EP1691151A2 - Refrigeration and/or freezing apparatus with ice cube maker - Google Patents
Refrigeration and/or freezing apparatus with ice cube maker Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1691151A2 EP1691151A2 EP06002297A EP06002297A EP1691151A2 EP 1691151 A2 EP1691151 A2 EP 1691151A2 EP 06002297 A EP06002297 A EP 06002297A EP 06002297 A EP06002297 A EP 06002297A EP 1691151 A2 EP1691151 A2 EP 1691151A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ice cube
- freezer
- cube tray
- refrigerator
- cooling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C1/00—Producing ice
- F25C1/04—Producing ice by using stationary moulds
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
- F25C2400/12—Means for sanitation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2600/00—Control issues
- F25C2600/04—Control means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
Definitions
- the invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with an ice cube maker with ice cube tray and with means by which the ice cube tray is moved from its operating position into a cleaning position.
- the ice cube tray is usually in a horizontal position during operation of the ice maker in which the open side of the ice cube tray is at the top. If the ice cubes or residual water are emptied or the ice cube tray is cleaned, the ice cube tray is moved from its operating position into a cleaning position or ejection position. In this cleaning position, the ice cube tray is rotated up to 180 ° with its open side downwards and can now be cleaned after it has been emptied. In order to activate the means which move the ice cube tray from its operating position into the cleaning position, a key is provided directly on the ice cube maker, which can be operated several times and over different time intervals or in a predetermined sequence. The operation is thus relatively expensive.
- a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1.
- the refrigerator and / or freezer has a display unit, by means of which the option of cleaning the ice cube tray is reproducible, that a selection unit is provided, by means of which the reproduced option is selectable, and that a control is provided, by means of which if this option is selected, the means for moving the ice cube tray from its operating position to a cleaning position are activated.
- the "ice bucket cleaning option” means any information relating to the cleaning of the ice cube tray.
- the text “Cleaning the ice cube tray” which is displayed on a display on the refrigerator and / or freezer, is an option.
- the ice cube tray is moved immediately to its cleaning position. For this, e.g. be provided that the ice cube tray is twisted and then extended. It is now available after the emptying of residual water and ice cubes for cleaning.
- the playback unit can be designed as a display.
- the invention is not limited to such a display as a display means.
- any playback units that are perceptible to the user of the device, for example, an acoustic reproduction.
- a particularly convenient operation results when a processor is provided which provides a menu navigation, wherein the option of cleaning the ice cube tray in the context of menu navigation is reproducible and / or selectable.
- suitable controls are provided which allow the operation of the menu. It is conceivable, for example, that the menu item "AEWB functions" is selected from the menu, whereby "AEWB” for automatic ice cube makers stands.
- the activation of the means for moving the ice cube tray from its operating position into its cleaning position can now be selected under the menu item "AEWB functions".
- the controller according to the invention then causes without further action by the user of the refrigerator and / or freezer directly the corresponding activation of these funds.
- further parameters and / or functions of the ice cube maker and / or the refrigerator and / or freezer can be reproduced by means of the playback unit. It is conceivable, e.g. the reproduction of the temperature or the capacity of the ice cube tray.
- the selection unit according to the invention by means of which the reproduced option is selected, i. is confirmed, may be in the form of one or more keys. These may be the same keys used to guide the menu.
- the selection unit has no controls, but in which the reproduced option is preferably automatically activated after a certain period of time or production volume, without further actions of the user are required.
- the form in which the menu navigation is operated and the selection made is largely arbitrary. It is possible, for example, to provide two keys, one key for "scrolling" the menu in one direction and the other key for "scrolling" the menu in the other direction. For example, a selection of the displayed option can be made by simultaneously pressing both buttons. It is also possible to have a separate confirmation button ie to provide selection of the displayed option. In principle, any deviating configurations are also conceivable.
- the display unit is designed as a display and it is provided a bus-capable display electronics for controlling the display.
- the arrangement of the playback unit and the selection unit is largely arbitrary. Preference is given to easily accessible or visible positions on the refrigerator and / or freezer. It is conceivable that the display unit and / or the selection unit is arranged on the outside or inside of the refrigerator and / or freezer door, on the body of the refrigerator and / or freezer or on the inner container of the refrigerator and / or freezer. Also, an arrangement on the ice cube maker itself is conceivable. Provided that above the door of the refrigerator and / or freezer extends a fixed, associated with the body bar, it may be provided to arrange the playback unit and / or the selection unit in this bar. For optical reasons, it is preferably provided that this bar with the door of the refrigerator and / or freezer closes with the door, so that a uniform overall impression is created.
- the means by which the ice cube tray can be moved from its operating position to a cleaning position can be designed such that the ice cube tray is rotated. It can also be provided that the means by which the ice cube tray can be moved from its operating position to a cleaning position are designed such that the ice cube tray is first rotated and then extended.
- a rotation of the ice cube tray can take place by up to 180 °, an angle range between 120 ° and 150 ° is preferred. If the rotation of the ice bowl is made by 180 °, the ice cube tray stands after the turn on the head and the open side faces down.
- the user When the ice cube tray is locked in its cleaning position, the user has easy access to the inside of the ice cube tray without having to hold it during cleaning.
- the ice cube tray can be moved again from its cleaning position into the operating position. This is preferably also done by means of said menu control or by selecting a corresponding menu item by the user. It is also conceivable that the operation of a button is sufficient to move the ice cube tray back to its operating position, without a re-menu selection is required.
- means are provided which indicate when turning off the device to indicate that the ice cube tray is to move into its cleaning position or a cleaning of the ice cube tray should still be done.
- Such an indication effectively prevents the device from standing for a long time with water in the ice cube tray after switching it off.
- Such an indication may e.g. acoustically or visually, for example by a display in the above-mentioned display.
- the invention further relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with an ice cube maker with ice cube tray and means by which the ice cube tray is moved from its operating position to a cleaning position, wherein the refrigerator and / or freezer has a control element, with the means in such a way that the actuation of the control element leads directly to the activation of the means and thus for moving the ice cube tray from its operating position into a cleaning position.
- the actuation of the control element leads directly to the activation of said means. Multiple actuation or actuation over predetermined time intervals to activate the means for moving the ice cube tray is not required. The one-time and accordingly simple operation of the control element is sufficient.
- the control element can be designed in the form of one or more keys.
- the refrigerator and / or freezer according to this embodiment of the invention according to the characterizing part of one of claims 1 to 13 is executed.
- a refrigerator and / or freezer in the form of a refrigerator, a fridge / freezer or a freezer has an automatic ice cube maker. This comprises a horizontally standing in its operating position, upwardly open ice cube tray, in which the produced ice cubes are.
- the refrigerator and / or freezer also has a door that closes the refrigerator.
- a display On the outside of the appliance door is a display in which certain parameters of the refrigerator and / or freezer can be displayed.
- the display shown in the display is generated by a processor, wherein the parameters and functionalities of the refrigerator and / or freezer are summarized in menus or can be retrieved by means of a menu navigation.
- the menu is controlled by two buttons located in the area next to the display. The one button is used to "scroll" through the menu in one direction and the other to "scroll” in the other direction. As soon as the desired option is displayed to the user, this can be selected or confirmed by another button.
- the named menu has a menu item "AEWB functions". If this item is selected, depending on the design of the device, either a submenu is opened or, alternatively, the means are immediately activated which move the ice cube tray from its position of use to the cleaning position.
- the said Submenu may include, for example, the items “temperature gauge” or “ice bucket fill”. Another point is the option "cleaning the ice cube tray”. When this option is selected, the means are immediately activated which turn the ice cube tray through 180 ° and then extend it so that the shape, ie the open side of the ice cube tray, points downwards. This empties residual water as well as remaining ice cubes.
- the ice cube tray is moved back to its operating position.
- one or more keys are operated without menu selection, which may be the key (s), by means of which the menu is also guided. It is also conceivable to carry out the method of the ice cube tray in its operating position in a corresponding manner as the method in the cleaning position by means of the menu.
- the invention relates to a simple and customer friendly e.g. Cleaning option for the ice cube tray to be activated via display.
- the ice cube tray can be emptied immediately and with little effort to avoid germs and odors caused by residual water in the freezer compartment.
- ice cube tray includes any vessel for ice production, regardless of its shape, as well as the shape of the ice produced.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät mit einem Eiswürfelbereiter mit Eiswürfelschale sowie mit Mitteln, durch die die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition verfahrbar ist.The invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with an ice cube maker with ice cube tray and with means by which the ice cube tray is moved from its operating position into a cleaning position.
Derartige Kühl- und/oder Gefriergeräte sind bereits bekannt. Die Eiswürfelschale befindet sich während des Betriebes des Eiswürfelbereiters üblicherweise in einer waagrechten Position, in der sich die offene Seite der Eiswürfelschale oben befindet. Sollen die Eiswürfel bzw. Restwasser ausgeleert oder die Eiswürfelschale gereinigt werden, wird die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsposition in eine Reinigungsstellung bzw. Auswurfposition verfahren. In dieser Reinigungsstellung ist die Eiswürfelschale um bis zu 180° mit ihrer offenen Seite nach unten gedreht und kann nun nach ihrer Entleerung gereinigt werden. Um die Mittel zu aktivieren, die die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsposition in die Reinigungsstellung verfahren, ist eine Taste unmittelbar am Eiswürfelbereiter vorgesehen, die mehrfach und über unterschiedliche Zeitintervalle bzw. in vorbestimmter Abfolge zu bedienen ist. Die Bedienung ist somit vergleichsweise aufwendig.Such refrigerators and / or freezers are already known. The ice cube tray is usually in a horizontal position during operation of the ice maker in which the open side of the ice cube tray is at the top. If the ice cubes or residual water are emptied or the ice cube tray is cleaned, the ice cube tray is moved from its operating position into a cleaning position or ejection position. In this cleaning position, the ice cube tray is rotated up to 180 ° with its open side downwards and can now be cleaned after it has been emptied. In order to activate the means which move the ice cube tray from its operating position into the cleaning position, a key is provided directly on the ice cube maker, which can be operated several times and over different time intervals or in a predetermined sequence. The operation is thus relatively expensive.
Es ist daher die Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät der eingangs genannten Art dahingehend weiterzubilden, dass die Aktivierung der Mittel, durch die die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in die Reinigungsposition verfahren wird, einfach und bedienungsfreundlich möglich ist.It is therefore an object of the invention to develop a refrigerator and / or freezer of the type mentioned in that the activation of the means by which the ice cube tray is moved from its operating position to the cleaning position, easy and easy to use possible.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Danach ist vorgesehen, dass das Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät eine Wiedergabeeinheit aufweist, mittels derer die Option der Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale wiedergebbar ist, dass eine Auswahleinheit vorgesehen ist, mittels derer die wiedergegebene Option auswählbar ist, und dass eine Steuerung vorgesehen ist, mittels derer bei Auswahl dieser Option die Mittel zum Verfahren der Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition aktiviert werden. Unter der "Option der Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale" ist jede beliebige Information zu verstehen, die die Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale zum Gegenstand hat. Infrage kommt beispielsweise der Text "Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale", der auf einer Anzeige am Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät dargestellt wird. Nach Auswahl dieser Option wird die Eiswürfelschale unmittelbar in ihre Reinigungsposition verfahren. Dazu kann z.B. vorgesehen sein, dass die Eiswürfelschale verdreht und sodann ausgefahren wird. Sie steht nun nach der Entleerung von Restwasser und Eiswürfeln für die Reinigung zur Verfügung.This object is achieved by a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that the refrigerator and / or freezer has a display unit, by means of which the option of cleaning the ice cube tray is reproducible, that a selection unit is provided, by means of which the reproduced option is selectable, and that a control is provided, by means of which if this option is selected, the means for moving the ice cube tray from its operating position to a cleaning position are activated. The "ice bucket cleaning option" means any information relating to the cleaning of the ice cube tray. For example, the text "Cleaning the ice cube tray", which is displayed on a display on the refrigerator and / or freezer, is an option. After selecting this option, the ice cube tray is moved immediately to its cleaning position. For this, e.g. be provided that the ice cube tray is twisted and then extended. It is now available after the emptying of residual water and ice cubes for cleaning.
Die Wiedergabeeinheit kann als Display ausgeführt sein. Die Erfindung ist jedoch nicht auf eine derartige Anzeige als Wiedergabemittel beschränkt. In Betracht kommen beliebige Wiedergabeeinheiten, die für den Nutzer des Gerätes wahrnehmbar sind, beispielsweise auch eine akustische Wiedergabe.The playback unit can be designed as a display. However, the invention is not limited to such a display as a display means. In consideration come any playback units that are perceptible to the user of the device, for example, an acoustic reproduction.
Eine besonders bequeme Bedienung ergibt sich, wenn ein Prozessor vorgesehen ist, der eine Menüführung bereitstellt, wobei die Option der Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale im Rahmen der Menüführung wiedergebbar und/oder auswählbar ist. Dazu sind geeignete Bedienelemente vorgesehen, die die Betätigung des Menüs ermöglichen. Denkbar ist beispielsweise, dass aus dem Menü der Menüpunkt "AEWB-Funktionen" gewählt wird, wobei "AEWB" für automatischen Eiswürfelbereiter steht. Unter dem Menüpunkt "AEWB-Funktionen" kann nun die Aktivierung der Mittel zum Verfahren der Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in ihre Reinigungsposition ausgewählt werden. Die erfindungsgemäße Steuerung bewirkt daraufhin ohne weiteres Zutun des Nutzers des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes unmittelbar die entsprechende Aktivierung dieser Mittel.A particularly convenient operation results when a processor is provided which provides a menu navigation, wherein the option of cleaning the ice cube tray in the context of menu navigation is reproducible and / or selectable. For this purpose, suitable controls are provided which allow the operation of the menu. It is conceivable, for example, that the menu item "AEWB functions" is selected from the menu, whereby "AEWB" for automatic ice cube makers stands. The activation of the means for moving the ice cube tray from its operating position into its cleaning position can now be selected under the menu item "AEWB functions". The controller according to the invention then causes without further action by the user of the refrigerator and / or freezer directly the corresponding activation of these funds.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sind mittels der Wiedergabeeinheit weitere Parameter und/oder Funktionen des Eiswürfelbereiters und/oder des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes wiedergebbar. Denkbar ist z.B. die Wiedergabe der Temperatur oder auch die Füllmenge der Eiswürfelschale.In a further embodiment of the invention, further parameters and / or functions of the ice cube maker and / or the refrigerator and / or freezer can be reproduced by means of the playback unit. It is conceivable, e.g. the reproduction of the temperature or the capacity of the ice cube tray.
Auch diese weiteren Parameter und/oder Funktionen des Eiswürfelbereiters und/oder des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes können ebenfalls im Rahmen der Menüführung wiedergebbar und/oder auswählbar sein, woraus sich eine vergleichsweise einfache Bedienung des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes ergibt.These further parameters and / or functions of the ice cube maker and / or the refrigerator and / or freezer may also be reproduced and / or selectable within the menu navigation, resulting in a comparatively simple operation of the refrigerator and / or freezer.
Die erfindungsgemäße Auswahleinheit, mittels derer die wiedergegebene Option ausgewählt, d.h. bestätigt wird, kann in Form einer oder mehrerer Tasten ausgeführt sein. Dabei kann es sich um dieselben Tasten handeln, mittels derer auch die Menüführung erfolgt.The selection unit according to the invention, by means of which the reproduced option is selected, i. is confirmed, may be in the form of one or more keys. These may be the same keys used to guide the menu.
Denkbar ist auch eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung, bei der die Auswahleinheit keine Bedienelemente aufweist, sondern bei der die wiedergegebene Option vorzugsweise nach Ablauf einer bestimmten Zeitspanne oder Produktionsmenge automatisch aktiviert wird, ohne dass weitere Aktionen des Nutzers erforderlich sind.It is also conceivable embodiment of the invention, in which the selection unit has no controls, but in which the reproduced option is preferably automatically activated after a certain period of time or production volume, without further actions of the user are required.
In welcher Form die Menüführung betätigt und die Auswahl vorgenommen wird, ist weitgehend beliebig. Möglich ist es beispielsweise, zwei Tasten vorzusehen, wobei eine Taste zum "Durchblättern" des Menüs in einer Richtung und die andere Taste zum "Durchblättern" des Menüs in der anderen Richtung dient. Eine Auswahl der angezeigten Option kann beispielsweise dadurch erfolgen, dass beide Tasten gleichzeitig betätigt werden. Denkbar ist es auch, eine separate Taste zur Bestätigung, d.h. Auswahl der wiedergegebenen Option vorzusehen. Grundsätzlich sind auch beliebige davon abweichende Ausgestaltungen denkbar.The form in which the menu navigation is operated and the selection made is largely arbitrary. It is possible, for example, to provide two keys, one key for "scrolling" the menu in one direction and the other key for "scrolling" the menu in the other direction. For example, a selection of the displayed option can be made by simultaneously pressing both buttons. It is also possible to have a separate confirmation button ie to provide selection of the displayed option. In principle, any deviating configurations are also conceivable.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Wiedergabeeinheit als Display ausgeführt und es ist eine busfähige Displayelektronik zur Steuerung des Displays vorgesehen.In a further embodiment of the invention, the display unit is designed as a display and it is provided a bus-capable display electronics for controlling the display.
Die Anordnung der Wiedergabeeinheit sowie der Auswahleinheit ist weitgehend beliebig. Bevorzugt sind leicht zugängliche bzw. einsehbare Positionen am Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät. Denkbar ist, dass die Widergabeeinheit und/oder die Auswahleinheit auf der Außen- oder Innenseite der Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätetür, am Korpus des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes oder am Innenbehälter des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes angeordnet ist. Auch ist eine Anordnung am Eiswürfelbereiter selbst denkbar. Sofern sich oberhalb der Tür des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes eine feststehende, mit dem Korpus in Verbindung stehende Leiste erstreckt, kann vorgesehen sein, die Wiedergabeeinheit und/oder die Auswahleinheit in dieser Leiste anzuordnen. Aus optischen Gründen ist dabei vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass diese Leiste bei geschlossener Tür des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes mit der Tür abschließt, so dass ein einheitlicher Gesamteindruck entsteht.The arrangement of the playback unit and the selection unit is largely arbitrary. Preference is given to easily accessible or visible positions on the refrigerator and / or freezer. It is conceivable that the display unit and / or the selection unit is arranged on the outside or inside of the refrigerator and / or freezer door, on the body of the refrigerator and / or freezer or on the inner container of the refrigerator and / or freezer. Also, an arrangement on the ice cube maker itself is conceivable. Provided that above the door of the refrigerator and / or freezer extends a fixed, associated with the body bar, it may be provided to arrange the playback unit and / or the selection unit in this bar. For optical reasons, it is preferably provided that this bar with the door of the refrigerator and / or freezer closes with the door, so that a uniform overall impression is created.
Die Mittel, durch die die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition verfahrbar ist, können derart ausgeführt sein, dass die Eiswürfelschale gedreht wird. Ebenso kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Mittel, durch die die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition verfahrbar ist, derart ausgeführt sind, dass die Eiswürfelschale zunächst gedreht und sodann ausgefahren wird.The means by which the ice cube tray can be moved from its operating position to a cleaning position can be designed such that the ice cube tray is rotated. It can also be provided that the means by which the ice cube tray can be moved from its operating position to a cleaning position are designed such that the ice cube tray is first rotated and then extended.
Dabei kann eine Drehung der Eiswürfelschale um bis zu 180° erfolgen, bevorzugt ist ein Winkelbereich zwischen 120° und 150°. Wird die Drehung der Eisschale um 180° vorgenommen, steht die Eiswürfelschale nach der Drehung auf dem Kopf und die offene Seite weist nach unten.In this case, a rotation of the ice cube tray can take place by up to 180 °, an angle range between 120 ° and 150 ° is preferred. If the rotation of the ice bowl is made by 180 °, the ice cube tray stands after the turn on the head and the open side faces down.
Wird die Eiswürfelschale in ihrer Reinigungsposition arretiert, hat der Nutzer einfachen Zugriff auf die Innenseite der Eiswürfelschale, ohne diese bei der Reinigung festhalten zu müssen.When the ice cube tray is locked in its cleaning position, the user has easy access to the inside of the ice cube tray without having to hold it during cleaning.
Im Anschluss daran kann die Eiswürfelschale wieder aus ihrer Reinigungsposition in die Betriebsstellung verfahren werden. Dies erfolgt vorzugsweise ebenfalls mittels der genannten Menüsteuerung bzw. durch Auswahl eines entsprechenden Menüpunktes durch den Nutzer. Denkbar ist ebenfalls, dass die Betätigung einer Taste ausreicht, um die Eiswürfelschale wieder in ihre Betriebsstellung zu verfahren, ohne dass eine erneute Menüauswahl erforderlich ist.Following this, the ice cube tray can be moved again from its cleaning position into the operating position. This is preferably also done by means of said menu control or by selecting a corresponding menu item by the user. It is also conceivable that the operation of a button is sufficient to move the ice cube tray back to its operating position, without a re-menu selection is required.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung ist vorgesehen, dass Mittel vorgesehen sind, die beim Ausschalten des Gerätes den Hinweis darauf hinweisen abgeben, dass die Eiswürfelschale in ihre Reinigungsposition zu verfahren ist bzw. eine Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale noch erfolgen sollte. Ein derartiger Hinweis verhindert wirkungsvoll, dass das Gerät nach dem Ausschalten längere Zeit mit Wasser in der Eiswürfelschale stehen bleibt. Ein derartiger Hinweis kann z.B. akustisch oder optisch erfolgen, beispielsweise durch eine Anzeige in dem oben genannten Display.In a further embodiment, it is provided that means are provided which indicate when turning off the device to indicate that the ice cube tray is to move into its cleaning position or a cleaning of the ice cube tray should still be done. Such an indication effectively prevents the device from standing for a long time with water in the ice cube tray after switching it off. Such an indication may e.g. acoustically or visually, for example by a display in the above-mentioned display.
Die Erfindung betrifft des Weiteren ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät mit einem Eiswürfelbereiter mit Eiswürfelschale sowie mit Mitteln, durch die die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition verfahrbar ist, wobei das Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät ein Bedienelement aufweist, das mit den Mitteln derart in Verbindung steht, dass die Betätigung des Bedienelementes unmittelbar zur Aktivierung der Mittel und somit zum Verfahren der Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition führt. Im Gegensatz zu der eingangs beschriebenen Ausführung aus dem Stand der Technik führt bei dieser Ausgestaltung die Betätigung der Bedienelementes unmittelbar zur Aktivierung der genannten Mittel. Eine Mehrfachbetätigung oder die Betätigung über vorbestimmte Zeitintervalle, um die Mittel zum Verfahren der Eiswürfelschale zu aktivieren, ist nicht erforderlich. Die einmalige und dementsprechend einfache Betätigung des Bedienelementes ist ausreichend.The invention further relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with an ice cube maker with ice cube tray and means by which the ice cube tray is moved from its operating position to a cleaning position, wherein the refrigerator and / or freezer has a control element, with the means in such a way that the actuation of the control element leads directly to the activation of the means and thus for moving the ice cube tray from its operating position into a cleaning position. In contrast to the embodiment of the prior art described above, in this embodiment, the actuation of the control element leads directly to the activation of said means. Multiple actuation or actuation over predetermined time intervals to activate the means for moving the ice cube tray is not required. The one-time and accordingly simple operation of the control element is sufficient.
Das Bedienelement kann in Form einer oder mehrerer Tasten ausgeführt sein.The control element can be designed in the form of one or more keys.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist das Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach dieser Ausführung der Erfindung gemäß dem kennzeichnenden Teil eines der Ansprüche 1 bis 13 ausgeführt.In a further embodiment of the invention, the refrigerator and / or freezer according to this embodiment of the invention according to the characterizing part of one of claims 1 to 13 is executed.
Weitere Einzelheiten und Vorteile der Erfindung werden anhand eines im Folgenden beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert:Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment described below:
Ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät in Form eines Kühlschrankes, einer Kühl/Gefrierkombination oder eines Gefrierschrankes weist einen automatischen Eiswürfelbereiter auf. Dieser umfasst eine in ihrer Betriebsposition waagrecht stehende, nach oben offene Eiswürfelschale, in der sich die hergestellten Eiswürfel befinden.A refrigerator and / or freezer in the form of a refrigerator, a fridge / freezer or a freezer has an automatic ice cube maker. This comprises a horizontally standing in its operating position, upwardly open ice cube tray, in which the produced ice cubes are.
Das Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät weist ferner eine Gerätetür auf, die den Kühlraum verschließt. Auf der Außenseite der Gerätetür befindet sich ein Display, in dem bestimmte Parameter des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes angezeigt werden können. Die in dem Display dargestellte Anzeige wird von einem Prozessor generiert, wobei die Parameter und Funktionalitäten des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes in Menüs zusammengefasst sind bzw. mittels einer Menüführung abrufbar sind. Die Menüführung erfolgt mittels zweier Tasten, die sich in dem Bereich neben dem Display befinden. Dabei dient die eine Taste zum "Blättern" durch das Menü in einer Richtung und die andere Taste zum "Blättern" in der anderen Richtung. Sobald dem Nutzer die gewünschte Option angezeigt wird, kann diese durch eine weitere Taste ausgewählt bzw. bestätigt werden.The refrigerator and / or freezer also has a door that closes the refrigerator. On the outside of the appliance door is a display in which certain parameters of the refrigerator and / or freezer can be displayed. The display shown in the display is generated by a processor, wherein the parameters and functionalities of the refrigerator and / or freezer are summarized in menus or can be retrieved by means of a menu navigation. The menu is controlled by two buttons located in the area next to the display. The one button is used to "scroll" through the menu in one direction and the other to "scroll" in the other direction. As soon as the desired option is displayed to the user, this can be selected or confirmed by another button.
Das genannte Menü weist einen Menüpunkt "AEWB-Funktionen" auf. Wird dieser Punkt ausgewählt, wird je nach Ausführung des Gerätes entweder ein Untermenü eröffnet oder es werden alternativ unmittelbar die Mittel aktiviert, die die Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Gebrauchsstellung in die Reinigungsposition verfahren. Das genannte Untermenü kann beispielsweise die Punkte "Temperaturanzeige" oder "Füllmenge der Eiswürfelschale" umfassen. Ein weiterer Punkt ist die Option "Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale". Wird diese Option ausgewählt, werden unmittelbar die Mittel aktiviert, die die Eiswürfelschale um 180° wenden und sodann ausfahren, so dass die Form, d.h. die offene Seite der Eiswürfelschale nach unten zeigt. Dabei erfolgt eine Entleerung von Restwasser sowie von noch vorhandenen Eiswürfeln.The named menu has a menu item "AEWB functions". If this item is selected, depending on the design of the device, either a submenu is opened or, alternatively, the means are immediately activated which move the ice cube tray from its position of use to the cleaning position. The said Submenu may include, for example, the items "temperature gauge" or "ice bucket fill". Another point is the option "cleaning the ice cube tray". When this option is selected, the means are immediately activated which turn the ice cube tray through 180 ° and then extend it so that the shape, ie the open side of the ice cube tray, points downwards. This empties residual water as well as remaining ice cubes.
Nach der Verdrehung ist die Eiswürfelschale ist in ihrer Auswurfposition arretiert und kann nun ohne weiteres auf ihrer Innenseite gereinigt werden.After twisting the ice cube tray is locked in its ejection position and can now be easily cleaned on its inside.
Im Anschluss daran wird die Eiswürfelschale wieder in ihre Betriebsposition verfahren. Dazu kann vorgesehen sein, dass ohne Menüauswahl eine oder mehrere Tasten betätigt werden, wobei es sich um die Taste(n) handeln kann, mittels derer auch die Menüführung erfolgt. Auch ist es denkbar, das Verfahren der Eiswürfelschale in ihre Betriebsposition in entsprechender Weise wie das Verfahren in die Reinigungsstellung mittels der Menüführung vorzunehmen.Subsequently, the ice cube tray is moved back to its operating position. For this purpose, it may be provided that one or more keys are operated without menu selection, which may be the key (s), by means of which the menu is also guided. It is also conceivable to carry out the method of the ice cube tray in its operating position in a corresponding manner as the method in the cleaning position by means of the menu.
Die Erfindung betrifft eine einfach und kundenfreundlich z.B. über Display zu aktivierende Reinigungsmöglichkeit der Eiswürfelschale. Bei Außerbetriebnahme des Gerätes kann die Eiswürfelschale sofort und mit geringem Aufwand entleert werden, um Keim- und Geruchbildung durch Restwasser im warmen Gefrierfach zu vermeiden.The invention relates to a simple and customer friendly e.g. Cleaning option for the ice cube tray to be activated via display. When decommissioning the device, the ice cube tray can be emptied immediately and with little effort to avoid germs and odors caused by residual water in the freezer compartment.
Des Weiteren kann vorgesehen sein, dass beim Abschalten des Gerätes, beispielsweise vor einer längeren Abwesenheit, ein Signalton oder ein akustischer oder optischer Hinweis darauf erfolgt, dass die Eiswürfelschale noch zu entleeren ist bzw. dass die Mittel zu betätigen sind, durch die die Eiswürfelschale in ihre Reinigungsposition verfahren wird.Furthermore, it can be provided that when switching off the device, for example, before a prolonged absence, a beep or an acoustic or optical indication that the ice cube tray is still to empty or that the means are to be operated, through which the ice cube tray their cleaning position is moved.
Der Begriff "Eiswürfelschale" umfasst jedes beliebige Gefäß zur Eisproduktion unabhängig von dessen Form sowie von der Gestalt des produzierten Eises.The term "ice cube tray" includes any vessel for ice production, regardless of its shape, as well as the shape of the ice produced.
Claims (16)
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät eine Wiedergabeeinheit aufweist, mittels derer eine die Reinigung der Eiswürfelschale betreffende Option wiedergebbar ist, dass eine Auswahleinheit vorgesehen ist, mittels derer die wiedergegebene Option auswählbar ist, und dass eine Steuerung vorgesehen ist, mittels derer nach Auswahl der Option die Mittel zum Verfahren der Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition aktiviert werden.Cooling and / or freezing device with an ice cube maker with ice cube tray and with means by which the ice cube tray can be moved from its operating position into a cleaning position,
characterized,
that the refrigerator and / or freezer has a display unit by means of which an option relating to the cleaning of the ice cube tray is reproducible, in which a selection unit is provided, by means of which the reproduced option can be selected, and in which a control is provided by means of which, after selection Option the means for moving the ice cube tray from its operating position are activated in a cleaning position.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät ein Bedienelement aufweist, das mit den Mitteln derart in Verbindung steht, dass die Betätigung des Bedienelementes unmittelbar zur Aktivierung der Mittel und somit zum Verfahren der Eiswürfelschale aus ihrer Betriebsstellung in eine Reinigungsposition führt.Cooling and / or freezing device with an ice cube maker with ice cube tray and with means by which the ice cube tray can be moved from its operating position into a cleaning position,
characterized,
that the cooling and / or freezing appliance having a control element which communicates with the means such compound in that the actuation of the control thus leads directly to the activation of the means and method of the ice-cube tray out of its operating position into a cleaning position.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE202005002060U DE202005002060U1 (en) | 2005-02-09 | 2005-02-09 | Refrigerator and / or freezer with ice cube maker |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1691151A2 true EP1691151A2 (en) | 2006-08-16 |
| EP1691151A3 EP1691151A3 (en) | 2012-07-18 |
Family
ID=36579369
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP06002297A Withdrawn EP1691151A3 (en) | 2005-02-09 | 2006-02-03 | Refrigeration and/or freezing apparatus with ice cube maker |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7921667B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1691151A3 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE202005002060U1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2175215A2 (en) * | 2008-10-09 | 2010-04-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator with icemaker and control method thereof |
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| WO2007027072A1 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2007-03-08 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Device and method of controlling a dispenser for refrigerator |
| US8646285B2 (en) * | 2006-09-04 | 2014-02-11 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control apparatus for taking out ice of refrigerator and method thereof |
| ES2400789T3 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2013-04-12 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Fridge |
| US11255588B2 (en) * | 2018-08-03 | 2022-02-22 | Hoshizaki America, Inc. | Ultrasonic bin control in an ice machine |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US7921667B2 (en) | 2011-04-12 |
| DE202005002060U1 (en) | 2006-06-14 |
| EP1691151A3 (en) | 2012-07-18 |
| US20060230777A1 (en) | 2006-10-19 |
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