Ice detection unit and refrigerator with such an ice detection unit using hydrodynamic properties of liquids and method for defrosting of a refrigerator.

摘要

The present invention refers to an ice detection unit (1). Said ice detection unit (1) comprises at least a deformable housing (4) for holding an indicator material (6), wherein said indicator material (6) has a phase change temperature at ambient pressure of 1 bar below 3°C, wherein said indicator material (6) is in a liquid phase above said phase change temperature and wherein said indicator material (6) is in a solid phase below said phase change temperature, wherein a volume of said deformable housing (4) changes with the phase of said indicator material (6), a defrost heater circuit (27), an activation or deactivation element (15) for activation or deactivating a defrost heater (30) of said defrost heater circuit (27), wherein the deformable housing (4) and the activation or deactivation element (15) are mechanically coupled, wherein a phase change of indicator material (4) causes a deflection of the activation or deactivation element (15) for activating or deactivating said defrost heater (30).