Oscillating and gyrating stir stick for an ice container

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided that includes an ice making system, that generally includes an ice maker for making ice, and an ice container for holding the formed ice. The ice making system may be positioned anywhere within the refrigerator, and it may be a modular ice system. The shape of the ice container limits the amount of useable space taken up by the system. The ice container includes a stir stick positioned within the ice container. The stir stick is configured to rotate and oscillate in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the stir stick to provide movement of the stir stick into the full area of the ice container. The rotation and oscillation of the stir stick prevents ice from melting and clumping in the corners of the ice container, while also aiding in directing the ice towards a dispensing aperture of the ice container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of refrigerators. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an apparatus for preventing ice clumps and breaking up formed ice clumps in an ice container.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Ice makers may be included with refrigerators, or may be stand-alone units. In general, the ice maker includes a water source, a cooling source, a mold, and an ejecting mechanism. Water is added to the mold, and the cooling source removes heat from the water to lower the temperature below freezing, at which time ice cubes are formed. Once the cubes have formed, the ejecting mechanism operates to remove or eject the formed cubes from the molds, at which point new water can be added and the process repeated.[0003]The ejected ice cubes are generally directed towards an ice container or ice storage bin. In refrigerators and in stand-alone units, the ice container is located generally adjacent the ice m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus to prevent the formation of ice clumps and break up ice clumps that have formed in an ice container. The apparatus includes a stir stick that oscillates while rotating in the ice container and can extend into the full area of the ice container. The apparatus also includes a cam that connects to the stir stick to cause it to rotate and make movements to prevent ice clump formation. The technical effects of the invention are improved ice making efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and improved ice quality.

Problems solved by technology

However, as the amount of cubes accumulate in the ice container, it becomes more difficult to ensure that all of the cubes are at a temperature to prevent melting.

The melting and refreezing of the cubes can cause multiple cubes to freeze together, forming ice clumps.

However, the size and shape of ice containers do not make it feasible for the stir sticks to reach the full area within the containers.

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