Ice-making assembly and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An ice making assembly includes a center hub rotatably mounted within a refrigeration compartment. A mold assembly is attached to the center hub and includes an ice mold that is pivotally coupled to a yoke and defines a mold cavity for receiving water. A drive mechanism rotates the center hub by accelerating the center hub until a rotational speed reaches a target speed and periodically reducing the rotational speed of the center hub to a reduced speed before accelerating back to the target speed until an ice piece is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to ice-making components, and more specifically to ice-making components that use centrifugal force to produce transparent ice blanks. Background Technology

[0002] In both domestic and commercial applications, ice is typically formed into solid cubes, such as crescent-shaped cubes or generally rectangular blocks. Specifically, some ice makers include a freezing mold defining multiple cavities that can be filled with liquid water, which can then be frozen within these cavities to form solid ice cubes. Typical solid cubes or blocks can be relatively small to accommodate a variety of uses, such as temporary refrigeration and rapid cooling of liquids in a range of sizes.

[0003] In a typical ice-making appliance, the water in the cavity first freezes and solidifies from its sides and outer surfaces (including the top water surface which may be directly exposed to freezing air), followed by the water occupying the remaining volume of the cavity. In other words, the outer surface of the ice block freezes first. However, impurities and gases contained in the water to be frozen may be trapped in the solidified ice block during the freezing process. For example, impurities and gases may be trapped in the center or near the bottom of the ice block because they cannot escape and due to the phase change from liquid to solid at the surface of the ice block. Separation from or other than the trapped impurities and gases may form a dark or cloudy finish on the outer surface of the ice block (e.g., during rapid freezing). Typically, cloudy or opaque ice blocks are a product of typical ice-making appliances.

[0004] While typical ice cubes are suitable for many uses, such as temporary chilling and rapid cooling of liquids of various sizes, they can have several drawbacks. For example, as ice melts, impurities and gases trapped within it can impart undesirable flavors to the cooled beverage (i.e., the drink on which the ice is placed). These impurities and gases can also cause the ice to melt unevenly or more quickly (e.g., by increasing the exposed surface area of ​​the ice). In some spirits or cocktails, a uniform distribution of ice or slow melting may be particularly desirable. Additionally or alternatively, it has been found that substantially transparent ice cubes (e.g., without any visible impurities or a matte finish) can provide a unique or upscale impression to the user.

[0005] Therefore, further improvements in the field of ice making are expected. In particular, it may be desirable to provide an appliance or method for quickly and reliably producing substantially transparent ice. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, an ice-making assembly is provided, comprising: a cooling chamber; a central seat rotatably mounted within the cooling chamber; a mold assembly mechanically connected to the central seat, the mold assembly defining a mold cavity for receiving water; and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the central seat for selectively rotating the central seat at a rotational speed. A controller is operatively connected to the drive mechanism and is configured to accelerate the central seat until the rotational speed reaches a target speed, and periodically reduce the rotational speed of the central seat to a decreasing speed before accelerating back to the target speed.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a method of operating an ice-making assembly is provided. The ice-making assembly includes: a center seat rotatably mounted within a refrigeration chamber; and a mold assembly mechanically connected to the center seat and defining a mold cavity for receiving water. The method includes the steps of: accelerating the center seat until it reaches a target rotational speed; and periodically reducing the rotational speed of the center seat to a decreasing speed before accelerating back to the target speed.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the invention for those skilled in the art, which enables them to implement the invention, including the preferred embodiments thereof.

[0011] Figure 1 A side view of an ice-making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0012] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided for use with Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a mold assembly used in conjunction with an exemplary ice-making assembly.

[0013] Figure 3 A perspective view of an ice-making assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0014] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided for use with Figure 3 A perspective view of a mold assembly used in conjunction with an exemplary ice-making assembly.

[0015] Figure 5 Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided. Figure 4 A perspective view of an ice mold with exemplary mold components.

[0016] Figure 6 A method for operating an ice-making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0017] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the accompanying drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Referring now to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is given by way of explanation and does not constitute a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desired that the invention cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be included (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language is applied to modify any quantitative representation that may vary without altering its associated essential function. Therefore, values ​​modified by terms such as “about,” “approximate,” and “substantially” are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may refer to a margin of 10%.

[0020] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A side view of an ice-making assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of certain components of an ice-making assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. Typically, the ice-making assembly 100 includes a housing 102 (e.g., an insulated shell) and defines mutually orthogonal vertical, lateral, and transverse (not shown) directions. Lateral and transverse directions can generally be understood as horizontal directions H.

[0021] As shown in the figure, the housing 102 defines one or more refrigeration compartments, such as refrigeration compartment 104. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1In the illustrated implementation, the ice-making assembly 100 is understood to be formed as a standalone ice-making appliance (such as a countertop ice maker) or part thereof. However, it is recognized that additional or optional implementations may be provided in the context of other ice-making or refrigeration appliances. For example, the benefits of this disclosure can be applied to any type or style of refrigeration appliance including a freezer compartment (e.g., top-mounted refrigeration appliance, bottom-mounted refrigeration appliance, side-by-side refrigeration appliance, etc.). Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any electrical configuration in any way.

[0022] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the ice-making assembly 100 may also include a hermetically sealed refrigeration system 110 for performing a vapor compression cycle for cooling water within the ice-making assembly 100 (e.g., within the refrigeration chamber 104). The hermetically sealed refrigeration system 110 includes a compressor 112, a condenser 114, an expansion device 116, and an evaporator 118, all fluidly connected in series and filled with refrigerant. As those skilled in the art will understand, the hermetically sealed refrigeration system 110 may include additional components (e.g., one or more directional flow valves or additional evaporators, compressors, expansion devices, and / or condensers). Furthermore, at least one component (e.g., the evaporator 118) is configured to be thermally connected (e.g., thermally conductively connected) to the ice mold or the refrigeration chamber 104 to cool the ice mold, such as during ice-making operation. Optionally, the evaporator 118 is mounted within the refrigeration chamber 104, such as primarily in… Figure 1 Example in the text.

[0023] Within the hermetically sealed refrigeration system 110, gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 112, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. The compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is then lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 114. Within condenser 114, heat exchange occurs with the surrounding air to cool the refrigerant and cause it to condense into a liquid state.

[0024] An expansion device 116 (e.g., a mechanical valve, capillary tube, electronic expansion valve, or other limiting device) receives liquid refrigerant from the condenser 114. The liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator 118 from the expansion device 116. As the liquid refrigerant leaves the expansion device 116 and enters the evaporator 118, its pressure drops and it evaporates. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, the evaporator 118 is cool relative to the refrigeration chamber 104. This produces cooled water and ice or air, thus refrigerating the ice-making assembly 100 or the refrigeration chamber 104. Therefore, the evaporator 118 acts as a heat exchanger, transferring heat from the water or air thermally connected to the evaporator 118 to the refrigerant flowing through it.

[0025] User interface panel 120 is configured to control operating modes. For example, user interface panel 120 may include multiple user inputs 122, such as a touchscreen or button interface, for selecting the desired operating mode. According to an exemplary embodiment, display 124 indicates the selected feature, countdown timer, and / or other items of interest to the appliance user. User interface panel 120, input selector 122, and display 124 together form a user interface input or control panel for the operator to select appliance cycles and features, and to receive useful information about appliance operation.

[0026] The operation of the ice-making assembly 100 can be regulated by a controller 126, which is operatively coupled to a user interface panel 120 or various other components, as described below. The user interface panel 120 provides the user with options for manipulating the operation of the ice-making assembly 100, such as (e.g., selection of chamber temperature, ice-making speed, or other various options). In response to user operation of the user interface panel 120 or one or more sensor signals, the controller 126 can manipulate the various components of the ice-making assembly 100.

[0027] Controller 126 may include memory (e.g., non-retrievable memory) and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, which can operate to execute programming instructions or microcontroller code associated with the operation of ice-making component 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read-only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be contained on a board including the processor. Alternatively, controller 126 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc., to perform control functions, rather than relying on software).

[0028] The controller 126 can be located at various locations throughout the ice-making assembly 100. In an alternative embodiment, the controller 126 is located within the user interface panel 120. In other embodiments, the controller 126 can be located at any suitable location within the ice-making assembly 100, such as, for example, within the housing 102. Input / output (“I / O”) signals can be transmitted between the controller 126 and various operating components of the ice-making assembly 100. For example, the user interface panel 120 can communicate with the controller 126 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0029] As illustrated, the controller 126 can communicate with various components of the ice-making assembly 100 and control the operation of these components. For example, various valves, switches, etc., can be actuated based on commands from the controller 126. As discussed, the user interface panel 120 can also communicate with the controller 126. Thus, various operations can occur automatically based on user input or with the aid of commands from the controller 126.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 100 includes a door 128 rotatably attached to the housing 102 (e.g., on its top). As will be understood, the door 128 can selectively cover an opening defined by the housing 104 to provide selective access to the refrigeration chamber 104. For example, the door 128 may be in an open position on the housing 102 that allows access to the refrigeration chamber 104. Figure 1 The door 128 can rotate between a closed position (not shown) that restricts access to the refrigeration chamber 104. The door body 128 may be insulated to help maintain the refrigeration chamber 104 at an appropriate low temperature.

[0031] Still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ice-making assembly 100 will be described in more detail below according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In describing the ice-making assembly 100, reference may also be made to... Figures 3 to 5 These figures provide an exemplary implementation of the ice-making assembly 100. It is worth noting that, due to... Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 3 to 5 The similarity between the ice-making components 100 is noted, and the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar features. Furthermore, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0032] As shown, the ice-making assembly 100 includes a center seat 140 rotatably mounted within a refrigeration chamber 104. More specifically, as illustrated in the example figure, the center seat 140 is rotatable about a central axis 142 extending substantially along a vertical V. The ice-making assembly 100 may also include a drive mechanism, such as a drive motor 144, operatively coupled to the center seat 140 to selectively rotate the center seat 140 at a desired rotational speed. Specifically, as shown, the motor 144 may be positioned below the center seat 140 and may be operatively or mechanically connected to the center seat 140 via a drive shaft 146. According to an exemplary embodiment, a controller 126 is operatively in communication with the drive motor 144 to regulate the rotation of the center seat 140 within the ice-making assembly 100.

[0033] As used herein, "motor" may refer to any suitable drive motor and / or transmission assembly used to drive center mount 140. For example, drive motor 144 may be a brushless DC electric motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, drive motor 144 may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of AC motor. Additionally, drive motor 144 may include any suitable motor or transmission subassembly, clutch mechanism, or other components.

[0034] The ice-making assembly 100 also includes a mold assembly 150 mechanically connected to a central seat 140. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the mold assembly 150 includes one or more yokes 152 mounted to the central seat 140 and with a pin or axle 154 attached to its distal end. As shown, the mold assembly 150 also includes one or more ice molds 156 rotatably coupled to the axle 154, allowing them to rotate during operation of the ice-making appliance 100. More specifically, as the central seat 140 rotates, centrifugal force can cause the ice molds 156 to rotate from a vertical direction (e.g., as...). Figure 1 or Figure 3 (As shown by the solid line in the image) Rotate to the horizontal direction (e.g., as shown by the solid line in the image) Figure 1 or Figure 4 (As shown by the dashed line in the image).

[0035] According to the illustrated embodiment, the center seat 140 is a cylindrical structure, with a plurality of yokes 152 attached to the inner surface 158 of the center seat 140. Specifically, the center seat 140 includes or surrounds the mold assembly 150. However, it should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, the center seat 140 can be any other suitable structure that can constrain the ice mold 156 during rotation of the center seat 140. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, the center seat 140 can be an extension of a vertical shaft or drive shaft 146, which is surrounded by the ice mold 156 and a corresponding support arm. According to the illustrated embodiment, the mold assembly 150 includes three yokes 152 spaced circumferentially within the center seat 140. Furthermore, each yoke is designed to rotatably support a single ice mold 156. However, it should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable number and structure of yokes 152 and ice molds 156 can be used.

[0036] Now for specific reference Figure 2 The ice mold 156 will be described in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the ice mold 156 includes cylindrical sidewalls 160 and a bottom wall 162, which join to define a cavity 164. The cavity 164 is typically used to receive and contain water (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 2(Ref. 166 in the accompanying drawings indicates this). A cylindrical sidewall 160, opposite to the bottom wall 162, defines an opening 168 leading to a mold cavity 164. As shown, the ice mold 156 includes a top cover 170 positioned above the opening 168 for selectively closing the mold cavity 164. The top cover 170 can be secured to the cylindrical sidewall 160 in any suitable manner. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the top cover 170 and the cylindrical sidewall 160 define a threaded connection 172. According to an alternative embodiment, the top cover 170 can be secured in any other suitable manner, such as press-fit, snap-fit, or by mechanical fasteners. It should be understood that the top cover 170 may also define one or more vents (not shown) that allow venting during ice making.

[0037] Similarly, Figure 2 As shown, the ice mold 156 may be defined with or include features that promote the directional freezing of water 166 within the mold cavity 164. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical sidewalls 160 and the top cover 170 are covered in an insulating material 174. Additionally, the ice mold 156 may include a bottom wall 162 defined therein or mounted to the bottom wall to facilitate improved heat dissipation from the bottom of the ice mold 156. According to an alternative embodiment, the heat dissipation element 176 may also be defined on the bottom or lower end of the cylindrical sidewall 160.

[0038] Typically, the ice mold 156 and its components can be formed from any suitable material to achieve the desired thermal properties of the ice mold 156 in order to improve the ice-making process. For example, the ice mold 156 is typically made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., a metal such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel, including alloys thereof), while the insulation material 174 is typically formed of an insulation material (e.g., an insulating polymer, such as a synthetic silicone resin for use at sub-freezing temperatures without significant degradation). According to an alternative embodiment, the insulation material 174 can be formed using closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) or any other suitable material.

[0039] It is worth noting that one or more portions of the sealed refrigeration system 110 may be thermally connected to the mold assembly 150. Specifically, the evaporator 118 may be placed on or in contact with a portion of the mold assembly 150 (e.g., conductive contact). Optionally, the evaporator 118 may be used to absorb heat from the refrigeration chamber 104. Thus, the evaporator 118 can selectively absorb heat from the mold cavity 164, as will be further described below. During operation, the water supply system 180 ( Figure 2The water supply system 180 can be positioned above the mold assembly 150 and can selectively distribute water flow 166 into the mold cavities 164. Typically, the water supply system 180 includes at least one nozzle 182 for selectively filling the mold cavities 164. In embodiments where the mold assembly 150 defines a plurality of separate mold cavities 164, the water supply system 180 may include a plurality of nozzles 182 or fluid pumps vertically aligned with the plurality of mold cavities 164. For example, each mold cavity 164 may be vertically aligned with a single nozzle 182.

[0040] As shown, controller 126 can communicate (e.g., electrical communication) with one or more parts of ice-making assembly 100. In some embodiments, controller 126 communicates with water supply system 180, compressor 112, flow control valve or nozzle 182, drive motor 144, user interface panel 120, etc. Controller 126 can be configured to initiate independent ice-making operations, as will be described in more detail below. For example, controller 126 can activate or direct water supply system 180 to provide a flow 166 of water through nozzle 182 and into mold cavity 164 (e.g., through mold opening 168). Controller 126 can also direct hermetically sealed refrigeration system 110 (e.g., at compressor 112)... Figure 1 It pushes the refrigerant through the evaporator 118 and absorbs heat from the mold cavity 164.

[0041] It is worth noting that, according to the exemplary embodiment described above, the heat dissipation element 176 and the heat insulation material 174 work together to facilitate cooling of the water 166 within the mold cavity 164 from bottom to top (e.g., starting from the bottom wall 162). In this way, a portion of the water 166 can freeze progressively from the bottom wall 162 to the opening 168. Additionally, the drive shaft 146 can rotate during operation, thereby causing the center seat 140 to rotate and the ice mold 156 to rotate from a vertical to a horizontal direction. It is worth noting that, as described below, the centrifugal force applied to the water 166 within the ice mold 156 can improve the freezing process, resulting in fewer impurities in the turbidity within the formed ice blank.

[0042] Now that the structure of the ice-making assembly 100 has been described according to exemplary embodiments, an exemplary method 200 for operating the ice-making assembly will be described. Although the following discussion relates to the exemplary method 200 for operating the ice-making assembly 100, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary method 200 is applicable to operating various other ice-making assemblies and / or ice-making methods.

[0043] Now for reference Figure 6Method 200 includes, at step 210, supplying water to the mold cavity of a mold assembly, wherein the mold assembly is pivotally mounted to a central seat within a refrigeration chamber. Continuing the example above, the water supply system 180 may open nozzle 182 to supply water 166 to the mold cavity 164 of the ice mold 156. The sealing system 110 may operate to lower the temperature of the refrigeration chamber 104 to a suitable temperature for freezing the water 166 into ice blanks (not shown). For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the temperature within the refrigeration chamber 104 may be lowered to below approximately 0°F, or any other suitable temperature.

[0044] It is worth noting that while the water 166 is freezing, the controller 126 can operate the drive motor 144 to rotate the center seat 140. More specifically, the drive motor 144 can accelerate the center seat 140 until the rotational speed reaches a target speed, and can periodically reduce the rotational speed of the center seat 140 or reduce the speed before accelerating back to the target speed or another appropriately increased speed. As explained in more detail below, this method of accelerating and periodically decelerating the center seat 140 results in the formation of a transparent ice block with minimal impurities.

[0045] More specifically, step 220 includes accelerating the center seat until the center seat rotates at a target speed. For example, the target speed can be any suitable rotational speed that generates centrifugal force on the water 166, thereby increasing the pressure of the water 166 near the bottom wall 162. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the target speed can be greater than approximately 200 revolutions per minute (RPM), greater than approximately 400 RPM, greater than approximately 600 RPM, or approximately 800 RPM. Alternatively or optionally, the target speed can be less than approximately 3000 RPM, less than approximately 2500 RPM, less than approximately 2000 RPM, less than approximately 1000 RPM, less than approximately 600 RPM, or any other suitable speed.

[0046] Step 230 includes periodically reducing the rotational speed of the center seat to a decreasing speed before accelerating back to the target speed. More specifically, according to an exemplary embodiment, this periodic deceleration may include: (a) accelerating the center seat until the rotational speed reaches the target speed; (b) maintaining the rotational speed of the center seat at the target speed during the rotational time; (c) reducing the rotational speed of the center seat to the decreasing speed during the dwell time; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) until the water in the mold cavity forms an ice block. Although step (c) describes reducing the rotational speed to the decreasing speed during the dwell time, it should be understood that, according to an exemplary embodiment, this may involve two steps: decelerating and maintaining the rotational speed during the dwell time.

[0047] It is worth noting that the reduction rate is typically selected as a rate at which gas or impurities in the water 166 can be expelled, degassed, bubbled, or otherwise made transparent in the frozen portion of the water 166, as will be described in more detail below. According to an exemplary embodiment, the reduction rate can be zero, such that the drive motor 144 is completely shut off during the residence time. According to alternative embodiments, the reduction rate can be zero, greater than zero, etc. For example, the reduction rate can be between approximately 0% and 70% of the target speed, between approximately 5% and 50%, or approximately 20%. According to an exemplary embodiment, the reduction rate can be less than approximately 30%, less than approximately 20%, less than approximately 10%, less than approximately 5%, less than approximately 1%, less than approximately 0.1%, or less than the target speed. Other reduction rates are feasible and within the scope of the invention.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rotation time of the center seat 140 at the target speed can be any suitable duration. For example, the rotation time can be between approximately 1 minute and 20 minutes, between approximately 2 minutes and 7 minutes, between approximately 3 minutes and 5 minutes, or between approximately 4 minutes. Similarly, the residence time can be any suitable duration that promotes degassing or removal of impurities from the water 166 during the freezing process. For example, the residence time can be between approximately 1 second and 5 minutes, between approximately 3 seconds and 45 seconds, between approximately 5 seconds and 30 seconds, or any other suitable duration.

[0049] It should be understood that the ice-making assembly 100 may also include one or more vibration devices 190, for example, to introduce vibration into the mold assembly 150 during rotation time, residence time, or any part of both, to further promote the removal / degassing / effervescence of impurities from the water 166. Furthermore, the mold assembly 150 may include one or more heating elements 192 for selectively heating the ice mold 156 or the water 166 stored therein. For example, heating elements may be provided for controlled heating of the top surface of the water 166 in the ice mold 156 to maintain liquid water and ensure a degassing escape path throughout the ice-making cycle.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, controller 126 can operate drive motor 144 such that the rotation ratio of rotation time to total time falls within a suitable range. In this respect, total time can be equal to rotation time plus dwell time, e.g., or total cycle time. According to an exemplary embodiment, a suitable range for the rotation ratio can be between approximately 0.5 and 0.99, approximately 0.6 and 0.95, approximately 0.7 and 0.85, or approximately 0.8. It should be understood that parameters for the target speed in the deceleration cycle as described herein are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, although center seat 140 is described as returning to the target speed after each deceleration, it should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, the increased speed or target speed can vary while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0051] Figure 6 The steps are described in a specific order for illustrative and discussion purposes. Those skilled in the art will understand, using the inventive content provided herein, that the steps of any method described herein can be adapted, rearranged, extended, omitted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, although ice-making assembly 100 is used as an example to illustrate aspects of method 200, it should be understood that these methods can be applied to the operation of any ice-making assembly or appliance with any other suitable configuration.

[0052] It is worth noting that the ice-making assembly 100 and method 200 described above provide an improved ice-making assembly and process for obtaining ice blanks with improved purity and quality. In this respect, the high-speed rotation of the ice molds during freezing provides several significant benefits in producing transparent ice. Specifically, as described above, multiple stainless steel ice molds can be secured to a rotating mechanism, such as a center seat, via a swing yoke and support system. Each ice mold can include heat dissipation elements fixed to its underside and insulating material surrounding the walls and top. The heat dissipation elements and insulating material force the primary heat transfer through the bottom surface of the ice mold, which allows for directional freezing in water from bottom to top (from the outer diameter towards the center of rotation). This directional freezing allows the frozen top surface to push dissolved air and other impurities into the remaining liquid water, rather than trapping them within the frozen ice shell.

[0053] For example, according to an exemplary ice-making cycle, an ice mold can be filled with filtered water to a controlled depth while the entire ice mold is located within a heated chamber set at an appropriate low temperature (such as 0°F). The center seat is then rotated to a desired speed, such as a maximum speed of 800 RPM. This provides a large centrifugal acceleration (200g at the basket radius) within the center seat and the ice mold; as a result, the weight of the water increases proportionally, and the pressure relative to depth (due to the increased weight) also increases significantly (reaching 3x atmospheric pressure at the bottom of the cup). Since pressure is directly related to water depth, the total height of the water column within the ice mold can be substantial.

[0054] Furthermore, the solubility of air in water is directly proportional to water pressure; thus, solubility can increase as a direct response to the rotation of the central seat. Under typical atmospheric pressure and normal solubility conditions, the freezing of the top can push dissolved air into the remaining liquid water; as this occurs, the solute density increases, and the solution quickly becomes supersaturated, forcing air out of the solution and making the ice turbid. However, the increased solubility can allow more freezing to occur before the solution becomes supersaturated with air.

[0055] Additionally, the speed of the center seat can be routinely reduced to zero or slowed down momentarily every few minutes; these static or slow cycles allow the pressure and solubility of the solution to return to normal atmospheric pressure values, causing the solution to immediately become supersaturated due to the increased solute density. As a result, the solution can release excess dissolved air, similar to the release of carbonic acid after opening a bottle of soda. Thus, the speed of the center seat can be punctuated every few minutes to periodically induce forced bubbling, removing excess air from the solution and continuing to freeze clear ice. Vibrating the mold assembly during any residence speed or residence time can also release dissolved gases from the water, similar to shaking and opening a container of soda. Controlled heating of the top surface of the water in the mold assembly can also be introduced to maintain liquid water, ensuring a degassing escape path throughout the ice-making cycle. High rotational speeds (in addition to the fins of the cavity heat dissipation element) can allow for a very large cooling convection coefficient, meaning that ice can form very rapidly during the rotation cycle. Furthermore, the large centrifugal effect can increase the buoyancy experienced on the typical bubbles in the water, which is likely to force any bubbles to release to the surface much faster than under normal conditions. Finally, the small but continuous agitation vibrations of the center seat during rotation can help release air bubbles that may adhere to the walls of the ice mold.

[0056] This written description discloses the invention using examples (including preferred embodiments) and enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any of the included methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may be conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to fall within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not distinct from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially distinct from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An ice-making component, characterized in that, The ice-making component includes: Refrigeration room; A central seat, which is rotatably mounted inside the refrigeration chamber; A mold assembly mechanically connected to the central seat, the mold assembly defining a mold cavity for receiving water; and A drive mechanism operably connected to the center seat for selectively rotating the center seat; and A controller, operably connected to the drive mechanism, is configured to: Accelerate the center seat until the rotational speed reaches the target speed; and Before accelerating back to the target speed, the rotational speed of the center seat is periodically reduced to a decreasing speed; The step "periodically reducing the rotational speed of the center seat to a reduced speed before accelerating back to the target speed" includes: (a) Accelerate the center seat until the rotational speed reaches the target speed; (b) Maintain the rotational speed of the center seat at the target speed during the rotation time; (c) During the dwell time, reduce the rotational speed of the center seat to the reduction speed; and (d) Repeat steps (a)-(c) until the water in the mold cavity forms an ice blank.

2. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reduction speed is less than 20% of the target speed.

3. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target speed is between 600 rpm and 2000 rpm.

4. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reduction speed is between 0% and 50% of the target speed.

5. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation ratio is between 0.8 and 0.99, whereby the rotation ratio is the ratio of the rotation time to the total time, and the total time is the sum of the rotation time and the dwell time.

6. The ice-making assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotation ratio is between 0.9 and 0.

99.

7. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation time is between 2 and 15 minutes.

8. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dwell time is between 5 seconds and 5 minutes.

9. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold assembly includes: yoke; An ice mold defining the cavity and an opening leading to the cavity, the ice mold being pivotally mounted to the yoke such that the opening faces upward during the filling process and pivots laterally as the center seat rotates.

10. The ice-making assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mold assembly includes: A top cover, disposed above the opening in the ice mold, wherein the top cover is heat-insulated.

11. The ice-making assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mold assembly includes: A vibration device, operatively connected to the ice mold, for selectively vibrating the ice mold.

12. The ice-making assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mold assembly includes: A heating element, thermally connected to the ice mold, is used to selectively heat the ice mold.

13. The ice-making assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ice mold includes cylindrical sidewalls, and wherein an insulating material surrounds the cylindrical sidewalls.

14. The ice-making assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ice mold includes: One or more heat dissipation elements are mounted to the bottom wall of the ice mold to facilitate directional freezing.

15. The ice-making assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ice mold is made of aluminum.

16. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center seat is cylindrical and has an inner surface, on which the mold assembly is mounted.

17. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes an electric motor mounted below the central seat.

18. A method of operating an ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly comprising: A central seat, which is rotatably mounted inside the refrigeration room; The method includes the following steps: and a mold assembly mechanically connected to the center seat and defining a mold cavity for receiving water. Accelerate the center seat until the rotational speed reaches the target speed; and Before accelerating back to the target speed, the rotational speed of the center seat is periodically reduced to a decreasing speed; The step "periodically reducing the rotational speed of the center seat to a reduced speed before accelerating back to the target speed" includes: (a) Accelerate the center seat until the rotational speed reaches the target speed; (b) Maintain the rotational speed of the center seat at the target speed during the rotation time; (c) During the dwell time, reduce the rotational speed of the center seat to the reduction speed; and (d) Repeat steps (a)-(c) until the water in the mold cavity forms an ice blank.

Images