Ice maker filter assembly

Abstract

A filter assembly (300) for an ice making machine (100) includes a linear filter element (302) having a plurality of baffles (324, 325, 326, 327, 328) disposed within an interior chamber (330) to form a plurality of subchambers (332, 334, 336, 340, 342) and create a non-linear path for water to flow through the filter element (302). Filter media (400, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410) disposed in subchambers (332, 334, 336, 340, 342) of a filter cartridge (302) is configured to remove dissolved solids from water traveling through the filter cartridge (302) and is used by an ice maker (100) to produce ice.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a deionization filter for an ice making machine, including a clear ice making machine. Background Art

[0002] Appliances that produce ice offer convenience in both commercial and residential applications. Ice can be used for liquid refreshments as well as for food preparation and storage. Having an appliance that can supply water to make and store ice ensures that ice is readily available when needed, eliminating the need to transport and store ice. An ice maker can be a standalone appliance or incorporated into another appliance, such as a refrigerator, that includes a freezer compartment and / or an additional compartment dedicated to ice making.

[0003] "Clear ice" may be highly desirable to some consumers, particularly for liquid refreshments. As used herein, "clear ice" refers to ice formed by an appliance through a process that reduces or eliminates air bubbles, particles, and dissolved solids in the ice, making it more transparent or clear to the passage of light than ice formed by traditional or conventional processes. For example, ice can be formed by freezing water poured into a container. The air and any particles and dissolved solids trapped in the resulting ice will increase the opacity of the ice. In contrast, the manufacture of clear ice can include filtering water to remove particles and dissolved solids, and then freezing the water in a manner that avoids entraining air in the ice as it forms. The resulting ice can be clearer or more transparent than ice manufactured without these steps, and can also melt more slowly. For at least these reasons, some consumers desire appliances that can provide such clear ice.

[0004] Making ice, especially clear ice, can consume large quantities of water. For example, an ice machine circulates water through an evaporator to cool it down and turn it into ice. As ice forms and is removed, dissolved solids accumulate in the water with each cycle. To prevent solids from settling and depositing on the evaporator, the water is drained from the appliance and replaced with fresh water with a lower concentration of dissolved solids. This process is repeated over and over, resulting in large quantities of water being consumed without being converted into ice.

[0005] To reduce the amount of dissolved solids, water can be filtered. However, particulate filters cannot remove dissolved solids. Furthermore, conventional filters can consume valuable space, which could be better used to store ice and / or other components of the ice maker. Available space limitations can be particularly severe for stand-alone ice makers designed to fit conveniently in cabinets and / or small spaces under countertops. Such appliances are already more compact than, for example, refrigerators, and adding filters may be impractical due to space constraints.

[0006] Therefore, a device for filtering water used in ice making is desirable. More specifically, a device for filtering water and removing dissolved solids in an appliance that makes clear ice would be particularly useful. Such a device would also be particularly useful for providing a desired filtration rate while reducing the space consumed by the filter within the appliance. An ice maker incorporating such a device would also be useful. An appliance that could reduce or eliminate water usage during ice making would be particularly desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a filter assembly for an ice maker. The filter assembly may include a filter cartridge defining an interior chamber, the filter cartridge having a pair of generally parallel main walls separated by the interior chamber and connected by a first pair of end walls and a second pair of side walls. A fluid inlet is coupled to the filter cartridge and provides for the inflow of water into the interior chamber. A fluid outlet is coupled to the filter cartridge and provides for the outflow of filtered water from the interior chamber.

[0009] A plurality of baffles may be disposed within the interior chamber, extending between the parallel main walls to form a plurality of subchambers, each baffle defining a closed end and an open end, the baffles being spaced apart along a direction between the end walls to form a first group and a second group, wherein the closed end in the first group is connected to one side wall and the closed end in the second group is connected to the other side wall. The baffles may define a non-linear path for water to flow through the filter element between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Filter media may be disposed in the subchambers of the filter element. The filter media may be configured to remove dissolved solids from water traveling through the filter element.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an ice maker comprising a housing defining an interior. A door is supported by the housing and is configured to allow selective access to the interior. An ice storage bin may be located within the interior of the housing and configured to collect ice produced by the ice maker. A cooling system is provided for converting water from a liquid into ice. A filter assembly is provided for removing dissolved solids from the water. The filter assembly may include a filter element having a linear shape and defining an interior chamber, the filter element having a pair of generally parallel main walls separated by the interior chamber and connected by a first pair of end walls and a second pair of side walls. A fluid inlet is connected to the filter element and provides an inflow of fluid into the interior chamber. A fluid outlet is connected to the filter element and provides an outflow of fluid from the interior chamber.

[0011] A plurality of baffles may be disposed within the interior chamber and extend between the parallel main walls to form a plurality of sub-chambers. The baffles are configured to form a serpentine path for water to flow through the filter element between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Filter media is disposed in the sub-chambers of the filter element. The filter media is configured to remove dissolved solids from water traveling through the filter element.

[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the present invention for those skilled in the art, such disclosure enabling those skilled in the art to implement the present invention, including the best embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary embodiment of the ice maker of the present invention mounted in a cabinet is provided.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another front view of an exemplary embodiment of an ice maker is shown with the door shown in an open position to expose the interior of the appliance.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an example that can be found in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an exemplary ice making system for use in an ice making machine.

[0017] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an exemplary filter assembly of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 is available for Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary filter element in an exemplary assembly.

[0019] Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 For illustration purposes, Figure 6 The filter medium is not shown and is Figure 6 and Figure 7 The top wall has been removed.

[0020] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the exemplary filter element of the previous figure with the sidewalls removed for illustrative purposes and the filter media not shown.

[0021] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary filter assembly of the previous figure.

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A perspective, partially cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of FIG.

[0024] Unless otherwise stated, same or similar reference numerals are used to denote same or similar features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided in an illustrative manner and does not limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers these modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front view of an exemplary embodiment of an ice making machine 100 of the present invention is provided. Figure 1 As shown, the ice maker 100 is mounted in a cabinet 110 below a countertop 112, as might be found in a residential or commercial application. For this exemplary embodiment, the ice maker 100 will be described as having a deionizing filter assembly 300 for making clear ice. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the present invention can provide water filtration for an ice maker in another appliance that stores food, such as a refrigerator, and can also be used to make regular ice as well as clear ice.

[0027] The ice maker 100 includes a housing 104 defining an interior 126 in which ice 130 is produced and stored in an ice bank 120 for easy access by a user. The ice bank 120 may include a hinged front door for easy access to the ice 130. The housing 104 extends along a vertical direction V between a top 106 and a bottom 108, and along a lateral direction L between a left side 105 and a right side 107, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown. Transverse T (for example Figure 4 ) is orthogonal to both the vertical direction V and the lateral direction L, and these three together define an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0028] Ice maker 100 includes a front door 102 that can be supported by cabinet 104 and configured to allow a user to open door 102 and selectively access interior 126 while also insulating interior 126 when closed to conserve energy. In this embodiment, door 102 is pivotally supported on hinges 116 and 118. Other configurations and shapes for cabinet 104 and door 102 may also be used.

[0029] Control Panel 128( Figure 2 ) is included in the top 106 of the ice maker 100. The control panel 128 may include a control dial, buttons, or other features whereby a user may select various options for operating the ice maker 100. The filter assembly 300 is also conveniently located in the top 106, adjacent to the control panel 128, and will be further described herein. The assembly 300 includes a handle 352 that allows a user to conveniently access and replace the filter cartridge 302 and / or filter media ( Figure 4 Other locations and orientations of the filter assembly 300 may also be used. The mechanical compartment 122 is located in the bottom 108 of the ice making machine 100, behind the grille 124.

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an exemplary transparent ice making system 200 for producing ice that can be used with the ice making machine 100 is provided. The operation of the exemplary ice making system 200 will now be described. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other ice making systems can be used within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.

[0031] Water is provided to the ice making system 200 from a water source 204 external to the ice making machine 100, and may be, for example, a municipal or well water source associated with the commercial or residential application in which the ice making machine 100 is installed. The water may be delivered to a storage container 206 located within the ice making machine 100, from which the main pump 202 draws the water and supplies it to the filter assembly 300. The pressure of the water supplied from the main pump 202 to the filter assembly 300 may be relatively low. For example, while the pressure of the external water source may range from 35 pounds per square inch (psi) to 120 psi, the non-zero pressure of the water provided by the main pump 202 at the filter assembly 300 may be 10 psi or less, 5 psi or less, or within the range x, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 10 psi. This may provide advantages in the design of the filter assembly 300, as will be described further.

[0032] The contents of the water from source 204 may vary significantly, depending on geographic location, the amount and type of treatment that source 204 has undergone prior to use in ice making machine 100, and other variables. For example, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, and other properties may vary significantly. In the production of clear ice as previously described, dissolved solids present in source 204 may be detrimental to producing clear ice having the desired clarity or transparency. Such dissolved solids may be present even if the water provided from source 204 to storage container 206 has been previously filtered or otherwise treated. Thus, filter assembly 300 provides for reducing and / or removing dissolved solids from water provided by source 204. As used herein, the term "water" includes potable water, which may not be pure H2O, but may include other potable substances, including particulates and dissolved solids.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 3 , after filtering to remove, for example, dissolved solids, the filtered water is cooled to the freezing temperature of water (0°C or 32°F) or below using an evaporator 208 via a refrigeration or cooling system 218. By way of example, the refrigeration system 218 can be a sealed system that includes components for performing a known vapor compression cycle to provide cooling in the ice maker 100. The components can include an evaporator 208, an expansion device 210, a compressor 212, and a condenser 214, all of which are connected in a circuit filled with a refrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, such a sealed system 218 can include other components, for example, at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and / or condenser. Thus, the cooling or refrigeration system 218 is provided by way of example only. Other configurations using a refrigeration or cooling system are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Within cooling system 218, refrigerant flows into compressor 212, which operates to increase the refrigerant's pressure. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is then lowered by passing the refrigerant through condenser 214. Within condenser 214, heat exchange with the surrounding air occurs, cooling the refrigerant. A fan may operate to move air through grille 124 and across condenser 214, providing forced convection for faster and more efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within condenser 214 and the surrounding air. An expansion device (e.g., a valve, capillary tube, or other restrictive device) receives the refrigerant from condenser 214. From the expansion device, the refrigerant enters evaporator 208. Upon exiting the expansion device and entering evaporator 208, the refrigerant's pressure decreases. Due to the refrigerant's pressure drop and / or phase change, evaporator 208 becomes cooler, for example, relative to ambient air and / or liquid water. Evaporator 208 is placed in thermal contact with water from filter assembly 300. For example, the water may be sprayed onto evaporator 208 or caused to flow through it. The water is cooled and undergoes a phase change to become ice 130 , which is stored in the ice bank 120 .

[0035] Within the ice storage bin 120, the clear ice 130 may melt, and the resulting water / condensate is collected by the secondary pump 216 and returned to the water storage container 206. From there, the water / condensate may be mixed with water from the water source 204, and the just-described cycle repeated to produce clear ice. One exemplary advantage of the filter cartridge system 300 of the present invention is that it allows for a significant reduction or removal of dissolved solids in the water source 204. Due to this high efficiency, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ice making system 200 is a drainless ice making system.

[0036] As used herein, a "drainless ice making system" means that water is not drained from the system 200. In prior known systems, a certain amount of water sent to the system 200 from the water source 204 will be drained to the waste line rather than consumed as ice. This is necessary to prevent dissolved solids from settling on, for example, the evaporator 208. The water will drain so that additional water can be added to not only replace the water removed by ice consumption, but also to dilute the water in the appliance and prevent dissolved solids from settling, particularly on the evaporator 208. As described above, in a system such as Figure 3 In one exemplary embodiment shown, ice making system 200 is drainless because no water removal is necessary due to the level of filtration of dissolved solids provided by filter assembly 300. Ice making system 200 is provided by way of example only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention, other ice making systems may be used with filter assembly 300 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of a filter assembly 300 is illustrated wherein, for illustrative purposes, a filter cartridge 302 is removed from a filter manifold 304. The filter manifold 304 defines a slot 306 for inserting (arrow I) and removing (arrow R) the filter cartridge 302 therefrom. As can be seen, with this exemplary embodiment, a user can easily replace the filter cartridge 302 by accessing the interior 126 of the housing 104 and pulling out the filter cartridge 302 using the handle 352. A new filter cartridge 302 can be similarly inserted. During insertion and removal, the filter cartridge 302 can slide back and forth in a transverse direction T along a pair of opposing guides 384, 386 that are spaced apart from each other along a lateral direction L.

[0038] The filter manifold 304 includes a latch mechanism 344 for releasably securing the filter cartridge 302 within the filter manifold 304. The latch mechanism 344 includes a resilient latch arm 346, which is supported on a top wall 361 of the manifold 304 and extends away from the manifold 304 as shown. The latch arm 346 includes a stop 348 that extends orthogonally from the latch arm 346 and is configured to selectively block removal of the filter cartridge 302 from the filter manifold 304. A user can lift the latch arm 346 to provide convenient removal and replacement of the filter cartridge 302 when desired.

[0039] Now refer to Figures 4 to 9 , the filter element 302 is linear and defines an internal chamber 330, which is divided into a plurality of sub-chambers 332, 334, 336, 340 and 342 ( Figure 6 ), filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408 and 410 ( Figure 7 ) are placed into these sub-chambers respectively. As shown in the figure, the sub-chambers are also linear. For this exemplary embodiment, the filter element 302 includes a pair of generally parallel and opposing main walls 312 and 314, and the pair of main walls 312 and 314 are separated from each other along the vertical V by the chamber 330. As used herein, "generally parallel" means forming an angle of 2 degrees or less with each other. The main walls 312 and 314 are connected by i) a first pair of opposing end walls 320 and 322 separated by the chamber 330 along the lateral direction L and ii) a second pair of opposing side walls 316 and 318 separated by the chamber 330 along the transverse direction T. The side wall 316 includes a handle 352. In an exemplary embodiment, the unfiltered water UW ( Figure 6 ) allows for a rectilinear shape. This shape, in turn, allows for more efficient filtration (compared to cylindrical filters required for higher pressures) because it provides increased contact between the water and the filter media in a more compact space.

[0040] The filter assembly 300 includes a fluid inlet 308 connected to the filter element 302 and a fluid outlet 310 also connected to the filter element. Figure 6 As shown, the fluid inlet 308 provides a connection for unfiltered water (arrow UW) to flow into the internal chamber 330, and the fluid outlet 310 provides a connection for filtered water (arrow FW) to flow out of the internal chamber 330. The fluid inlet 308 and the fluid outlet 310 are each provided with O-ring seals 396 and 398 ( Figure 5 ). Other types of seals may also be used.

[0041] On the rear wall 390 ( Figure 9 ), the filter manifold 304 includes a fluid inlet receptacle 380 and also includes a similar fluid outlet receptacle 382 ( Figure 4 ).like Figure 9 As shown in the example of FIG, when the filter cartridge 302 is inserted into the filter manifold 304 and sealed by the O-ring 396, the fluid inlet socket 380 releasably receives the fluid inlet 308 into the socket 380. Similarly, when the filter cartridge 302 is inserted into the filter manifold 304 and sealed by the O-ring 398, the fluid outlet socket 382 releasably receives the fluid outlet 310 into the socket 382. Other types of connections may also be used within the scope of the present invention. The fluid inlet socket 380 and the fluid outlet socket 382 may be connected to the water inlet pipe 392 and the water outlet pipe 394 ( Figure 3 )connect.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a plurality of baffles 324, 325, 326, 327, and 328 are disposed within the interior chamber 300 and divide it into subchambers 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, and 342. Each baffle is orthogonal to and extends between the main walls 312 and 314. For this embodiment, the baffles are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the side walls 316 and 318. With respect to water passing through the filter element 302, each baffle defines a closed end B that prevents fluid from passing therethrough and an open end D that allows fluid to pass therethrough. The arrangement of the baffles, including the closed and open ends, creates a non-linear, more particularly serpentine, path for fluid (arrow F) to pass through the chamber 330 between the fluid inlet 308 and the fluid outlet 310.

[0043] Specifically, the separators include a first set of separators 324, 326, and 328, each of which has a closed end B connected to the side wall 318 of the filter element 302. The other end D of each of the separators in the first set of separators 324, 326, and 328 is not connected to the side wall 316. Instead, there is a small gap between the open end D and the side wall 316, and the porous media portions 412, 414, and 416 are disposed in the gap. For example, the porous media portion can be composed of a non-woven fiber mat that allows water (arrow F) to pass between adjacent subchambers while preventing the filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 disposed in the subchambers 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, and 342, respectively, from passing through or moving ( Figure 7 ). Thus, water can flow around the open ends D of the partitions 324, 326, and 328, but is prevented from flowing around the closed ends B. Other types of porous media sections may also be used.

[0044] The partitions include a second set of partitions 325 and 327 having a closed end B connected to the sidewall 316 of the filter cartridge 302. The other end D of each of the partitions 325 and 327 is connected to the sidewall 318. The second ends D of the partitions 325 and 327 include openings 418 and 420 defined by the partitions 325 and 327, respectively, through which water can flow between adjacent subchambers while restricting the movement of filter media between adjacent subchambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the partitions 325 and 327 can also be removed from the filter cartridge 302, and the partitions 324, 326, and 328 can be integrally formed with the filter cartridge 302. Different numbers of partitions and subchambers can be used in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the filter medium contained in the filter element 302 includes one or more deionized water resins that remove dissolved solids from the water when water flows through the filter element 302 between the fluid inlet 308 and the fluid outlet 310 (arrow F) so that transparent ice can be produced. The filter medium can be composed of both anionic and cationic resins in the form of beads. For example, filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 can alternate between cationic and anionic resins along the lateral L. Alternatively, each such medium can include a mixed bed medium of both cationic and anionic resins. By way of example, the resin can be composed of polymer beads that remove various mineral ions from the water when water flows through the filter element 302. Other filter media for removing dissolved solids, particulates, and / or other contaminants can also be used.

[0046] As described above, the linear shape and compartmentalized configuration of the filter element 302 desirably provides for efficient filtration of, for example, dissolved solids, while also providing a filter that can easily fit within the limited space of the ice maker 100. Additionally, the filter assembly 300 can be conveniently positioned so that, when, for example, the filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 are consumed or exhausted, the user can easily remove and replace the filter element 302 and / or the filter media as needed. Figure 2 1 and 2. Although the orientation of the main walls 314 and 314 is shown as being horizontally oriented, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other orientations and positions within the ice making machine 100 may be used within the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims.

[0047] In addition, the present invention includes other embodiments, examples of which are shown in Figure 10 For this exemplary embodiment, the filter assembly does not include manifold 304. Instead, fluid inlets 308 and 310 are connected directly to water conduits 392 and 394. For this embodiment, side wall 316 is configured as a door with a handle 352 for removing wall 316 from the front of filter cartridge 302 (compare Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). The side wall 316 and the front surface 372 of the filter element 302 ( Figure 11 ) to prevent water leakage. The user can remove the wall 316 and reposition the filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408 and 410 individually in the sub-chambers 332, 334, 336, 338, 340 and 342, as shown by arrow M for filter media 400. The internal structure and flow of water through the filter element 302 are similar to those of the reference Figures 4 to 8 One or more latching mechanisms 344, 354, 364 and 374 may also be used having latching arms 346, 356, 366 and 376 equipped with stops 348, 358, 368 and 378 that operate as previously described.

[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any method included). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A filter assembly for an ice maker, characterized in that: The filter assembly comprises: a filter element defining an interior chamber, the filter element having a pair of parallel major walls separated by the interior chamber and connected by a first pair of end walls and a second pair of side walls; a fluid inlet connected to the filter element and providing an inflow of water into the internal chamber; a fluid outlet connected to the filter element and providing outflow of water from the internal chamber; a plurality of baffles disposed within the interior chamber and extending between the parallel main walls to form a plurality of sub-chambers, each baffle defining a closed end and an open end, the baffles being spaced apart along a direction between the end walls to form a first group and a second group, wherein in the first group, the closed end is connected to one of the side walls, and in the second group, the closed end is connected to the other side wall, and wherein the baffles define a non-linear path for water to flow through the filter element between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and a filter medium disposed in the subchamber of the filter element, the filter medium being configured to remove dissolved solids from water traveling through the filter element; Also included is a filter manifold defining a slot for removably inserting the filter cartridge.

2. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: The filter manifold also includes a latch mechanism for releasably securing the filter cartridge within the filter manifold.

3. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 2, wherein: The latch mechanism includes a resilient latch arm supported on a wall of the filter manifold and extending away from the filter manifold, the resilient latch arm including a stopper extending orthogonally from the resilient latch arm and configured to selectively block removal of the filter element from the filter manifold.

4. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 2, wherein: The latch mechanism includes a pair of resilient latch arms, each resilient latch arm being supported on one of the main walls and extending away from the filter manifold, each resilient latch arm including a stopper extending orthogonally from the resilient latch arm and configured to selectively block removal of the filter element from the filter manifold.

5. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a filter manifold, the filter manifold defining: a slot for detachably inserting the filter element; a fluid inlet receptacle for releasably receiving the fluid inlet of the filter cartridge; and A fluid outlet receptacle is configured to releasably receive the fluid outlet of the filter cartridge.

6. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 5, wherein: The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the filter element each include an O-ring seal, the seal being adapted to cooperate with the fluid inlet socket and the fluid outlet socket, respectively, to prevent water leakage.

7. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a plurality of porous media portions, each porous media portion being disposed at one of the open ends of the first set of separators to allow water to flow through the subchambers of the filter element along the non-linear path while separating the filter media between adjacent subchambers; the porous media portion comprising a non-woven fiber mat.

8. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: The first set of baffles is connected to only one of the side walls, and the second set of baffles is connected to both of the side walls; each baffle of the second set of baffles defines at least one hole therein for water flow.

9. The filter assembly for an ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: The filter media includes cationic and anionic resins that remove dissolved solids from the water.

10. An ice making machine, characterized in that: This ice maker includes: The box defines the interior; a door supported by the housing and configured to allow selective access to the interior; an ice storage box located within the interior of the box body and configured to collect ice produced by the ice maker; cooling systems to convert water from liquid to ice; A filter assembly for removing dissolved solids from water, the filter assembly comprising: a filter element having a rectilinear shape and defining an interior chamber, the filter element having a pair of parallel major walls separated by the interior chamber and connected by a first pair of end walls and a second pair of side walls; a fluid inlet connected to the filter element and providing an inflow of water into the internal chamber; a fluid outlet connected to the filter element and providing outflow of water from the internal chamber; a plurality of baffles disposed within the interior chamber and extending between the parallel main walls to form a plurality of sub-chambers, the baffles being configured to form a serpentine path for water to flow through the filter element between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and a filter medium disposed in a subchamber of the filter element, the filter medium being configured to remove dissolved solids from water traveling through the filter element; Also included is a filter manifold defining a slot for removably inserting the filter cartridge.

11. The ice making machine according to claim 10, wherein: The filter manifold also includes a latch mechanism for releasably securing the filter element within the filter manifold; the latch mechanism includes a resilient latch arm supported on one of the main walls and extending away from the filter manifold, the resilient latch arm including a stop member extending orthogonally from the resilient latch arm and configured to selectively block removal of the filter element from the filter manifold.

12. The ice making machine according to claim 11, wherein The latch mechanism includes a pair of resilient latch arms, each of which is supported on one of the main walls and extends away from the filter manifold, and each of the resilient latch arms includes a stopper extending orthogonally from the resilient latch arm and configured to selectively block removal of the filter element from the filter manifold.

13. The ice making machine according to claim 12, wherein: The filter manifold further comprises: a fluid inlet receptacle for releasably receiving the fluid inlet of the filter cartridge; and a fluid outlet receptacle for releasably receiving the fluid outlet of the filter cartridge; The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the filter element each include an O-ring seal, the seal being adapted to cooperate with the fluid inlet socket and the fluid outlet socket, respectively, to prevent water leakage.

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