Abstract:
An ice dispensing arrangement, particularly for a household refrigeration appliance, has a flap that is rotatable between a first and a second distribution position and a motor which actuates the flap via a transfer device. The transfer device has a rotational disk to be connected to a motor shaft, a piston rod and a rotating transfer element. The latter is rotatable a first and second position such that the flap in the first position of the rotating transfer element, is in the first distribution position and in the second position of the rotating transfer element, the flap is in the second distribution position. The rotating transfer element has a coupling element. The piston rod couples a motor shaft-eccentric point of the rotating disk to the coupling element of the rotating transfer element to rotate the transfer element between the first and second positions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to an ice dispensing arrangement, in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, which comprises a flap, which can be rotated between a first distribution position and a second distribution position, a transfer device and a motor, which actuates the flap via a transfer device. 
     Flaps are employed in the dispensing of ice from an ice storage container. This flap mechanism is frequently actuated via solenoids, wherein resetting of the flap is effected by springs. Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,355 B2 describes a cam disk solution, which actuates the flap for dispensing of ice from the ice storage container by means of a motor and a cam disk. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the invention to specify an improved ice dispensing arrangement and an improved household refrigeration appliance. 
     This problem is solved by means of the subject matter as claimed. 
     Advantageous embodiments of the ice dispensing arrangement are the subject of the dependent claims. 
     The invention relates to an ice dispensing arrangement, in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, which comprises a flap, which can be rotated between a first distribution position and a second distribution position, a transfer device and a motor, which actuates the flap via the transfer device. The transfer device has a rotating disk connected with the motor shaft, at least one piston rod and a rotating transfer element. The rotating transfer element is pivotable between a first position and a second position in such a way that in the first position of the rotating transfer element the flap takes up the first distribution position and in the second position of the rotating transfer element the flap takes up the second distribution position. The rotating transfer element is provided with a coupling element. The at least one piston rod couples a point on the rotating disk which is eccentric to the motor shaft with the coupling element of the rotating transfer element in such a way that the rotating transfer element can be rotated between the first position and the second position. 
     The term household refrigeration appliance should be understood to mean a refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance used for housekeeping purposes in households or possibly also in the gastronomic field, and in particular serves to store foodstuffs and/or beverages in quantities customary within the household context, at specific temperatures, such as for example a refrigerator, an upright freezer, a fridge/freezer combination, a chest freezer or a wine storage cabinet. 
     In the case of refrigeration appliances, in particular household refrigeration appliances, a device for making ice-cubes or chunks of ice is often provided. To this end an ice-maker (a device for the preparation of chunks of ice or ice-cubes), an ice-crusher (a device for reducing the size of chunks of ice or ice-cubes) and a dispenser for removal of the ice-cubes are provided. The ice dispensing arrangement can be part of one or more of the aforementioned devices, can be used for a wide variety of the abovementioned refrigeration appliances and can also be designated an ice dispenser arrangement. In particular the ice dispensing arrangement serves to open and close a pivoting flap of an ice-crusher. The energy required to open and close the flap is provided by a motor, which is in particular an electric motor, wherein any type of suitable motor is conceivable. 
     The motor and the flap are coupled to each other via a transfer device, so that rotation of a motor shaft causes a movement of the flap. The flap can be moved between the first distribution position and the second distribution position. In this connection the term position can also be understood to mean a range of positions, that is to say the first and second distribution position can encompass several positions of the flap. In the first distribution position the flap of the ice-crusher is preferably positioned in such a way that in the first distribution position chunks of ice can be crushed. Here, the flap does not fully close the ice-crusher, so that the crushed chunks of ice can fall out of the ice-crusher. In the second distribution position of the flap, the ice-crusher is preferably opened wider, so that whole chunks of ice can fall through the ice-crusher without being crushed. The flap is preferably pivotable about a pivot axis. 
     The transfer device comprises the rotating transfer element, so that the flap and the motor can be located separately from each other. The rotating transfer element can be rotated at least between the first position and the second position, wherein the requisite energy is preferably provided by the motor. The first and second position can also be understood to mean a first range of positions and a second range of positions, wherein in particular the first and the second position or the first and second range of positions cover a range of angles. 
     In light of the embodiment with at least one piston rod the transfer device can in particular also comprise a crank drive, or be designated as such. 
     One end of the rotating transfer element, which is arranged in the vicinity of the motor, can preferably be coupled with the rotating disk via the at least one piston rod. The rotating disk is preferably fixed to the motor shaft in a torque-proof manner. The rotation of the rotating disk is preferably converted into a periodic movement of the coupling element by means of the piston rods. The highest point and the lowest point of the periodic movement correspond to the first and second position. The periodic movement can be a movement with a directional component in the vertical and/or a movement with a directional component in the horizontal direction. 
     It is preferable that the coupling element has a crank. The crank can also be designated as an offset. 
     It is further preferable that the crank comprises a connecting section and a crank section, wherein the connecting section connects the crank section with the rotating transfer element and the crank section operatively couples the rotating transfer element with the at least one piston rod. 
     It is preferable that the connecting section runs at an angle, preferably obliquely, to a longitudinal axis of the rotating transfer element and the crank section runs at least in sections parallel and offset to the longitudinal axis of the rotating transfer element. The connecting section and the crank section and/or the connecting section and the rotating transfer element can be embodied in one piece. 
     It is additionally preferable that the at least one piston rod is coupled in pivotable and/or displaceable form with the coupling element, in particular with the crank section. 
     The crank or offset as it is also known is connected with the rotating transfer element via the connecting section. The crank, the connecting section and the rotating transfer element are preferably embodied in one piece, and for example are manufactured from a metal or a plastic material. The piston rod can preferably rotate at least in part about the crank. This permits an up-and-down movement of the piston rods to generate a periodic movement of the crank, which in turn results in a rotation of the rotating transfer element. The rotation of the rotating transfer element takes place between the first position and the second position. 
     The motor shaft is preferably fixed at a central point of the rotating disk. The point at which the piston rod is arranged on the rotating disk is preferably offset relative to the central point and is thus eccentric. The piston rod and rotating disk can be manufactured from plastic or metal. 
     It is preferable that the transfer device has only one piston rod, which is operatively coupled with the crank section. 
     The piston rod is preferably coupled in a fixed position and pivotable with the crank section or the coupling element. The phrase ‘in a fixed position’ is in particular intended to mean that the crank section cannot move relative to the piston rod. ‘Pivotable’ is preferably intended to mean that the piston rod can be rotated relative to the crank or the crank section. It is thereby possible actively to rotate the transfer device from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position, that is to say to exert force upon the transfer device. This in turn means that the flap can be opened and closed when subject to force, or otherwise expressed, can be pivoted from the first distribution position into the second distribution position and vice versa. The piston rod is preferably fixed to the rotating disk in such a way that a 180°-rotation of the motor shaft rotates the transfer device from the first position into the second position and a further 180°-rotation of the motor shaft rotates the transfer device from the second position into the first position. This means that upon a rotation of the motor shaft, the flap is brought from the first distribution position into the second distribution position and back again. Alternatively the motor can be a bidirectional motor, so that the opening of the flap, rotation of the transfer device from the first position into the second position, takes place through rotation of the motor in the one direction, while the closure of the flap, rotation of the transfer device from the second position into the first position, takes place through rotation of the motor shaft in the opposite direction. 
     It is alternatively preferable that the transfer device has two or more piston rods, wherein each piston rod has an opening (also known as a transmission opening), into which the crank section projects and which is larger than the cross-sectional area of the crank section. 
     In the case of two piston rods, the transfer device is rotated from the first position into the second position preferably by means of a 90°-rotation of the motor shaft. A further 90°-rotation of the motor shaft turns the transfer device preferably from the second position into the first position, if two piston rods are provided. This means that upon one revolution of the motor shaft the flap is brought twice from the first distribution position into the second distribution position and back again. This preferably permits more rapid actuation of the flap. 
     It is further preferable that the at least one piston rod has one guide opening in each case, into which a guide element engages to guide the movement of the at least one piston rod. 
     The guide element is arranged in a fixed position relative to the motor, so that the piston rod and the guide element can move in opposition to each other. The guide element is preferably an axle or extends along an axle which is passed through the piston rod. By means of this arrangement the crank can be displaced relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element from the first position into the second position and upon further rotation of the motor shaft in the same direction, the contact between the crank and the piston rods is released, so that the rotating transfer element can rotate back into the first position once again. However no force is provided by the piston rods for the rotation of the rotating transfer element from the second position into the first position, so that a spring is preferably used to this end. The arrangement described here has the advantage that the flap can be opened multiple times during one revolution of the motor. 
     It is preferable that the rotating transfer element and the coupling element are embodied in one piece and/or that the rotating transfer element and the coupling element are in each case embodied as a bar element. 
     This represents a particularly simple embodiment of the transfer device, so that manufacturing costs can be saved. 
     It is preferable that the transfer device further has flap actuation device, wherein the rotating transfer element can be rotated between the first position and the second position, in order to pivot the flap between the first distribution position and the second distribution position by means of the flap actuation device, wherein the rotating transfer element is coupled with the flap actuation device in such a way that in the first position of the rotating transfer element the flap takes up the first distribution position and that in the second position of the rotating transfer element the flap takes up the second distribution position, and wherein a blocking device is provided to retain the flap in the first distribution position. 
     One end of the rotating transfer element, which is arranged close to the flap can preferably be provided with the flap actuation device, which can be embodied as a crank or lever arm. The flap actuation device can be embodied in one piece with the rotating transfer element. All possible types of fixing are conceivable for attachment of the flap actuation device to the rotating transfer element, wherein a one-piece embodiment of the flap actuation device and the rotating transfer element is preferable. Alternatively the flap actuation device can be fixed by means of screw attachment, gluing or welding. 
     The rotating transfer element is coupled with the flap actuation device in such a way that a rotation of the rotating transfer element results in a pivoting of the flap. In particular the flap is closed in the case of the first position of the rotating transfer element and open in the case of the second position of the rotating transfer element. Upon rotation from the first position of the rotating transfer element to the second position, the flap preferably moves from the first distribution position into the second distribution position. A rotation from the second position of the rotating transfer element into the first position can preferably effect a pivoting of the flap from the second distribution position into the first distribution position. 
     The blocking device holds the flap in the first distribution position. This can also be understood to mean a locking, closure or blocking of the flap. It can thus be achieved that the flap actuation device serves to open the flap, while the blocking device locks the flap. A firm locking of the flap is then particularly important if the pivoting flap is a flap of an ice-crusher, as during crushing of the ice, high forces are exerted on the flap. The blocking device is preferably coupled with the transmission rotation device, so that a rotation of the transmission rotation device brings about a movement of the blocking device. The blocking device can for example be a bar, which is arranged close to the flap and is moved by the transmission rotation device. 
     The flap, the blocking device and the rotating transfer element can be manufactured from a plastic or a metal. Other materials which possess the requisite mechanical properties for the use of such parts are however conceivable. 
     It is preferable that the blocking device can be rotated between a blocking position for retention of the flap in the first distribution position and a release position. 
     In the blocking position of the blocking device, the blocking device blocks, holds or locks the flap. The flap can thus no longer open. In the release position the blocking device is pivoted relative to the blocking position, so that the pivoting of the flap is no longer prevented and the flap can be opened by means of the flap actuation device. 
     It is preferable that the blocking device, the rotating transfer element and/or the flap actuation device are pivotable about a common axis of rotation, which is preferably essentially parallel to the pivot axis of the flap. 
     The common axis of rotation is preferably an axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element. This represents a simple embodiment. If the pivot axis of the flap and the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element are parallel to each other, the motor can be arranged in front of or behind the flap, for example behind the ice-maker and/or the ice-crusher. This permits a variable arrangement of the individual components, so that particularly good use can be made of the available space in a refrigeration appliance. 
     It is further preferable that the blocking device is arranged on the flap actuation device and/or on the rotating transfer element. 
     A particularly simple pivoting of the blocking device can thereby be achieved, wherein the blocking device and the flap actuation device rotate synchronously. This ensures in particular that the flap can only be opened when it is not locked. The blocking device can be embodied in one piece with the flap actuation device. The blocking device is preferably fixed to the flap actuation device, in particular by means of a snap fastener or a clamping device. The blocking device rotates with the flap actuation device. In the same way, the blocking device can be arranged on the rotating transfer element. In this way the blocking device can also be attached both to the flap actuation device and to the rotating transfer element. 
     If the blocking device is arranged close to the rotating transfer element or to be more precise close to the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element, a lower torque is exerted on the rotating transfer element upon unlocking of the flap than if the blocking device is arranged further away from the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element on the flap actuation device. It is thereby possible that in the case of constant torque on the rotating transfer element in the first position a greater retention force can be exerted on the flap, as greater frictional forces can operate in the blocking device as a result of the lesser leverage. Accordingly, greater forces can operate on the flap in the ice-crusher. 
     It is additionally preferable that a projection is arranged on the flap and the blocking device has a stop to keep the flap in the first distribution position, wherein the stop blocks the projection only in the first position to keep the flap in the first distribution position. 
     A projection is arranged on the flap, which can be embodied in one piece with the flap or can be fixed to the flap. To affix the projection to the flap, a very wide variety of methods are conceivable, such as in particular gluing, screwed connection, welding or the like. In the first position the projection and the blocking device preferably engage with each other, so that the flap is thereby locked or held. 
     The stop of the blocking device preferably engages behind the projection of the flap. This represents a secure and simple blocking device. The form of the stop is preferably matched to the form of the projection and in particular the projection engages behind the stop in a form-fitted manner. 
     It is preferable that the flap or the projection have an accommodating area, which is bounded by a peripheral border, which stands proud of the accommodating area. The flap actuation device further preferably has an arm which projects into the accommodating area. 
     Accordingly the flap is pivoted into the second distribution position by the flap actuation device, when the rotating transfer element rotates about its axis of rotation. To this end the flap has an accommodating area, which is bounded by a circumferential edge. The circumferential edge stands proud of the accommodating area in such a way that when the flap actuation device moves, the flap actuation device moves against the circumferential edge. The accommodating area can in particular be a surface preferably projecting vertically from the circumferential edge. The accommodating area can however also be a cavity, which is bounded by the circumferential edge. In this case too, the circumferential edge stands proud of the accommodating area. An arm of the flap actuation device stands in the accommodating area. The arm is preferably curved, and a part of the arm is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element. 
     Advantageously, the opening of the flap can thus be functionally separated from the locking of the flap by means of the blocking device. As the arm is preferably further removed from the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element than the blocking device, the arm describes a longer arc sector, so that the arm can open the flap wide. By comparison, upon movement of the flap actuation device the blocking device describes a shorter arc sector, so that the blocking device, if it were to open the flap, could not open the flap as wide. Conversely, with a constant motor power, the arm can exert a lower force than the blocking device, as the arm is at a greater distance from the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element than the blocking device. For unlocking of the flap and thus also its blocking, a greater force is however generally required compared to the opening of the flap. The requirements for the unlocking and opening of the flap are advantageously met in a simple manner through the functional separation by means of the arm and the blocking device. 
     Closure of the flap can be achieved either by means of the flap actuation device, in particular by means of the arm, or also by means of a spring, which pushes the flap into the first distribution position, which corresponds to the first position of the rotating transfer element. The locking then takes place by means of the blocking device. 
     It is preferable that in the case of location of the rotating transfer element in the first position the arm does not touch the circumferential edge and, with the location of the rotating transfer element in the second position, the arm preferably presses against the circumferential edge. 
     In the first position, that is when the flap is in the first distribution position, the arm does not touch the edge region or exerts no force. If a force now operates on the flap, jams between the arm and the circumferential edge of the flap cannot occur, so that it is less likely for opening of the flap to be blocked. This can in particular arise in the prior art, as there the opening and locking of the flap takes place by means of the flap actuation device, so that upon locking, the flap actuation device and the flap frequently jam, and opening of the flap is then blocked. The distance between the circumferential edge and the arm is preferably selected such that the incidence of jams is minimized, although the distance is not too great, so that a reduction of the opening angle of the flap achieved through the flap actuation device is avoided. The flap is then opened when the arm of the flap actuation device presses against the circumferential edge. The second position is thus the range for which the flap is opened or is open. 
     It is further preferable that the rotating transfer element and the flap actuation device are in each case embodied as a bar element and/or that the rotating transfer element and the flap actuation device are embodied in one piece. 
     This represents an embodiment of the rotating transfer element and the flap actuation device which is particularly simple to manufacture. Production costs can thus be reduced. 
     It is preferable that the rotating transfer element and/or the arm extends essentially parallel to the pivot axis of the flap. It is further preferable that the flap actuation device essentially extends radially to the pivot axis of the flap and/or essentially vertically from the rotating transfer element. 
     The invention further provides a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, which comprises an ice dispensing arrangement, as described above. Accordingly, the refrigeration appliance possesses an ice dispensing arrangement with the features and advantages described above. Furthermore, the refrigeration appliance, in particular the household refrigeration appliance, can comprise an ice-crusher (device for crushing chunks of ice) and/or an ice-maker (device for forming chunks of ice). 
     By way of summing up and alternatively a preferred embodiment of the invention is to be described here once again. 
     Through the use of a crank drive as a component of the transfer device with a crank the flap can be forcibly moved both in the direction of opening and in the direction of closure by the motor. This crank drive can preferably be connected with the flap by means of a connecting bar as the rotating transfer element, wherein this connecting bar is preferably angled at both ends. The crank drive can be generated by means of one or more piston rods. The use of multiple piston rods has the advantage, among others, that in the case of a slowly running motor, the flap can be opened and closed in a short time. 
     A further improvement has been arranged on the flap side. As already explained above, the connecting bar has an offset, both on the crank side and on the flap side, in order to actuate the flap. On the flap side the crank can be used to block the flap for crushing of the ice and then, when the crank drive is activated, to open the flap by means of a lever. If the flap is opened, the ice-cubes are dispensed whole, without being crushed. During crushing, however, it can happen that the fragments of ice-cube exert a great force on the flap as a result of jamming in the crusher-housing. As a result of the high frictional force which now arises between the connecting bar and the flap, the motor requires a high level of power to open the flap. The crank can preferably have a certain length, so that the flap can be opened wide enough with the crank drive. Through the possible separation of the functions—blocking and opening—the flap can be securely unlocked and simultaneously opened wide by means of a less powerful motor. The blocking edge for the flap is located close to the pivot point of the connecting bar, and more force for unlocking of the flap is thus made available by the lever drive. The long lever arm can only be used to open the flap. The advantage of the invention described here compared with the magnetic solution described in the introduction, in which the flap is opened in a jerky manner, is further a slow distribution of the ice-cubes from the ice supply container. In particular through the use of a crank drive with a crank, the flap can be forcibly moved by the motor both in the direction of opening as well as in the direction of closure. The crank drive is connected with the flap by means of the connecting bar, which is angled at both ends. Secure opening and closing of the flap is thereby guaranteed. The flap can further be securely unlocked and simultaneously opened sufficiently wide by means of a less powerful motor through the separation of the blocking and opening functions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       Embodiments and advantages of the invention will now be presented on the basis of the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. Wherein 
         FIG. 1  shows a three-dimensional view of an ice dispensing arrangement in three positions; 
         FIG. 2  shows a plan view of the ice dispensing arrangement in three positions; 
         FIG. 3  shows a plan view of the ice dispensing arrangement from the motor side; 
         FIG. 4  shows a plan view from the motor side of the ice dispensing arrangement in three positions; 
         FIG. 5  shows a view from beneath the ice dispensing arrangement on the motor side; and 
         FIG. 6  shows a plan view from beneath the ice dispensing arrangement in three positions from the motor side. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An ice dispensing arrangement  10  has a flap  12 , a motor  16  and a transfer device  14 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the flap-side part of the transfer device  14 . In  FIG. 3 through 6  the motor  16  and the motor-side part of the transfer device  14  are shown. The transfer device  14  has a bar element  18 , which is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which connects the motor-side part of the transfer device  14  with the flap-side part of the transfer device  14 . The motor  16  actuates the transfer device  14  in such a way that the bar element  18  rotates about its axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The flap  12  is pivoted by means of the rotation of the bar element  18 . 
     Initially the flap side of the ice dispensing arrangement  10  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The flap  12  of the ice dispensing arrangement  10  is a flap  12  of an ice-crusher  20 , which can be pivoted between a first distribution position  44  and a second distribution position  48 . The ice-crusher  20  is arranged on an ice distributor  22 . The ice distributor  22  can have an ice-maker. The ice-crusher  20  has a fixed housing part (not shown) and the flap  12 , which form a housing of the ice-crusher  20 . Arranged in the housing are a movable set of blades  24  and a fixed set of blades  26 . The movable set of blades  24  preferably has three movable blades  28 , which are attached to a rotating shaft  30  of the ice-crusher  20 . Through the rotation of the rotating shaft  30  by means of a motor (not shown), the movable blades  28  are moved towards the fixed set of blades  26 . Chunks of ice provided by the ice distributor  22  are crushed between the fixed set of blades  26  and the movable set of blades  24 . The fixed set of blades  26  preferably has two fixed blades  32 , which are fixed to a retention device  34  of the ice-crusher. The fixed blades  32  are not movable. 
     The flap  12  has a projection  36  and an accommodating area  38 . The flap  12  is mounted in pivotable form about a pivot axis  40  and pressed into a first distribution position  44  via a spring  42 . In the first distribution position  44  the ice-crusher  20  is closed to the extent that chunks of ice in can be crushed in the ice-crusher  20 . Crushed chunks of ice can fall out of the ice-crusher  20  in the first distribution position. In an alternative embodiment the spring  42  can be dispensed with, and the opening and closing of the flap  12  effected by means of the flap actuation device. 
     In the first distribution position  44  the projection  36  protrudes from the flap  12  in the direction of the bar element  18 . The flap  12  can be pivoted into the second distribution position  48  via a transitional position  46 . The first distribution position  44  can be a range, while the transitional position  46  separates the first distribution position  44  from the second distribution position  48 , which can also be a range. The aforementioned range can in particular be understood as a range of angles. 
     The accommodating area  38  is bounded by the circumferential edge  50 . The circumferential edge  50  stands proud of the accommodating area  38 . The height of the circumferential edge  50 , that is the length of the protrusion of the circumferential edge  50  relative to the accommodating area  38 , is such that an arm  52  of a flap actuation device  54  of the bar element  18  can transmit force for opening and/or closure of the flap  12 . 
     The bar element  18 , the flap actuation device  54  and the arm  52  form one part of a rotating transfer element  56 . The bar element  18  can be a hollow or solid bar. In the embodiment shown the bar element  18 , the flap actuation device  54  and the arm  52  are manufactured in one piece from a material, such as for example plastic or metal. The arm  52  can essentially be embodied in L-shaped, C-shaped, partially straight or curved form. 
     A blocking device  58  is attached to the flap actuation device  54 . The blocking device  58  has a stop (not shown) and abuts the bar element  18 . The blocking device  58  is for example fixed to the flap actuation device  54  via a clamping mechanism. In the first distribution position  44  of the flap  12  the stop of the blocking device  58  engages behind an end area, preferably a pointed end, of the projection  36 . Here, the rotating transfer element  56  or the bar element  18  takes up a first position. If the stop and the projection  36  are not in engagement with each other, as for example in the second distribution position  48  of the flap  12 , the rotating transfer element  56  or the bar element  18  are located in a second position. The position of the blocking device  58 , in which the stop and the projection  36  engage with each other, is designated the blocking position and correlates with the first distribution position  44  of the flap  12  and the first position of the rotating transfer element. The position of the blocking device  58 , in which the stop and the projection  36  are not in engagement with each other, is designated the release position, and correlates with the second distribution position  48  of the flap  12  and the second position of the rotating transfer element. 
     The pivot axis  40  of the flap  12  is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element  56 . Further, that part of the arm  52 , which projects into the accommodating area  38 , is parallel to the pivot axis  40  and to the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element  56 . The blocking device  58 , the arm  52  and the flap actuation device  54  can be rotated about the axis of rotation of the rotating transfer element  56 . 
     The method of functioning for opening of the flap  12  is now to be described below. 
     In the first distribution position  44  the bar element  18  is in the first position and the blocking device  58  engages behind or blocks the projection  36  in the blocking position. The flap  12  is thereby blocked by means of the blocking device  58 , while the arm  52  of the flap actuation device  54  does not touch the circumferential edge  50 . If the bar element  18  is now moved in the direction of the second position, the transitional position  46  is assumed at this point in time. In the transitional position  46  the blocking device  58  no longer engages behind or blocks the projection  36 , and the blocking device  58  takes up the release position. The arm  52  of the flap actuation device  54  now touches the circumferential edge  50  of the accommodating area  38 . With a further movement of the bar element  18  in the direction of the second position, the arm  52  of the flap actuation device  54  presses against the circumferential edge  50  of the accommodating area  38  and the flap  12  is opened against the pretensioning of the spring  42 , until the flap  12  reaches the second distribution position  48 . The arm  52  of the flap actuation device  54  engages with the flap  12  at a greater distance from the axis of rotation of the bar element  18  than the blocking device  58 . A lesser force is thus exerted on the flap  12  by the arm  52 , with the same torque on the bar element  18 , than by the blocking device  58 . With the same torque on the bar element  18  a greater unlocking force for unlocking the flap  12  than opening force can thereby be achieved. A greater force can thus operate on the flap  12  in the ice-crusher  20  too. 
     Upon rotation of the bar element  18  from the second position into the first position the flap  12  is pressed into the first distribution position  44  by means of the pretensioning of the spring  42 . The blocking device  58  now once again engages behind or blocks the projection  36  and the flap  12  is locked (blocking position of the blocking device  58 ). 
     The motor-side part of the transfer device  14  is now to be described in the subsequent text. 
     On the motor side the transfer device  14  has a rotating disk  60 , a first piston rod or connecting rod  62  and a second piston rod or connecting rod  64 . The transfer device  14  on the motor-side end of the bar element  18 , which corresponds to the second end, further has a coupling element  65 , which in the embodiment shown is or comprises a crank  66 . 
     The rotating disk  60  is fixed centrally on a motor shaft  16   s . The first piston rod  62  is arranged in closer proximity to the motor  16  on one side of the rotating disk  60 , while the second piston rod  64  is arranged further away from the motor  16  on the other side of the rotating disk  60 . Both piston rods  62 ,  64  are fixed eccentrically to the motor shaft in pivotable form. Upon a rotation of the motor shaft and an associated rotation of the rotating disk  60 , the piston rods  62  and  64  are moved up and down. The piston rods  62 ,  64  further have a guide opening  68  and an opening or transmission opening  70 . A guide element  72  in the form of a guide axis is arranged in both guide openings  68 . The guide openings  68  have a greater length than width, wherein the width of the guide openings  68  corresponds to a diameter of the guide element  72 . Upon the up-and-down movement of the piston rods  62 ,  64  the guide opening  68  moves along the guide element  72 . The crank  66  of the bar element  18  protrudes into the two transmission openings  70  of the piston rods  62 ,  64 . In particular a crank section  74  of the crank  66  is arranged in the two transmission openings  70  of the piston rods  62 ,  64  or protrudes into these. The transmission opening  70  is larger than the guide opening  68 . 
     As may in particular be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the crank  66  comprises the crank section  74  and a connecting section  76 . The connecting section  76  is inclined against the bar element  18  and the crank section  74  and connects these. A longitudinal axis of the crank section  74  is offset parallel to the axis of rotation of the bar element  18 . The bar element  18  is mounted in pivotable form. 
     The method of functioning of the motor-side transfer device  14  is now to be described in the subsequent text. 
     Upon actuation of the motor  16  the motor shaft  16  is rotated and thus also the rotating disk  60 . Through the eccentric arrangement of the piston rods  62 ,  64 , these are moved up and down. Because of the guide element  72 , the crank  66  is deflected sideways in relation to the axis of rotation of the bar  18 . In  FIG. 4  the crank  66 , or to be more precise the crank section  74 , is deflected to the right. The deflection takes place solely by means of one of the piston rods  62 ,  64 . In the case of a further rotation of the rotating disk  60  or the motor shaft, the piston rods  62 ,  64  are so positioned that they effect no deflection of the crank  66 . Through the pretensioning of the spring  62 , the flap  12  is pressed back into its first distribution position, and the crank  66  can once again move into the first position shown in  FIG. 3 . If the rotating disk  60  rotates still further, the crank  66  is deflected by the other piston rod  62 ,  64 . In the case of renewed further rotation of the rotating disk  60  in the same direction, the crank  66  loses contact with the other one of the two piston rods  62 ,  64  and the piston rod  62 ,  64  once again moves back into the first position shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 
     
         
           10  Ice dispensing arrangement 
           12  Flap 
           14  Transfer device 
           16  Motor 
           18  Bar element 
           20  Ice-crusher 
           22  Ice distributor 
           24  Moveable set of blades 
           26  Fixed set of blades 
           28  Moveable blade 
           32  Fixed blade 
           34  Retention device 
           36  Projection 
           38  Accommodating area 
           40  Pivot axis 
           42  Spring 
           44  First distribution position 
           46  Transitional position 
           48  Opening position 
           50  Circumferential edge 
           52  Arm 
           54  Flap actuation device 
           56  Rotating transfer element 
           58  Blocking device 
           60  Hub 
           62  First piston rod 
           64  Second piston rod 
           65  Coupling element 
           66  Crank 
           68  Guide opening 
           70  Transmission opening 
           72  Guide element 
           74  Crank section 
           76  Connecting section