Apparatus with dual ice machines

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a first compartment and a second compartment, a primary ice maker mounted within the first compartment, and an auxiliary ice maker removably mounted within the second compartment for selectively adjusting ice making capacity of the appliance. The appliance further includes a dispenser for dispensing water and ice cubes made by the primary ice maker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a refrigeration device, and more specifically to a refrigerator device with dual ice makers. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional refrigeration equipment (such as household refrigerators) typically has both a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment or zone. The fresh food compartment is for storing foods such as fruits, vegetables, and beverages, while the freezer compartment is for storing foods that need to be kept frozen. The refrigerator is equipped with a refrigeration system that maintains the temperature in the fresh food compartment above 0°C, while keeping the temperature in the freezer compartment below 0°C.

[0003] In such refrigerators, the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment are arranged differently relative to each other. For example, in some cases, the freezer compartment is located above the fresh food compartment, while in others, it is located below. Additionally, many modern refrigerators have freezer and fresh food compartments arranged side-by-side. Regardless of the arrangement, each compartment typically has a separate access door, allowing access to one compartment without exposing the other to ambient air.

[0004] These conventional refrigerators typically have a unit for making ice cubes, which, although many are not cubic in shape, are often referred to as "cube ice." This unit is usually located in the freezer compartment and produces ice through convection—that is, by circulating cold air over water in an ice tray to freeze the water into cubes. Storage trays for storing the frozen ice cubes are also usually located near the ice-making unit. Ice cubes are dispensed from the storage trays through a dispensing port on the door, which isolates the freezer compartment from ambient air. Ice dispensing is typically done via an ice conveyor mechanism that extends between the storage trays and the dispensing port in the freezer compartment door. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a simplified overview of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This overview is not intended to identify key elements of the invention or to define its scope. The sole purpose of this overview is to provide some exemplary embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] According to one aspect, a refrigerator appliance includes: a cabinet defining a first compartment and a second compartment; a main ice maker installed in the first compartment; and an auxiliary ice maker removably installed in the second compartment for selectively adjusting the ice-making capacity of the appliance. The appliance further includes a dispenser for dispensing water and ice cubes made by the main ice maker.

[0007] According to a second aspect, a refrigerator device includes: a cabinet defining one or more compartments; a main ice maker installed in the one or more compartments; and a dispenser having a water outlet and an ice outlet, the water outlet for dispensing water and the ice outlet for dispensing ice cubes made by the main ice maker. The device further includes an auxiliary ice maker removably installed in the one or more compartments, wherein the auxiliary ice maker includes a bracket and an ice mold movably coupled to the bracket such that the ice mold can move between an initial position and a retrieving position. The auxiliary ice maker further includes: a drive assembly operable to move the ice mold between its initial position and the retrieving position; and a detection rod movably coupled to the bracket such that the detection rod can move between a retracted position and an extended position, the detection rod being biased toward the extended position. In addition, the auxiliary ice maker includes a separate control system having a controller, a temperature sensor, a sensor assembly, and a cable assembly. The controller is configured to perform one or more operations of the auxiliary ice maker. The temperature sensor communicates with the controller. The sensor assembly is configured to detect a predetermined position of a detection lever and provide an output to the controller indicating whether the detection lever is in the predetermined position. The cable assembly is electrically connected to the controller. The device further includes a three-way valve having a single input and three outputs. The single input is fluidly connected to the device's inlet, and the three outputs are fluidly connected to the outlets of the main ice maker, the auxiliary ice maker, and the distributor. The three-way valve is operable to provide selective communication between the single input and each output. Furthermore, the auxiliary ice maker's cable assembly includes a power line and a control line. The power line is connected to the device's power inlet, and the control line is connected to the three-way valve.

[0008] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description provide examples and illustrative embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the described embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various exemplary embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is the front view of the example device;

[0011] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the main ice maker of the equipment;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the water lines, power lines, and control lines of the equipment;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a front view of the device's distributor;

[0014] Figure 5 It is a 3D diagram of the auxiliary ice maker of the equipment;

[0015] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the auxiliary ice maker;

[0016] Figure 7 It is an exploded view of the drive components and various control elements of the auxiliary ice maker;

[0017] Figure 8 It is a 3D view of the cable assembly for the auxiliary ice maker;

[0018] Figure 9 It is an enlarged perspective view of the equipment compartment, in which, for illustrative purposes, the auxiliary ice maker and the storage box for the auxiliary ice maker have been removed;

[0019] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the auxiliary ice maker and the support frame used for the auxiliary ice maker;

[0020] Figure 11 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the equipment, in which the anchors and water lines of the equipment are shown to be in the removed state;

[0021] Figure 12 It is a 3D view of the anchor.

[0022] Figure 13 The various operations of the auxiliary ice maker are illustrated schematically;

[0023] Figure 14 This is a 3D view of the ice storage box used to assist the ice maker;

[0024] Figure 15 It is a close-up 3D view of the upper compartment of the equipment;

[0025] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the installation system for the equipment's water tank, water filter, and valves; and

[0026] Figure 17 It is a separate view of the water tank, water filter, valve, and mounting system bracket in the installed state. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Example embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to limit the invention. For example, one or more aspects may be used in other embodiments or even other types of devices. Furthermore, certain terminology used herein is for convenience only and should not be considered limiting. Also, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 Example refrigerator device 10 is shown having a cabinet 12, which includes an outer shell 14 and a liner 16 disposed within the outer shell 14, the liner defining a plurality of compartments 18. In particular, the liner 16 defines an upper compartment 18a and a lower compartment 18b, the lower compartment 18b being divided by a frame wall 20 into a lower left compartment 18c and a lower right compartment 18d.

[0029] The upper compartment 18a corresponds to the fresh food compartment of the device 10, while the lower compartments 18c and 18d each correspond to the freezing compartment of the device 10. Alternatively, at least one compartment of the compartments 18 (such as compartment 18c) may be a temperature-variable compartment (VCZ, also known as a convertible compartment) whose temperature can be selected by the user between a fresh food temperature and a freezing temperature (i.e., the user can select above or below the freezing point).

[0030] The device 10 further includes a plurality of doors 22 attached to the housing 12 of the device, which can be opened and closed to provide selective access to the compartment 18 of the device. More specifically, the device 10 includes: a pair of upper French doors 22a for providing selective access to the upper compartment 18a; a lower left door 22c for providing selective access to the lower left compartment 18c; and a lower right door 22d for providing selective access to the lower right compartment 18d. Each door 22 is pivotally attached to the housing 12 such that the door 22 can rotate between its open and closed positions. Alternatively, one or more of the doors 22 may form a drawer slidable relative to the compartment 18 of the device.

[0031] The device 10 may include any number, type, and arrangement of liners 16, compartments 18, and doors 22 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Insulation may be provided between the liner(s) 16 and the housing 14 to insulate the compartment(s) 18 of the device 10. Furthermore, the device 10 may include a refrigeration system (e.g., condenser, evaporator, compressor, air circulation system, etc.) that maintains the temperature of the device's (multiple) fresh food compartments 18 between 0°C and 4.5°C, and maintains the temperature of the device's (multiple) frozen compartments 18 below 0°C.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, the device 10 may include: a main ice maker 24 for producing ice cubes; and an ice storage container 26 for collecting the ice cubes produced by the ice maker 24. Generally, the ice maker 24 and the ice storage container 26 may include any configuration for producing and storing ice cubes, respectively. For example, exemplary configurations of these features are disclosed in detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,234,690, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the ice maker 24 is installed in the upper left corner of the upper compartment 18a, and the ice storage box 26 is arranged inside the housing 28 of the ice maker 24 (for illustrative purposes). Figure 2 The housing 28 is shown with its side panels removed to allow observation of the interior of the housing 28. However, in other examples, the ice maker 24 and the ice storage box 26 may be arranged within other compartments 18 of the device 10, and in some examples, the ice storage box 26 may be arranged outside the ice maker 24.

[0034] Go to Figure 3 The device 10 may include a water supply system 30 for supplying water to the main ice maker 24 and other components of the device 10. The water supply system 30 may include an inlet 32 ​​(e.g., a pipe fitting) for receiving water from an external water source, a water filter 34, a water tank 36, one or more valves 38, and multiple water lines 40 (e.g., pipes, conduits, etc.) for providing fluid communication between components. In the illustrated embodiment, the water filter 34 is connected downstream of the inlet 32 ​​via water line 40a, the water tank 36 is connected downstream of the water filter 34 via water line 40b, and a single valve 38 is connected downstream of the water tank 36 via water line 40c. Optionally, a water filter and / or water tank may not be used.

[0035] The valve 38 in the illustrated embodiment is a "three-way valve" having a single inlet 42 and three outlets 44e-f, which are fluidly connected to corresponding features of the device 10 via water lines 40d-f. For example, one outlet 44d of valve 38 is fluidly connected to the main ice maker 24 via water line 40d. Valve 38 further includes three solenoids 46, each associated with a corresponding outlet 44 of valve 38, and each solenoid can be operated independently to provide selective communication between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44 associated with the solenoid. In this way, the solenoids 46 can be operated to provide selective communication between the inlet 42 and any one or more outlets 44 as needed.

[0036] It should be understood that in other examples, the components of the water supply system 30 may be arranged in an alternative manner. Furthermore, the water supply system 30 may include additional components (e.g., valves, water lines, pressure regulators) in addition to those shown, and / or may exclude one or more of the components shown.

[0037] like Figure 3 As further shown, device 10 may include a power inlet 48 (e.g., a power cable) for receiving power from an external power source (e.g., AC power) and supplying this power to the various components of device 10 via one or more power lines 50. Furthermore, the device may include a central controller 52 (e.g., a microcontroller, PLC) that can control the components of the device via one or more control lines 54. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, power inlet 48 may supply power to controller 52 via power line 50, which in turn may control the main ice maker 24 via control line 54a.

[0038] Go to Figure 4 The device 10 may further include a dispenser 56 for dispensing water and / or ice cubes made by the ice maker 24, examples of which are also disclosed in '690 patent. The dispenser 56 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to dispense both water and ice cubes, as discussed below.

[0039] More specifically, the dispenser 56 in the illustrated embodiment includes an ice outlet 58 and a water outlet 60 disposed within a dispenser cavity 62 of the upper left door 22a. The water outlet 60 is connected via a water line 40e (see...). Figure 3 The valve 38 of the water supply system 30 is in fluid communication with the ice outlet 58. Simultaneously, the ice outlet 58 is connected to the ice discharge channel 64 (see...). Figure 1 The ice discharge channel extends through the door 22a and has an inlet 66 that aligns with an opening 68 formed along the bottom surface of the ice maker housing 28 when the door 22a is in its closed position.

[0040] The dispenser 56 in the illustrated embodiment further includes a user interface 70, with which a user can interact to dispense ice or water through the dispenser's associated outlet. More specifically, the user interface 70 includes user input features (such as various electrical buttons or switches, a touchscreen, a capacitive touch button 72, etc.) and an actuator 74, which communicate with the central controller 52 of the device 10. The touch button 72 allows the user to select which item should be dispensed (i.e., water, crushed ice, or ice cubes). Meanwhile, the actuator 74 is a lever mounted within the dispenser cavity 62; pressing the lever dispenses the selected item.

[0041] When water is selected and actuator 74 is pressed, central controller 52 operates water supply system 30 to supply water to outlet 60 of dispenser 56. Simultaneously, when crushed ice or cube ice is selected and actuator 74 is pressed, controller 52 operates (i.e., rotates) the auger 76 within ice storage box 26 of main ice maker 24 (see...). Figure 2 This causes the ice stored in the ice storage box 26 to enter the ice discharge channel 64 through the opening 68 of the ice maker's housing 28. The ice then falls through the ice discharge channel 64 and is dispensed into the dispenser cavity 62 through the ice outlet 58. If ice crushing is specifically selected, an ice crushing mechanism (not shown) will crush the ice as it falls through the ice discharge channel 64.

[0042] It should be understood that dispenser 56 may include various alternative configurations for dispensing water and / or ice without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, user interface 70 may include additional and / or alternative structures (e.g., buttons, switches, proximity sensors, etc.) that a user can interact with to dispense ice or water through the dispenser's associated outlet. As another example, dispenser 56 may be arranged on different doors 22 of device 10.

[0043] Go to Figures 5 to 8 An example auxiliary ice maker 80 will now be described, which can be removably installed in compartment 18 of device 10 to selectively adjust the ice-making capacity of device 10 as needed. Preferably, the auxiliary ice maker 80 is installed in a compartment separate from the main ice maker 24 and is used to increase the amount of ice available to the user. More preferably, the auxiliary ice maker 80 is installed in a freezing compartment where it is exposed to air below freezing point.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the ice maker 80 includes a bracket 82 and an ice mold 84 movably coupled to the bracket 82. The ice mold 84 defines a plurality of cavities 86, allowing water to be poured into the cavities 86 and then frozen to form ice. The number and shape of the cavities 86 may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0045] The ice mold 84 is movably coupled to the bracket 82, allowing the ice mold 84 to move between multiple positions relative to the bracket 82. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the ice mold 84 is rotatably coupled to the bracket 82, allowing the ice mold 84 to rotate about axis XR. In particular, Figure 5The ice mold 84 is shown in its "original position," which corresponds to the position in the ice mold 84 where ice will be formed. The ice mold 84 can be rotated about axis XR in a first direction M1 to a "getting position," which corresponds to the position where ice will be taken from the ice mold. The ice mold 84 can then be rotated about axis XR in the opposite direction M2 back to the original position to make more ice.

[0046] The rotation angle of the ice-making mold 84 about axis XR from its original position to its acquisition position can vary in the embodiments. Furthermore, the ice-making mold 84 can rotate about other axes or move between its original and acquisition positions in other ways (e.g., tilting, sliding, etc.). Further still, the original and / or acquisition positions can differ from those described and shown herein. Broadly speaking, the original and acquisition positions can be any two different positions relative to the bracket 82, and the ice-making mold 84 can move between the two positions in a variety of different ways.

[0047] The ice maker 80 may include a drive assembly 90 operable to move the ice mold 84 between its original position and a receiving position. Figure 7 As shown, the drive assembly 90 in this embodiment includes a motor 92 (e.g., a DC motor) and a transmission 94 that operatively connects the motor 92 to an ice-making mold 84. Specifically, the transmission 94 has: a drive shaft 96 connected to the ice-making mold 84; and one or more gears 98 that operatively connect the motor 92 to the drive shaft 96. Furthermore, a housing 102 is fixed to a bracket 82, which encloses and supports the motor 92 and the gears 98. In this way, the motor 92 can be operated to rotate the drive shaft 96 via the gears 98 and correspondingly rotate the ice-making mold 84. However, the drive assembly 90 may include various additional and / or alternative features and configurations for moving the ice-making mold 84 between its original position and a ready position.

[0048] Ice maker 80 may further include detection rod 108 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The detection rod is movably coupled to the bracket 82 and can indicate the presence or absence of ice previously obtained from the ice maker 80, which can then be used to determine whether additional ice should be made and obtained. This can be referred to as a "bale arm" or "ice level arm". For example, in this embodiment, the detection rod 108 is pivotally mounted to the bracket 82 such that the detection rod 108 can rotate about axis XD between a retracted position and an extended position. Figure 5The image shows the probe 108 in the retracted position, and it is extended by rotating the probe 108 from the retracted position along the first direction D1 by a predetermined angular distance, which is between 25° and 45°, more preferably between 30° and 40°, and even more preferably about 35°. However, other angular distances are possible in other embodiments.

[0049] The detection rod 108 can be biased toward the extended position in various ways. For example, the detection rod 108 can be biased toward the extended position by gravity, and / or the ice maker 80 may include a spring 112 configured to bias the detection rod 108 toward the extended position. Specifically, the spring 112 can be configured such that the spring 112 is compressed when the detection rod 108 is in the retracted position and pushes the detection rod 108 toward the extended position. Alternatively, the spring 112 can be configured such that the spring 112 is tensioned when the detection rod 108 is in the retracted position and pulls the detection rod 108 toward the extended position.

[0050] When the ice maker 80 is installed in compartment 18 of device 10, an ice storage box can be positioned below the ice maker 80 to collect and store ice produced by the ice maker 80. As ice is collected in the ice storage box, the accumulation of ice physically obstructs the detection lever 108 from reaching its extended position, causing the detection lever 108 to remain in its retracted position or some other position between the retracted and extended positions. Therefore, the retracted and intermediate positions of the detection lever 108 can indicate a state where sufficient ice is stored in the ice storage box and no further ice production or retrieval is needed. Conversely, the extended position of the detection lever 108 can indicate a state where little or no ice is stored in the ice storage box and more ice should be produced and retrieved.

[0051] It should be understood that the detection rod 108 can be movably coupled to the bracket 82 in various different ways, such that the detection rod 108 indicates the presence or absence of previously acquired ice. For example, the detection rod 108 can rotate about other axes or can translate linearly (e.g., up / down) between its retracted and extended positions. Furthermore, the detection rod 108 can include alternative shapes and sizes to those shown. The detection rod 108 can take any form that allows it to move between retracted and extended positions, indicating the presence or absence of previously acquired ice.

[0052] Ice maker 80 may further include control system 120 (see Figure 6The control system 120 is used to sense and control various aspects of the ice maker 80. The control system 120 may include a programmable controller 122 (e.g., a microcontroller, PLC, etc.) operatively coupled to the drive assembly 90 (e.g., electrically coupled to the motor 92) and programmed to perform one or more operations, as will be described below. The control system 120 may further include a sensor assembly 124 configured to detect a predetermined position (e.g., extended or retracted) of the detection lever 108 and provide the controller 122 with an output indicating whether the detection lever 108 is in the predetermined position.

[0053] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, sensor assembly 124 includes a sensor 126 in the form of a Hall effect switch, which is fixed to bracket 82. Sensor 126 includes a pair of contacts electrically connected to controller 122 and normally biased open (e.g., via a ferromagnetic metal reed). When the contacts are closed, sensor 126 completes the circuit with controller 122 and outputs a positive signal to controller 122 indicating that the switch is closed. When the contacts are open, the circuit is broken, and sensor 126 outputs a zero signal to controller 122 indicating that the switch is open.

[0054] The sensor assembly 124 in the illustrated embodiment further includes an actuating member 128, in the form of a magnet, fixed to the detection rod 108. The magnet generates a magnetic field configured to close the sensor's contact pair when within a specific range of the sensor 126. Specifically, the sensor 126 and the actuating member 128 are arranged on the bracket 82 and the detection rod 108 such that when the detection rod 108 is in its extended position, the actuating member 128 engages the sensor 126, thereby closing the contacts of the sensor 126 and outputting a positive signal to the controller 122 indicating that the detection rod 108 is in its extended position. Conversely, when the detection rod 108 moves away from the extended position (e.g., to the retracted position), the actuating member 128 disengages the sensor 126, and the sensor 126 outputs a zero signal to the controller 122 indicating that the detection rod 108 is not in the extended position.

[0055] Therefore, the sensor assembly 124 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to detect a predetermined position corresponding to the extended position of the detection rod 108 and will provide an output indicating whether the detection rod 108 is in the extended position (i.e., a positive signal or a zero signal). However, the sensor assembly 124 can be configured in various different ways to detect the predetermined position of the detection rod 108 and send an output indicating whether the detection rod 108 is in the predetermined position. For example, the sensor 126 can be fixed to the detection rod 108, and the actuation member 128 can be fixed to the bracket 82. As another example, the sensor 126 and the actuation member 128 can be configured to detect the retracted position of the detection rod 108. As yet another example, the sensor 126 can be configured to output a zero signal to the controller 122 when the detection rod 108 is in its predetermined position and to output a positive signal when the detection rod 108 is not in its predetermined position.

[0056] In some examples, the control system 120 may include a temperature sensor 130 (e.g., a thermistor, thermocouple, etc.) electrically connected to the controller 122 and configured to detect temperature. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 130 is a thermistor whose resistance changes with temperature. Furthermore, the control system 120 includes a wire assembly 132 (see...). Figure 7 One end 134a of the lead wire assembly is connected to the temperature sensor 130, and the other end 134b is connected to the controller 122 to electrically connect the controller 122 and the temperature sensor 130. The lead wire assembly 132 enables the controller 122 to provide current through the temperature sensor 130 and determine the current resistance of the temperature sensor 130. In this way, the temperature sensor 130 detects temperature by providing resistance corresponding to its temperature, and the controller 122 can monitor the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 130.

[0057] The control system 120 may further include a user interface 136 (see...) Figure 5The user interface 136 is operatively coupled to the controller 122 and configured to enable interaction and communication between the user and the controller 122. For example, the user interface 136 may include one or more input elements 138 (e.g., buttons, switches, touchscreens, microphones, etc.), each of which allows the user to provide one or more inputs to the controller 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 136 includes an input element 138 in the form of a button, which can provide multiple different inputs to the controller 122 by varying the length of inward pressing of the button. The user interface 136 may further include one or more indicator elements 140 (e.g., light modules, speakers, displays, etc.), which can be operated by the controller 122 to indicate certain information to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 136 includes an indicator element 140 in the form of an LED light module, which can be illuminated in various ways (e.g., constantly lit, flashing, etc.) to indicate different information to the user.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, the control system 120 of the auxiliary ice maker 80 may further include a cable assembly 142 electrically connected to the controller 122 of the control system and providing communication between the controller 122 and one or more features of the device 10. More specifically, the cable assembly 142 may include: a power line 144 for transmitting power (e.g., AC or DC power) from the power input 48 of the device 10 to the controller 122; and one or more control lines 146 for transmitting control signals from the controller 122 to the device 10 (or vice versa).

[0059] Each power line 144 and control line 146 of the cable assembly 142 may terminate at one end with the controller 122 and at the other end with a common connector 152, which can be connected to a corresponding connector on the device 10 to quickly connect lines 144, 146 to the associated power and control lines of the device 10. Furthermore, the cable assembly 142 may include an insulating sheath 154 that surrounds the lines 144, 146 of the cable assembly 142 and extends at least partially along the lines 144, 146 between the controller 122 and the connector 152.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, power line 144 is configured to transmit AC power from power inlet 48 of device 10 to controller 122, and includes a live wire 148a, a neutral wire 148b, and a ground wire 148c. Additionally, cable assembly 142 includes a single control line 146 comprising a single conductor for transmitting control signals from controller 122 to valve 38 of the device's water supply system 30. However, in other examples, cable assembly 142 may include additional power lines 144 and / or control lines 146, and each line 144, 146 may include one or more conductors.

[0061] Turning Figures 9 to 12 An example structure and method for mounting the auxiliary ice maker 80 in the device 10 will now be described. Specifically, a structure and method for removably mounting the ice maker 80 to the upper wall 162 of the lower right compartment 18d of the device are described below. However, it should be understood that the ice maker 80 can be similarly mounted to a different wall (e.g., a side wall or rear wall) of the same compartment 18d, or to the wall of a different compartment 18. It is even conceivable that the ice maker 80 can be mounted on the door 22 of the device 10.

[0062] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, device 10 may include a support frame 168 that can be fixed to the upper wall 162 of the lower right compartment 18d. The support frame 168 includes: a horizontal member 172 that extends substantially parallel to the upper wall 162; and a vertical member 174 that extends downward from the left side of the horizontal member 172 and substantially perpendicular to the upper wall 162.

[0063] The support frame 168 further includes a first mounting protrusion 178a and a second mounting protrusion 178b, which extend horizontally from the vertical member 174 and can be received within a first opening 180a and a second opening 180b defined on the left side of the ice maker bracket 82 to removably mount the ice maker 80 to the support frame 168. More specifically, each mounting protrusion 178a, 178b has a shaft and an enlarged head disposed at one end of the shaft and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft. Meanwhile, the first opening 180a is a keyhole extending in the front-rear direction of the bracket 82, such that the vertical width of the opening 180a increases from the front end to the rear end of the opening 180a. Furthermore, the second opening 180b is a slot extending horizontally forward from the rear edge of the bracket 82.

[0064] In this manner, the ice maker 80 can be removably mounted to the support frame 168 by manipulating its bracket 82, such that the first protrusion 178a of the support frame 168 is received within the rear end of the first opening 180a. The ice maker 80 can then be slid rearward, causing the axes of the mounting protrusions 178a and 178b to move to the front ends of their corresponding openings 180a and 180b, and the heads of the mounting protrusions 178a and 178b to hold them within the openings 180a and 180b in a lateral (left-right) direction. A threaded fastener 188 can then be inserted through a fastener hole 190 in the bracket 82 and screwed into the threaded hole 192 of the support frame 168 to lock the bracket 82 in place.

[0065] In some examples, the support frame 168 may further include a clip 194 that hangs downward from the right side of the horizontal member 172 of the support frame and vertically supports the right side of the ice maker bracket 82 when it is mounted to the support frame 168. More specifically, the clip 194 includes: a vertical portion 196 that hangs downward from the horizontal member 172 of the support frame 168; and a horizontal portion 198 that extends horizontally from the bottom end of the vertical portion 196. When the ice maker 80 is mounted to the support frame 168, the horizontal portion 198 of the clip 194 will vertically support the right side of the ice maker bracket 82.

[0066] It should be understood that the support frame 168 and the ice maker 80 can be configured in various alternative ways to facilitate the mounting of the ice maker 80 to the support frame 168. For example, the aforementioned mounting protrusions 178a, 178b and openings 180a, 180b can be located on other parts of the support frame 168 and the ice maker 80, or they can be reversed such that openings 180a, 180b are defined within the support frame 168, while mounting protrusions 178a, 178b extend from the bracket 82 of the ice maker 80. As another example, one or both openings 180a, 180b can be slots, keyholes, or some other type of opening. Furthermore, clips 194 can hang from different parts of the support frame 168 and support different sides of the ice maker 80, or clips 194 can be disposed on the ice maker 80 to similarly engage the support frame 168 and support the ice maker 80.

[0067] To secure the support frame 168 to the upper wall 162 of the lower right compartment 18d, the device 10 may include anchors 202 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 11 and Figure 12The anchor 202 can be positioned on the upper side of wall 162 and will be permanently installed within the foam insulation material during the manufacturing process. Specifically, the anchor 202 will be installed within a chamber frame that separates the upper fresh food compartment 18a of the device 10 from the lower compartments 18c and 18d. Anchor 202 includes a plate 204 and a plurality of connectors 206 that hang downwards from the plate 204. Each connector 206 defines a horizontal channel 208 that extends partially from the rear end of the connector 206 into the connector. Meanwhile, the upper wall 162 defines a plurality of connector openings 210 through which the connectors 206 can enter the compartment 18d, and a horizontal member 172 of the support frame 168 defines a plurality of horizontal tabs 212 that can be received within the horizontal channels 208 of the connectors 206 to connect the support frame 168 and the anchor 202 together.

[0068] The anchor 202 further includes: a flexible clip 214 that hangs from the lower side of the plate 204 in a downward and forward direction; and a water conduit 216 having an upper portion 218a extending upward from the plate 204 and a lower portion 218b extending downward from the plate 204. Furthermore, the upper wall 162 of the compartment 18d includes a clip opening 220 and a conduit opening 222, through which the clip 214 and the lower portion 218b of the water conduit 216 can respectively pass into the compartment 18d.

[0069] In this way, by first placing the anchor 202 on the upper side of the wall 162 such that the anchor's connector 206, clip 214, and water conduit 216 pass through their respective connector openings 210, clip openings 220, and conduit openings 222 in the upper wall 162, the support frame 168 can be secured to the upper wall 162 of the compartment 18d. The support frame 168 can then be manipulated within the compartment 18d such that the horizontal tab 212 of the support frame enters the rear side of the horizontal channel 208 of the anchor 202 and moves horizontally forward until the tab 212 reaches the front end of the channel 208 and further forward movement is blocked by the connector 206. During this movement, the flexible clip 214 of the anchor 202 will bend the support frame 168 upward until the support frame 168 reaches its final position (see [reference]). Figure 9Furthermore, the opening 226 in the horizontal member 172 of the support frame 168 allows the flexible clip 214 to bend downwards and engage the front edge of the opening 226, thereby preventing future rearward movement of the support frame 168. When connected in this manner, the support frame 168 will be secured to the upper wall 162. Additionally, the water conduit 216 will pass through or be located directly above the opening 226 of the support frame 168, such that the outlet of the water conduit 216 is located directly above the ice mold 84 of the ice maker 80, and can supply water to the cavity 86 of the lower ice mold 84.

[0070] It should be understood that the support frame 168 and anchor 202 can be configured in various alternative ways to facilitate the mounting of the support frame 168 to the upper wall 162 of the compartment 18d. For example, the connector 206 and the horizontal tab 212 can be reversed, such that the connector 206 is positioned on the support frame 168, while the horizontal tab 212 is provided by the anchor 202. As another example, the orientation / orientation of the horizontal channel 208 and the horizontal tab 212 can be modified such that the horizontal tab 212 moves rearward or laterally into the horizontal channel 208 to connect the support frame 168 and the anchor 202 together. Furthermore, the flexible clip 214 of the anchor 202 can be configured to engage with different edges of the opening 226 and prevent movement of the support frame 168 in different directions (e.g., laterally or forward).

[0071] Return to reference Figure 3 The ice maker 80 can be fluidly connected to the water supply system 30 of the device 10 via a water line 40f. Specifically, the water line 40f can supply water to the water conduit 216 of the aforementioned anchor 202, which delivers water to the ice-making mold cavity 86 of the ice maker 80. Furthermore, the connector 152 of the cable assembly 142 of the ice maker can be connected to a connector 230 located on the device 10 (e.g., within the lower right compartment 18d) to electrically connect the power line 144 and control line 146 of the cable assembly 142 to the power line 50b and control line 54b of the device 10, respectively.

[0072] Go to Figure 13 This demonstrates various operations that can be programmed into a controller 122 of the ice maker 80, which can control and / or communicate with various features of the ice maker 80 and the device 10 to automate operations. Specifically, Figure 13The diagram illustrates a water filling operation 240, a determination operation 250, and an ice acquisition operation 260, which together form the main operating cycle 270 of the ice maker 80. The controller 122 can be configured such that when the ice maker 80 is started, it enters this main operating cycle 270 (e.g., during the water filling operation 240), with the ice mold 84 in its original position. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 122 can be configured to automatically perform one or more operations in response to inputs (e.g., a start command) manually provided to the controller 122 by a user via a user interface 136 and / or other inputs provided to the controller 122 (e.g., outputs from sensor components).

[0073] The water injection operation 240 includes selectively providing an output signal (e.g., positive voltage or zero voltage) to the control line 146 of the cable assembly 142 within a predetermined time period. As described above, the control line 146 of the cable assembly 142 can be connected to the control line 54b of the device 10 (see...). Figure 3 The control line is connected to a three-way valve 38 of the water supply system 30 of the device. During the water filling operation 240, the output signal provided to the control line 146 can be a positive voltage (e.g., 85-265VAC at 50-60Hz) and will actuate (i.e., open) the solenoid 46 of the valve 38 associated with the water line 40f of the ice maker 80, thereby supplying water to the ice maker 80. In different embodiments, the predetermined amount of time for providing the output signal can vary, but preferably corresponds to the length of time required for the cavity 86 of the ice mold 84 to be filled with water when the cavity 86 is completely emptied.

[0074] Once the cavity 86 of the ice mold 84 has been filled with water by the water filling operation 240, the water can be cooled to a frozen state and then obtained by the ice acquisition operation 260, which will be discussed further below. However, before proceeding to the ice acquisition operation 260, the controller 122 may perform a determining operation 250 in response to the completion of the water filling operation 240. The determining operation 250 includes a monitoring step 252 that monitors one or more parameters of the ice maker 80, and a determining step 254 that determines whether the parameters(s) monitored during the monitoring step 252 that indicate the ice in the ice mold 84 is ready to be acquired meet the acquisition condition 256.

[0075] For example, monitoring step 252 may include monitoring the temperature of the water in the ice mold 84, detected by a temperature sensor 130 disposed on the ice mold 84 (e.g., the resistance of the temperature sensor 130, corresponding to its temperature). Furthermore, acquiring condition 256 may include requiring the temperature sensor 130 to detect a temperature equal to or below a predetermined temperature (e.g., -7°C or lower) and then for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 3 minutes or longer). However, in different embodiments, the temperature conditions may vary. For example, the temperature conditions may require different predetermined temperatures and / or predetermined amounts of time. Furthermore, the temperature conditions may not require a predetermined amount of time when a temperature equal to or below the predetermined temperature is detected. Also further, the temperature conditions may require additional conditions beyond those described above.

[0076] Alternatively or concurrently, monitoring step 252 may include monitoring the output of the aforementioned sensor assembly 124, which indicates whether the detection rod 108 is in a predetermined position (e.g., an extended position or a retracted position). Furthermore, acquisition condition 256 may require the monitored output of sensor assembly 124 to indicate that ice should be acquired. For example, in an embodiment where the predetermined position of the detection rod 108 corresponds to its extended position, acquisition condition 256 may require the output of sensor assembly 124 to indicate that the detection rod 108 is in the predetermined position during monitoring step 254. Conversely, in an embodiment where the predetermined position of the detection rod 108 corresponds to its retracted position, acquisition condition 256 may require the output of sensor assembly 124 to indicate that the detection rod 108 is not in the predetermined position during monitoring step 254.

[0077] If step 254 determines that acquisition condition 256 is not met during monitoring step 252, controller 122 can restart determination operation 250. Conversely, if step 254 determines that acquisition condition 256 is met, controller 122 can initiate and execute ice acquisition operation 260. Ice acquisition operation 260 may include moving ice mold 84 from its original position to its acquisition position, completing the movement of ice mold 84 to its acquisition position to acquire ice, and then returning ice mold 84 to its original position so that more ice can be made. Controller 122 may execute ice acquisition operation 260 by operating motor 92 of drive assembly 90 to move ice mold 84 accordingly.

[0078] In some examples, controller 122 may be configured to initiate water injection operation 240 in response to the completion of ice acquisition operation 260, thereby restarting the main operating cycle 270 of ice maker 80. However, in other examples, the main operating cycle 270 may terminate after ice acquisition operation 260 has completed.

[0079] The operations of the ice maker 80 have been described above. It should be understood that each operation may include additional and / or alternative steps in addition to those described above, and one or more of the steps described above may be excluded. Furthermore, one or more operations (or steps within those operations) may be performed manually by the user without the assistance of the controller 122.

[0080] Some operations of the ice maker 80 are described and claimed herein as performing an action "if" a certain condition occurs or "in response to" a certain condition, wherein the condition comprises one or more terms. Such conditional actions described and claimed herein mean that the execution of an action depends on the existence of its corresponding condition, rather than being accompanied by the existence of its corresponding condition. Furthermore, the corresponding condition is open-ended, meaning that the corresponding condition may include additional terms besides those described and claimed. Further, there may be separate operations that conditionally or unconditionally perform the same action. For example, the operation of performing action X "if" or "in response to" condition Y (requiring term Z) means that the execution of action X depends on the existence of condition Y, and condition Y may require one or more terms besides term Z. Furthermore, there may be separate operations that conditionally or unconditionally perform action X.

[0081] As described above, the ice maker 80 has an “independent” control system 120, meaning that all components of the control system 120 are supported by the bracket 82 of the ice maker 80, and the only external input to the control system 120 is electricity (e.g., power line 144 from the device 10 via cable assembly 142). In this way, the ice maker 80 can be a modular unit that can be easily installed in (or removed from) the device 10 without having to connect (or disconnect) the control system 120 from several control devices in the device 10.

[0082] In other words, the ice maker 80 can be installed simply by mounting the ice maker 80 to the support frame 168 as described above, and connecting the power lines 144 and control lines 146 of the cable assembly 142 to the power lines 50b and control lines 54b of the device 10 (by connecting the connector 152 of the cable assembly to the connector 228 of the appliance). Alternatively, the ice maker 80 can be removed simply by removing it from the support frame 168 and disconnecting the power lines 144 and control lines 146 of the cable assembly 142 from the power lines 50b and control lines 54b of the device 10.

[0083] Accordingly, the ice maker 80 can be easily installed in (or removed from) the device 10 to adjust the ice capacity of the device 10 as needed. Furthermore, because the ice maker 80 has an independent control system 120, the device 10 itself does not need to be equipped with dedicated control devices (such as controllers or sensor components) for the ice maker 80, and therefore can be universally manufactured for use with a variety of different auxiliary ice makers.

[0084] It should be understood that the main ice maker 24 can be configured similarly to the auxiliary ice maker 80 described above. Furthermore, the main ice maker 24 can be similarly mounted within the compartment 18 of the device 10 using the aforementioned support frame 168 and anchors 202. However, generally, the main ice maker 24 and the auxiliary ice maker 80 can include any configuration for making ice cubes and can be mounted within the compartment 18 of the device 10 in a variety of different ways.

[0085] Go to Figure 14 An example ice storage box 280 is shown, which can be slidably mounted within a suitable compartment 18 and positioned below the ice maker 80. The ice storage box 280 includes a bottom wall 282a, a front wall 282b, a rear wall 282c, and a pair of side walls 282d, which together define a storage space 284 for receiving and storing ice cubes obtained from the ice maker 80.

[0086] To allow for slidable mounting of the ice storage box 280, longitudinal ribs 286 can be provided on each side wall 282d of the ice storage box 280, extending longitudinally in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, rear rollers 290 can be provided at the rear end of each rib 286. Meanwhile, as... Figure 9 As shown, guide rails 292 can be disposed on each side wall of the compartment 18 (e.g., the lower right compartment 18d) where the ice storage box 280 is installed, and front rollers 294 can be disposed at the front end of each guide rail 292. Each guide rail 292 has an upper surface 296a and a lower surface 296b, and a longitudinal channel 298 is defined between the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0087] In this way, the ice storage box 280 can be slidably installed by inserting the rear roller 290 of the ice storage box 280 into the longitudinal channel 298 of the guide rail 292 of the compartment and resting the longitudinal ribs 286 of the ice storage box 280 on the front roller 294 of the compartment 18. The front roller 294 of the compartment 18 will support the longitudinal ribs 286 of the ice storage box 280, while the guide rail 292 of the compartment 18 will restrict the vertical movement of the rear roller 290 of the ice storage box, thereby keeping the ice storage box 280 horizontal.

[0088] Go to Figures 15 to 17The installation system 300 will now be described for mounting the water filter 34, water tank 36, and three-way valve 38 of the device 10 in the upper compartment 18a of the liner 16. However, it should be understood that the installation system 300 can be similarly adapted to mount the water filter 34, water tank 36, and three-way valve 38 in an alternative compartment of the liner 16 (e.g., the lower right compartment 18d).

[0089] The mounting system 300 includes a mounting bracket 304 for the water storage tank 36 and the three-way valve 38 (see [link]). Figure 16 and Figure 17 The mounting bracket 304 can be secured to the rear wall 306 of compartment 18a, located just below the top wall 308 of compartment 18d. The bracket 304 can be secured with screws, but other securing methods (e.g., adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, tab / slot configurations, etc.) can also be used. Alternatively, the bracket 304 can be integrally formed with the rear wall 306 of compartment 18a during the molding operation of liner 16.

[0090] The bracket 304 has a front surface 310 with at least one arm 312 extending outward from the front surface for securing the water tank 36 to the bracket 304. Furthermore, the bracket 304 includes a pair of opposing clips 316 extending outward from the front surface 310 for securing the valve 38 to the bracket 304. The clips 316 are elastically deformable such that when the valve 38 is in the installed position, each clip 316 applies a force toward the opposing clip 316 toward a portion of the valve 38 (e.g., solenoid 46) to removably secure the valve 38 to the bracket 304. However, alternative attachment structures (e.g., screws, adhesives, etc.) may be used to attach the valve 38 to the bracket 304.

[0091] The bracket 304 may further include one or more guide walls 318 for guiding or leading out of the water lines 40 to or from the water filter 34, the water tank 36, and / or the three-way valve 38. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 304 includes two guide walls 318d, 318e for guiding water lines 40d, 40e that connect the outlets 44d, 44e of the valve 38 to the main ice maker 24 and the dispenser 56, respectively. Each guide wall 318 may have a predetermined curvature corresponding to the radial bend of its associated water line 40. This curvature facilitates the natural shaping of the water line 40 in its installation position to provide strain relief without applying unnecessary force to the water line 40. In this way, the integrity of the outer circumferential surface of the water line 40 is maintained, and the need for replacement of the water line 40 is less likely.

[0092] In some examples, the bracket 304 may further include one or more retention mechanisms 320 for securing the (multiple) water lines 40 to the bracket 304. Each retention mechanism 320 may be, for example, a hook that snaps onto the water line 40 or a loop through which the water line 40 can be fed. The retention mechanism 320 may be integrally formed with the bracket 304 or attached separately to it.

[0093] The mounting system 300 further includes a first housing 330 that can be secured to the liner 16 in a manner that covers the bracket 304 and the water tank 36, thereby enclosing the bracket 304 and the water tank 36 within the compartment 18a. Specifically, the first housing 330 can be secured to the rear wall 306 and / or the top wall 308 of the liner 16 (e.g., using tabs, hooks, fasteners, etc.) and includes a bottom wall 332, a front wall 334 positioned parallel to the rear wall 306 of the liner 16, and at least one side wall 336 perpendicular to the front wall 334. Due to this configuration, the first housing 330 acts as a cover that can be effectively attached to and removed from the liner 16 to provide selective access to the bracket 304 and the water tank 36.

[0094] In some examples, the mounting system 300 may include a thermal insulation member 338 positioned within the first housing 330 adjacent to the water tank 36. Specifically, the thermal insulation member 338 may be positioned between the water tank 36 and the bottom wall 121 of the first housing 330, and includes a bottom surface 340 and a top surface 342, which may be shaped to mate with the bottom wall 332 of the first housing 330 and the peripheral surface of the water tank 36, respectively. In this way, the water tank 36 can be partially embedded in the thermal insulation member 338, which can help ensure that the temperature of the water tank 36 remains fairly consistent over time, and that water does not freeze inside the water tank 36.

[0095] The mounting system 300 may further include a mounting panel 346 for mounting the water filter 34, which can be secured to the top wall 308 of the compartment 18a. The panel 346 can be secured with screws, but other securing methods (e.g., adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, tab / slot configurations, etc.) can also be used. Alternatively, the panel 346 can be integrally formed with the top wall 308 of the compartment 18a during the molding operation of the liner 16.

[0096] Panel 346 includes rods 350 vertically spaced below the lower surface of panel 346 and extending between opposing inner surfaces of panel 346. Rods 350 may extend continuously between opposing inner surfaces of panel 346, or alternatively, an intermediate structure may exist between opposing inner surfaces of panel 346 such that rods 350 are divided into first rods and second rods. Furthermore, rods 350 may be integrally formed with panel 346, or alternatively, may be manufactured separately and subsequently installed within panel 346.

[0097] The water filter 34 may include a pair of arms 352 that can hook around a rod 350 of the panel 346 to mount the water filter 34. This engagement between the arms 352 and the rod 350 defines a pivot point, allowing the water filter 34 to rotate about the rod 350 between an upper position and a lower position. In the upper position, the longitudinal axis of the water filter 34 will be parallel to the top wall 308 of the liner 16. Meanwhile, in the lower position, the longitudinal axis of the water filter 34 will be inclined downwards along the front-rear direction of the device 10. Optionally, the water filter 34 can be biased (e.g., by a spring, not shown) in the upper position, and the user can rotate the water filter 34 to the lower position by applying a downward force (i.e., greater than the biasing force of the spring) to the water filter 34.

[0098] The mounting system 300 may further include a second housing 360, which is pivotally connected to the first housing 330, such that the second housing 360 is also rotatable between an upper and lower position. More specifically, the first housing 330 may include a pair of laterally spaced pivot pins 362 facing each other and positioned on the first housing 330 at one end closest to the right side wall 364 of the liner 16. Meanwhile, the second housing 360 may include a pair of arms that can hook onto the pins 362 to pivotally connect the second housing 360 to the first housing 330.

[0099] The second housing 360 includes a front wall 368, a bottom wall 370, and a side wall 372, which are parallel to the rear wall 306, top wall 308, and side wall 342, respectively, when the second housing 360 is in the upper position. Furthermore, the second housing 360 may include a locking structure that can lock onto an anchor 374 of the panel 346 to hold the second housing 360 in the upper position. To move the second housing 360 to its lower position, a user can move (e.g., pull or push) the second housing 360 slightly laterally (e.g., forward, backward, or to one side) until the locking structure is released from the anchor 374, and the second housing 360 can rotate downward about a pin 362 of the first housing 330.

[0100] When the second housing 360 is in the upper position, it acts as a cover for the water filter 34, enclosing it within the compartment 18a. Additionally, the first housing 330 and the second housing 340 together conceal the support 304 and the valve 38, making them invisible. Meanwhile, when the second housing 360 is in the lower position, the user can access the water filter 34, allowing them to replace, for example, the filter element 376 of the water filter 34.

[0101] The invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments described above. Modifications and variations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this specification. The exemplary embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator device, comprising: The enclosure defines a first compartment and a second compartment; The main ice maker is installed in the first compartment; An auxiliary ice maker, which is removably installed in the second compartment, is used to selectively adjust the ice-making capacity of the device; A dispenser used to dispense water and ice cubes made by the main ice maker; as well as A support frame for removably mounting the auxiliary ice maker in the second compartment of the housing, wherein the support frame is fixed to the wall of the second compartment; The supporting framework includes: A horizontal member extends substantially parallel to the upper wall of the second compartment. A vertical member extending downward from the horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the upper wall, and A first mounting protrusion and a second mounting protrusion extend horizontally from the vertical member and are respectively received in a first opening and a second opening defined in the bracket of the auxiliary ice maker to removably mount the auxiliary ice maker to the support frame. Each of the first mounting protrusion and the second mounting protrusion includes a shaft and an enlarged head, the enlarged head being disposed at one end of the shaft and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft; The first opening is a keyhole that extends in the front-rear direction of the bracket, such that the vertical width of the first opening increases from the front end to the rear end of the first opening, and the second opening is a slot that extends horizontally forward from the rear edge of the bracket.

2. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: The three-way valve has a single inlet and three outlets, which are fluidly connected to the outlets of the main ice maker, the auxiliary ice maker, and the distributor, respectively. The three-way valve is operable to provide selective communication between the single input and each output.

3. The refrigerator device as described in claim 2, wherein, The three-way valve includes three solenoids, each associated with one of the three outputs, and can be operated independently to provide selective communication between the single input and its associated output.

4. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: A water filter and a water storage tank are fluidly connected upstream of the three-way valve to the inlet of the three-way valve. The water filter, the water storage tank, and the three-way valve are all installed in one of the first compartment and the second compartment.

5. The refrigerator device as described in claim 4, wherein, The first compartment is for fresh food, and the water filter, the water tank, and the three-way valve are all installed in the first compartment.

6. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing being installed in the same compartment as the water filter, the water tank and the three-way valve, wherein, The first housing and the second housing together cover the water filter, the water tank, and the three-way valve.

7. The refrigerator device as described in claim 6, wherein, The first housing covers the water tank, the second housing covers the water filter, and the first housing and the second housing together cover the three-way valve.

8. The refrigerator device as described in claim 6, wherein, The second housing is pivotally mounted such that it can pivot between a first position and a second position.

9. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary ice maker includes: bracket, An ice-making mold, movably connected to the bracket, allows the ice-making mold to move between an original position and a receiving position. A drive assembly operable to move the ice-making mold between its original position and a receiving position, and An independent control system includes a controller operatively coupled to and configured to operate the drive assembly to perform an ice-getting operation that moves the ice-making mold between its original position and a getting position.

10. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 9, wherein: The controller is configured to perform a determining operation, which includes a monitoring step of monitoring one or more parameters of the ice maker and a determining step of determining whether the one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step meet the acquisition conditions. The controller is configured to perform the ice acquisition operation if the determining step determines that one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step meet the acquisition condition.

11. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 10, wherein: The auxiliary ice maker includes a detection rod movably coupled to the bracket, allowing the detection rod to move between a retracted position and an extended position, with the detection rod biased toward the extended position. The control system of the auxiliary ice maker includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a predetermined position of the detection lever and provide an output to the controller indicating whether the detection lever is at the predetermined position. The one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step of the defined operation include the output of the sensor assembly.

12. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The acquisition condition for this determination operation requires that the output of the sensor assembly indicate that the detection rod presents the predetermined position during the monitoring step.

13. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 10, wherein: The control system of the auxiliary ice maker includes a temperature sensor connected to the controller and configured to detect temperature. The one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step of the defined operation include the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

14. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The acquisition conditions for this operation require the temperature sensor to detect a temperature equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and then a predetermined amount of time must elapse.

15. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 9, wherein: The control system includes a cable assembly connected to the controller, the cable assembly including control lines for transmitting control signals from the controller to the valves of the device. The controller of the control system is configured to perform a water injection operation, which includes selectively providing the control signal to the control line within a predetermined time period.

16. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 15, wherein: The controller is configured to perform a determining operation in response to the completion of the water injection operation. This determining operation includes a monitoring step of monitoring one or more parameters of the ice maker and a determining step of determining whether the one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step meet acquisition conditions. The controller is configured to perform the ice acquisition operation if the determining step determines that one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step meet the acquisition condition.

17. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The controller is configured to initiate the water injection operation in response to the completion of the ice acquisition operation.

18. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device includes an anchor for securing the support frame to the wall of the second compartment. The anchor and the support frame are arranged on opposite sides of the wall and secured to each other, with the wall between the anchor and the support frame.

19. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 18, wherein: The anchor includes a plate and multiple connectors, which are suspended from the plate and pass through multiple connector openings in the wall into the second compartment. The support frame includes a plurality of tabs received within a channel defined by the plurality of connectors to connect the support frame and the anchor together.

20. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 18, wherein: The anchor includes a water conduit for supplying water to the ice-making molds of the auxiliary ice maker, and The water conduit passes through a water conduit opening in the wall and enters the second compartment, such that the outlet of the water conduit is located directly above the ice mold of the auxiliary ice maker.

21. A refrigerator device, comprising: A housing that defines one or more compartments; The main ice maker is installed in one or more compartments; A dispenser having a water outlet and an ice outlet, the water outlet being used to dispense water and the ice outlet being used to dispense ice cubes made by the main ice maker; An auxiliary ice maker, removably installed in the one or more compartments, the auxiliary ice maker comprising: bracket, An ice-making mold, movably connected to the bracket, allows the ice-making mold to move between an original position and a receiving position. A drive assembly operable to move the ice-making mold between its original position and a receiving position. A detection rod, movably coupled to the bracket such that the detection rod can move between a retracted position and an extended position, the detection rod being biased toward the extended position, and... An independent control system having a controller, a temperature sensor, a sensor assembly, and a cable assembly, the controller being configured to perform one or more operations of the auxiliary ice maker, the temperature sensor communicating with the controller, the sensor assembly being configured to detect a predetermined position of the detection lever and provide the controller with an output indicating whether the detection lever is in the predetermined position, and the cable assembly being electrically connected to the controller; A three-way valve having a single inlet and three outlets, the single inlet being fluidly connected to the inlet of the device, and the three outlets being fluidly connected to the outlets of the main ice maker, the auxiliary ice maker, and the distributor, the three-way valve being operable to provide selective communication between the single inlet and each outlet. The cable assembly of the auxiliary ice maker includes a power line and a control line. The power line is connected to the power input of the device, and the control line is connected to the three-way valve. A support frame for removably mounting the auxiliary ice maker in one of the one or more compartments of the housing, wherein the support frame is fixed to the wall of the one of the one or more compartments; The supporting framework includes: A horizontal member extending substantially parallel to the upper wall of one of the one or more compartments. A vertical member extending downward from the horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the upper wall, and A first mounting protrusion and a second mounting protrusion extend horizontally from the vertical member and are respectively received in a first opening and a second opening defined in the bracket of the auxiliary ice maker to removably mount the auxiliary ice maker to the support frame. Each of the first mounting protrusion and the second mounting protrusion includes a shaft and an enlarged head, the enlarged head being disposed at one end of the shaft and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft; The first opening is a keyhole that extends in the front-rear direction of the bracket, such that the vertical width of the first opening increases from the front end to the rear end of the first opening, and the second opening is a slot that extends horizontally forward from the rear edge of the bracket.

22. The refrigerator device as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The controller for the auxiliary ice maker is configured as follows: Perform a water injection operation, which includes selectively providing control signals to the control line within a predetermined time period. In response to the completion of the water injection operation, a determining operation is performed, which includes a monitoring step of monitoring one or more parameters of the ice maker and a determining step of determining whether the one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step meet the acquisition conditions. If the determining step of the determining operation determines that one or more parameters monitored during the monitoring step meet the acquisition condition, then the acquisition operation is performed, which includes moving the ice mold of the auxiliary ice maker to the acquisition position and then moving the ice mold from the acquisition position to the original position.

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