초록 ▼

An improved ice dispensing mechanism for an ice hopper is characterized by a door or gate which is moved by a variable force to cover and uncover an opening in the hopper. A lever is pivotally mounted at one end and connected at an opposite end with the door, and a solenoid plunger is coupled throug

An improved ice dispensing mechanism for an ice hopper is characterized by a door or gate which is moved by a variable force to cover and uncover an opening in the hopper. A lever is pivotally mounted at one end and connected at an opposite end with the door, and a solenoid plunger is coupled through a spring with a medial portion of the lever, such that actuation of the solenoid retracts the plunger to extend the spring in one embodiment, and to compress the spring in another, to exert a variable force on the lever to pivot the lever and open the door. Should the door be stuck closed because of ice pressure, by virtue of the spring minimum retraction forces are initially encountered by the plunger when the solenoid is initially energized and the plunger fully extended. This enables the plunger to move into the solenoid, whereupon increased forces are exerted on the plunger by the solenoid, and therefore on the spring, to free the door. Consequently, full solenoid power may always be developed to open the door.

대표청구항 ▼

A mechanism for dispensing ice from a container having an opening accommodating passage of ice therethrough, said mechanism comprising gate means movable between a closed position for blocking the opening and an open position for unblocking the opening; a solenoid having a plunger movable between ex

A mechanism for dispensing ice from a container having an opening accommodating passage of ice therethrough, said mechanism comprising gate means movable between a closed position for blocking the opening and an open position for unblocking the opening; a solenoid having a plunger movable between extended and retracted positions, and a spring coupling said plunger and said gate means, said plunger when retracted exerting forces on said spring to move said gate means to its open position and when extended relieving said spring of forces for return of said gate means to its closed position, said spring being placed under compression upon retraction of said plunger.