Refrigerator appliance

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance is generally provided herein. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a secondary liner, and a circulation duct. The cabinet may include an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may be positioned at the fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may define a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber. The circulation duct may extend within the sub-compartment in fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment. The circulation duct may define an air passage in fluid communication with the freezer chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more particularly to refrigeration appliances including features for making ice.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Certain appliances, such as refrigerator appliances, generally include an icemaker. In order to produce ice, liquid water is directed to the icemaker and frozen. After being frozen, ice may be stored within a storage bin appliance. In order to ensure ice is formed and / or remains in a frozen state, the icemaker and bin may be mounted within a chilled portion of the appliance. For instance, some conventional appliances provide an icemaker and storage bin within a freezer compartment. Other conventional appliances provide the icemaker and storage bin within a separate sub-compartment (e.g., within a door). In order to maintain efficient operation of the appliance, these conventional appliances generally provide an air circulation system to continuously exchange air withi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a refrigerator appliance with a secondary liner that creates a separate chamber within the refrigerator cabinet for efficient cooling. The secondary liner is attached to the cabinet and creates a sub-compartment where an ice maker can be located. The refrigerator appliance also features a circulation duct that extends within the sub-compartment and is in fluid communication with the freezer chamber and the sub-compartment. The technical effects of this design are improved cooling efficiency, reduced energy usage, and improved ice making in a compact space.

Problems solved by technology

Certain drawbacks exist with these conventional appliances.

Over time, the odors within the air may taint the flavor or texture of the ice within the appliance.

In the case of appliances utilizing a thermo-electric cooling device, the need for intermediate liquid refrigerant paths may significantly complicate assembly and maintenance of the appliance.

Moreover, such systems may be unable to sufficiently accommodate heat generated at the thermo-electric cooling device without significantly limiting the portion of the appliance that may be cooled by thermo-electric cooling device.

What's more, typical systems utilizing a thermo-electric cooling device may be relatively inefficient (e.g., when compared to convective heat exchange systems) for cooling any portion of the icemaker or storage bin.

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