Storing device for chunks of water ice and method for providing chunks of water ice

Abstract

The invention relates to a storing device for ice chunks that includes a receiving compartment for receiving therein ice chunks and a movable stirrer for effecting displacement of ice chunks received in the receiving compartment. The movable stirrer extends in the receiving compartment and rotates about a stirrer axis with the movable stirrer being disposed relative to the receiving compartment such that its stirrer axis extends through two surfaces of the receiving compartment. The movable stirrer is drivable in a stirring movement in a manner such that the movable stirrer effects displacement of the ice chunks with a substantial portion of the ice chunks not be advanced in a either a direction toward one of the two surfaces through which the stirrer axis extends of the other of the two surfaces through which the stirrer axis extends.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . A storing device for ice chunks, the storing device comprising:
 a.) a receiving compartment for receiving therein ice chunks the receiving compartment having a bottom and   b.) a movable stirrer for effecting displacement of ice chunks received in the receiving compartment, the movable stirrer extending in the receiving compartment and being rotatable about a stirrer axis with the movable stirrer being disposed relative to the receiving compartment such that its stirrer axis extends through two surfaces of the receiving compartment and the movable stirrer being drivable in a stirring movement in a manner such that the movable stirrer effects displacement of the ice chunks with a substantial portion of the ice chunks not being advanced in a either a direction toward one of the two surfaces through which the stirrer axis extends or toward the other of the two surfaces through which the stirrer axis extends.   
   
   
       19 . The storing device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the stirrer is disposed close to the bottom of the receiving compartment, in particular in the lower half, in the lower third, or in the lower quarter of the receiving compartment. 
   
   
       20 . The storing device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the stirrer rotates about an essentially horizontal stirrer axis. 
   
   
       21 . The storing device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the stirrer is arranged in front of a discharge opening for the ice chunks. 
   
   
       22 . The storing device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the stirrer has a plurality of stirring elements. 
   
   
       23 . The storing device as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the stirring elements are formed by a rod that is essentially free of bevels relative to the circumferential direction of the stirrer, and the rod is bent in particular in one or more planes lying at right angles to each other, preferably in the form of a zig-zag or wave. 
   
   
       24 . The storing device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the bottom of the receiving compartment slopes down to a discharge opening for the ice chunks. 
   
   
       25 . The storing device as claimed in  claim 18  and further characterized by a timer for the stirrer that controls the stirrer at predetermined intervals and with predetermined pauses. 
   
   
       26 . A refrigerating device comprising:
 a.) a compartment for retaining therein cooled goods; and   b.) a storing device storing device for ice chunks, the storing device including:
 i.) a receiving compartment for receiving therein ice chunks the receiving compartment having a bottom and 
 ii.) a movable stirrer for effecting displacement of ice chunks received in the receiving compartment, the movable stirrer extending in the receiving compartment and being rotatable about a stirrer axis with the movable stirrer being disposed relative to the receiving compartment such that its stirrer axis extends through two surfaces of the receiving compartment and the movable stirrer being drivable in a stirring movement in a manner such that the movable stirrer effects displacement of the ice chunks with a substantial portion of the ice chunks not be advanced in a either a direction toward one of the two surfaces through which the stirrer axis extends of the other of the two surfaces through which the stirrer axis extends. 
   
   
   
       27 . The refrigerating device as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein the refrigerating device is configured as a frost-free refrigerating device. 
   
   
       28 . A method for producing ice chunks, especially water ice chunks, the method comprising:
 producing a quantity of ice chunks; and   loosening the ice chunks via the assistance of a stirrer that does not perform a continuous movement in one direction.   
   
   
       29 . The method as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the step of loosening the ice chunks includes loosening the ice chunks by movement thereof at predetermined time intervals. 
   
   
       30 . The method as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the step of loosening the ice chunks includes loosening the ice chunks by movement thereof at predetermined time intervals freely selected by the user. 
   
   
       31 . The method as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the step of loosening the ice chunks includes loosening the ice chunks by movement thereof at regular intervals, in particular at least once a day, at least once every two hours, or at least once per hour. 
   
   
       32 . The method as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the step of loosening the ice chunks includes loosening ice chunks having a weight in the range of 5 g to 40 g, in particular in the range of 10 g to 30 g., and preferably in a range of 13 to 20 g. 
   
   
       33 . The method as claimed in  claim 28  and further comprising discharging the ice chunks to slide along a sloping surface to a discharge opening. 
   
   
       34 . The method as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the step of discharging the ice chunks includes assisting the sliding by the movement of the stirrer.