Icemaker assembly for a refrigerator
US7698901B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/22
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerator icemaker assembly includes a bin having a bottom wall, as well as first and second pairs of opposing side walls. One of the first pair of opposing side walls includes an opening within which is movably mounted a coupler. The coupler is provided with a recessed portion having formed therein an aperture and a cog member. An auger is rotatably mounted in the bin and includes a first end portion that extends through the aperture of the coupler. A drive member extends into the coupler and drives the auger in a first direction to dispense ice cubes and in a second direction to dispense crushed ice. The driver engages with the cog member when being rotated in the first direction and directly engages the first end of the auger when being driven in the second direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.