Ice maker with a threaded connection between a motor shaft and an auger
US10228176B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D23/065
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice maker includes a casing that defines a chamber. The casing extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. An extruder die is mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing. A motor is positioned above the extruder die. An auger is disposed within the chamber of the casing. The auger is coupled to a shaft of the motor with a threaded connection such that the auger is rotatable with the motor along a rotational direction within the chamber of the casing. The threaded connection between the auger and the shaft of the motor is wound opposite the rotational direction of the auger. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.