CN112146316A

CN112146316A - Ice maker, domestic refrigeration appliance and method for mounting a housing of an ice maker

Info

Publication number: CN112146316A
Application number: CN202010517229.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·马赫尔曼斯; K·弗斯特林; T·威基达尔; C·莱格纳; A·加特
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2019-06-11
Filing date: 2020-06-09
Publication date: 2020-12-29
Also published as: DE102019208452A1; EP3751218A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an ice maker (10) for a domestic refrigeration device (1), having a housing (18) which has a front wall (21), an ice tray shell (19) and a separate actuating handle (32), the actuating handle (32) being rotatably mounted on the front wall (21) and coupled to the ice tray shell (19) and transmitting a rotational movement to the ice tray shell (19) for at least rotating the ice tray shell (19), the ice maker (10) having a separate return spring (28) for returning the ice tray shell (19) from a pivoted position into an initial position, a separate return spring (18) is supported on the front wall (21) and coupled to the actuating handle (32), when the actuating handle (32) is moved out of the initial position by rotation, the return spring (28) is pretensioned, this creates a restoring force of the restoring spring (28), by means of which the actuating handle (32) can be moved back into the initial position. The invention relates to a domestic refrigeration device (1). The invention also relates to a related method.

Description

Ice maker, domestic refrigeration appliance and method for mounting a housing of an ice maker

Technical Field

One aspect of the present invention relates to an ice maker for a household refrigeration appliance. The ice maker has a housing (Gestell) with a front wall or front bulkhead (frontpanel). The housing also has an ice tray shell (Eisschale). In addition, the housing has a separate and independent operating handle from the front wall and from the ice tray housing. The actuating handle is rotatably mounted on the front wall and is coupled to the ice tray shell (gekoppelt) in order to transmit a rotational movement to the ice tray shell in order to thereby rotate at least the ice tray shell. A further aspect of the invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance having an ice maker of this type. In addition, a further aspect of the invention also relates to a method for inserting a housing of an ice maker into a housing of the ice maker.

Background

Ice makers for domestic refrigeration appliances are known in a wide variety of configurations. Ice-forming elements such as small ice bricks can be produced by means of an ice maker. The ice maker is usually built into the domestic refrigeration appliance itself. An ice-forming element is produced from the supplied water. It is also known that the ice-forming elements produced in the ice tray housing must be removed from the ice tray housing in order to be able to then be removed from the ice maker. For ice makers, it is also known for the ice maker to have a receiving receptacle (aufnahmescale) into which the ice-forming elements removed from the ice receptacle are stored in order to then be removed from the receiving container (or the receiving receptacle) when required. For example, screw conveyors are known in this case which, when the output element (Ausgabe) is actuated, convey the ice-forming elements out of the receiving shell and provide (or output) the domestic refrigeration appliance via the output element. On the other hand, an ice maker is also known: in the ice maker, the receiving tray can be pulled out or can be removed from the ice maker in order to remove the ice-forming elements therefrom manually by a user. Both variants are possible in the following explanation of the ice maker according to the invention.

In order to be able to remove the ice-forming elements frozen fast in the ice tray shell, it is known to twist (in particular twist) the ice tray shell out of its initial position, so that the frozen ice-forming elements can be peeled off (or removed). For this purpose, a control handle is provided, which can be actuated (in particular rotated) by a user.

Such a configuration is known, for example, from DE 102014221696 a 1. In this case, the rotary knob can be rotated manually from its rotated position out of the initial position back into the initial position.

Furthermore, an ice maker with a pivotable molded shell is known from DE 102009000734 a 1. However, this document does not mention how the handle, which here constitutes the rotary knob, is actuated and guided back into the initial position. However, in DE 102009000734 a1, the invention is based on the prior art as follows: the shaped shell, which is represented here as a shaped element for ice, is guided back from the deflected position into the initial position by means of a return spring separate from it. For this purpose, the return spring is constructed here with two radially projecting arms, of which one arm is supported on the machine frame and the other arm is driven together by the projection of the forming shell when the latter is pivoted.

Such a design of the individual coil spring as a return spring (wherein the coil spring is also inserted onto the axis of the formed shell) has disadvantages with regard to a permanently secure position of the return spring. As a result, disadvantages can also arise with regard to the action of the return spring, which either generates its return force with a tolerance or, if necessary, rotates together with it in an undesired manner due to the positioning on the forming shell itself.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker and a domestic refrigeration appliance in which a return spring of the type of an ice maker is better positioned.

In addition, the object of the invention is to provide a method in which a simple installation of the machine frame of the ice maker in the housing of the ice maker is possible.

These objects are solved by an ice maker, a domestic refrigeration appliance and a method according to the independent claims.

One aspect of the present invention relates to an ice maker for a household refrigeration appliance. The ice maker has a frame. The housing has a front wall or bulkhead. In addition, the housing has an ice tray shell separate and independent from the front wall. In addition, the housing has a separate and independent operating handle from the front wall and from the ice tray housing. The actuating handle is rotatably mounted on the front wall and is coupled to the ice tray shell for transmitting a rotational movement to the ice tray shell in order to thereby rotate (in particular twist) at least the ice tray shell. In addition, the ice maker has a separate return spring for returning the ice tray case from the twisted position into the initial position. The separate return spring is directly mounted on the front wall and is coupled to the actuating handle itself in such a way that, when the actuating handle is moved out of the initial position in a rotating manner, the return spring is prestressed and thus builds up the return force of the return spring. By means of this restoring force, the actuating handle can be moved back into the initial position. That is, with this configuration, the separate return spring is mechanically coupled with a very specific component of the ice maker (i.e., directly with the front wall itself on the one hand and directly with the operating handle itself on the other hand). The direct coupling of the return spring to the ice tray shell is thereby cancelled and no longer exists. Thus, with the provided embodiment, the restoring force acts directly on such elements of the ice maker: said element is also directly gripped by the user in order to be able to carry out the rotation of the ice tray shell. In this case, the element of interest (i.e. the actuating handle) is directly coupled to the restoring spring, and the restoring force then acts directly on the actuating handle. This achieves a particularly tolerance-free and also precise movement of the actuating handle both from the starting position into the twisted position and then back into the starting position. Furthermore, by means of this positioning of the return spring and by means of this direct mechanical coupling state, the desired positioning is also achieved. In addition to the reduced mechanical action chain with regard to the involved components, the return spring can therefore also be arranged in a positionally accurate manner. This is then also effected permanently.

Due to the positional tolerances of the return spring that are unavoidable in this case, the undesired impairment of the functionality of the return spring (in particular over the service length of the ice maker) can also be at least reduced. In particular, with this configuration it is also possible to: the actuating handle can be automatically moved back into the initial position by this restoring force. This can be done as follows: when the user releases the actuating handle, the actuating handle correspondingly automatically returns into the initial position. On the other hand, if the user does not release the actuating handle when returning the guide into the starting position, this return by the user into the starting position is at least assisted by the return force of the return spring. Thereby at least reducing the inherent effort.

The return spring can be pretensioned in such a way that it is not in the pretensioned initial position, or in the initial position it is already pretensioned and the pretensioning is increased by means of a torsion.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the return spring is a helical spring. The helical spring has a first end which is directly supported on the front wall at a first support location. Furthermore, the helical spring has a second end which is directly coupled to the operating handle. Such a one-piece helical spring preferably comprises a partial region with a plurality of (but few) helical coils. In an advantageous embodiment, the two ends mentioned project laterally as pin ends from the central region with the coil. By means of this specific geometry of the helical spring with defined ends, the mechanical attachment to the specific further component mentioned can be carried out in a targeted and precise manner and also in a positionally accurate manner. Furthermore, a permanent positional accuracy of the return spring on the front wall is also achieved by this configuration.

Preferably, it is provided that the front wall has a particularly cup-shaped form

A cavity, a return spring and a manipulating handle are arranged in the cavity. This is a very advantageous embodiment, since the front wall thus has an individualized receiving area. The helical spring is thus also used and received in a protected manner. In addition, in this case, the above-mentioned advantages can be improved again. This achieves a particularly advantageous stable support of both the actuating handle and the return spring. A further advantage is also the arrangement in the protected installation space, so that no contact with the medium water (in particular water in the ice tray shell) occurs. In particular, freezing of the return spring is thereby avoided.

Preferably, it is provided that the recess has a recess bottom with a coupling ring. The coupling ring extends from the cavity floor into the cavity. The coupling ring is embedded in a rear-side receiver of the handlebar. In this case, the centering element for the actuating handle is advantageously also formed to some extent by such a coupling ring when the actuating handle is arranged in its final position in the recess. This prevents the actuating handle from sliding laterally in an undesired manner perpendicular to its axis of rotation. Furthermore, a rotational movement is also possible due to such a mechanical positioning and can be guided accordingly. In particular, the coupling ring is constructed integrally with the cavity bottom.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the return spring is arranged in the recess, in particular completely in the recess.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the return spring is arranged around the coupling ring. In the direction of the longitudinal axis of the actuating handle (which is also the axis of rotation), the return spring is arranged on the coupling ring in such a way that it is arranged in an overlapping manner with the coupling ring. In particular, the coupling ring extends in the axial direction in such a way that the return spring is arranged, as seen in the axial direction, so as to project into the recess without exceeding the coupling ring. A very compact construction of these components in the recess is thereby achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the cavity has a cavity floor and that a curved guide runner is formed in the cavity floor. The guide runner can be curved, in particular, banana-shaped. The guide pin of the actuating handle engages in the guide slot, so that the rotational movement of the actuating handle relative to the front wall is guided. The return spring is in particular directly coupled to the guide bolt. A very specific mechanical design is thereby achieved in order to achieve, on the one hand, a direct coupling between the mentioned components and, on the other hand, a particularly accurate rotational movement of the operating handle relative to the front wall. In this way, in particular in the case of a specifically positioned return spring, on the one hand a clamping-free (or wedge-free) movement of the actuating handle is also achieved, and on the other hand a very continuous build-up of the return force is also possible when the actuating handle is twisted out of the initial position. In particular, this configuration and arrangement also makes it possible to: when the actuating handle is twisted out of the initial position, the return spring is not wedged or clamped or otherwise jammed. Furthermore, with this embodiment, the limitation of the rotational movement can be performed by definition. The initial position can be realized precisely by this embodiment.

Preferably, it is provided that the recess has a recess base with a passage through which the coupling socket of the actuating handle extends. In particular, the coupling stub is coupled (in particular directly) to the ice cradle. The through-opening is in particular a central through-opening (or central bore). This also enables an additional precise positioning of the actuating handle and, very precisely, a relative movement of the actuating handle with respect to the front wall. This also means that no undesired play is produced and no transverse movements oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation are produced. Thus also contributing to: a very continuous and accurate rotational movement not only from the initial position to the twisted position but also from the twisted position back into the initial position. In this case, therefore, an undesired tilting or swinging movement of the operating handle is also not possible. In particular, the coupling stub of the actuating handle extends on both sides of the passage in the state in which the actuating handle is mounted in the recess.

In particular, the actuating handle is constructed in one piece. The actuating handle can be constructed, for example, from plastic. The front wall may be constructed integrally. The front wall can be constructed in particular from plastic.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the coupling piece is formed at least on the end side as a tube. The insertion nipple of the ice cradle may extend into the tube. This is configured as a tube on the end side, which is arranged on the end facing the ice tray shell. This results in a configuration of the actuating handle with reduced weight. On the other hand, a particularly advantageous mechanical coupling between the actuating handle and the ice tray shell separate therefrom is thereby achieved. In particular, in this case it is possible for the actuating handle and the ice tray shell to be guided (or plugged together) in a partially interlocking manner. This also enables advantageous mechanical coupling and holding.

In particular, it is provided that the tube has at least one flank (flegel) projecting on the rear side, on which a catch is formed. In this case, the arrangement protruding to the rear side means: the side wings extend in the direction of the ice tray shell. The flank does not completely encircle (seen in the encircling direction around the axis of rotation). In particular, the flanks extend at an angular spacing of at most less than 180 °, in particular less than 150 °, in particular less than 120 °, in particular less than 90 °, in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation. Preferably, the flank (viewed in the direction of the loop around the axis of rotation) extends over a range of between 20 ° and 60 °.

Furthermore, it is provided that the at least one lateral limb projecting at the rear side is locked in the coupled state of the coupling socket and the insertion socket by means of a catch formed on the insertion socket. Such a latching connection is on the one hand a very stable mechanical coupling connection. On the other hand, such a snap-lock connection is of simple design and can be realized (or set) quickly and in a targeted manner during installation.

Preferably, the shoulder is formed integrally with the coupling socket. The locking element is in particular formed integrally with the insertion socket.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at least two separate and spaced-apart wings are formed on the coupling socket so as to project at the rear side. The two flanks are preferably formed integrally with the coupling piece.

In particular, the two flanks (viewed in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation of the actuating handle) are formed on opposite sides and are therefore offset by 180 °. In particular, in this case, a first upper flank projecting at the rear and a second lower flank projecting at the rear are formed on the coupling socket. An additional holding device (in particular a holding clamp) for inserting the connecting piece is also formed by this arrangement of the lateral wings.

It can also be provided that the second shoulder also has a latching means which, in the coupled state between the coupling socket and the insertion socket, is latched by means of a further latching means on the insertion socket.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the front wall has vertical side edges, on which guide webs are formed. The frame is guided by the guide bar when being introduced into the housing of the ice maker. In an advantageous embodiment, the frame (in particular the front wall) is held (in particular positionally accurately held) in the housing in the end position introduced into the housing by the at least one guide web on the side edge. A simple mounting process of the housing in the housing can also be achieved by such a configuration. In this connection, a corresponding motion guidance mode is specified. This also makes it possible to insert the rack into the housing quickly, smoothly and without clamping.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision is made for the guide webs to be formed in a bent manner (in particular only once). Preferably, the guide rail has two straight rail sections which open at an angle to one another. The guide webs are preferably designed without interruption. In particular, the angle between the two straight connecting sections is greater than 90 °, in particular between 120 ° and 170 °.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision is made for the front wall to be formed with its own guide webs on two opposite vertical side edges. The advantages mentioned above or below can thus be improved once again.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the ice maker has a housing in which the machine frame is arranged at least in regions. The housing is in particular designed as a basin (Wanne) or sink (Trog).

The housing has a rear wall with a V-shaped receptacle that opens upwardly and toward the interior of the housing. The receiver can also be regarded as a funnel. When the housing is inserted into the housing, the insertion pin of the ice tray shell can be inserted into the receiving element. Thus, with this type of configuration, the ice tray shell is also supported in particular on the rear wall of the housing. A simpler installation of the machine frame can be achieved by this completely specific shape of the receiving element. By means of the upward widening of the receiving element, a slightly offset installation in the eccentric state is also possible, since the insertion pin is always received by the V shape and is automatically brought into the correct position by this V shape when the insertion pin moves downward in the receiving element. In particular, the insertion pin can be rotatably mounted in the receiving part. In its final position, it is preferably provided that the insertion pin is arranged in the V-shaped receiving part in a rotationally fixed and thus rotationally fixed manner. Thereby, the end of the ice tray case is fixed and may not rotate. In contrast, if the opposite front end of the ice tray shell is twisted by the rotational movement of the actuating handle, the ice tray shell twists itself (or is twisted about its longitudinal axis).

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the lower tip of the V-shape is configured as a groove (Rinne). In this way, a cylindrical insertion pin can be arranged in the groove with a suitable fit. In particular, a high degree of positional security of the insertion pin in its final state of installation in the receiving element is thus achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the housing of the ice maker also has a side wall, on the inner side of which facing the housing interior at least one guide strip is formed. When the rack is inserted into the housing, the guide webs make contact from above with guide webs formed on the side edges of the front wall in such a way that the insertion movement of the rack into the housing is supported (or guided) by the guide webs sliding along against one another. In particular, a linear insertion movement of the machine frame from above into the housing is thereby guided. This results in a very simple insertion movement which can also be carried out without clamping and without wedging.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at least one support bead is formed on the inner side of the side wall below the lower end of the inner guide bead, as viewed in the height direction of the housing. In the final state of the mounting of the machine frame in the housing, the front wall of the machine frame rests on the supporting webs. With such a configuration, a base is also constructed to some extent, which supports the rack from below. In this way, a very precise position of the rack in the housing can also be achieved in the height direction, and the rack is not inserted too deeply or too little deeply into the housing.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the ice maker has a (in particular separate) first adapter element which is arranged on the outside of a side wall of a housing of the ice maker. The ice maker can be coupled with the first adapter part laterally to a wall of the domestic refrigeration appliance, in particular of the inner container, or to a food receiving container, for example a receptacle which can be removed from the receiving space. In particular, the adapter element can have coupling structures, by means of which a simple mechanical coupling on the wall in question can be achieved. These coupling structures may be tabs and/or snap-lock elements.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can additionally or alternatively be made for the ice maker to have an adapter member, in particular a (in particular separate) second adapter member, which is a guide rail of variable length. The ice maker can be fastened to a floor of the domestic refrigeration device as a whole by the guide rail in such a way that the ice maker is arranged below or above the floor as viewed in the height direction and can be slid relative to the floor by the guide rail in the state of being arranged on the floor. In this way, the ice maker can be pulled out or pushed in, in particular in the depth direction of the domestic refrigeration device, in the state of being mounted on the shelf bottom. Accessibility to the ice maker is thereby achieved in a simple manner.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance having an ice maker according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous configuration thereof. The domestic refrigeration appliance is configured for storing and preserving food. The domestic refrigerator can be a refrigerator or freezer or a combination refrigerator-freezer. The domestic refrigerator preferably has a housing in which at least one receiving space for food is formed. The receiving space may be a cold storage compartment or a freezer compartment. The receiving space is delimited by the wall of the interior container of the domestic refrigeration appliance. In an advantageous embodiment, an ice maker is arranged in the receiving space. The ice maker is particularly arranged in the receiving space in a manner that is not susceptible to damage. Therefore, the ice maker can be taken out of the receiving space and be loaded again.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for inserting a housing of an ice maker into a housing of the ice maker. In this loading process, the rack is loaded into the housing from above. During insertion, the guide strip on the side edge of the front wall of the housing slides along a further guide strip formed on the inner side of the side wall of the housing of the ice maker, wherein this insertion of the housing into the housing is thereby guided. Furthermore, when the rack is inserted into the housing, the insertion pin of the ice cradle, which is formed on the end of the ice cradle opposite the front wall, is inserted from above into an upwardly open (viewed in the height direction) V-shaped receptacle formed on the inner side of the rear wall of the housing. The V-shaped receiving member (viewed in the depth direction of the housing) is also configured to be open toward the housing interior. A very simple and rapid installation can be achieved by such a configuration. In particular, a straight-line insertion movement of the rack into the housing from top to bottom is thereby achieved. Furthermore, this also enables the rack to be inserted into the housing without clamping and without wedging. In particular, the ice maker is configured in particular according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous configuration in respect of this aspect.

An additional aspect of the present invention also relates to a method for operating an operating handle of an ice maker. In this method, the actuating handle is moved from an initial position into a twisted position by a rotary movement and is therefore actuated in connection therewith. When the actuating handle is rotated out of the initial position, a return spring of the ice maker is pretensioned, which spring is in direct contact with the actuating handle on the one hand and with a front wall of a housing of the ice maker on the other hand. As a result, a restoring force of the restoring spring is built up, which acts counter to the direction of rotation in which the actuating handle is twisted from the initial position into the twisted position. The restoring force presses the actuating handle back into the starting position. The restoring force can automatically move the actuating handle from the twisted position back into the starting position.

By expressions such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" and the like, the resulting position and orientation in the case of a regularly used and regularly arranged ice maker is given.

The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures individually can be used not only in the respectively stated combination but also in other combinations or alone without leaving the framework of the invention. Thus, the following embodiments may also be considered to be included and disclosed: these embodiments are not explicitly shown and described in the figures, but are known from the illustrated embodiments by separating individual combinations of features and can be generated from the illustrated embodiments. Thus embodiments and combinations of features not having all the features of the original written independent claims are also considered disclosed. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features which exceed or deviate from the combinations of features set forth in the claims are to be regarded as disclosed, inter alia, for the embodiments set forth above.

Drawings

The embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of schematic drawings. Shown here are:

fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a domestic refrigeration appliance according to the invention, with an embodiment of an ice maker according to the invention;

fig. 2a shows an exploded view of components of an embodiment of an ice maker according to the present invention;

fig. 2b shows an enlarged view of the front wall of the housing of the ice maker, which is shown in fig. 2 a;

fig. 3 shows the components according to fig. 2 in a partially assembled state;

fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of an ice maker, in particular according to fig. 2 and 3;

fig. 5 shows a decoupled state of the components of the gantry according to fig. 4 at a different angle than fig. 4;

fig. 6 shows an enlarged illustration of a partial region of the gantry according to fig. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the front wall of the housing with the operating handle mounted thereon and the return spring mounted thereon;

fig. 8 shows a sectional illustration through the configuration according to fig. 6;

FIG. 9 shows a further cross-sectional view through the configuration in FIG. 6;

fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a housing of the ice maker;

fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of a partial section of the housing according to fig. 10;

fig. 12 shows a view of a subcomponent of an ice maker having an example of an adapting member of the ice maker disposed on an outside of a housing;

fig. 13 shows a perspective view of an ice maker with a further adapter element, by means of which the ice maker can be mounted movably on an additional element (in particular a shelf) of a domestic refrigeration appliance;

fig. 14 shows a perspective view of an ice maker with the further adaptation member according to fig. 13; and

fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a housing of an ice maker with the further adapter member according to fig. 14, which is however in an alternative assembled state compared to fig. 14.

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

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a domestic refrigeration device 1 in an exemplary illustration. The domestic refrigerator 1 is here a combined refrigerator-freezer appliance. The domestic refrigerator 1 has a housing 2. Here, two

separate doors

3a and 3b are arranged on the housing 2 in a pivotable manner, for example. An inner container 5 is arranged in the housing 2. The inner container 5 delimits with its walls a first receiving space 4, which first receiving space 4 is here a refrigerating space. Furthermore, the inner container 5 can also delimit a second receiving space 6, which is separate and independent from the first receiving space 4, said second receiving space 6 here being a freezing space. The second receiving space 6 is preferably bounded by a further inner container 7 (or a wall thereof). The receiving space 4 on the one hand and the receiving space 6 on the other hand can be closed off at the front side independently of one another by the

doors

3a and 3 b.

In fig. 1, a grid 8 is arranged in the receiving space 6, as an example. The grid 8 is supported on

opposite side walls

9a and 9b of the inner container 7.

Further, an embodiment of an ice maker 10 according to the present invention is shown in fig. 1. The ice maker 10 is here exemplarily arranged in the second receiving space 6. The ice maker 10 is arranged here in the height direction (y direction) below the grid 8. The ice maker 10 is configured to produce ice-forming elements such as small ice bricks. For this purpose, water is advantageously stored, which is then frozen in the ice maker 10 as ice-forming elements.

An embodiment of the ice maker 10 is shown in an exploded view in fig. 2 a. The ice maker 10 has a housing 11. The housing 11 is embodied here as a basin-like (wannenartig) and is open on the front side and upwards. The housing 11 has a vertical first side wall 12 and an opposite vertical second side wall 13. Furthermore, the housing 11 has a rear wall 14. The housing 11 is constructed in one piece, in particular from plastic. The housing 11 is open in the height direction (y direction). In particular, the housing 11 is configured with an upper opening 15 over the entire length over the entire depth extension (the depth direction being the z direction).

In addition, the ice maker 10 has a receiving tray 16 separated from the case 11. The receiver shell 16 is configured to receive the resulting ice-forming elements. Further, the ice maker 10 has a separate and independent upper cover 17. The upper cover 17 is provided for closing the upper opening 15 of the housing 11.

In addition, the ice maker 10 has a housing 18. The frame 18 is a separate and independent component from the housing 11. The housing 18 has an ice tray 19. The ice tray shell 19 has a receiving area 20 into which water can be deposited in order to freeze it therein. Shaped areas are defined by the receiving areas 20, which are pre-given the shape of the ice-forming elements that are later frozen. The ice-forming elements produced in the ice tray shell 19 are then removed from the ice tray shell 19 in the frozen state and can be poured into the receiving tray shell 16.

In addition, the housing 18 has a front bulkhead or wall 21. The front wall 21 forms the forward terminus of the housing 18. In an advantageous embodiment, the front wall 21 forms a front wall for closing the housing 11 in the installed state of the ice maker 10. The interior 22 of the housing 11 is thus covered on the front side by this front wall 21 of the chassis 18.

The front wall 21 is in particular integrally constructed from plastic. The front wall 21 has a cavity 23 open to the front. This particularly cup-shaped cavity 23 has a cavity bottom 24. A coupling ring 25 is integrally molded on the cavity bottom 24. The coupling ring 25 is in particular centrally formed in the center of the cavity bottom 24 and extends into the cavity 23, as viewed in the direction of the axis a. The coupling ring 25 is designed without interruption around the axis a. Furthermore, a through-opening 26 is formed in the cavity bottom 24. The passage 26 is formed in particular centrally in the center of the cavity bottom 24. Preferably, the coupling ring 25 has a radius which corresponds to the radius of the through-opening 26. The coupling ring 25 is formed around the passage 26.

Furthermore, a support region 27 is formed on the cavity bottom 24. The return spring 28 of the frame 18 can be directly coupled to (or directly supported by) this support point 27. The return spring 28 is a separate member. The return spring 28 is in particular designed as an integral helical spring. For this purpose, the helical spring has a central region 29, said central region 29 having a plurality of helical coils. The helical spring 28 furthermore has ends 30 and 31. The two ends 30 and 31 of the helical spring 28 are directly coupled (in particular supported) to the front wall 21 (in particular the cavity floor 24) on the one hand and are mechanically coupled directly to an actuating handle 32 of the machine frame 18 on the other hand. The operating handle 32 is a separate and independent member from the return spring 28 and from the front wall 21. In particular, the actuating handle 32 is constructed in one piece (in particular from plastic). The operating handle 32 is in particular a rotary knob.

The operating handle 32 has a longitudinal axis B, which also means the axis of rotation. In the mounted state, the operating handle 32 is arranged in the recess 23. In particular, the two axes a and B are arranged coaxially to each other.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one guide runner 33 is integrally formed in the cavity bottom 24. The guide runner 33 is in particular curved. In particular, the guide runner 33 is convexly curved (in particular banana-shaped). In particular, the return spring 28 is in direct mechanical contact only with the front wall 21 (in particular the cavity bottom 24) and, furthermore, only with the actuating handle 32.

The front wall 21 is shown enlarged in fig. 2 b.

In fig. 3, the ice maker 10 is shown with its components according to fig. 2a partially assembled. Here, on the one hand, the frame 18 is shown in the assembled state. On the other hand, the receiving tray 16 is disposed on the housing 11. For this purpose, the receiving shell 16 is pushed in particular into a receiving shaft 34 (fig. 2a) of the housing 11.

As can also be seen in fig. 2a, 2b and 3, a guide web 35 is integrally formed on the inner side 12a of the side wall 12. In a corresponding manner, the guide webs 35 are also formed on the opposite inner side 13a of the further side wall 13. The guide webs 35 formed on the front end of the side walls 12 are advantageously not formed completely straight. The guide webs 35 are formed, in particular, bent (in particular, in one piece) as described below. In particular, the guide web 35 has two

web sections

35a and 35 b. The first bar segment 35a is oriented vertically. The second connecting section 35b is attached directly to the lower end of the first connecting section 35a and is oriented obliquely downward and rearward for this purpose.

The front wall 21 advantageously has two guide webs 38, which are formed integrally and thus in one piece, on the side edges 36 and advantageously also on the opposite side edges 37, wherein only one guide web 38 on the side edges 36 is visible in fig. 2a, 2b and 3. The guide webs 38 are also of a non-straight, in particular bent, design. The guide web 38 has preferably two (in particular straight)

web sections

38a and 38 b.

The first tab segment 38a is oriented vertically. The second connecting piece section 38b is attached directly to the lower end of the first connecting piece section 38a and is oriented downward and rearward to this end.

When the frame 18 is inserted into the housing 11 from above via the opening 15, the guide webs 38 come into contact with the guide webs 35, so that this insertion from above is guided in a defined manner. The two

guide webs

35 and 38 slide against one another. In particular, this enables the rack 18 to be inserted linearly into the housing 11. Furthermore, a defined final position of the rack 18 in the housing 11 (in particular in the depth direction) is achieved, and the rack 18 is correspondingly also guided as described below.

Furthermore, at least one support strip 39 is integrally formed on the inner side 12 a. When the frame 18 reaches the final position in the housing 11, the frame 18 (in particular the front wall 21) rests from above on the at least one supporting bar 39. In particular, a corresponding configuration of the support webs is also produced on the opposite inner side 13a of the side walls 13.

In each case, a plurality of individual support webs 39 can also be formed on the inner side 12a and/or the inner side 13a, as is shown in particular in fig. 2a, 2b and 3.

In fig. 4, the gantry 18 (as it is shown in fig. 3) is shown enlarged. In this connection, it can also be seen that a projecting insertion pin 41 is formed at the end 40 of the ice tray shell 19 opposite the front wall 21, which insertion pin 41 is formed in particular integrally with the ice tray shell 19. The lead-in pin 41, which may also be referred to as a cotter pin, is provided for coupling with a specific receiving element 42 (fig. 2 a). The frame 18 can thereby also be connected directly to the housing 11 on the side opposite the front wall 21 and be supported there. Receiver 42 is also explained in more detail in the following figures.

The gantry 18 is shown at a different angle in fig. 5 than in fig. 4. Furthermore, the ice tray shell 19 is shown decoupled from the actuating handle 32. As can be seen in fig. 5, the ice tray shell 19 has an insertion stub 44 on that end 43 facing the front wall 21. In particular, the ice tray shell 19 is constructed in one piece (in particular from plastic). The insertion socket 44 is provided for direct coupling with the actuating handle 32. As can also be seen in fig. 5, the actuating handle 32 has a coupling piece 45. The coupling stub 45 extends rearward through the passage 26 in the state in which the actuating handle 32 is mounted in the recess 23. The coupling stub 45 therefore projects rearwardly beyond the front wall 21 (in particular the cavity bottom 24). The coupling stub 45 is at least partially formed as a tube and is thus hollow on the inside. The coupling stub 45 is dimensioned such that: when the ice tray shell 19 is directly coupled with the manipulation handle 32, the insert nozzle 44 may be pushed in and thus received inside the tube.

Furthermore, it can also be seen that a first shoulder 46 is formed in the coupling stub 45 so as to project at the rear. Furthermore, the second side limb 47 is formed projecting at the rear on the rear edge 52 of the coupling tube 45. The two wings 46 and 47, which are arranged at a distance from one another, are arranged opposite one another in the circumferential direction of the axis A, B. Thereby forming an upper wing 46 and a lower wing 47. This also results in the type of wing or clamping jaws for receiving and supporting the insertion nipple 44.

In addition, it can also be seen that the operating handle 32 has a guide pin 48. The guide bolt 48 engages in the guide slot 33.

It is also possible to see that the coupling tube 45 and/or at least one of the flanks 46, 47 has/have latching means 49 and/or 50. In addition or alternatively, at least one latching element 51 can also be formed in the shoulder 47. This configuration makes it possible to lock the actuating handle 32 to the ice tray shell 19 (in particular the insertion stub 44).

The frame 18 is shown in partial view in fig. 6. Here, the ice tray case 19 is directly mechanically coupled with the manipulation handle 32. As can also be seen in fig. 6, the front end 43 of the ice tray shell 19 dips into the intermediate space between these flanks 46 and 47. Thus, the shoulder 46 is disposed on the upper side 43a of the front end portion 43. Correspondingly, the lower flank 47 rests on the underside of the front end 43. The end face of the front end 43 then rests on the edge 52 of the coupling tube 45.

Fig. 7 shows front wall 21 together with actuating handle 32 in the final state mounted in recess 23 in a perspective view.

The diagram according to fig. 7 is shown in fig. 8 in a vertical sectional view along the sectional line VIII-VIII in fig. 6. This section is provided through a peripheral wall 53 (fig. 7), which peripheral wall 53 delimits the recess 23. In the illustration in fig. 8, the front wall 21 and thus the cavity 23 are seen from the front. In particular, the vertical section is arranged such that the return spring 28 is not cut away, but the position of the return spring 28 in the recess 23 is visible. It can be seen that the end 30 of the return spring 28 rests directly on the guide bolt 48. The central region 29 of the return spring 28 in particular surrounds the axis A, B symmetrically and surrounds the coupling ring 25. In particular, the ice cradle 19 mounted thereon can also be seen in fig. 8. In this case, it can also be seen that the insertion socket 44 is inserted into the coupling socket 45 with a substantially exact fit. It can be seen that the end 31 of the return spring 28 is inserted (or acted upon) through the V-shaped hole which forms the bearing point 27 in the cavity bottom 24.

Fig. 9 shows a further vertical sectional illustration of the rack 18 according to fig. 6, wherein the vertical section is oriented perpendicular to the illustration in fig. 8.

Here, a coupling state can be seen between the insertion socket 44 and the coupling socket 45, which are guided in an embedded manner with respect to one another. The position of the return spring 28 in the recess 23 can also be seen. As shown in fig. 9, the actuating handle 32 has a receptacle 54 on its rear side facing the cavity floor 24. The return spring 28 (in particular the central region 29 thereof which forms the coil) is sunk into the receptacle 54. In an advantageous manner, the receiving element 54 is dimensioned in the radial direction such that the receiving element 54 can receive the central region 29 of the return spring 28 relatively free of play.

In addition, the actuating handle 32 is arranged on the cavity bottom 24 with a contact web 55. The contact webs 55 are designed as circumferential (in particular closed) rings. The contact webs 55 are formed in particular on the outer circumference of the actuating handle 32. This makes it possible to achieve a relatively small surface contact between the actuating handle 32 and the cavity bottom 24.

Hereby, a smoother and less frictional movement of the operating handle 32 with respect to the front wall 21 is achieved. The handlebar 32 also has a grip tab 68 that can be grasped by a user to rotate the handlebar 32.

Furthermore, the actuating handle 32 is arranged in the recess 23 in such a way that the actuating handle 32 does not project forward beyond the recess 23 in the axial direction and thus does not project out of the recess 23. In particular, the operating handle 32 is thus arranged completely embedded in the cavity 24.

In addition, it can also be seen that the coupling ring 25 rests on the bottom of the receiving element 54.

Fig. 10 shows the housing 11 in a perspective view. Here, the guide tab 35 can be seen in more detail.

Fig. 11 shows a detail of the housing 11 in an enlarged view. Here, the receiving member 42 can be seen in more detail. Receiver 42 is configured in a V-shape. The receiver 42 opens upwardly and also opens forwardly toward the interior 15 of the housing 11. V-shaped tip 69 constructed of a grooved (rinennartig) configuration. The V-shaped tip 69 thereby matches the shape of the lead-in pin 41. In this way, the insertion pin 41 can be supported in its final position in the receiving part 42 without play. The insertion pin 41 can be rotatably supported in the V-shaped tip 69. In such embodiments, the rear end 40 of the ice tray shell 19 is held in a rotationally fixed manner by an additional holder 70 so as to be twisted (tordiert) when the front end 43 is rotated. However, it may also be provided that the insertion pin 41 is itself supported in a rotationally fixed manner in the receiving part 42 in order to achieve this twisting.

As can also be seen in fig. 10 and 11, a further web 56 is advantageously formed on the inner side 12a and in particular on the inner side 13a in a corresponding manner. Thereby, reinforcement of these

side walls

12 and 13 can be achieved.

Fig. 12 shows the housing 11 of the ice maker 10 in a further perspective illustration. In fig. 12, furthermore, an adapter element 57 is shown, which adapter element 57 is a separate element. The adapter member 57 is in particular a first adapter member. The adapter element 57 is in particular integrally formed from plastic. Preferably, the adapter element 57 is arranged on the outside of the side wall (here in particular the side wall 12). In particular, the adapter element 57 can be arranged there in a manner that can be released without damage. The adapting member 57 is able to realize: the housing 11 and thus the entire ice maker 10 is fastened laterally, in particular on the inner container 7 or on a further support shell (for example, in particular a food receptacle that can also be removed) so as to be released without damage. Here, a coupling structure 58 may be provided. The coupling structure 58 may have a tab 59 and/or a latching element 60.

Fig. 13 shows an ice maker 10, which ice maker 10 is here arranged by way of example on a compartment floor 8 (in particular below compartment floor 8). The ice maker 10 is directly fixed to (or directly supported on) the lattice bottom 8. This can be done by means of a further adapting member 61. The further adapter element 61 is in particular a second adapter element, the further adapter element 61 being a guide rail of variable length. In fig. 13, the guide rail is arranged in an upper region 62 of the ice maker 10 (in particular, the housing 11), and the guide rail constitutes a separate and independent component from the housing 11.

In this case, an enlarged view of the housing 11 with the fitting member 61 is shown in fig. 14. The adapter member 61 has a first guide rail 61a and a second guide rail 61b movable relative to the first guide rail 61a and coupled thereto. The two

guide rails

61a, 61b have retaining

elements

63 and 64 at their opposite end regions. As shown in fig. 13, edges 65 and 66 of grid 8 can be surrounded by these holding elements. This then enables the adapter element 61 to be fixed to the base 8 without any loss of grip. The two

guide rails

61a and 61b can slide relative to each other in the direction of arrow P. In particular, the adapter element 61 can be adapted to various dimensions of the lattice bottom 8. It is also possible that the ice maker 10 can be slid relative to the bottom 8 by the adapter member 61 when the adapter member 61 is mounted on the bottom 8. This sliding movement can be effected linearly in the depth direction (z direction).

Fig. 15 shows the illustration according to fig. 14, wherein the further adapter element 61 is not fixed to the upper region 62 of the housing 11, but rather to the lower region 67 of the ice maker 10 (in particular the housing 11) in a manner that is not easily releasable. With this configuration according to fig. 15, ice maker 10 can be fastened to base 8 above base 8.

List of reference numerals

1 domestic refrigeration appliance

2 casing

3a door

3b door

4 receiving space

5 inner container

6 receiving space

7 inner container

8 lattice bottom

9a side wall

9b side wall

10 Ice maker

11 casing

12 vertical side wall

12a inside

13 vertical side wall

13a inside

14 rear wall

15 opening

16 receiving support shell

17 cover element

18 frame

19 Ice tray shell

20 receiving area

21 front wall

22 inside

23 cavity

24 cavity bottom

25 coupling ring

26 piercing part

27 support part

28 return spring

29 central region

30 end part

31 end part

32 operating handle

33 guide runner

34 receiving hoistway

35 guide joint strip

35a connecting strip section

35b connecting strip section

36 side edge

37 side edge

38 guide joint strip

38a connecting strip section

38b connecting strip section

39 support joint bar

40 end of the tube

41 leading-in pin

42 receiver

43 end of

43a upper side

44 insert fitting

45 coupling adapter

46 first side wing

47 second side wing

48 guide pin

49 locking piece

50 latch

51 latch

52 edge

53 peripheral wall

54 receiver

55 contact strip

56 joint bar

57 adapting member

58 coupling structure

59 connect the strip

60 latching element

61 adapting member

61a first guide rail

61b second guide rail

62 upper region

63 holding element

64 holding element

65 edge

66 edge

67 lower region

68 grip tab

69V type tip

70 holder

Axis A

Longitudinal axis B

P arrow head

y height direction

z direction of depth

Claims

1. An ice maker (10) for a domestic refrigeration appliance (1), having a housing (18) with a front wall (21), an ice tray shell (19) and a separate independent actuating handle (32) relative to the front wall and relative to the ice tray shell,

wherein the actuating handle (32) is rotatably mounted on the front wall (21) and is coupled to the ice tray shell (19) for transmitting a rotational movement to the ice tray shell (19) in order to at least rotate the ice tray shell (19) thereby,

wherein the ice maker (10) has a separate return spring (28) for returning the ice tray shell (19) from the twisted position into the initial position,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the separate return spring (18) is supported on the front wall (21) and is coupled to the actuating handle (32) such that: when the actuating handle (32) is moved out of the initial position in a rotating manner, the return spring (28) is prestressed and thus forms a restoring force of the return spring (28), by means of which the actuating handle (32) can be moved back into the initial position.

2. Ice maker (10) according to claim 1,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the return spring (28) is a helical spring having a first end (31) which is directly supported on a first support point (27) on the front wall (21), and having a second end (30) which is directly coupled to the actuating handle (32).

3. Ice maker (10) according to claim 1 or 2,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the front wall (21) has a particularly cup-shaped recess (23) in which the return spring (28) and the actuating handle (32) are arranged.

4. Ice maker (10) according to claim 3,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the recess (23) has a recess base (24) with a coupling ring (25) which extends from the recess base (24) into the recess (23) and which engages in a rear receiving part (54) of the actuating handle (32).

5. Ice maker (10) according to claim 3 or 4,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the cavity (10) has a cavity bottom (24), and a guide slot (33) which is curved, in particular banana-shaped, is formed in the cavity bottom (24), into which a guide pin (48) of the actuating handle (32) engages in order to guide a rotational movement of the actuating handle (32) relative to the front wall (21), wherein the return spring (28) is coupled, in particular directly, to the guide pin (48).

6. Ice maker (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the recess (23) has a recess base (24) with a particularly central passage (26) through which a coupling socket (45) of the actuating handle (32) extends, wherein the coupling socket (45) is coupled to the ice cradle (19).

7. Ice maker (10) according to claim 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the coupling socket (45) is designed at least on the end side as a tube, wherein an insertion socket (44) of the ice cradle (19) extends into the tube.

8. Ice maker (10) according to claim 7,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the tube has at least one lateral limb (46, 47) projecting at the rear, on which a locking element (49, 50, 51) is formed, which, in the coupled state of the coupling socket (45) and the insertion socket (44), is locked by means of a locking element formed on the insertion socket (44).

9. Ice maker (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the front wall (21) has vertical side edges (36, 37) on which a particularly angled guide web (38) is formed, by means of which the machine frame (18) is guided during introduction into the housing (11) of the ice maker (10) and is held in the introduced end position in the housing (11).

10. Ice maker (10) according to claim 9,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the housing (11) has side walls (12, 13), on the inner sides (12a, 13a) of which guide webs (35) are formed, which, when the rack (18) is inserted into the housing (11), come into contact from above with guide webs (38) formed on the side edges (36, 37) of the front wall (21), so that a particularly linear insertion movement of the rack (18) into the housing (11) is supported by the guide webs (35, 38) sliding on one another.

11. Ice maker (10) according to claim 10,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

on the inner side (12a, 13a), a support web (39) is formed below the lower end of the guide web (35) as viewed in the height direction (y) of the housing (11), on which support web the front wall (21) rests in the final position in the housing (11).

12. Ice maker (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the ice maker (10) has a housing (11) in which the machine frame (18) is arranged at least in regions, wherein the housing (11) has a rear wall (14) having a V-shaped receptacle (42) which is open toward the interior (15) of the housing (11) and into which a guide pin (41) of the ice tray shell (19) is guided, so that the ice tray shell (19) is supported on the rear wall (14).

13. Ice maker (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the ice maker (10) has a first adapter part (57) which is arranged on the outer side of a side wall (12, 13) of a housing (11) of the ice maker (10) and by means of which the ice maker (10) can be coupled laterally to a wall (9a, 9b) of an inner container (7) of the domestic refrigeration device (1) or to a food receiving container and/or

The ice maker comprises a second adapter part (61), which is a guide rail of variable length, by means of which the ice maker (10) can be fastened to a floor (8) of the domestic refrigeration device (1) in such a way that the ice maker (10) is arranged below or above the floor (8).

14. A domestic refrigeration appliance (1) with an ice maker (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Method for loading a rack (18) of an ice maker (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, into a housing (11) of the ice maker (10), in which method the rack (18) is loaded into the housing (11) from above,

wherein, during the insertion, the guide webs (38) on the side edges (36, 37) of the front wall (21) of the frame (18) slide along the guide webs (35) on the inner sides (12a, 13a) of the side walls (12, 13) of the housing (11) and thereby guide the insertion,

when the ice tray shell (19) is inserted, an insertion pin (41) of the ice tray shell (19) that is formed on an end (40) of the ice tray shell (19) that is opposite the front wall (21) is also inserted from above into a V-shaped receiving element (42) on the inside of the rear wall (14) of the housing (11).