Refrigerator having air-cooled ice-making assembly

Abstract

A refrigeration appliance can include a cabinet, a liner, a thermodynamic assembly, an air duct, a heat pipe, a conductive ice mold, and a water dispenser. The liner can define an ice bin (IB) chamber, and the air duct can be disposed within the IB chamber. The air duct can define a duct path between a duct inlet and a duct outlet downstream of the duct inlet. The heat pipe can be mounted to the air duct and extend from the air duct to outside of the duct path. The conductive ice mold can be mounted to the heat pipe within the IB chamber. The conductive ice mold can define a mold cavity outside of the air duct. The water dispenser can be disposed below the conductive ice mold to direct an ice-making jet of water to the mold cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more specifically to refrigeration appliances having a transparent ice-making component. 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. The shape of these cubes is usually determined by the container holding the water during the freezing process. For example, an ice maker can receive liquid water, which can then be frozen within the maker to form ice cubes. In particular, some ice makers include a freezing mold defining multiple cavities. These cavities can be filled with liquid water, which remains stationary within the cavities and can be frozen within the cavities to form solid ice cubes. Typical solid cubes or blocks can be relatively small to accommodate a wide range of applications, such as temporary refrigeration and rapid cooling of liquids in a wide size range.

[0003] While typical solid cubes or blocks can be useful in a variety of situations, they have certain drawbacks. For example, such typical cubes or blocks are quite cloudy due to impurities found in the freezing mold or water. Therefore, some consumers consider clear ice superior to cloudy ice. In the process of forming clear ice, dissolved solids typically found in water (such as tap water) are separated, and essentially pure water is frozen to form clear ice. Because the water in clear ice is purer than the water found in typical cloudy ice, clear ice is less likely to affect the taste of the beverage.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally, typical cubes or blocks may have a size or shape that is not desirable under certain conditions. There are certain conditions under which different or unique ice shapes may be desired. Specifically, relatively large or round ice blocks or gems (e.g., about two inches in diameter) will melt more slowly than typical ice sizes / shapes. In certain drinks or cocktails, slow melting of ice may be particularly desirable. Moreover, such blocks or gems can provide the user with a unique or upscale impression.

[0005] In recent years, ice-making appliances have been developed to form relatively large ice blanks in a way that avoids trapping impurities and gases within the ice blank. These appliances also use precise temperature control to avoid a dull or cloudy finish that may form on the outer surface of the ice blank (e.g., during rapid freezing of the ice). However, such systems are typically very large and cannot be incorporated into commercial refrigeration appliances. In particular, the inefficiency and mass of these specialized appliances make them unsuitable for use in appliances that also store food (e.g., in food preservation or freezing compartments). Moreover, installing an ice maker in the same chamber as one or more food items risks developing undesirable flavors or requiring the ice to be subjected to temperatures more suitable for food storage.

[0006] Therefore, further improvements in the field of ice-making and refrigeration appliances are expected. In particular, it may be desirable to provide a refrigeration appliance capable of reliably and efficiently producing substantially transparent ice blanks (e.g., outside a chamber used for food storage). Summary of the Invention

[0007] 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.

[0008] In one exemplary aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance may include a housing, a liner, a thermodynamic assembly, an air duct, a heat pipe, a conductive ice mold, and a water distributor. The liner may be attached to the housing. The liner may define an ice box (IB) chamber. The thermodynamic assembly may be mounted in the housing outside the IB chamber. The thermodynamic assembly may include a cold air supply duct and a cold air return duct. The air duct may be arranged within the IB chamber. The air duct may define a duct path between a duct inlet and a duct outlet downstream of the duct inlet. The cold air supply duct and the cold air return duct may be in fluid communication with the air duct to circulate air along the duct path. The heat pipe may be mounted to the air duct and extend from the air duct to the outside of the duct path to conduct heat to the duct path. The conductive ice mold may be mounted to the heat pipe within the IB chamber to conduct heat to the heat pipe. The conductive ice mold may define a cavity outside the air duct. The water distributor may be disposed below the conductive ice mold to direct an ice-making jet of water into the cavity.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance may include a housing, a door, a liner, a thermodynamic assembly, an air duct, a heat pipe, a conductive ice mold, and a water distributor. The door may be rotatably attached to the housing. The liner may be mounted to the door to rotate therewith. The liner may define an ice box (IB) chamber. The thermodynamic assembly may be mounted inside the housing outside the IB chamber. The thermodynamic assembly may include a cold air supply duct and a cold air return duct. The air duct may be disposed inside the IB chamber. The air duct may define a duct path between a duct inlet and a duct outlet downstream of the duct inlet. The cold air supply duct and the cold air return duct may be in fluid communication with the air duct to circulate air along the duct path. The heat pipe may be mounted to the air duct and extend from the air duct to the outside of the duct path to conduct heat to the duct path. The conductive ice mold may be mounted to the heat pipe inside the IB chamber to conduct heat to the heat pipe. The conductive ice mold may define a cavity outside the air duct. The water distributor may be disposed below the conductive ice mold to direct an ice-making jet of water into the cavity.

[0010] 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

[0011] 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.

[0012] Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0013] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance, in which the refrigerator door is shown in the open position.

[0014] Figure 3 Provided Figure 1 A schematic diagram of various components of an exemplary refrigeration appliance.

[0015] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an ice-making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0016] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an ice-making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0017] Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of an ice mold according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0018] Figure 7 A perspective view of a water distribution assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0019] Figure 8 A perspective view of an ice-making unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0020] Figure 9 Provided Figure 7 An elevation view of an exemplary water distribution component.

[0021] 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

[0022] 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. 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.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. 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”). Furthermore, scope limitations may be combined or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims. Such scopes are identified and include all subscopes contained herein unless the context or language otherwise indicates. For example, all scopes disclosed herein include endpoints, and endpoints may be independently combined with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context expressly specifies otherwise.

[0024] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language can be applied to modify any quantitative representation that allows for variation without altering its associated essential function. Therefore, values ​​modified by terms such as “generally,” “approximately,” “approximately,” and “roughly” 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, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a value within a 10% margin (i.e., including values ​​within ten percent larger or smaller than the stated value). In this respect, for example, when used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include angles within ten degrees larger or smaller than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes angles of up to ten degrees with respect to the vertical V in any direction such as clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0025] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Furthermore, references to "implementation" or "one implementation" do not necessarily refer to the same implementation, but may include the same implementation. Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" or "implementation" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, each example is given in an interpretative manner and does not constitute a limitation on the invention. 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. For example, features shown or described as part of one implementation can be used in another implementation, resulting in yet another implementation. Therefore, it is desired that the invention cover these modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] In some aspects of the invention, a refrigeration appliance is provided that includes a removable ice cream unit. Typically, the ice cream unit can be selectively installed or removed by the user. For example, an ice dispenser unit inside the refrigerator door can be replaced with the ice cream unit as needed. The motor driving the ice dispenser unit can be used to drive the ice cream unit, thereby advantageously reducing the complexity of installation and the number of different parts to be replaced.

[0027] Turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a refrigerator 100 is shown. The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends vertically V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, laterally L between a first side 108 and a second side 110, and transversely T between a front side 112 and a rear side 114. Each of the vertical V, lateral L, and transverse T is perpendicular to each other.

[0028] The housing 102 defines a refrigeration compartment for receiving and storing food. Specifically, the housing 102 defines a food preservation compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent to the top 104 of the housing 102 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent to the bottom 106 of the housing 102. Thus, the refrigeration appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator. However, it is recognized that the benefits of the invention apply to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as top-mounted or side-by-side refrigerators. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration compartment configuration in any way.

[0029] According to the exemplified implementation, as those skilled in the art will understand, various storage components are installed within the food preservation compartment 122 to facilitate the storage of food therein. Specifically, the storage components include a box 170, a drawer 172, and a shelf 174 installed within the food preservation compartment 122. The box 170, drawer 172, and shelf 174 are configured to receive food (e.g., beverages or solid foods) and can help organize such food. As an example, drawer 172 can receive fresh food (e.g., vegetables, fruits, or cheese) and increase the shelf life of such fresh food.

[0030] The refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the housing 102 for selective access to the food preservation compartment 122. Additionally, a freezer door 130 is arranged below the refrigerator door 128 for selective access to the freezer compartment 124. The freezer door 130 is connected to a freezer drawer (not shown) that is slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 124. The refrigerator door 128 and the freezer door 130 are located at... Figure 1 The text is shown as being in a closed configuration.

[0031] The refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a delivery assembly 140 for conveying or dispensing liquid water or ice. The delivery assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 disposed on or mounted to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100, for example, on one of the refrigerator door bodies 128. The dispenser 142 includes a dispenser outlet 144 for receiving ice and liquid water. An actuation mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below the dispenser outlet 144 to operate the dispenser 142. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, any suitable actuation mechanism can be used to operate the dispenser 142. For example, the dispenser 142 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle. A control panel 148 is provided to control operating modes. For example, the control panel 148 includes multiple user inputs (unlabeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, for selecting a desired operating mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice.

[0032] Dispenser outlet 144 and actuation mechanism 146 are external parts of dispenser 142 and are mounted in dispenser recess 150. Dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined height that facilitates the user in retrieving ice or water and allows the user to retrieve ice without bending over or opening the refrigerator door 128. In an exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 150 is positioned near chest level with the user. As described in more detail below, dispensing assembly 140 can receive ice from ice-making assembly 300, which is arranged in a sub-compartment of food preservation compartment 122.

[0033] Figure 2A perspective view of the door 128 of the refrigeration appliance 100 is provided with the refrigerator door 128 in the open position. As shown, a liner 132 attached to the housing 102 (e.g., directly or indirectly) may define a sub-compartment for holding an ice maker assembly, such as an ice box compartment 160. For example, at least one door 128 may include a door liner 132 defining the ice box compartment 160. In this embodiment, when the refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position, the ice box compartment 160 extends into the food preservation compartment 122. Although the ice box compartment 160 is shown as being within the door 128, other or alternative embodiments may include an ice box compartment 160 defined within a door 130. As described in more detail below, an ice-making assembly 300 may be disposed or arranged within the ice box compartment 160. In an alternative embodiment, an ice dispenser unit (not shown) may also be selectively disposed within the ice box compartment 160. Thus, ice can be supplied from the ice-making assembly 300 or the ice dispenser unit 220 in the ice box chamber 160 on the rear side of the refrigerator door 128 to the dispenser recess 150 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0034] An access door—such as icebox door 162—may be hinged to icebox compartment 160 to selectively cover or allow access to the opening of icebox compartment 160. Icebox door 162 allows selective access to icebox compartment 160. A suitable latch 164, in any manner, is configured with icebox compartment 160 to hold icebox door 162 in the closed position. As an example, latch 164 may be actuated by a consumer to open icebox door 162 to provide access to icebox compartment 160. Icebox door 162 may also assist in isolating icebox compartment 160 (e.g., by thermally isolating or isolating icebox compartment 160 from food preservation compartment 122). Typically, this thermal isolation helps maintain icebox compartment 160 at a temperature below the freezing point of water.

[0035] Additionally, the ice box chamber 160 can receive cooling air from a cold air supply duct 166 and a cold air return duct 168 arranged on the side of the housing 102 of the refrigeration appliance 100. Thus, the supply duct 166 and return duct 168 can supply air from a suitable thermodynamic component 180 (see...). Figure 3 The cold air is recirculated through the ice box chamber 160. As will be described in more detail below, during certain operations, cold air (e.g., from the evaporator 188 and the cold air supply duct 166) may flow to the ice-making assembly 300 (e.g., driven by an air processor or fan 192) and may assist the ice-making assembly 300 in making ice.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of some components of the refrigeration appliance 100 is provided. (See diagram below.) Figure 3As can be seen, the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a thermodynamic assembly 180 for cooling the air within the refrigeration appliance 100 (e.g., within the food preservation compartment 122, the freezer compartment 160, or the icebox compartment 162). In some embodiments, the thermodynamic assembly 180 includes a hermetically sealed cooling system for performing a vapor compression cycle. The hermetically sealed cooling system may, for example, include a compressor 182, a condenser 184, an expansion device 186, and an evaporator 188, which are fluidly connected in series and filled with refrigerant. As those skilled in the art will understand, the hermetically sealed cooling system may include additional components, such as at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, or condenser. As an example, the thermodynamic assembly 180 may include two evaporators.

[0037] Within the sealed cooling system, gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 182, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression raises the temperature of the refrigerant, which is then lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 184. Within condenser 184, heat exchange occurs with ambient air to cool the refrigerant and cause it to condense into a liquid state.

[0038] An expansion device (e.g., a valve, capillary tube, or other limiting device) 186 receives liquid refrigerant from the condenser 184. The liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator 188 from the expansion device 186. As it leaves the expansion device 186 and enters the evaporator 188, the pressure of the liquid refrigerant decreases and it evaporates. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, the evaporator 188 is cool relative to the food preservation compartment 122 and the freezer compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100. This generates cooling air and cools the food preservation compartment 122 and the freezer compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100. Thus, the evaporator 188 acts as a heat exchanger, transferring heat from the air passing through the evaporator 188 to the refrigerant flowing through it.

[0039] It should be noted that although a sealed system (e.g., as a thermodynamic component) has been described above, those skilled in the art will understand according to the present invention that such a sealed system can replace other suitable heat exchange systems, such as systems relying on shape memory alloys (SMA). For example, a pair of independent fluid loops (e.g., a hot loop and a cold loop) each having an independent volume of heat transfer fluid (e.g., water, brine, ethylene glycol, air, etc.) can be connected separately to a compression unit accommodating multiple plate stacks, each plate stack having one or more plates formed of one or more SMA materials (e.g., copper-nickel-aluminum or nickel-titanium). Typically, separate heat exchangers can be provided in the loops instead of the evaporator and condenser of the sealed system. In particular, a first heat exchanger can be provided in the cold loop (e.g., instead of evaporator 188) to absorb heat from adjacent air and transfer this absorbed heat to the heat transfer fluid within the cold loop. Thus, the first heat exchanger may also be referred to herein as an "evaporator". Similarly, a second heat exchanger can be provided in the hot loop (e.g., instead of condenser 184) to release heat from the heat transfer fluid within the hot loop to adjacent air. Therefore, the second heat exchanger can also be referred to as a "condenser" in this article.

[0040] The compression unit can facilitate or direct heat transfer between circuits. As an example, the compression unit may have four independent plate stacks, each individually compressed or released by a corresponding compressor or auxiliary device (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator). During operation, the plate stacks can be compressed and released separately (e.g., alternating between compression and release states or strokes), such that at any given moment, one plate stack is compressed, one plate stack is released, one plate stack is in intermediate compression, and one plate stack is in intermediate release. The heat transfer fluid in the cold circuit may flow through a first heat exchanger before being directed (e.g., through a series of valves or pumps) to the currently compressed plate stack. The compressed plate stack can then move to the release state, absorbing heat from the heat transfer fluid in the now-released plate stack before returning to the cold circuit (e.g., to repeat the cycle). Conversely, the heat transfer fluid in the hot circuit may flow through a second heat exchanger and be directed (e.g., through a separate series of valves or pumps) to the currently released plate stack. The plate stack can then be compressed (i.e., moved to a compressed state), thereby releasing heat from the plate stack to the heat transfer fluid before the heat transfer fluid within the now compressed plate stack returns to the heat loop (e.g., to repeat the cycle). Using four plate stacks allows two loops to operate continuously.

[0041] The refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a controller 194. The operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 is regulated by the controller 194, which is operatively coupled to a control panel 148. In one exemplary embodiment, the control panel 148 may represent a general-purpose I / O (“GPIO”) device or function block. In another exemplary embodiment, the control panel 148 may include input components, such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices including rotary control panels, buttons, touchpads, and touchscreens. The control panel 148 is operatively connected to communicate with the controller 194 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus. The control panel 148 provides selection of operations for the user to control the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. In response to user operations on the control panel 148, the controller 194 operates various components of the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, the controller 194 is operatively connected to or communicates with the compressor 182, the ice-making assembly 300, and the air processor 192, enabling the controller 194 to operate these components.

[0042] Controller 194 includes memory and one or more processing devices, such as a microprocessor, CPU, etc., such as a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, operable to execute programming instructions or microcontroller code associated with the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read-only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. In some embodiments, the instructions include software packages configured to operate appliance 100 (e.g., according to ice cream operation, as described below). The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included on a board within the processor. Alternatively, controller 194 may be constructed to perform control functions without using a microprocessor, for example using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.), rather than relying on software.

[0043] General steering Figures 4 to 9 As described above, the ice-making assembly 300 can be installed within the IB chamber 160. Typically, the ice-making assembly 300 includes a mold assembly 310 defining a cavity 318 in which ice blanks 320 can be formed. Optionally, a plurality of cavities 318 may be defined by the mold assembly 310 (e.g., as separate or connected ice-making units 312) and spaced apart from each other (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical V, such as along the lateral L).

[0044] As will be described in detail below, mold assembly 310 may be connected to or mounted to air duct 326, which defines a sealed or isolated ducted air path 334 within IB chamber 160, which is in fluid communication between supply duct 166 and return duct 168. Specifically, air duct 326 provides a conduit or pipe having a conduit inlet 356 and a conduit outlet 366 through which air can flow (e.g., simultaneously isolating from or remaining outside the mold cavity 318 or the surrounding portion of ice box chamber 160). When assembled, air duct 326 may be in fluid communication with at least a portion of thermodynamic assembly 180. For example, evaporator 188 may be in fluid communication with air duct 326, such that cold air flowing across evaporator 188 (e.g., driven by air processor 192) can be delivered to and through air duct 326 before returning. Specifically, air can flow along the entire path from evaporator 188 to cold air supply duct 166, through duct inlet 356 to air duct 326, through duct outlet 366 from air duct 326 to cold air return duct 168, and back to evaporator 188. Air processor 192 itself can be mounted along the entire path to drive cold air and includes any suitable fan or blower (e.g., axial fan, tangential fan, impeller, etc.). Moreover, although a loop or circulation for air can be provided, duct inlet 356 can be understood as downstream of supply duct 166, while duct outlet 366 is downstream of duct inlet 356 or upstream of return duct 168. Again, duct inlet 356 can be downstream of cold air supply duct 166 to receive air from thermodynamic component 180 (…). Figure 3 The airflow is directed to the cold air return pipe 168, and the pipe outlet 366 can be upstream of the cold air return pipe 168 to guide the airflow to the cold air return pipe 168.

[0045] Heat pipes 338 may be mounted on or as part of air duct 326. Specifically, heat pipes 338 may extend from air duct 326 to the outside of duct path 334 (e.g., to the corresponding unit 312 or mold 340). Each pipe 338 is typically configured as a thermally conductive body formed of one or more suitable materials (e.g., copper or aluminum, including alloys thereof). In some embodiments, each heat pipe 338 may form one or more sealed or enclosed voids 342 therein containing a predetermined volume of fluid refrigerant (e.g., R134A, R600A, or isobutane). In some embodiments, each heat pipe 338 is directly coupled to ice mold 340 and is in thermal communication with a portion of air duct 326 inside or outside duct path 334 (e.g., to conduct heat to the air within air duct 326). During use, air flowing along the conduit path 334 through the air conduit 326 adjacent to the heat pipe 338 can thus be used to selectively draw heat from the mold cavity 318 (e.g., via conduction or convection heat transfer). In particular, the relatively high heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe 338 can facilitate or allow for a relatively short or small-sized air conduit 326 (e.g., compared to what is otherwise feasible). Moreover, this arrangement can facilitate reliable and efficient air cooling (e.g., to produce a substantially transparent ice block outside the chamber used for storing food).

[0046] Optionally, the mold assembly 310 may also include a thermoelectric heat exchanger (TEHE) 348 mounted thereon (e.g., thermally connected to the respective independent ice-making units 312 between the ice mold 340 and the corresponding heat pipe 338). In some such embodiments, the ice mold 340 is spaced apart from the heat pipe 338 (e.g., via the corresponding TEHE 348). Typically, the TEHE 348 can be any suitable solid-state electrically driven heat exchanger, such as a Peltier device. The TEHE 348 may include a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end. When activated, heat can be selectively directed between the ends. In particular, the heat flux generated between the joints of the ends can draw heat from one end to the other (e.g., driven by current). In some embodiments, the TEHE 348 is operatively coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to a controller 194, which thereby controls the flow of current to the TEHE 348. During use, the TEHE 348 can selectively draw heat from the mold cavity 318.

[0047] A water distributor 314 positioned below the mold assembly 310 can typically be used to selectively direct water flow into the mold cavity 318 (e.g., outside the air duct 326). Typically, the water distributor 314 includes a water pump 322 and at least one nozzle 324 directed (e.g., vertically) towards the mold cavity 318. In embodiments where the mold assembly 310 defines a plurality of individual mold cavities 318, the water distributor 314 may include a plurality of nozzles 324 or fluid pumps vertically aligned with the plurality of mold cavities 318. For example, each mold cavity 318 may be vertically aligned with an individual nozzle 324.

[0048] In some embodiments, a water basin 316 is positioned below the ice mold 340 (e.g., directly below the mold cavity 318 along a vertical V). The water basin 316 comprises a solid, impermeable body and may define a vertical opening and an internal volume 328 in fluid communication with the mold cavity 318. During assembly, fluids, such as excess water falling from the mold cavity 318, can enter the internal volume 328 of the water basin 316 through the vertical opening. Optionally, a drain pipe may be connected to the water basin 316 to draw collected water from the water basin 316 and discharge it into the IB chamber.

[0049] In some embodiments, a guide ramp 330 is positioned along a vertical V between the mold assembly 310 and the water basin 316. For example, the guide ramp 330 may include a ramp surface extending at a negative angle (e.g., laterally, relative to the horizontal direction) from a location below the mold cavity 318 to another location spaced apart from the water basin 316 (e.g., horizontally). In some such embodiments, the guide ramp 330 extends to or terminates above the ice storage box 332 (e.g., within the IB chamber 160). Alternatively, the guide ramp 330 may define a perforated portion, for example, vertically aligned between the mold cavity 318 and the nozzle 324 or between the mold cavity 318 and the internal volume 328. One or more orifices are typically defined at the perforated portion through the guide ramp 330. Thus, fluids such as water can generally pass through the perforated portion of the guide ramp 330 (e.g., along the vertical V between the mold cavity 318 and the internal volume 328).

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the ice storage box 332 typically defines a storage volume 336 and may be positioned below the mold assembly 310 and the mold cavity 318. Ice blanks 320 formed within the mold cavity 318 can be discharged from the mold assembly 310 and subsequently stored within the storage volume 336 of the ice storage box 332 (e.g., within the IB chamber 160). In some such embodiments, the ice storage box 332 is positioned within the IB chamber 160 and is horizontally spaced from the water dispenser 314 or the mold assembly 310. A guide ramp 330 may span a horizontal distance above or to the ice storage box 332 (e.g., from the mold assembly). Thus, as the ice blanks 320 descend or fall from the mold cavity 318, they can be pushed (e.g., by gravity) towards the ice storage box 332.

[0051] As shown, controller 194 can communicate (e.g., electrical communication) with one or more parts of ice-making assembly 300. In some embodiments, controller 194 communicates with one or more fluid pumps (e.g., water pump 322), TEHE 348, and fan 192. Controller 194 can be configured to initiate independent ice-making and ice-releasing operations. For example, controller 194 can alternate between fluid source injection and release or ice harvesting processes at mold cavity 318, which will be described in more detail below.

[0052] During ice-making operation, controller 194 can activate or direct water distributor 314 to propel an ice-making jet (e.g., as indicated by arrow 346) through nozzle 324 and into mold cavity 318 (e.g., through a mold opening at the bottom of mold cavity 318). Controller 194 can also direct fan 192 to propel a cooling airflow (e.g., from evaporator 188 or duct path 334) to convectively draw heat from within mold cavity 318 during ice-making jet 346. As water from ice-making jet 346 impacts mold assembly 310 within mold cavity 318, a portion of the water can freeze in a progressive layer from top wall 344 to bottom of mold cavity 318. Excess water within ice-making jet 346 (e.g., water within mold cavity 318 that does not freeze upon contact with mold assembly 310 or the freezing volume herein) and impurities can fall from mold cavity 318 and, for example, into water basin 316. After the initial portion of ice has formed within the mold cavity 318, the controller 194 can activate the TEHE 348 to further extract heat from the ice mold cavity 318, thereby accelerating the freezing of the ice blank 320, especially without requiring significant power extraction.

[0053] Once an ice blank 320 is formed within the mold cavity 318, an ice release or harvesting process can be performed according to an embodiment of the invention. For example, the fan 192 can be restricted or stopped to slow down / stop the cooling airflow. Furthermore, the controller 194 can first stop or block the ice-making jet 346 by de-energizing the water pump 322. Alternatively or concurrently, the current to the TEHE 348 can be reversed, causing heat to be delivered from the TEHE 348 to the mold cavity 318. Thus, the controller 194 can slowly increase the temperature of the TEHE 348 and the ice mold 340, thereby promoting the partial melting or release of the ice blank 320 from the mold cavity 318.

[0054] Now, a special shift Figure 6 and Figure 8 The ice mold 340 may include a top wall 344 and a plurality of side walls 350 extending from and downward from the top wall 344. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the ice mold 340 includes eight side walls 350, each including an angled portion 352 extending away from the top wall 344 and a vertical portion 354 extending downward from the angled portion 352 in a generally vertical direction. Thus, the top wall 344 and the plurality of side walls 350 form a cavity 318 having an octagonal cross-section when viewed in a horizontal plane. Additionally, each of the plurality of side walls 350 may be separated by a gap 358 extending in a generally vertical direction V. This allows the plurality of side walls 350 to move relative to each other and act as spring-loaded fingers to allow some deflection of the ice mold 340 during ice making. In particular, this flexibility of the ice mold 340 is beneficial for improving ice making and reducing the likelihood of breakage.

[0055] Typically, the ice mold 340 can be made of any suitable material and formed in any suitable manner, providing sufficient thermal conductivity to transfer heat to the surrounding environment and air duct 326 (e.g., via heat pipe 338), thereby facilitating the ice-making process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the ice mold 340 is formed from a single sheet of copper. In this respect, for example, a flat copper sheet of constant thickness can be machined to define a top wall 344 and side walls 350. The side walls 350 can then be bent to form the desired shape of the mold cavity 318 (e.g., an octagonal or gem-shaped shape as described above). In this way, the top wall 344 and side walls 350 can be formed to have the same thickness without requiring complex and expensive machining processes.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, heat pipe 338 is mounted at or above top wall 344. When mounted, heat pipe 338 is typically in thermal communication with top wall 344 (e.g., in direct contact, through one or more intermediate welds or solder joints, or through TEHE 348 mounted between heat pipe 338 and ice mold 340). Alternatively, heat pipe 338 or TEHE 348 may not be in direct contact with side wall 350. This may be desirable, for example, to prevent restricting movement of side wall 350 (e.g., to reduce the likelihood of ice cracking). Specifically, in embodiments where heat pipe 338 or TEHE 348 is mounted only on top wall 344, the conduction path to each of the plurality of side walls 350 passes through a joint or connection where the side wall 350 intersects with top wall 344.

[0057] In some embodiments, to improve thermal contact between the heat pipe 338 and the ice mold 340, it may be desirable to manufacture the top wall 344 relatively large. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the top wall 344 may define a top width 362, while the mold cavity 318 may define a maximum width 364. According to an exemplary embodiment, the top width 362 is greater than about 50% of the maximum width 364. According to other embodiments, the top width 362 may be greater than about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, or more of the maximum width 364. Alternatively or additionally, the top width 362 may be less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, or smaller of the maximum width 364. It should be understood that other suitable dimensions, geometries, and configurations of the ice mold 340 are feasible and within the scope of the invention.

[0058] In some implementations, individual heat pipes 338 may be arranged above the corresponding mold cavity 318 on each individual ice-making unit 312.

[0059] See now for details. Figure 7 and Figure 9 An exemplary water dispenser assembly 314, which can be used with an ice-making assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, will be described, comprising a dispenser base 368 and one or more nozzles (e.g., removable spray caps 374). Specifically, for example, the dispenser base 368 and the spray cap 374 may respectively serve as a guide ramp 330 and a nozzle 324 (or as part thereof) (e.g. Figure 5 Thus, the water distributor 314 can be positioned below (e.g., directly below) the ice mold 340 to guide the ice-making jets of water into the mold cavity 318. Although two separate spray caps 374 are illustrated to provide a corresponding number of ice-making jets to the ice mold thereon, any suitable number of spray caps (and thus corresponding ice-making units 312) can be provided, as will be understood according to the invention.

[0060] As shown in the figure, the distributor base 368 typically defines one or more water passages through which water flows to the corresponding spray cap 374. For example, one or more pipes 376 can be provided to or below the spray cap 374 and define the water passages. Thus, the water passages can be upstream of the spray cap 374. Moreover, when assembled, the water passages can be upstream of the pump 322 ( Figure 9 (as will be understood in light of the present invention).

[0061] In some embodiments, the conduit 376 of the dispenser base 368 is connected to a support layer 380 thereon that selectively receives the spray cap 374 (e.g., as a separate or optionally integral integral component). The support layer 380 may define a guide ramp 382 having a sloping surface that extends from an upper edge 384 to a lower edge 386 at a non-vertical angle θN (e.g., a negative angle relative to the horizontal direction). When assembled, the ice mold 340 (e.g., Figure 6 The upper edge 384 and lower edge 386 can be vertically aligned below the support layer 380, allowing the falling ice block to impact the guide ramp 382 and roll or slide (e.g., as propelled by gravity) along the guide ramp to the lower edge 386. As described above, the ice block can further roll or slide from the lower edge 386 into the ice storage box (e.g., 332-). Figure 5 Optionally, the guide ramp 382 may define the perforated portion, as further described above. Optionally, the guide ramp 382 may define a solid, impermeable guide surface.

[0062] In some embodiments, the support layer 380 includes a cap wall 388 defining a nozzle recess 390, within which a corresponding jet cap 374 is received. For example, the cap wall 388 may extend from or above the conduit 376, such that the nozzle recess 390 is defined as a vertically open cavity through which the ice-making jet can flow. As shown, the cap wall 388 and the nozzle recess 390 may be positioned between an upper edge 384 and a lower edge 386. When assembled, the nozzle recess 390 is thus defined below or beneath at least a portion of the guide ramp 382. For example, the bottom surface of the cap wall 388 may extend horizontally from the ramp surface of the guide ramp 382 toward the upper edge 384. In other words, the bottom surface of the cap wall 388 may extend away from the lower edge 386 and cannot cross the front plane defined by the ramp surface along a non-vertical angle θN. The resulting nozzle recess 390 may also have a side profile shaped as a right triangle (e.g., enclosed within the triangular side profile of the support layer 380).

[0063] Typically, the nozzle recess 390 defines a horizontal profile with one or more horizontal maximum values. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle recess 390 defines a lateral maximum value LM and a transverse maximum value TM greater than the lateral maximum value LM. Alternative embodiments may have a circular profile and thus a single horizontal maximum value or diameter. In some embodiments, the maximum horizontal recess width (i.e., the maximum horizontal maximum value of the nozzle recess 390, such as the lateral maximum value LM) is less than the maximum horizontal mold width MM of the mold cavity 318 (e.g., 364). Figure 5 and Figure 6 In other words, the maximum horizontal mold width MM of the ice blank formed therein is at least partially defined to be greater than the maximum horizontal recess width of the nozzle recess 390. As a result, the ice blank formed in (and released from) the ice mold 340 is generally larger than the opening leading to the nozzle recess 390.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the maximum horizontal die width MM is at least 50% larger than the maximum horizontal recess width (e.g., the maximum lateral width LM). In another alternative embodiment, the maximum horizontal recess width (e.g., the maximum lateral width LM) is less than or equal to 1.5 inches. In still other alternative embodiments, the maximum horizontal die width MM is greater than or equal to 3 inches. In yet another alternative embodiment, the maximum horizontal die width MM is approximately 1.5 inches, while the maximum horizontal recess width is approximately 3 inches.

[0065] Advantageously, it can prevent ice blanks from falling into the nozzle recess 390 or otherwise blocking the ice-making jet from the spray cap 374.

[0066] As shown in the figure, the spray cap 374 can be disposed on at least a portion of the distributor base 368 (e.g., within the nozzle recess 390). Specifically, the spray cap 374 can be installed downstream of the water channel to guide the ice-making jet (e.g., along the vertical spray axis A towards the corresponding mold cavity 318). Figure 4 and Figure 6 Typically, the spray cap 374 includes a nozzle head 392 that defines one or more outlet orifices 394. Specifically, the spray cap 374 extends across the vertical spray axis A, while the outlet orifices 394 extend upward through the spray cap 374. When water flows out of the conduit 376, it can flow through the outlet orifices 394 as an ice-making jet.

[0067] 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. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, include: Box; A liner attached to the housing, the liner defining an ice box (IB) compartment; A thermodynamic component is installed inside the box outside the ice box, and the thermodynamic component includes a cold air supply pipe and a cold air return pipe. An air duct is arranged inside the ice box chamber, the air duct defining a duct path between a duct inlet and a duct outlet downstream of the duct inlet, the cold air supply duct and the cold air return duct being in fluid communication with the air duct to allow air to circulate along the duct path; A heat pipe, which is installed in the air duct and extends from the air duct to the outside of the duct path to conduct heat to the duct path; A conductive ice mold is mounted to the heat pipe inside the ice box to conduct heat to the heat pipe, the conductive ice mold defining a cavity outside the air duct; as well as A water distributor is disposed below the conductive ice mold to guide the ice-making jet of water into the mold cavity; A thermoelectric heat exchanger (TEHE) is installed between the heat pipe and the conductive ice mold.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct is located above the mold cavity.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive ice mold is separated from the heat pipe.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pipe defines a closed void therein.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat pipe also includes a refrigerant liquid held within the enclosed space.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water distributor is located directly below the conductive ice mold to guide the ice-making jet of water upward into the mold cavity.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An IB fan, which is installed inside the enclosure and is in fluid communication with the thermodynamic components and the air ducts, to push cool air from the thermodynamic components to the air ducts; as well as A controller, operably communicating with the water dispenser and the IB fan, is configured to initiate an ice-making operation, which includes: The ice-making jet is guided into the mold cavity; as well as The cold air is propelled during the guidance of the ice-making jet.

8. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, include: Box; A door body that is rotatably attached to the housing; A liner, which is installed to the door to rotate with it, defines an icebox (IB) compartment; A thermodynamic component, which is installed inside the enclosure, includes a cold air supply pipe and a cold air return pipe; An air duct is arranged inside the ice box chamber, the air duct defining a duct path between a duct inlet and a duct outlet downstream of the duct inlet, the cold air supply duct and the cold air return duct being in fluid communication with the air duct to allow air to circulate along the duct path; A heat pipe, which is installed in the air duct and extends from the air duct to the outside of the duct path to conduct heat to the duct path; A conductive ice mold is mounted to the heat pipe inside the ice box to conduct heat to the heat pipe, the conductive ice mold defining a cavity outside the air duct; as well as A water distributor is disposed below the conductive ice mold to guide the ice-making jet of water into the mold cavity; A thermoelectric heat exchanger (TEHE) is installed between the heat pipe and the conductive ice mold.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air duct is located above the mold cavity.

10. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conductive ice mold is separated from the heat pipe.

11. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat pipe defines a closed void therein.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The heat pipe also includes a refrigerant liquid held within the enclosed space.

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water distributor is located directly below the conductive ice mold to guide the ice-making jet of water upward into the mold cavity.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: An IB fan, which is installed inside the enclosure and is in fluid communication with the thermodynamic components and the air ducts, to push cool air from the thermodynamic components to the air ducts; as well as A controller, operably communicating with the water dispenser and the IB fan, is configured to initiate an ice-making operation, which includes: The ice-making jet is guided into the mold cavity; as well as The cold air is propelled during the guidance of the ice-making jet.

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