A cooling device comprising an improved ice dispenser

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising a device body (11) having at least one cooling compartment; at least one cooling device door (2) which is rotatably connected to the device body (11) so as to provide access into the cooling compartment; an ice making unit which is disposed in the device body (11); an ice transfer duct (6) through which the ice pieces formed in the ice making unit pass to reach the container (K); and an ice dispenser (3) which is positioned on the cooling device door (2) and which has an actuation unit (31) suitable to detect the placement of the container (K) and to start the ice transfer.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device comprising an improved ice dispenser which enables the ice pieces formed therein to be dispensed at the door of the cooling device.

[0002] In the state of the art, there are cooling devices which have a door whereon an ice dispenser is disposed. In the cooling devices with such ice dispensers, precrushed ice pieces formed in the device can be obtained without opening the cooling device door.

[0003] In the cooling devices comprises an ice dispenser, crushed ice pieces may accumulate along the walls of the duct through which the ice pieces pass. The duct through which the ice pieces pass to reach the user is positioned in the cooling device door and is one of the components closest to the outside environment (warm environment). When the said ice duct is opened and closed to deliver the ice pieces to the outside environment, relatively warm air from the outside environment may enter the interior of the device. In this case, the crushed ice pieces already accumulated on the walls of the ice duct may melt, leading to problems such as the resulting liquid flowing into the user's glass, etc.

[0004] Another issue in the state of the art is that melted water flows into the user's glass first, followed by the ice cubes. The ice cubes falling onto the water may cause the water in the glass to splash. Moreover, the water accumulated in the ice dispenser may, after a period of time, begin to generate odors and / or algae.

[0005] In the state of the art European Patent No. EP1969296 (B1), a refrigerator is disclosed, having an ice dispenser which enables the ice pieces coming from the ice maker to be delivered to the user one by one.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device having an ice dispenser which prevents the premelted waste water in the ice dispenser from being delivered to the user and which ensures that only ice pieces are delivered.

[0007] Another aim of the present invention is the realization of an ice dispenser wherein undesired liquid flow into the glass is stopped, thus, eliminating the problem of water splashing caused by the falling ice pieces.

[0008] Yet another aim of the present invention is the realization of an ice dispenser wherein the aged and odor-producing water is prevented from reaching the user's glass, thus eliminating health risks.

[0009] The cooling device of the present invention comprises a device body having at least one cooling compartment; at least one cooling device door which is rotatably connected to the device body so as to provide access into the cooling compartment; an ice making unit which is disposed in the device body; an ice transfer duct through which the ice pieces formed in the ice making unit pass to reach the container; and an ice dispenser which is positioned on the cooling device door and which has an actuation unit suitable to detect the placement of the container and to start the ice transfer. The cooling device comprises a shutter unit which is advantageously in communication with the ice transfer duct, which can be shifted to an open position allowing the flow of the ice pieces and a closed position blocking the flow of ice pieces and which is configured to be moved by a motor triggered by the actuation unit, the shutter unit having a collection duct suitable for retaining liquid which may arrive from the ice transfer duct when in the closed position, a discharge port which enables the incoming liquid to pass into the collection duct, and a one-way valve which enables the liquid collected in the closed position to be discharged when in the open position. Thus, an effective shutter system is provided, which remains in the closed position when ice is not desired to prevent the warm air from entering the device and which ensures that the melted ice pieces are collected in the collection duct, and that, during use, the flow of ice pieces and the discharge of the collected water are allowed by shifting to the open position. Thus, the waste water formed in the ice dispenser is effectively discharged.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, a lower flow duct is provided, which enables the ice pieces passing through the shutter unit to be transferred into the container. After passing through the shutter unit, the ice pieces are directed into the container or glass to be received by the user through the said lower flow duct. By means of the structures in the lower flow duct, the collected liquid is enabled to be first retained in the lower flow duct and then discharged.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit is inclined toward the discharge port relative to the horizontal axis of the lower flow duct such that the liquid coming from the ice transfer duct accumulates in the collection duct. Thus, the ice pieces melting along the walls of the ice transfer duct transitions to the liquid phase and flows toward the shutter unit. The inclined structure of the shutter unit ensures that the said formed liquid is effectively directed toward the collection duct therein.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, an insulation material is provided, which is filled in the direction of a horizontal axis in the shutter unit and which provides insulation from the external environment. The said insulation material which is formed as a separate layer provides insulation from the external environment and improves the efficiency of the ice dispenser. Moreover, energy savings are provided. In particular, when the shutter unit is in the closed position, the access of the warm air which may come from the external environment to the ice making unit is reduced.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit comprises a barrier in the form of a protrusion which is formed in a region of the collection duct away from the discharge port and which acts as a block to prevent the liquid collected in the closed position from reaching the valve. Thus, the liquid collected in the collection duct is prevented from reaching the valve when in the closed position. When the shutter unit is brought to the open position, the collected liquid passes over the said barrier to be discharged. Thus, it is ensured that the liquid is effective retained in the shutter unit.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit comprises a rotating joint which has a joint end connected to the motor and which forms the rotational axis of the shutter unit. By means of the said joint structure, the shutter unit is controlled by the movement of the motor. The shutter unit is enabled to be brought into the closed or open position as desired. The said joint forming the pivot point is connected to the shutter unit and also enables the shutter unit to be held in the proper position in the device.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, a flexible outer wall is provided, which extends around the periphery of an upper body of the shutter unit so as to surround the outlet port of the ice transfer duct when in the closed position. The said flexible wall provides an effective sealing when the shutter unit is in the closed position. Thus, the access of the warm air which may come from outside to the ice making unit is reduced, and the liquid arriving on the shutter unit is prevented from overflowing. In particular, the said upwardly inclined outer wall also ensures that the incoming liquid flows toward the discharge port.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the collection duct of the shutter unit, which is substantially cylindrical in shape, is positioned between the upper body and a lower body of the shutter unit. Thus, the liquid collected when the shutter unit is in the closed position is securely kept between the two bodies and discharged when necessary.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, a heating member is provided, which is formed in the lower body of the shutter unit and which extends along a specific horizontal axis. Thus, condensation which may occur on the outer surface is reduced. The collected liquid is enabled to be effectively removed. The said heating member may be a thin film heater.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve is provided, which is formed at one end of the collection duct, which allows one-way flow and through which the water collected when the shutter unit is in the open position is directed to the waste liquid receptacle. Thus, while the air is prevented from entering, one-way flow is ensured. Moreover, the liquid leaving the said valve structure is prevented from returning back to the valve.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, a waste liquid receptacle is provided, which is formed in the lower flow duct and which has an inclined base. Thus, the liquid leaving the shutter unit is enabled to be effectively removed from the lower flow duct.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the waste liquid receptacle is provided, wherein the opening is arranged at one end of the inclined base formed in a crescent shape. Thus, the collected liquid is quickly directed to the opening by means of the inclined surface and discharged.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a discharge pipe is provided, which ensures the discharge of the liquid collected in the waste liquid receptacle and delivered outward through the opening. By means of the said discharge pipe, the collected waste liquid is enabled to be completely removed from the ice dispenser.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the said valve may be manufactured from a flexible material in one piece. Thus, the said valve operates unidirectionally while preventing the entry of atmospheric air.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit has a drive arm in the actuation unit which is suitable to be pushed by the container and which returns to the original position when the pressure applied by the container is removed. Thus, the user can automatically receive the ice pieces separated from the waste liquid simply by pressing the drive arm. Moreover, when the user removes the pressure from the drive arm, the ice service automatically stops.

[0024] The cooling device having the ice dispenser realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where: Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the cooling device of the present invention configured as a French door refrigerator. Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the cooling device showing an outer view of the ice dispenser positioned on the cooling device door. Figure 3 - is the central cross-sectional perspective view showing the shutter unit the ice dispenser in the closed position. Figure 4 - is the central cross-sectional partial perspective view showing the shutter unit the ice dispenser brought to the open position. Figure 5 - is the cross-sectional view showing the shutter unit in the open position in the ice dispenser. Figure 6 - is the cross-sectional view showing the position wherein the container activates the actuation unit and the shutter unit is in the open position in the ice dispenser. Figure 7 - is the enlarged cross-sectional view of the ice dispenser showing the shutter unit in the closed position. Figure 8 - is the perspective view of the shutter unit suitable for use in the ice dispenser. Figure 9 - is the transversal cross-sectional view of the shutter unit suitable for use in the ice dispenser, showing the heating member and the insulation material. Figure 10 - is the partial perspective cross-sectional view showing the lower flow duct in the ice dispenser. Figure 11 - is the perspective view of the ice dispenser shown in Figure 10 from a different angle.

[0025] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows: 1.Cooling device 11. Device body 2.Cooling device door 3.Ice dispenser 31. Actuation unit 32. Lower flow duct 33. Waste liquid receptacle 331. Opening 332. Inclined base 34. Grille section 4.Shutter unit 41. Joint 411. Joint end 42. Upper body 421. Outer wall 43. Discharge port 431. Inclined surface 44. Lower body 441. Heating member 442. Insulation material 45. Collection duct 46. Barrier 47. Valve 48. Discharge pipe 5.Motor 6.Ice transfer duct 61. Outlet port 62. Bellows K.Container X.Horizontal axis αShutter inclination angle

[0026] The cooling device (1) of the present invention comprises a device body (11) having at least one cooling compartment; at least one cooling device door (2) which is rotatably connected to the device body (11) so as to provide access into the cooling compartment; an ice making unit which is disposed in the device body (11); an ice transfer duct (6) through which the ice pieces formed in the ice making unit pass to reach the container (K); and an ice dispenser (3) which is positioned on the cooling device door (2) and which has an actuation unit (31) suitable to detect the placement of the container (K) and to start the ice transfer. The said cooling device (1) comprises a shutter unit (4) which is in communication with the ice transfer duct (6), which can be shifted to an open position allowing the flow of the ice pieces and a closed position blocking the flow of ice pieces and which is configured to be moved by a motor (5) triggered by the actuation unit (31), the shutter unit (4) having a collection duct (45) suitable for retaining liquid which may come from the ice transfer duct (6) when in the closed position, a discharge port (43) which enables the incoming liquid to pass into the collection duct (45), and a one-way valve (47) which enables the liquid collected in the closed position to be discharged when in the open position.

[0027] The ice dispenser (3) of the present invention comprises, in general terms, the actuation unit (31); the motor (5) triggered by the said actuation unit (31), the shutter unit (4) which can be brought to the open or closed position by the motor (5); the ice transfer duct (6) which is disposed on the shutter unit (4) and which transfers the ice pieces coming from the ice making unit; and a lower flow duct (32) through which the ice pieces pass while being transferred from the shutter unit (4) to the container (K).

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit (4) is inclined toward the discharge port (43) relative to the horizontal axis (X) of the lower flow duct (32) such that the liquid coming from the ice transfer duct (6) accumulates in the collection duct (45). As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the shutter unit (4) is inclined toward the discharge port (43) at a shutter inclination angle (α) in the range of 10° to 45°. Thus, the liquid coming from the ice transfer duct (6) above is enabled to pass through the discharge port (43) and then collected in the collection duct (45). In another embodiment of the present invention, the position of the discharge port (43) and the inclination direction of the shutter unit (4) may vary. As shown in Figure 8, the discharge port (43) may have a rectangular cross-section and may comprise an inclined surface (431) with chamfered upper ends directed toward the collection duct (45).

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit (4) comprises the collection duct (45) which is configured between a substantially cylindrical upper body (42) and a lower body (44). Figure 9 shows the cross-sectional view of an example shutter unit (4); as shown here, the collection duct (45) is formed in the shutter unit (4). In an embodiment of the present invention, an insulation material (442) may be provided, which is filled along a horizontal axis in the shutter unit (4) and which provides thermal insulation from the external environment. The said insulation material (442) is cylindrically configured in the shutter unit (4) to form an intermediate layer, and may be manufactured from sponge, polyurethane, or Styrofoam. In another embodiment of the present invention, a heating member (441) may be provided, which is formed in the lower body (44) of the shutter unit (4) and which extends along a specific horizontal axis. The said heating member (441) aims to prevent condensation which may occur on the shutter unit (4).

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, a barrier (46) is provided, which is in the form of a protrusion, which is formed in a region of the collection duct (45) away from the discharge port (43) and which acts as a block to prevent the liquid collected in the closed position from reaching the valve (47). As shown in Figure 7, the said barrier (46) inclined in a specific direction acts as a barrier which enables the liquid collected in the collection duct (45) to be held in an inclined manner. Thus, the said barrier (46) enables the liquid collected when the shutter unit (4) is in the closed position to be kept at a certain level. By means of the slight inclination and the opening relative to the upper wall, when the shutter unit (4) is brought to the open position, the collected liquid passes over the barrier (46) and reaches the valve (47).

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit (4) comprises a rotating joint (41) which has a joint end (411) connected to the motor (5) and which forms the rotational axis of the shutter unit (4). As shown in Figure 8, a cylindrically extending joint structure is provided at the rear side of the shutter unit (4), which is has the joint end (411) structured and dimensioned to match the motor (5). With the movement provided by the motor (5), the shutter unit (4) is rotated from the slightly inclined closed position to the open position of more than 90° (e.g., 110°).

[0032] By means of the shutter unit (4) of the present invention, the ice transfer duct (6) can be kept closed when ice delivery is not required. Thus, the entry of warm air into the ice making unit and the cooling device (1) is prevented. As shown in Figure 7, in an embodiment of the present invention, a flexible outer wall (421) is provided, which extends along the perimeter of the upper body (42) of the shutter unit (4) so as to surround the outlet port (61) of the ice transfer duct (6) when the shutter unit (4) is in the closed position. The said outer wall (421) inclined toward the outlet port (61) is formed as a peripheral extension of the upper body (42). When the shutter unit (4) is in the closed position, the said flexible outer wall (421) exerts pressure toward the outlet port (61). As shown in Figure 4, the ice transfer duct (6) may be surrounded by a bellows (62), which is a flexible component providing flexibility and sealing at the connection thereof with the ice making unit. Here, the ice transfer duct (6) which extends in an inclined direction for guiding the ice pieces extends perpendicular to the shutter unit (4). The shutter unit (4) is configured to close or open the said outlet port (61) as required.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the shutter unit (4) comprises the valve (47) which is formed at one end of the collection duct (45), which allows unidirectional flow, which enables the water collected when the shutter unit (4) is in the open position to be delivered to the waste liquid receptacle (33) and which prevents the entry of air. The said valve (47) may be a one-piece check valve manufactured from flexible material or may be a duckbill valve manufactured from rubber or silicone which operates at low pressure. As shown in Figure 4, when the shutter unit (4) is brought to the open position, the valve (47) faces the waste liquid receptacle (33) which is formed in the lower flow duct (32) and which has an inclined base (332). Thus, the liquid (melted ice) already collected in the collection duct (45) passes over the barrier (46), reaches the valve (47), and from there flows to the waste liquid receptacle (33). Referring to Figure 10, in an embodiment of the present invention, the waste liquid receptacle (33) is formed in a crescent shape and comprises an opening (331) for discharge at one end of the inclined base (332) thereof. As shown in Figure 6, the liquid collected in the waste liquid receptacle (33) is discharged through the existing opening (331), and the liquid collected in the rear receptacle is also directed by an inclined surface to the discharge pipe (48), and from there to the area under the part where the container (K) is positioned, that is, the grille section (34). The grille section (34) comprises a surface whereon the container (K) can be placed and may comprise a longitudinal series of strips which provide improved grip. Moreover, the underside of the grille section (34) acts as a receptacle for holding the waste water. The discharge pipe (48) which enables the water collected at the upper side to be transferred to the grille section (34) may have a hollow cylindrical structure and may be positioned in a vertical direction (parallel to the container (K)). The waste liquid receptacle (33) may be an extension of the lower flow duct (32), or may be configured as a decorative cup mouth portion manufactured from plastic.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the said actuation unit (31) may be a sensor unit which detects whether the container (K) for receiving the ice pieces is placed into or removed from the appropriate slot, or, as shown in Figure 2, may be configured as a drive arm which can be pushed by the container (K) and which returns to the original position when the pressure applied by the container (K) is removed. The said drive arm may be formed in a crescent shape suitable to be pressed by the container (K) and may be mounted under spring pressure. As the drive arm is pressed, a circuit board detecting this action provides the movement of the motor (5), and thus, the control of the shutter unit (4).

[0035] The cooling device (1) may be a single- or double-door refrigerator.

Claims

1. A cooling device (1) comprising - at least one cooling compartment; - at least one cooling device door (2) which is rotatably connected to the device body (11) so as to provide access into the cooling compartment; - an ice making unit which is disposed in the device body (11); - an ice transfer duct (6) through which the ice pieces formed in the ice making unit pass to reach the container (K); and an ice dispenser (3) which is positioned on the cooling device door (2) and which has an actuation unit (31) suitable to detect the placement of the container (K) and to start the ice transfer, characterized by a shutter unit (4) which is in communication with the ice transfer duct (6), which can be shifted to an open position allowing the flow of the ice pieces and a closed position blocking the flow of ice pieces and which is configured to be moved by a motor (5) triggered by the actuation unit (31), the shutter unit (4) having a collection duct (45) suitable for retaining liquid which may arrive from the ice transfer duct (6) when in the closed position, a discharge port (43) which enables the incoming liquid to pass into the collection duct (45), and a one-way valve (47) which enables the liquid collected in the closed position to be discharged when in the open position.

2. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a lower flow duct (32) which enables the ice pieces passing through the shutter unit (4) to be transferred to the container (K)3. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the shutter unit (4) which is inclined toward the discharge port (43) relative to the horizontal axis (X) of the lower flow duct (32) such that the liquid coming from the ice transfer duct (6) accumulates in the collection duct (45).

4. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an insulation material (442) which is filled along a horizontal axis in the shutter unit (4) and which provides thermal insulation from the external environment.

5. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the shutter unit (4) having a barrier (46) which is in the form of a protrusion, which is formed in a region of the collection duct (45) away from the discharge port (43) and which acts as a block to prevent the liquid collected in the closed position from reaching the valve (47).

6. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the shutter unit (4) comprising a rotating joint (41) which has a joint end (411) connected to the motor (5) and which forms the rotational axis of the shutter unit (4).

7. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a flexible outer wall (421) which extends along the perimeter of an upper body (42) of the shutter unit (4) so as to surround the outlet port (61) of the ice transfer duct (6) when in the closed position.

8. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by the collection duct (45) which is configured between a substantially cylindrical upper body (42) of the shutter unit (4) and a lower body (44) thereof.

9. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 8, characterized by a heating member (441) which is formed in the lower body (44) of the shutter unit (4) and which extends along a specific horizontal axis.

10. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the valve (47) which is formed at one end of the collection duct (45), which allows unidirectional flow and which enables the water collected when the shutter unit (4) is in the open position to be delivered to the waste liquid receptacle (33).

11. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 10, characterized by the waste liquid receptacle (33) which is formed in the lower flow duct (32) and which has an inclined base (332).

12. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 11, characterized by the waste liquid receptacle (33) which is formed in a crescent shape and which comprises an opening (331) at one end of the inclined base (332) thereof.

13. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 12, characterized by a discharge pipe (48) which ensures the discharge of the liquid collected in the waste liquid receptacle and delivered outward through the opening (33).

14. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the valve (47) which is a one-piece check valve manufactured from flexible material.

15. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the shutter unit (4) having a drive arm configured as the actuation unit (31) which can be pushed by the container (K) and which returns to the original position when the pressure applied by the container (K) is removed.

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