Ice cream dispensing arrangement

Abstract

Ice dispensing arrangement, in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, comprising a flap (12) which is pivotable between a first dispensing position (44) and a second dispensing position (48), a transmission device (14) and a motor (16) which actuates the flap (12) via the transmission device (14) and has a shaft, wherein the transmission device (14) comprises a rotary disk (60) connected to the shaft of the motor (16), at least one connecting rod (62, 64) and a transmission rotary element (56), wherein the transmission rotary element (56) is rotatable between a first position and a second position such that the flap (12) is in the first output position (44) in the first position of the transmission rotary element (56) and that the flap (12) is in the second output position (48) in the second position of the transmission rotary element (56), wherein the transmission rotary element (56) is provided with a coupling element (65), and wherein at least one connecting rod (62, 64) couples an eccentric point on the turntable (60) from the shaft of the motor (16) with the coupling element (65) of the transmission rotary element (56) such that the transmission rotary element (56) is rotatable between the first position and the second position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an ice dispensing arrangement, in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, comprising a flap that is pivotable between a first dispensing position and a second dispensing position, a transmission device and a motor that actuates the flap via the transmission device.

[0002] Flaps are used to dispense ice from an ice storage container. This flap mechanism is often actuated by solenoids, with springs returning the flap to its closed position. Alternatively, US Patent 6,880,355 B2 describes a cam-operated solution that uses a motor and a cam to control the flap for dispensing ice from the storage container.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved ice dispensing arrangement and an improved household refrigeration appliance.

[0004] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1 and by the subject matter of claim 11.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the ice dispensing arrangement are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention relates to an ice dispensing arrangement, particularly for a household refrigerator, comprising a flap pivotable between a first dispensing position and a second dispensing position, a transmission device, and a motor that actuates the flap via the transmission device. The transmission device has a rotary disk connected to the motor shaft, at least one connecting rod, and a transmission rotary element. The transmission rotary element is rotatable between a first position and a second position such that the flap is in the first dispensing position in the first position of the transmission rotary element and is in the second dispensing position in the second position of the transmission rotary element. The transmission rotary element is provided with a coupling element.At least one connecting rod couples a point on the turntable that is eccentric to the shaft of the motor with the coupling element of the transmission rotary element in such a way that the transmission rotary element can be rotated between the first position and the second position.

[0007] A household refrigeration appliance is understood to be a refrigeration appliance, i.e., a refrigeration device that is used for household management in households or possibly also in the catering sector, and in particular serves to store food and / or beverages in household quantities at certain temperatures, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a fridge-freezer combination, a chest freezer or a wine storage cabinet.

[0008] Refrigeration appliances, particularly household appliances, often include a device for producing ice cubes or ice blocks. This can consist of an ice maker (a device for producing ice blocks or cubes), an ice crusher (a device for crushing ice blocks or cubes), and a dispenser for dispensing the ice cubes. The ice dispensing device can be part of one or more of the devices described above, can be used with a wide variety of the aforementioned refrigeration appliances, and can also be referred to as an ice dispenser assembly. Specifically, the ice dispensing device serves to open and close a pivoting flap of an ice crusher. The energy required to open and close the flap is provided by a motor, which is typically an electric motor, although any suitable type of motor is conceivable.

[0009] The motor and the flap are coupled via a transmission device, so that rotation of a motor shaft causes movement of the flap. The flap can be moved between the first and second dispensing positions. "Position" in this context can also be understood as a range of positions, meaning that the first and second dispensing positions can encompass several positions of the flap. In the first dispensing position, the ice crusher flap is preferably positioned such that ice chunks can be crushed. The flap does not completely close the ice crusher, allowing the crushed ice chunks to fall out. In the second dispensing position, the ice crusher is preferably more open, allowing whole ice chunks to fall through without being crushed. The flap is preferably pivotable about a pivot axis.

[0010] The transmission device includes the transmission rotary element, allowing the flap and the motor to be spatially separated. The transmission rotary element is rotatable at least between the first and second positions, with the energy required for this preferably being supplied by the motor. The first and second positions can also be understood as a first position range and a second position range, wherein, in particular, the first and second positions or the first and second position ranges cover an angular range.

[0011] The transmission device may, in particular due to its design with at least one connecting rod, also include a crank drive or be described as such.

[0012] Preferably, one end of the transmission rotary element, located near the motor, can be coupled to the rotary disk via at least one connecting rod. The rotary disk is preferably fixed to the motor shaft. The rotation of the rotary disk is preferably converted into a periodic motion of the coupling element by means of the connecting rod. The highest and lowest points of the periodic motion correspond to the first and second positions, respectively. The periodic motion can have a directional component in the vertical direction and / or a directional component in the horizontal direction.

[0013] It is preferred that the coupling element has a crank. The crank can also be referred to as a offset.

[0014] It is further preferred that the crank comprises a connecting section and a crank section, wherein the connecting section connects the crank section to the transmission rotary element and the crank section operatively couples the transmission rotary element to the at least one connecting rod.

[0015] It is preferred that the connecting section runs at an angle, preferably obliquely, to a longitudinal axis of the transmission rotary element, and that the offset section runs at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transmission rotary element. The connecting section and the offset section and / or the connecting section and the transmission rotary element can be formed as a single piece.

[0016] It is also preferred that the at least one connecting rod is pivotably and / or slidably coupled to a coupling element, in particular to the crank section.

[0017] The crank, also called the offset, is connected to the transmission rotary element via the connecting section. Preferably, the crank, the connecting section, and the transmission rotary element are formed in one piece and made, for example, of a metal or a plastic. The connecting rod can preferably rotate at least partially around the crank. This allows an up-and-down movement of the connecting rod to generate a periodic movement of the crank, which in turn results in a rotation of the transmission rotary element. The rotation of the transmission rotary element occurs between the first and second positions.

[0018] The motor shaft is preferably mounted at the center point of the turntable. The point where the connecting rod is attached to the turntable is preferably offset from the center point and therefore eccentric. The connecting rod and turntable can be made of plastic or metal.

[0019] It is preferred that the transmission device has only one connecting rod which is operatively coupled to the crank section.

[0020] The connecting rod is preferably coupled to the crank section or coupling element in a fixed and pivotable manner. "Fixed" means, in particular, that the crank section cannot move relative to the connecting rod. "Pivotable" preferably means that the connecting rod can pivot relative to the crank or crank section. This makes it possible to actively rotate the transmission device from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position, i.e., to exert force on the transmission device. This, in turn, means that the flap can be opened and closed under force, or, put another way, pivoted from the first output position to the second output position and vice versa.Preferably, the connecting rod is attached to the turntable such that a 180° rotation of the motor shaft rotates the transmission device from the first position to the second position, and a further 180° rotation of the motor shaft rotates the transmission device from the second position to the first position. That is, with one revolution of the motor shaft, the flap is moved from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing position and back again. Alternatively, the motor can be a bidirectional motor, so that opening the flap, rotating the transmission device from the first position to the second position, is achieved by rotating the motor in one direction, while closing the flap, rotating the transmission device from the second position to the first position, is achieved by rotating the motor shaft in the opposite direction.

[0021] Alternatively, it is preferred that the transmission device has two or more connecting rods, each connecting rod having an opening (also called a transmission opening) into which the crank section projects and which is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the crank section.

[0022] With two connecting rods, the transmission device is preferably rotated from the first position to the second position by a 90° turn of the motor shaft. A further 90° turn of the motor shaft preferably rotates the transmission device from the second position to the first position when two connecting rods are used. This means that with one revolution of the motor shaft, the flap is moved twice from the first output position to the second output position and back again. This preferably allows for faster actuation of the flap.

[0023] It is further preferred that the at least one connecting rod each has a guide opening into which a guide element engages to guide the movement of the at least one connecting rod.

[0024] The guide element is fixed relative to the engine, allowing the connecting rods and the guide element to move relative to each other. The guide element is preferably an axis or extends along an axis that passes through the connecting rods. This arrangement allows the crank to be moved from the first position to the second position relative to the axis of rotation of the transmission element. As the engine shaft continues to rotate in the same direction, the contact between the crank and the connecting rods is released, allowing the transmission element to rotate back to the first position. However, the connecting rods do not provide any force for rotating the transmission element from the second position to the first position; therefore, a spring is preferably used for this purpose. This arrangement has the advantage that the flap can be opened several times per revolution of the engine.

[0025] It is preferred that the transmission rotary element and the coupling element are formed in one piece and / or that the transmission rotary element and the coupling element are each formed as a rod element.

[0026] This represents a particularly simple design of the transmission device, thus saving on manufacturing costs.

[0027] It is preferred that the transmission device further comprises a flap actuation device, wherein the transmission rotary element is rotatable between the first position and the second position in order to pivot the flap between the first output position and the second output position by means of the flap actuation device, wherein the transmission rotary element is coupled to the flap actuation device such that the flap is in the first output position in the first position of the transmission rotary element and that the flap is in the second output position in the second position of the transmission rotary element, and wherein a locking device is provided for holding the flap in the first output position.

[0028] Preferably, one end of the transmission rotary element, located near the flap, can be provided with the flap actuation device, which may be designed as a crank or lever arm. The flap actuation device can be formed integrally with the transmission rotary element. All possible fastening methods are conceivable for attaching the flap actuation device to the transmission rotary element, with a one-piece design of the flap actuation device and the transmission rotary element being preferred. Alternatively, the flap actuation device can be fastened by screwing, bonding, or welding.

[0029] The transmission rotary element is coupled to the flap actuation device in such a way that a rotation of the transmission rotary element results in a pivoting of the flap. Specifically, the flap is closed in the first position of the transmission rotary element and open in the second position. When rotating from the first position of the transmission rotary element to the second position, the flap is preferably moved from the first opening position to the second opening position. Preferably, a rotation from the second position of the transmission rotary element to the first position can cause the flap to pivot from the second opening position to the first opening position.

[0030] The locking device holds the flap in its initial opening position. This can also be understood as locking, closing, or blocking the flap. This allows the flap actuator to open the flap while the locking device locks it. A secure locking of the flap is particularly important when the pivoting flap is part of an ice crusher, as high forces act on the flap during ice crushing. The locking device is preferably coupled to the transmission rotary device, so that rotation of the transmission rotary device causes movement of the locking device. The locking device can, for example, be a latch located near the flap and moved by the transmission rotary device.

[0031] The flap, the locking device, and the rotary transmission element can be made of plastic or metal. However, other materials are also conceivable that possess the mechanical properties required for the use of these parts.

[0032] It is preferred that the blocking device be pivotable between a blocking position for holding the flap in the first dispensing position and a release position.

[0033] In the locked position, the locking device blocks, holds, or locks the flap. The flap can therefore no longer open. In the release position, the locking device pivots relative to the locked position so that the flap's pivoting is no longer obstructed and the flap can be opened using the flap operating device.

[0034] It is preferred that the blocking device, the transmission rotary element and / or the flap actuation device are pivotable about a common axis of rotation, which is preferably substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the flap.

[0035] Preferably, the common axis of rotation is the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element. This represents a simple design. If the pivot axis of the flap and the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element are parallel to each other, the motor can be positioned in front of or behind the flap, for example, behind the ice maker and / or the ice crusher. This allows for a variable arrangement of the individual components, thus making particularly efficient use of space in a refrigeration unit.

[0036] It is further preferred that the blocking device is attached to the flap actuation device and / or to the transmission rotary element.

[0037] This allows for easy pivoting of the locking device, with the locking device and the flap actuator rotating synchronously. This ensures, in particular, that the flap can only be opened when it is not locked. The locking device can be formed integrally with the flap actuator. Preferably, the locking device is attached to the flap actuator, in particular by a snap lock or a clamping device. The locking device rotates with the flap actuator. The locking device can also be attached to the transmission rotary element in the same manner. Alternatively, the locking device can be attached to both the flap actuator and the transmission rotary element in this way.

[0038] If the locking device is mounted close to the transmission rotary element, or more precisely, close to the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element, a lower torque is exerted on the transmission rotary element when the flap is unlocked than if the locking device is mounted further away from the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element on the flap actuator. This allows for a greater holding force to be exerted on the flap in the first position with the same torque on the transmission rotary element, as greater frictional forces can act on the locking device due to the shorter lever arm. Therefore, greater forces can be exerted on the flap in the ice crusher.

[0039] It is also preferred that a projection is arranged on the flap and that the blocking device has a stop for holding the flap in the first dispensing position, wherein the stop only blocks the projection in the first position for holding the flap in the first dispensing position.

[0040] A projection is arranged on the flap, which can be formed integrally with the flap or attached to it. Various methods are conceivable for attaching the projection to the flap, such as gluing, screwing, welding, or similar techniques. In the first position, the projection and the locking device preferably interlock, thereby locking or holding the flap.

[0041] Preferably, the stop of the locking device engages behind the projection of the flap. This provides a secure and simple locking device. Preferably, the shape of the stop is adapted to the shape of the projection, and in particular, the projection engages positively behind the stop.

[0042] It is preferred that the flap or projection has a receiving area bounded by a circumferential rim that projects from the receiving area. Furthermore, the flap actuation device preferably has an arm that projects into the receiving area.

[0043] The flap is pivoted into the second opening position by the flap actuation device when the rotary transmission element rotates about its axis of rotation. For this purpose, the flap has a receiving area bounded by a circumferential rim. The circumferential rim projects from the receiving area in such a way that when the flap actuation device moves, it moves against the circumferential rim. In particular, the receiving area can be a surface from which the circumferential rim preferably projects perpendicularly. However, the receiving area can also be a cavity bounded by the circumferential rim. In this case, too, the circumferential rim projects from the receiving area. An arm of the flap actuation device extends into the receiving area. Preferably, the arm is curved, and a portion of the arm is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary transmission element.

[0044] Advantageously, this allows the opening of the flap to be functionally separated from its locking by the blocking device. Since the arm is preferably located further from the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element than the blocking device, the arm travels a longer arc, enabling it to open the flap wider. In contrast, the blocking device travels a shorter arc when moving the flap actuator, meaning that if it were to open the flap, it could not open it as wide. Conversely, with the same motor power, the arm can exert less force than the blocking device because it is located further from the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element. However, unlocking the flap, and thus locking it, usually requires a higher force than opening it.The requirements for unlocking and opening the flap are advantageously met in a simple manner through the functional separation by means of the arm and the locking device.

[0045] The flap can be closed either by means of the flap actuation device, in particular by means of the arm, or by means of a spring that pushes the flap into the first opening position, which corresponds to the first position of the transmission rotary element. Locking is then achieved by means of the blocking device.

[0046] It is preferred that the arm does not touch the circumferential edge when the transmission rotary element is in the first position and, preferably, that the arm presses against the circumferential edge when the transmission rotary element is in the second position.

[0047] In the first position, that is, when the flap is in the first dispensing position, the arm does not touch the edge or does so without any force being applied. If a force is now applied to the flap, jamming between the arm and the flap's surrounding edge is prevented, thus reducing the likelihood of the flap being blocked. This can occur particularly in prior art designs, where the flap is opened and locked by means of the flap actuation device, so that during locking, the actuation device and the flap often jam, blocking the flap from opening. Preferably, the distance between the surrounding edge and the arm is chosen such that the occurrence of jamming is minimized, but the distance is not too large, so that a reduction in the flap's opening angle achieved by the actuation device is avoided.The flap opens when the arm of the flap actuator presses against the surrounding edge. The second position is therefore the area in which the flap opens or is already open.

[0048] It is further preferred that the transmission rotary element and the flap actuation device are each designed as a rod element and / or that the transmission rotary element and the flap actuation device are designed in one piece.

[0049] This represents a particularly simple embodiment of the transmission rotary element and the flap actuation device to manufacture. Therefore, production costs can be reduced.

[0050] It is preferred that the transmission rotary element and / or the arm extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the flap. It is further preferred that the flap actuation device extends substantially radially to the pivot axis of the flap and / or substantially perpendicular to the transmission rotary element.

[0051] Furthermore, the invention provides a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, which includes an ice dispensing arrangement as described above. Accordingly, the refrigeration appliance has an ice dispensing arrangement with the features and advantages described above. Furthermore, the refrigeration appliance, in particular the household refrigeration appliance, may include an ice crusher (device for crushing ice pieces) and / or an ice maker (device for producing ice pieces).

[0052] In summary and as an alternative, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0053] By using a crank drive as part of the transmission device with a crank, the flap can be forcibly moved by the motor in both the opening and closing directions. This crank drive can preferably be connected to the flap by means of a connecting rod, which is the rotating transmission element and is preferably bent at both ends. The crank drive can be generated by one or more connecting rods. The use of multiple connecting rods has the advantage, among others, that with a slow-running motor, the flap can be opened and closed in a short time.

[0054] Another improvement was also implemented on the flap side. As explained above, the connecting rod has a bend (or offset) on both the crank and flap sides to operate the flap. On the flap side, the bend can be used to lock the flap for ice crushing and then, when the crank is activated, to open the flap using a lever. When the flap is opened, the ice cubes are dispensed whole without being crushed. However, during crushing, ice cube fragments can sometimes become jammed in the crusher housing, exerting considerable force on the flap. Due to the high frictional force that now arises between the connecting rod and the flap, the motor requires significant power to open the flap. The bend should ideally be of a certain length to ensure the flap can be opened wide enough using the crank.By separating the functions of locking and unlocking, a less powerful motor can be used to safely unlock the flap and simultaneously open it fully. The locking edge for the flap is located close to the pivot point of the connecting rod, thus providing more force for unlocking the flap via the lever drive. The long lever arm can only be used to open the flap. A further advantage of the invention described here over the previously mentioned magnetic solution, where the flap opens abruptly, is the slow dispensing of ice cubes from the ice storage container. In particular, the use of a crank drive allows the motor to move the flap smoothly in both the opening and closing directions. The crank drive is connected to the flap via the connecting rod, which is bent at both ends.This ensures the safe opening and closing of the flap. Furthermore, by separating the functions – locking and opening – a less powerful motor allows the flap to be safely unlocked and simultaneously opened wide enough.

[0055] Embodiments and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. These show Fig. 1. A perspective view of an ice cream dispensing arrangement in three positions; Fig. 2 a top view of the ice dispensing arrangement in three positions; Fig. 3 a top view of the ice dispensing arrangement from the engine side; Fig. 4 a top view from the motor side of the ice dispensing assembly in three positions; Fig. 5 a top view from below of the ice dispensing assembly on the engine side; and Fig. 6 A top view from below of the ice dispensing arrangement in three positions from the engine side.

[0056] An ice dispensing arrangement 10 has a flap 12, a motor 16 and a transmission device 14. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the flap-side part of the transmission device 14. In the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 show the motor 16 and the motor-side part of the transmission device 14. The transmission device 14 has a rod element 18 which is located in the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the connection between the motor-side part of the transmission device 14 and the flap-side part of the transmission device 14. The motor 16 drives the transmission device 14, causing the rod element 18 to rotate about its axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The rotation of the rod element 18 pivots the flap 12.

[0057] First, the flap side of the ice dispensing arrangement 10 should be examined with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The flap 12 of the ice dispensing arrangement 10 is a flap 12 of an ice crusher 20, which can be pivoted between a first dispensing position 44 and a second dispensing position 48. The ice crusher 20 is arranged on an ice dispenser 22. The ice dispenser 22 may include an ice maker. The ice crusher 20 has a stationary housing part (not shown) and the flap 12, which together form a housing for the ice crusher 20. A movable blade assembly 24 and a stationary blade assembly 26 are arranged in the housing. The movable blade assembly 24 preferably has three movable blades 28, which are attached to a rotating shaft 30 of the ice crusher 20. By rotating the rotating shaft 30 by means of a motor (not shown), the movable blades 28 are moved towards the stationary blade assembly 26. Ice pieces supplied by the ice dispenser 22 are crushed between the stationary knife set 26 and the movable knife set 24.The stationary blade assembly 26 preferably comprises two stationary blades 32 which are attached to a holding device 34 of the ice crusher. The stationary blades 32 are not movable.

[0058] The flap 12 has a projection 36 and a receiving area 38. The flap 12 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 40 and is pressed into a first dispensing position 44 by a spring 42. In the first dispensing position 44, the ice crusher 20 is closed sufficiently to allow ice pieces to be crushed within it. Crushed ice pieces can fall out of the ice crusher 20 in this first dispensing position. In an alternative embodiment, the spring 42 can be omitted, and the flap 12 can be opened and closed by means of the flap actuation device.

[0059] In the first output position 44, the projection 36 extends towards the rod element 18 of the flap 12. The flap 12 can be pivoted via a transition position 46 into the second output position 48. The first output position 44 can be a range, while the transition position 46 separates the first output position 44 from the second output position 48, which can also be a range. The aforementioned range is understood to refer in particular to an angular range.

[0060] The receiving area 38 is bounded by the circumferential rim 50. The circumferential rim 50 projects from the receiving area 38. The height of the circumferential rim 50, that is, the length of the projection of the circumferential rim 50 relative to the receiving area 38, is such that an arm 52 of a flap actuation device 54 of the rod element 18 can transmit force to open and / or close the flap 12.

[0061] The rod element 18, the flap actuation device 54, and the arm 52 form part of a transmission rotary element 56. The rod element 18 can be a hollow or solid rod. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod element 18, the flap actuation device 54, and the arm 52 are manufactured in one piece from a single material, such as plastic or metal. The arm 52 can be essentially L-shaped, C-shaped, partially straight, or curved.

[0062] A locking device 58 is attached to the flap actuation device 54. The locking device 58 has a stop (not shown) and rests against the rod element 18. The locking device 58 is attached to the flap actuation device 54, for example, by a clamping mechanism. In the first release position 44 of the flap 12, the stop of the locking device 58 engages an end region, preferably a pointed end, of the projection 36. In this position, the transmission rotary element 56 or the rod element 18 is in a first position. If the stop and the projection 36 are not engaged, as for example in the second release position 48 of the flap 12, the transmission rotary element 56 or the rod element 18 is in a second position.The position of the locking device 58, in which the stop and the projection 36 are engaged, is referred to as the locking position and corresponds to the first output position 44 of the flap 12 and the first position of the transmission rotary element. The position of the locking device 58, in which the stop and the projection 36 are not engaged, is referred to as the release position and corresponds to the second output position 48 of the flap 12 and the second position of the transmission rotary element.

[0063] The pivot axis 40 of the flap 12 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element 56. Furthermore, the portion of the arm 52 that projects into the receiving area 38 is also parallel to the pivot axis 40 and the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element 56. The locking device 58, the arm 52, and the flap actuation device 54 are pivotable about the axis of rotation of the transmission rotary element 56.

[0064] The procedure for opening flap 12 will now be described below.

[0065] In the first output position 44, the rod element 18 is in the first position, and the locking device 58 engages or blocks the projection 36 in the locking position. This blocks the flap 12 by means of the locking device 58, while the arm 52 of the flap actuating device 54 does not touch the circumferential edge 50. If the rod element 18 is now moved towards the second position, the transition position 46 is reached at a certain point. In the transition position 46, the locking device 58 no longer engages or blocks the projection 36, and the locking device 58 is in the release position. The arm 52 of the flap actuating device 54 now touches the circumferential edge 50 of the receiving area 38.As the rod element 18 moves further towards the second position, the arm 52 of the flap actuating device 54 presses against the circumferential edge 50 of the receiving area 38, and the flap 12 is opened against the spring tension 42 until it reaches the second dispensing position 48. The arm 52 of the flap actuating device 54 engages the flap 12 at a greater distance from the axis of rotation of the rod element 18 than the locking device 58. Therefore, the arm 52 exerts a lesser force on the flap 12 for the same torque on the rod element 18 than the locking device 58 would. This allows for a higher unlocking force to be achieved for the flap 12 at the same torque on the rod element 18. Consequently, a higher force can also be applied to the flap 12 in the ice crusher 20.

[0066] When the rod element 18 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the flap 12 is pressed into the first release position 44 by means of the spring tension of the spring 42. Now the locking device 58 engages or blocks the projection 36 again and the flap 12 is locked (locking position of the locking device 58).

[0067] The following section describes the motor-side part of the transmission device 14.

[0068] On the engine side, the transmission device 14 has a rotary disk 60, a first connecting rod 62 and a second connecting rod 64. Furthermore, the transmission device 14 has a coupling element 65 at the engine-side end of the rod element 18, which corresponds to the second end, and which in the embodiment shown is or comprises a crank 66.

[0069] The turntable 60 is centrally fixed on a shaft of the motor 16 that is not visible. The first connecting rod 62 is located closer to the motor 16 on one side of the turntable 60, while the second connecting rod 64 is located further away from the motor 16 on the other side of the turntable 60. Both connecting rods 62 and 64 are eccentrically pivotable on the motor shaft. When the motor shaft rotates and the turntable 60 rotates, the connecting rods 62 and 64 move up and down. The connecting rods 62 and 64 also have a guide opening 68 and an opening or transmission opening 70. A guide element 72 in the form of a guide axis is arranged in both guide openings 68. The guide openings 68 are longer than they are wide, with the width of the guide openings 68 corresponding to the diameter of the guide element 72. When the connecting rods 62, 64 move up and down, the guide opening 68 travels along the guide element 72.The crank 66 of the rod element 18 projects into the two transmission openings 70 of the connecting rods 62, 64. In particular, a crank section 74 of the crank 66 is located in or projects into the two transmission openings 70 of the connecting rods 62, 64. The transmission opening 70 is larger than the guide opening 72.

[0070] As is particularly evident in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the crank 66 comprises the crank section 74 and a connecting section 76. The connecting section 76 is inclined relative to the rod element 18 and the crank section 74 and connects them. A longitudinal axis of the crank section 74 is offset parallel to the axis of rotation of the rod element 18. The rod element 18 is rotatably mounted.

[0071] The following section describes the operation of the motor-side transmission device 14.

[0072] When the motor 16 is actuated, the shaft of the motor 16 rotates, and with it the turntable 60. Due to the eccentric mounting of the connecting rods 62, 64, they move up and down. The guide element 72 deflects the crank 66 laterally with respect to the axis of rotation of the rod 18. Fig. 4. The crank 66, or more precisely the crank section 74, is deflected to the right. This deflection is effected solely by one of the connecting rods 62, 64. As the turntable 60 or the motor shaft continues to rotate, the connecting rods 62, 64 are positioned so that they no longer deflect the crank 66. Due to the preload of the spring 62, the flap 12 is pushed back into its initial position, and the crank 66 can return to its original position. Fig. 3. Move to the first position shown. If the turntable 60 continues to rotate, the crank 66 is deflected by the other connecting rod 62, 64. If the turntable 60 rotates again in the same direction, the crank 66 loses contact with the other connecting rod 62, 64 and the connecting rod 62, 64 moves back into the position shown. Fig. 3. First position shown, back to the original position. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Ice dispensing arrangement 12 flap 14 Transmission device 16 engine 18 rod elements 20 ice crushers 22 ice cream issue 24 movable blade set 26 fixed blade set 28 movable knives 32 fixed blade knife 34 Fastening device 36 lead 38 Recording area 40 Swivel axis 42 springs 44 first issue 46 Transitional position 48 Opening position 50 surrounding border 52 Arm 54 Flap actuation device 56 Transmission rotary element 58 Locking device 60 turntable 62 first connecting rod 64 second connecting rod 65 coupling element 66. Crook 68 Guide opening 70 Transmission opening 72 Guide element 74. Crank section 76 Connecting section

Claims

[1] Ice dispensing arrangement, in particular for a household refrigerating appliance, comprising a flap (12) which is pivotable between a first dispensing position (44) and a second dispensing position (48), a transmission device (14) and a motor (16) which actuates the flap (12) via the transmission device (14) and has a shaft, wherein the transmission device (14) comprises a rotary disk (60) connected to the shaft of the motor (16), at least one connecting rod (62, 64) and a transmission rotary element (56), wherein the transmission rotary element (56) is rotatable between a first position and a second position such that the flap (12) is in the first output position (44) in the first position of the transmission rotary element (56) and that the flap (12) is in the second output position (48) in the second position of the transmission rotary element (56), wherein the transmission rotary element (56) is provided with a coupling element (65), and wherein at least one connecting rod (62, 64) couples an eccentric point on the turntable (60) from the shaft of the motor (16) with the coupling element (65) of the transmission rotary element (56) such that the transmission rotary element (56) is rotatable between the first position and the second position. [2] Ice dispensing arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the coupling element (65) has a crank (66). [3] Ice dispensing arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by , that the crank (66) comprises a connecting section (76) and a crank section (74), wherein the connecting section (76) connects the crank section (74) to the transmission rotary element (56) and the crank section (74) operatively couples the transmission rotary element (56) to the at least one connecting rod (62, 64). [4] Ice dispensing arrangement according to claim 3, characterized by, that the connecting section (76) runs at an angle, preferably obliquely, to a longitudinal axis of the transmission rotary element (56) and the crank section (74) runs at least sectionally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transmission rotary element (56). [5] Ice dispensing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one connecting rod (62, 64) is pivotably and / or displaceably coupled to the coupling element (65), in particular to the crank section (74). [6] Ice dispensing arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the transmission device (14) has only one connecting rod (62, 64) which is operatively coupled to the crank section (74). [7] Ice dispensing arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by, that the transmission device (14) has two or more connecting rods (62, 64), each connecting rod (62, 64) having an opening (70) into which the crank section (74) projects and which is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the crank section (74). [8] Ice dispensing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one connecting rod (62, 64) has a guide opening (68) into which a guide element (72) engages to guide the movement of at least one connecting rod (62, 64). [9] Ice dispensing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transmission rotary element (56) and the coupling element (65) are formed in one piece and / or that the transmission rotary element (56) and the coupling element (65) are each formed as a rod element (18). [10] Ice dispensing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the transmission device (14) further comprises a flap actuation device (54), wherein the transmission rotary element (56) is rotatable between the first position and the second position in order to pivot the flap (12) by means of the flap actuation device (54) between the first output position (44) and the second output position (48), wherein the transmission rotary element (56) is coupled to the flap actuation device (54) such that the flap (12) is in the first position of the transmission rotary element (56) in the first output position (44) and that the flap (12) is in the second output position (48) of the transmission rotary element (56), and wherein a locking device (58) is provided for holding the flap (12) in the first dispensing position (44). [11] Refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising an ice dispensing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims.

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