5, the storing bowl13is shown in a sectional representation along the sectional line V-V inFIG. 4. It is apparent that a receiving pocket32for the magnet27is formed at this upper border29. Thereby, the magnet27is arranged between an outer side28aof the first sidewall28and a pocket wall33of the receiving pocket32. In particular, it is arranged in the receiving pocket32fixed in position.

InFIG. 6, the ice producer14of the ice maker12, in particular of the module8, is illustrated in a perspective representation. The circuit board24of the control electronic23is apparent. Moreover, the capturing sensor26is also shown. As is apparent, a sub housing34is provided in an embodiment. The sub housing34is separate to the housing22. The sub housing34is arranged in the housing22. The sub housing34receives the circuit board24and the capturing sensor26.

As is apparent inFIG. 3, the circuit board24is arranged laterally of and next to the tray17viewed in width direction in the completely inserted final position of the storing bowl13. Moreover, the ice producer14comprises a drive35, as it is shown inFIG. 6. In an embodiment, the drive35is also arranged in the sub housing34. The drive35is provided for mechanically moving the ice tray16. In particular, the ice tray16can be rotated, in particular twisted, around an axis A, as it is drawn inFIG. 6, by the drive35.

In an embodiment, it is provided that the control electronic23controls the drive35. In an embodiment, it is provided that the control electronic23controls a heater36. The heater36, which is a constituent of the module8, allows partially melting the ice form parts in the ice tray16. Thereby, the ice form parts can be simpler removed from the ice tray16.

In an embodiment, it is provided that the module8, in particular the ice producer14, comprises an ejector37, as it is indicated inFIG. 2andFIG. 3. The ejector37allows shifting the ice form parts out of the form areas15. The ejector37can be controlled by the control electronic23.

Moreover, it is provided in an embodiment that the ice maker12, in particular the module8, comprises a temperature sensor38, as it is symbolically shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3. The temperature can be measured in particular in the module8by the temperature sensor38. In particular, the temperature sensor38is connected to the control electronic23. The information captured by the temperature sensor38can be processed by the control electronic23. In an embodiment the ice maker12comprises at least one optical sensor. Said optical sensor detects the amount of ice form elements in the ice maker12. In an embodiment said optical sensor is integrated in the temperature sensor38. Therefore an sensor-module with at least two sensors is arranged.

Moreover, in an embodiment, the control electronic23is formed to the effect that it controls the entire process flow from producing ice form parts in the ice producer14until outputting the ice form parts from the ice tray16into the storing bowl13. In particular, leading the ice form parts out of the storing bowl13by means of the conveyor20is also controlled by the control electronic23. In particular, the cutter arrangement19is also controlled by this control electronic23.

InFIG. 7, the module8is shown in a perspective sectional representation. In this context, the sectional line is shown along the sectional line VII-VII inFIG. 3. The sectional plane is drawn through the magnet27and the capturing sensor26. As is apparent inFIG. 7thereto, the capturing sensor26is arranged directly above the magnet27viewed in height direction in this final position of the storing bowl13. The magnet27is arranged overlapping with the capturing sensor26in width direction.

In an embodiment, the front area is a front third area.

In an embodiment, the circuit board is arranged laterally next to the storing bowl in width direction of the ice maker when the storing bowl is arranged in the final position.

In an embodiment, the ice maker comprises an ice producer. The ice producer is arranged in the housing of the ice maker.

In an embodiment, the ice producer comprises a sub housing. The ice producer comprises a drive. The drive is arranged in the sub housing. The circuit board is arranged in the sub housing in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the ice producer comprises an ice tray, in which the ice form parts are produced, wherein the ice tray is coupled to the drive to move the ice tray.

In an embodiment, the ice maker comprises a heater, by which the ice form parts in the ice tray can be partially melted, wherein the heater is controlled by the control electronic.

In an embodiment, the ice maker comprises an ejector, by which ice form parts in the ice tray can be ejected from the ice tray, wherein the ejector is controlled by the control electronic.

In an embodiment, the ice maker comprises at least one temperature sensor, by which the temperature in the ice maker can be captured, wherein the temperature sensor is controlled by the control electronic.

In an embodiment, the capturing sensor is a Hall sensor.

In an embodiment, the position identifier comprises a magnet. In an embodiment, the magnet is arranged at the storing bowl.

In an embodiment, the storing bowl comprises a first sidewall, which faces the circuit board upon introducing the storing bowl into the housing. The first sidewall comprises an upper border. The magnet is arranged adjacent to the upper border.

In an embodiment, a receiving pocket for receiving the magnet is formed at the upper border. The magnet is arranged between an outer side of the first sidewall and a pocket wall of the receiving pocket.