1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ice dispenser for a refrigerator.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Refrigerators are known which have an integrated ice dispenser for dispensing ice cubes and/or crushed ice and often optionally also drinking water. The ice dispenser is generally located at the front of the refrigerator and is integrated in a door. It provides a slide-in compartment in which a glass can be placed which is intended to be filled with the ice or water. Above the glass, a dispensing shaft or channel terminates in which the ice is provided and which can be opened and closed by means of a flap.
US 2006/0144075 A1 discloses an ice dispenser whose flap is opened and closed in an electromotive manner.
Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage, for actuating the flap, an electromagnetic solution, wherein the flap is moved by means of an electromagnet from the closed or locked position into the open or release position thereof and is retained at that location, with the electromagnet continuously being supplied with electrical power. Only when the user removes his glass is the power supply to the electromagnet switched off, whereupon the flap returns to the locked position thereof, for example, under the action of a bias spring. It has been found that this solution may involve a humming noise which is perceived to be unpleasant.