Ice making machine

Abstract

To provide transparent ice pieces.SOLUTION: An ice making machine 1 for a home electric appliance includes at least one molding element 2. The at least one molding element 2 is suitable for molding ice pieces and is intended to mold ice pieces. The at least one molding element 2 is in fluid connection with a liquid supply device 4. The ice making machine includes at least one cooling supply device 5 that supplies cooled fluid to the at least one molding element 2 in a method of colliding with an upper region 2a of the at least one molding element 2 along a height axis (Z). The liquid supply device 4 includes at least one liquid reservoir 6 disposed below the at least one molding element 2 along the height axis (Z).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice maker, in particular for use in a household appliance, comprising at least one molding element suitable for molding ice pieces and intended for molding ice pieces, the at least one molding element being fluidly connected to a liquid supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Such appliances are, for example, refrigeration appliances in household appliances, in particular refrigerators, freezers, etc. Such appliances often include an ice maker for providing ice chips. A liquid supply device supplies a liquid, usually water, to a molding element, which then freezes the liquid. The molding element determines the shape of the ice chips.

[0003] In addition to shape, the transparency of the ice pieces plays a very important role in terms of aesthetic impression. Currently available ice makers generally provide cloudy ice pieces. Therefore, it is desirable to provide ice pieces that are as clear as possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice maker that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.It is also an object of the present invention to provide a home appliance that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claims 1 and 11. The dependent claims contain preferred embodiments.

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided an ice maker, particularly for use in a household appliance, comprising at least one molding element, the at least one molding element being suitable for and intended to mold ice pieces, the at least one molding element being fluidly connected to a liquid supply device, and comprising at least one cooling supply device that supplies cooled fluid to the at least one molding element in such a manner that it collides with an upper region of the at least one molding element along a height axis (Z), the liquid supply device comprising at least one cooling supply device that supplies cooled fluid to the at least one molding element in such a manner that it collides with an upper region of the at least one molding element along the height axis (Z), and the liquid supply device comprising at least one liquid reservoir arranged along the height axis (Z) below the at least one molding element.

[0007] The home appliance is preferably a refrigeration appliance of a home appliance, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or the like.

[0008] Hereinafter, ice flakes are understood to be the result of a liquid being converted into a solid aggregate state. The liquid is conveniently supplied to the molding element via a liquid supply device. Therefore, below, ice flakes should be understood as the solid form of the liquid used. The liquid is preferably water, but may also be a water-based liquid mixture. The ice flakes produced by the ice maker are conveniently transparent ice flakes or ice flakes with a transparency of more than 90%.

[0009] By cooling the at least one molding element, the liquid in the molding element can be transformed into a frozen or solid state. The at least one molding element determines the shape of the ice pieces. The ice pieces may advantageously be spherical. However, other geometric shapes are also contemplated, such as rectangular parallelepipeds, cuboids, ellipsoids, etc.

[0010] At least one shaping element has an extension along a height axis (Z). In the ice making machine according to the present invention, the shaping element is cooled from above along the height axis (Z). The at least one shaping element is cooled such that the formation of ice or a solid agglomerate within the shaping element occurs from top to bottom along the height axis (Z). Furthermore, the cooling is performed such that the formation of the solid agglomerate or ice occurs in layers from top to bottom. It has been found that the inclusion of certain gases in the ice is the cause of the formation of cloudy ice. By forming ice layer by layer within the at least one shaping element along a certain direction, particularly from top to bottom, such gases are expelled into the liquid residue below during the formation of the solid agglomerate and are not included in the ice. Therefore, the ice pieces formed are essentially clear or essentially transparent.

[0011] Advantageously, there is a residual amount of liquid below the forming ice pieces along the height axis (Z) that can dissolve any gas that may be present. According to the invention, a liquid reservoir is fluidly connected to the molding elements. This allows residual liquid, including unwanted gas, to be expelled into the reservoir even after complete ice pieces have been formed in at least one molding element. If the liquid is advantageously water, the transition to a solid aggregate state results in an increase in volume within at least one molding element, so that a certain residual amount of water is expelled into the reservoir. Advantageously, the increase in volume is in the range of between 8% and 12%, preferably between 8% and 10%.

[0012] The cooling supply device is preferably designed to apply a cooled fluid to the upper region of at least one molding element. The cooled fluid is generated by a cooling device that may be associated with an ice maker or part of a home appliance. The cooled fluid is preferably transported by convection. Preferably, a fan or the like is provided to apply a flow of cold air to the at least one molding element. In this way, static cooling of the upper region of the at least one molding element is achieved. Such static cooling can ensure a slow, layer-by-layer formation of a solid agglomerate.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one molding element is arranged in a holding device. Advantageously, a cooling supply device is integrated into the holding device. Preferably, the cooling supply device is designed in the form of a duct so that a cooled fluid, for example cooled air, passes by convection from the cooling device to the upper region of the at least one molding element.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one molding element comprises an upper opening along the height axis (Z) and a lower inlet opening. Preferably, the liquid enters the at least one molding element through the lower inlet opening. Preferably, a connecting element is arranged between the at least one liquid reservoir and the at least one molding element. Such a connecting element may be, for example, a tubular element, a hose, etc. Advantageously, this connecting element is at least partially surrounded by the receiving part of the at least one molding element. Advantageously, the connecting element therefore also represents a lower fastening part of the at least one molding element. Advantageously, the liquid passes through the connecting element from the at least one liquid reservoir to the at least one molding element.

[0015] Preferably, the upper opening of the at least one molding element is designed to allow ice pieces to be removed from the at least one molding element. Preferably, the upper opening and the lower inlet opening are diametrically opposed.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, a first heating device is provided to heat the liquid intended to enter at least one molding element. This has the advantage that the liquid in the liquid reservoir never freezes, and therefore the remaining liquid can always be pushed back into the reservoir as ice pieces form. Furthermore, when the ice pieces are discharged, the liquid can be immediately transported from the at least one liquid reservoir to the at least one molding element. Advantageously, the first heating device is at least partially disposed within the at least one liquid reservoir. It is also conceivable to dispose the heating device on or within the wall of the liquid reservoir. According to such an embodiment, the heating device preferably does not directly contact the liquid in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the wall has a corresponding thermal conductivity to enable heating of the liquid.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one sensor device is provided that can determine the temperature of the liquid. Preferably, at least one control device is provided that is connected to the sensor device for signal transmission purposes. The at least one control device may be associated with the ice maker or may be associated with the home appliance. Preferably, the at least one control device controls or adjusts the first heating device so that the liquid entering the at least one molding element has a temperature higher than 0°C.

[0018] Preferably, the first heating device is controlled or regulated by at least one control device based on temperature data from the sensor device. Thus, advantageously, the liquid is maintained at a temperature that ensures that the liquid in the liquid reservoir and the connecting element does not freeze. Thus, for example, the liquid is maintained at a temperature in the range of 0.5°C to 3°C, preferably 1°C to 2°C.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the sensor device is at least partially arranged between the at least one liquid reservoir and the at least one molding element. Preferably, the sensor device is at least partially arranged within the connecting element.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the liquid supply device comprises a pre-reservoir for the liquid. Preferably, the pre-reservoir is fluidly connected to at least one liquid reservoir. Preferably, the pre-reservoir comprises a fill level measuring device. Thus, the level measuring device can be used to determine whether there is enough liquid in the entire liquid supply device. Thus, after the discharge of at least one ice piece, at least one molding element can be filled with liquid from the liquid supply device. This design has the advantage that the liquid in the at least one liquid reservoir or liquid supply device is renewed after each discharge. This means that there is no old liquid in the ice maker. Furthermore, the liquid supply device is connected to a liquid source, for example, a water tap.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, several moulding elements are provided, preferably with a liquid reservoir arranged below each moulding element along the height axis (Z), preferably these liquid reservoirs being fluidly connected to a pre-reservoir and together forming a liquid supply device.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one molding element is made of an elastic material. Preferably, at least one retaining element is provided, which is arranged on the at least one molding element or formed by a wall element of the at least one molding element. Preferably, the at least one retaining element is passively and / or positively connected to at least one counter-retaining element of the holding device. Preferably, the passively and / or positively connected at least one retaining element and the at least one counter-retaining element prevents upward displacement of the at least one molding element along the height axis (Z).

[0023] Preferably, the at least one retaining element is arranged along the circumference of the wall element. Advantageously, the at least one retaining element is arranged at least partially circumferentially around the circumference of the wall element. Preferably, the at least one retaining element is arranged completely circumferentially around the circumference of the wall element. However, it is conceivable that spatially separated portions of the retaining element may also be arranged distributed along the circumference of the wall element. Preferably, the retaining element has a ring-shaped circumferential design and is provided with a retaining groove in which a mating retaining element of the retaining device engages.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, the elastic material is further designed to retain its elasticity even when exposed to temperatures as low as -30° C. Furthermore, the elastic material is food handling approved, e.g., FDA compliant. Preferably, the elastic material of the at least one molding element is silicone.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one second heating device is provided, capable of heating at least one molding element. Preferably, the at least one second heating element can be activated before and / or during the delivery of the ice pieces. Such a second heating element can be, for example, a resistance wire. Alternatively, a heating fan or the like can be provided. The second heating element can be used to release the ice pieces from the at least one molding element, thereby enabling their ejection.

[0026] According to another preferred embodiment, the holding device comprises two sections that can be moved relative to each other. Preferably, the first section is arranged below the second section along the height axis (Z). Preferably, movement of the second section towards the first section deforms the at least one molding element, thereby causing the at least one ice piece to be ejected from the at least one molding element.

[0027] Therefore, a cycle for producing at least one ice piece includes first filling at least one molding element with liquid. By applying a cooled fluid to the upper region of the at least one molding element, solid aggregates or ice pieces are slowly formed in layers. Gas that would cloud the ice is forced into the remaining amount of liquid located below the ice pieces. After at least one ice piece is completely formed in the at least one molding element, the remaining amount of liquid is forced into the liquid reservoir due to the increase in volume.

[0028] The liquid in the liquid reservoir is maintained at a constant temperature greater than 0. This allows the remaining amount of liquid to be displaced into the liquid reservoir. Discharge of at least one ice piece is now initiated by displacing the second portion relative to the first portion. After the ice piece is discharged, the at least one molding element is filled with liquid from the at least one liquid reservoir.

[0029] The problem is also solved by a household appliance comprising an ice maker according to one of the described embodiments, which may comprise all the features already described above in the context of the ice maker, either individually or in combination with one another, and vice versa.

[0030] The home appliance is preferably a refrigeration appliance of a home appliance, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or the like.

[0031] Further advantages, objects, and features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of the accompanying drawings, in which: Similar components may have the same reference numerals in the various embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ice making machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This shows a portion of FIG. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ice making machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 4]1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ice making machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ice making machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 shows a portion of FIG. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ice making machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 shows a circuit diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Figures 1 to 7 show an ice maker 1, in particular for a household appliance 100, which comprises at least one molding element 2, which is suitable for and intended to mold ice pieces 3, and which is fluidly connected to a liquid supply device 4, and which is provided with at least one cooling supply device 5 that supplies cooled fluid to the at least one molding element 2 along a height axis Z in such a way that it impinges on an upper region 2a of the at least one molding element 2, and which liquid supply device 4 comprises at least one liquid reservoir 6 arranged along the height axis Z below the at least one molding element 2.

[0034] The ice maker 1 and the at least one shaping element 2 extend along a height axis Z, a longitudinal axis X, and a width axis Y.

[0035] The ice maker 1 can be integrated into a home appliance 100, for example a domestic refrigeration appliance, in particular a refrigerator, a freezer, or another home appliance.

[0036] The liquid is preferably water or a water-based mixture.

[0037] The ice making machine 1 can include any number of molding elements 2. The number of molding elements 2 depends on the desired number of ice pieces 3 to be made. In the present figure, for example, an ice making machine 1 is shown that can provide four essentially spherical ice pieces 3 and therefore includes four molding elements 2. However, this number should not be understood as a general limitation.

[0038] At least one molding element 2 comprises a wall element 2b which encloses a holding space 18. The holding space 18 is suitable for and intended to form ice pieces 3. The ice pieces 3 may be essentially spherical, or essentially ellipsoidal in shape, or essentially polyhedral in shape. Naturally, any other shape of ice pieces 3 is also conceivable. In the drawings and below, reference is made to essentially spherical ice pieces 3 and to molding elements 2 designed accordingly. However, this should not be understood as a limitation of generality.

[0039] The ice making machine 1 comprises a holding device 7 in which at least one molding element 2 is arranged. The at least one molding element 2 further comprises a holding element 15 which may be completely formed by the wall element 2b or may be arranged on the wall element 2b. The at least one holding element 15 is passively and / or positively connected to at least one counter-holding element 16 of the holding device 7. In the figure, the holding element 15 is circumferentially formed along the circumference. The holding element 15 is designed as a ring-shaped element with a circumferential holding groove 15a. The counter-holding element 16, designed as a holding protrusion, engages in this holding groove 15a. The holding element 15 is arranged essentially in the center of the extension along the height axis Z of the at least one molding element 2.

[0040] Furthermore, a cooling supply device 5 is provided, which is integrated into the holding device 7. The cooling supply device 5 is suitable and intended to be connected to the cooling device and to direct a cooled fluid, preferably cooled air, to the upper region 2a of the at least one molding element 2. The cooled fluid is therefore preferably applied only to this upper region 2a. This ensures that the liquid in the at least one molding element 2 freezes layer by layer along the height axis Z from top to bottom. Static cooling is provided. The cooled fluid or cooled air is supplied to the upper region 2a of the at least one molding element 2 by convection. The cooling supply device 5 therefore comprises walls that guide the cooled fluid accordingly to the at least one molding element 2.

[0041] This ensures that the liquid in the molding elements freezes sufficiently slowly. Therefore, a certain residual amount of liquid remains below the forming ice pieces 3. When the ice pieces 3 completely fill at least one molding element 2, this residual amount of liquid moves to at least one liquid reservoir 6 fluidly connected to at least one molding element 2. This movement is extremely simple because the ice pieces 3 are formed from top to bottom along the height axis Z, and the at least one liquid reservoir 6 is located below at least one molding element 2 along the height axis Z. During this process, the gas that causes the ice pieces 3 to become cloudy remains dissolved in the residual amount of liquid. Therefore, the formed ice pieces 3 are essentially transparent.

[0042] The at least one molding element 2 is made of an elastic material and comprises an upper opening 8 along a height axis Z and a lower inlet opening 9. The at least one molding element 2 comprises a first portion arranged above the holding element 15 along the height axis Z. Furthermore, the at least one molding element 2 comprises a second portion arranged below the holding element 15 along the height axis Z. The upper opening 8 is intended for and is suitable for discharging the ice pieces 3 after they have been fully formed. The upper opening 8 and the lower inlet opening 9 are diametrically opposite each other.

[0043] The lower inlet opening 9 is intended for liquid to enter the at least one molded element 2 through this opening. A connecting element 10 is arranged between the at least one liquid reservoir 6 and the at least one molded element 2. The connecting element 10 is tubular in shape, preferably cylindrical. The at least one molded element 2 has an access area 2c. A second area of ​​the at least one molded element 2 is fused to this access area 2c. Preferably, the access area 2c is formed integrally with the wall element 2b of the at least one molded element 2. The access area 2c hermetically surrounds the connecting element 10. Furthermore, a clip element 19 is provided which is arranged around the access area 2c. The clip element 19 generates pressure between the access area 2c and the connecting element 10, thereby creating a hermetic closure between the at least one molded element 2 and the connecting element 10. This can be clearly seen in FIG. 2. The connecting element 10 has a gap 10a capable of accommodating liquid. From this gap 10 a, the liquid can enter the at least one moulding element 2 via the inlet opening 9 .

[0044] A first heating device 11 is provided for heating the liquid intended to enter the at least one moulding element 2. The first heating device 11 is at least partially arranged in the at least one liquid reservoir 6.

[0045] Furthermore, at least one sensor device 12 is provided, which is able to reveal the temperature of the liquid. The sensor device 12 is arranged in the connecting element 10 and protrudes into the gap 10a, in which gap 10a the sensor device 12 comes into contact with the liquid.

[0046] Furthermore, at least one control device 13 is provided, which is connected to the sensor device 12 via signal transmission. This is shown in FIG. 8. The control device 13 may be associated with the ice maker 1. It is also conceivable that the home appliance 100 includes the control device 101. It is also conceivable that several control devices 13, 101 controlling / adjusting specific subtasks are provided for the ice maker 1 and / or the home appliance 100. In such cases, the control devices 13, 101 are connected to each other via signal transmission. FIG. 8 shows the control devices 13, 101 controlling corresponding components. However, it should be understood that this circuit diagram can also include several control devices 13, 101 controlling different components, which can be associated with the ice maker 1 and / or the home appliance 100.

[0047] The at least one control device 13, 101 controls or regulates the first heating device 11 so that the liquid entering the at least one moulding element 2 has a temperature higher than 0°C. The control or regulation of the first heating device 11 by the at least one control device 13, 101 is based on temperature data from the sensor device 12. Advantageously, the liquid is thus maintained at a temperature that ensures that the liquid in the liquid reservoir and in the connecting element does not freeze. Thus, for example, the liquid is maintained at a temperature in the range between 0.5°C and 3°C, preferably between 1°C and 2°C.

[0048] The liquid supply device 4 comprises a pre-reservoir 20 fluidly connected to at least one liquid reservoir 6. This can be clearly seen, by way of example, in Figures 5, 6 and 7. Figure 7 shows a plate element 21 on which four liquid reservoirs 6 are arranged. The liquid reservoirs 6 are hollow cylindrical and preferably have a circular base. The liquid reservoirs 6 are each covered by a first portion 7a of a holding device 7. A connecting element 10 is arranged in each first portion 7a of the holding device 7.

[0049] Each liquid reservoir 6 is provided with a first heating device 11 in the form of a heating wire. The liquid reservoirs 6 have walls with openings through which the heating wire can pass. It is also conceivable to arrange the heating wire on the outside of the wall of the liquid reservoir 6. Preferably, the walls have a corresponding thermal conductivity to allow heating of the liquid.

[0050] The four liquid reservoirs 6 are fluidly connected to a central distribution element 22. The distribution element 22 has a channel-like design and is arranged on a plate element 21. In this embodiment, two liquid reservoirs 6 are arranged opposite each other along the longitudinal axis X. Similarly, two liquid reservoirs 6 are arranged opposite each other along the width axis Y. Thus, a first series arrangement of two liquid reservoirs 6 opposite each other along the longitudinal axis X can be defined. Furthermore, a second series arrangement of two liquid reservoirs 6 opposite each other along the longitudinal axis X can be defined. The distribution element 22 is arranged centrally along the width axis Y between the first series arrangement of two liquid reservoirs 6a and the second series arrangement of two liquid reservoirs 6. The distribution element 22 is fluidly connected to each of the four liquid reservoirs 6. It will be understood that this number of liquid reservoirs 6 is intended to be exemplary. Naturally, more or fewer liquid reservoirs 6 may be provided. The number of liquid reservoirs 6 corresponds to the number of molding elements. Furthermore, the distribution element 22 may be designed to be fluidly connected to more or fewer than four liquid reservoirs 6.

[0051] The distribution element 22 is fluidly connected to the pre-reservoir 20, which is tubular in shape and extends upwards starting from the distribution element 22 along a height axis Z. The first heating device 11 comprises a section arranged above the pre-reservoir 20. This section of the first heating device 11 is designed as at least one heating wire that wraps around the pre-reservoir 20. This can be clearly seen in Figure 6. The liquid in the pre-reservoir 20 can therefore also be heated to prevent it from freezing.

[0052] The pre-reservoir 20 is provided with a filling level measuring device 14 for determining the filling level in the liquid supply device 4. The filling level measuring device 14 comprises a float element 23 which comprises a magnetic element and floats on the surface of the liquid in the pre-reservoir 20. Furthermore, the filling level measuring device 14 also comprises at least one detection unit 24, which is preferably a Hall sensor or a Hall switch. The Hall sensor can be arranged on a printed circuit board. The detection unit 24 is arranged laterally in the upper region of the pre-reservoir 20. Preferably, the at least one detection unit 24 is arranged on or in the wall of the pre-reservoir 20. It is also conceivable to arrange several detection units 24 at different heights. The filling level measuring device 14 is also connected to the control device 13, 101 for signal transmission.

[0053] Furthermore, a pumping device 28 can be provided for pumping liquid from the liquid source to the liquid supply device 4. The pumping device 28 pressurizes the liquid in the liquid supply device 4 so that the liquid passes from the pre-reservoir 20 to the distribution element 22, to the at least one liquid reservoir 6 and finally to the at least one moulding element 2 via the at least one connecting element 10. The pumping device 28 can be controlled by a control device 13, 101.

[0054] The at least one moulding element 2 comprises an inlet opening 9. A liquid, usually water, enters the at least one moulding element 2 through this inlet opening 9. The inlet opening 9 is diametrically opposite the top opening 8. As already explained, the at least one moulding element 2 extends along a height axis Z. The inlet opening 9 is arranged below the top opening 8 along the height axis Z. The filling of the at least one moulding element 2 with liquid takes place along the height axis Z. The at least one moulding element 2 is filled completely with liquid, i.e. up to the top opening 8. After filling, the liquid freezes, i.e. it changes into a solid state.

[0055] Figures 3 and 4 show the ejection of the ice pieces 3. For this purpose, the holding device 7 comprises two parts 7a, 7b which can be moved relative to each other.

[0056] The first portion 7a is disposed below the second portion 7b along the height axis Z. By moving the second portion 7b relative to the first portion 7a, the at least one molding element 2 is deformed. The second portion 7b is provided with a counter-retaining element 16. Due to the engagement of the counter-retaining element 16 with the retaining element 15 and the fastening of the at least one molding element 2 to the first portion 7a via the connecting element 10, the at least one molding element 2 is deformed in such a way that at least one ice piece can be ejected from the at least one molding element 2 through the top opening 8 along the height axis Z. As a result of this deformation of the at least one molding element 2, the at least one ice piece 3 is ejected from the at least one molding element 2 through the top opening 8. A corresponding arrow 25 intended to represent the ejection of the at least one ice piece 3 is shown in FIG. 4 .

[0057] A drive unit 26 is provided so that the second part 7b can be moved along the height axis Z relative to the first part 7a. This drive unit 26 can be, for example, an electric spindle drive comprising a spindle 27 and a motor. However, other drives are also conceivable, such as, for example, pneumatic or hydraulic drives. Figure 3 shows the second part 7b displaced towards the first part 7a. Figure 4 shows the second part 7b displaced away from the first part 7a.

[0058] Therefore, the elastic material of at least one molding element 2 must be designed to have sufficient elasticity or rigidity to allow the molding element 2 to return to its original shape. Furthermore, the elastic material must retain such elasticity even when exposed to temperatures as low as -30°C, preferably. Finally, the elastic material must be approved for use in food products.

[0059] Furthermore, at least one second heating device 17 is provided, which can heat the at least one molding element 2. This is shown in FIG. 3, where the molding element 2 is shown in a deformed state. Such a heating element 17 can be, for example, a resistance wire, a fan heater, etc. The at least one heating element 17 can be activated before and / or during the delivery of the ice pieces 3. Preferably, the heating element 17 is activated just before ejection in order to separate the ice pieces 3 from the at least one molding element 2 and allow for easy ejection.

[0060] The applicant of this application reserves the right to claim that any feature disclosed in this application is essential to the invention insofar as it is novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that each figure describes features that may be advantageous alone. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a particular feature depicted in a figure may be advantageous without employing additional features from that figure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also result from a combination of several features depicted in each figure or in different figures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 ice maker 2 Molding elements 2a Upper region of the molding element 2b Wall element 2c Access site 3 ice chips 4 Liquid supply device 5 Cooling supply device 6 Fluid Reservoir 6a First series arrangement of two liquid reservoirs 6b Second series arrangement of two liquid reservoirs 7 Holding device 7a First part of the holding device 7b Second part of the holding device 8 Upper opening of molding element 9 Inlet opening of molding element 10 Connecting Elements 10a Gap 11 First heating device 12 Sensor device 13 Control device 14 Filling level measuring device 15 Retention elements 15a Retaining groove 16 Counterparty retention elements 17 Second heating device 18 Holding space 19 Clip Elements 20 Pre-reservoir 21 Plate Elements 22 Distribution elements 23 Floated Elements 24 Detection Unit 25 Arrow 26 Drive unit 27 Spindle 28 Pumping equipment 100 Home appliances 101 Control device X Longitudinal Axis Y width axis Z-height axis

Claims

1. An ice maker (1), in particular for a household appliance (100), comprising at least one molding element (2) suitable for and intended to mold ice pieces (3), said at least one molding element (2) being fluidly connected to a liquid supply device (4), At least one cooling supply device (5) is provided for supplying a cooled fluid to said at least one molding element (2) along a height axis (Z) so as to impinge on an upper region (2a) of said at least one molding element (2), said liquid supply device (4) comprising at least one liquid reservoir (6) arranged along the height axis (Z) below said at least one molding element (2); An ice maker (1).

2. The at least one molding element (2) is arranged in a holding device (7), and the cooling supply device (5) is integrated into the holding device (7). Ice maker (1) according to claim 1 .

3. the at least one molding element (2) has an upper opening (8) along a height axis (Z) and a lower inlet opening (9), through which liquid enters the at least one molding element (2), a connecting element (10) is arranged between the at least one liquid reservoir (6) and the at least one molding element (2), the upper opening (8) is designed to allow the ice pieces (3) to be removed from the at least one molding element (2), and the upper opening (8) and the lower inlet opening (9) are diametrically opposed; Ice maker (1) according to claim 1 .

4. a first heating device (11) is provided for heating the liquid intended to enter said at least one moulding element (2), said first heating device (11) being at least partly arranged in said at least one liquid reservoir (6) or on the wall of said liquid reservoir (6); Ice maker (1) according to claim 1 .

5. at least one sensor device (12) capable of revealing the temperature of the liquid is provided, and at least one control device (13) connected in signal transmission to said sensor device (12) is provided, which controls or regulates the first heating device (11) so that said liquid entering said at least one molding element (2) has a temperature higher than 0°C; Ice maker (1) according to claim 1 .

6. the sensor device (12) is arranged between the at least one liquid reservoir (6) and the at least one molded element (2), and the sensor device (12) is arranged at least partially within the connecting element (10). Ice maker (1) according to claim 5.

7. the liquid supply device (4) comprises a pre-reservoir (20) fluidly connected to the at least one liquid reservoir (6), the pre-reservoir (20) comprising a fill level measuring device (14); Ice maker (1) according to claim 1 .

8. the at least one molding element (2) is made of an elastic material and is provided with at least one holding element (15) arranged on the at least one molding element (2) or formed by a wall element (2b) of the at least one molding element (2), the at least one holding element (15) being connected in a non-positive and / or positive manner to at least one counter-holding element (16) of the holding device (7); Ice maker (1) according to claim 1 .

9. at least one second heating device (17) is provided, capable of heating said at least one molding element (2); Ice maker (1) according to claim 1 .

10. the holding device (7) comprises two parts (7a, 7b) movable relative to each other, the first part (7a) being arranged below the second part (7b) along the height axis (Z), and movement of the second part (7b) towards the first part (7a) deforms the at least one shaping element (2), so that the at least one ice piece (3) is ejected from the at least one shaping element (2); Ice maker (1) according to claim 2.

11. A household appliance (100) comprising an ice maker (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images