Appliance ice-making assembly

Abstract

An ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance can include a mold defining a cavity for forming an ice shape, the mold rotatable between a first position and a second position. An ejector can be disposed adjacent the mold and rotatable with the mold between the first position and the second position. The ejector can be configured to push the ice shape out of the cavity through an opening when the mold is rotated between the first position and the second position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an appliance for making ice, particularly larger ice pieces. BACKGROUND

[0002] Ice makers are commonly provided as stand-alone appliances or can be incorporated into larger refrigeration appliances for storing food in commercial and residential applications. Typically, such ice makers are used to produce ice in bulk, e.g., using multiple pieces of ice to cool the same beverage or to cool other food items. Individual pieces of ice can have different shapes and are typically relatively small in size (e.g., the largest dimension of an individual piece of ice can be 2 inches or less, or even 1 inch or less). These bulk ice makers typically do not produce multiple larger pieces or blocks of ice, and some do not produce ice pieces that are uniformly of a particular shape, such as spherical.

[0003] Some consumers can prefer ice of a particular size or shape for certain beverages. For example, in some consumption of alcohol-based beverages, consumers can prefer to use individual pieces of ice that are spherical in shape to cool the beverage. In cases where a glass or metal cup is used, a spherical piece of ice having a diameter that is nearly as large as the opening of the cup can also be preferred. For example, a diameter of two inches or more can be preferred. While other shapes can also be used, spherical individual pieces of ice can melt more slowly than other shapes of ice or multiple pieces of ice, which can mean less dilution of the alcohol-based beverage. Additionally, certain consumers can also prefer ice that is relatively clear or transparent.

[0004] Manual fill ice molds having a particular shape and size are available. These molds can be one or more pieces. The consumer manually fills the molds with water and can also have to remove entrained air. The molds are then placed in a refrigerated space that is maintained at a freezing temperature. After a sufficient amount of time for the water to freeze, the molds are subsequently removed. The molds can have to be slightly warmed and / or flexed to release the ice from the molds. If the consumer wants additional ice, the process has to be repeated manually. Disadvantages of the manual process can include spillage, difficulty in removing the ice from the molds, the rate of ice production being limited by the number of molds, and the user having to remember to refill the molds each time.

[0005] Accordingly, an ice maker that can automatically or repeatedly produce larger pieces of ice of a particular shape would be desirable. Such an ice maker that can be used in a dedicated appliance for making ice or that is easily incorporated into a refrigeration appliance would be particularly beneficial. Such an ice maker that can also be used to produce clear or transparent ice would also be desirable. SUMMARY

[0006] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description that follows, or will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention.

[0007] In one example embodiment, the present application provides an ice making assembly for a refrigeration appliance. The assembly includes a mold defining a cavity for forming an ice shape and an opening, wherein the mold is rotatable between a first position and a second position. An ejector is disposed adjacent the mold and is rotatable with the mold between the first position and the second position. The ejector can be configured to push the ice shape out of the cavity through the opening when the mold is rotated between the first position and the second position. A motor is used to rotate the mold and the ejector from the first position to the second position.

[0008] In another example embodiment, the present application can provide a cabinet including a freezer compartment. An ice making assembly can be disposed in the freezer compartment. A flexible mold defines a cavity for forming an ice shape and an opening to the cavity. The mold can be configured to rotate between a first position in which the opening is oriented upward and a second position in which the ice shape can be ejected from the cavity. An ejector is disposed adjacent the mold. The ejector can be configured to telescope between i) a retracted position when the flexible mold is in the first position and ii) an extended position when the flexible mold is in the second position. The ejector causes the ice shape to move through the opening of the cavity when the ejector moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following description, although indicating preferred and other embodiments of the application, is given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the instant application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the principles of the application are illustrated and described herein by way of example of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the application, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A front view of an example appliance of the present application is provided.

[0012] Figure 2 A perspective view of an example appliance of the present application is provided, wherein certain doors and drawers are shown in an open position to reveal the interior of the appliance. Figure 1

[0013] Figure 3 A perspective view of an example ice making assembly of the present application is provided, while Figure 4 is a side view thereof.

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 3 and Figure 4 ​A cross-sectional view of a mid-plane of an exemplary ice-making assembly.

[0015] Figure 6 A top view of an exemplary ice-making assembly.

[0016] Figures 7 to 11 An exemplary ice-making assembly is described during rotation between a first position and a second position.

[0017] Figure 12 A portion of an exemplary ice-making assembly is described in a first position, while Figure 13 A portion of an ice-making assembly is described in a second position.

[0018] Figure 14 A close-up view of a portion of an exemplary ice-making assembly is described.

[0019] Figure 15 A schematic diagram describing the relative position of the axis of rotation of a mold of an exemplary ice-making assembly and the arcuate surface of a cam.

[0020] The use of the same or similar reference signs in the various drawings indicates the same or similar features unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is given for the purpose of explanation only, and is not intended to be limiting of the application. In fact, many modifications and variations to the application can be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, which are intended to be within the scope of the application. Other objects and advantages of the application will become apparent from the description herein. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the application covers all modifications and variations of this application included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is intended, additionally, to

[0022] Figure 1 A front view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the application is provided. The refrigeration appliance 100 extends along a vertical direction V between a top 101 and a bottom 102. The refrigeration appliance 100 also extends along a lateral direction L between a first side 105 and a second side 106. A transverse direction T Figure 2 ) is defined as being perpendicular to the vertical direction V and the lateral direction L. Thus, the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.

[0023] The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or cabinet 120 that defines an interior volume 121. The cabinet 120 also defines an upper fresh food compartment 122 and a lower freezer compartment 124 disposed vertically V below the fresh food compartment 122. As such, the refrigeration appliance 100 is commonly referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. In this example embodiment, the cabinet 120 also defines a machinery compartment (not shown) for receiving a sealed cooling system (not shown). It should be appreciated that the present disclosure can be used with other types of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-side), freezer appliances, other types of appliances, and / or any other suitable shelving system. The present disclosure can also be used with a dedicated ice making appliance (i.e., an appliance that only makes large ice cubes as described herein). Accordingly, the description set forth herein is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way.

[0024] The refrigeration appliance 100 includes refrigeration door bodies 126, 128 that are rotatably hinged to the edges of the cabinet 120 for accessing the fresh food compartment 122. It should be noted that while the door bodies 126, 128 are depicted as a "French door" configuration, any suitable arrangement or number of door bodies are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. A freezer door body 130 is disposed below the refrigeration door bodies 126, 128 for accessing the freezer compartment 124.

[0025] Operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 134 that is operably coupled to a user interface panel 136. The panel 136 provides selections for a user to manipulate operation of the refrigeration appliance 100, such as interior shelf lighting settings. In response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 136, the controller 134 operates various components of the refrigeration appliance 100. The controller 134 can include a memory and one or more processors, microprocessors, CPUs, or the like, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, for executing programmed instructions or microcontrol code associated with operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory can represent random access memory, such as DRAM, or read only memory, such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programmed instructions stored in the memory. The memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be contained on-board within the processor.

[0026] The controller 134 can be located in various positions throughout the refrigeration appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 134 is located within the door 126. In this embodiment, input / output (“I / O”) signals can be routed between the controller 150 and various operating components of the refrigeration appliance 100. In one embodiment, the user interface panel 136 can represent a general-purpose I / O (“GPIO”) device or function block. The user interface 136 can include input components, such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices including rotary control panels, buttons, and touchpads. The user interface 136 can include display components, such as digital or analog displays designed to provide operational feedback to the user. The user interface 136 can communicate with the controller 134 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0027] Figure 2 A front perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 with refrigerator doors 126 and 128 in the open position is provided to expose the interior of the food preservation compartment 122. Additionally, the freezer door 130 is shown in the open position to expose the interior of the freezer compartment 124. Figure 2 As shown more clearly, the refrigeration appliance 100 extends laterally along a T between the front end 108 and the rear end 110.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the food preservation compartment 122 of the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a shelf assembly 160 mounted to the rear wall 152 of the housing 120. More specifically, the exemplary shelf assembly 160 includes two rows of shelves 162 generally spaced along a vertical V. It should be understood that the refrigeration appliance 100 may include any suitable number of shelves 162 in any suitable location or configuration. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the shelf assembly 160 may also include shelves 162 mounted to or supported on another surface inside the housing 120, such as mounted to one of the two opposing side walls 140 of the housing 120 or installed in the freezer compartment 124. For example, the shelf 162 may be configured as a single-row shelf supported on the two opposing side walls 140 or a combination of side walls 140 and the rear wall 152. Other configurations of the shelf assembly 160 may also be used, including adjustable shelf systems. In this embodiment, the appliance 100 also includes various shelves 162, drawers 158, and may include other compartments that will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029] Figures 3 to 14 Exemplary embodiments of an ice-making assembly 200 that can be used in a refrigeration appliance 100 or another electrical construct (including a dedicated appliance) as described above are illustrated. For example, the ice-making assembly 200 can be as follows: Figure 1 It is located in the lower freezer compartment 124. It may include an ice storage box 202 for ice collection.

[0030] The ice-making assembly 200 includes a mold 204 that defines a chamber 210 for manufacturing individual ice cubes 234 of ice shape 234 or a predetermined shape. In this exemplary embodiment, the ice shape 234 is spherical, but the mold 204, which provides chambers 210 for other shapes, may also be used. In one exemplary aspect of the invention, the diameter or maximum size of the ice shape 234 is 2 inches, 3 inches, or a larger diameter or maximum size. Other sizes may also be created.

[0031] In this exemplary embodiment, mold 204 comprises an upper mold half 206 and a lower mold half 208 contained within an upper mold shell 207 and a lower mold shell 209. Figure 5 The two half-molds 206 and 208 are pressed together between an upper mold shell 207 and a lower mold shell 209, which are connected by various fasteners 213. The lower mold shell 209 may include a plurality of heat exchange fins 211 that are in thermal communication with the lower half-mold 208 to assist heat transfer during freezing. A thermocouple 215 or other temperature sensor may be connected to a controller 134 via a wire 217, allowing monitoring of the freezing process during ice making. The upper mold shell 207 defines an opening 205 through which the half-mold 206 extends. Figure 6 The upper mold 206 defines an opening 212 leading to the chamber 210. Multiple pleats 230 are arranged around the opening 212 and can be evenly spaced as shown.

[0032] Half-moldings 206 and 208 are made of a flexible or elastic material. In one exemplary aspect, one or both half-moldings 206 and 208 are made of silicone rubber. As will be further explained, the pleats 230 allow the size or diameter of the opening 212 to increase as the ice shape 234 is discharged from the mold. In another exemplary aspect, one or both half-moldings 206 and 208 are made of a flexible and hydrophobic material (e.g., silicone rubber). The hydrophobicity helps prevent water from escaping through the pleats 230 during the filling and freezing processes. In other embodiments of the invention, an integral construction may also be used instead of half-moldings 206 and 208.

[0033] Mold 204 can be in the first position ( Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 12 (shown in the middle) and the second position ( Figure 11 and Figure 13The mold 204 is rotatable between a first position (shown in FIG. 2A) and a second position (shown in FIG. 2B). In the first position, the mold 204 can be filled with water 236 from the water dispenser 232. For example, as part of an ice-making process, a valve (not shown) can be activated by the controller 134 to provide an appropriate amount of water to flow into the mold 204 (arrow F in FIG. 2A) while the mold 204 is in the upper position. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2B, when the mold 204 is in the second position, the lower mold shell 209 contacts the second limit switch 228. The second limit switch 228 can be connected to the controller 134 to determine when the mold 204 is in the second position. Other configurations of limit switches can also be used to determine the position of the mold 204. Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 2B, when the mold 204 is in the second position, the lower mold shell 209 contacts the second limit switch 228. The second limit switch 228 can be connected to the controller 134 to determine when the mold 204 is in the second position. Other configurations of limit switches can also be used to determine the position of the mold 204.

[0034] In the second position, the ice shape 234 is completely ejected from the mold 204. The ice shape 234 can be ejected, for example, into the ice bin 202. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the mold 204 is in the second position, the lower mold shell 209 contacts the second limit switch 228. The second limit switch 228 can be connected to the controller 134 to determine when the mold 204 is in the second position. Other configurations of limit switches can also be used to determine the position of the mold 204. Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 2B, when the mold 204 is in the second position, the lower mold shell 209 contacts the second limit switch 228. The second limit switch 228 can be connected to the controller 134 to determine when the mold 204 is in the second position. Other configurations of limit switches can also be used to determine the position of the mold 204.

[0035] The motor 216, operated by the controller 134, is used to rotate the mold 204 and the ejector 238 between the first position and the second position. For example, the motor 216 can drive the gear 244 to rotate the mold 204 about the axis of rotation A-A between the first position and the second position as desired. For example, the direction of rotation of a shaft (not shown) from the motor 216 can be used to control the direction of rotation of the gear 244, and thus the direction of rotation of the mold 204 as determined by the controller 134.

[0036] The ejector 238 is disposed adjacent to the mold 204 and can rotate with the mold 204 between the first position and the second position. As will be explained, the ejector 238 is configured to push the ice shape 234 out of the cavity 210 through the opening 212 during rotation between the first position and the second position. More particularly, the ejector 238 is configured to move between a retracted position (shown in FIG. 2A) and an extended position (shown in FIG. 2B). The ejector 238 moves from the retracted position to the extended position as the mold 204 moves from the first position to the second position. In doing so, the ejector is positioned within a guide or channel 246 formed at least in part by the lower mold shell 209. Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 12 Figure 11 Figure 13

[0037] ​​​​​​​​For this exemplary embodiment, movement of the ejector 238 is determined by the cam 218. More particularly, the tip 240 of the ejector 238 includes a cam follower or wheel 242 that travels in the slot 222 along the arcuate path 220 defined by the cam 218. As the mold 204 and ejector 238 are rotated together from the first position to the second position, the slotted arcuate path 220 determines the position of the ejector 238.

[0038] An exemplary method of operating the ice-making assembly 200 will now be described using the exemplary embodiment described. Those skilled in the art will understand, using the teachings disclosed herein, that other exemplary methods of operation can also be used.

[0039] As previously described above with reference to Figure 5 , after the chamber 210 has been filled with an appropriate amount of water 236, the water 236 is allowed to freeze. During the filling and freezing process, the mold 204 remains in the first position as Figure 7 indicated, during which time the ejector 238 also remains in the retracted position. In one exemplary aspect of the present application, the water 236 can be filtered to remove particulates and can be cooled along a controlled temperature and time profile to provide clearer ice. The temperature can be monitored (as measured by the sensor 215), so that, for example, the controller 134 can determine when the water 236 has transitioned into the ice shape 234.

[0040] After determining that the water 236 has frozen to form the ice shape 234, the controller 134 can activate the motor 216 to begin rotation of the mold 204. As the mold 204 rotates about the axis of rotation A-A, the head 250 of the ejector 238 is forced against the outer surface 214 of the lower mold half 208. As the mold 204 rotates, the ejector 238 is moved through the guide 246 in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A-A. The rotation forces the ejector 238 to move in this manner because the cam follower 242 travels on the arcuate path 220. Referring to Figure 15 , the center C of the radius R that defines the arcuate path 220 is offset from the axis of rotation A-A by a distance D. As can be seen, the rotation shortens the distance between the guide 246 and the arcuate path 220 of the cam 218 - forcing the ejector 238 to move therebetween.

[0041] As the mold 204 continues to rotate, the ejector 238 moves out of the recess 252 formed in the lower mold shell 209 and begins to deform the flexible mold halves 206 and 208, as Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10The rotation continues to increase the movement of the ejector 238 and the deformation of the mold halves 206 and 208. The mold half 208 begins to invert even as it is pressed against the openings 205 and 212. The ice shape 234 is also rotated, but more importantly, the ice shape 234 is forced to move in the same direction as the ejector 238 due to the compression of the head 250. This compression forces the ice shape 234 through the opening 212. The diameter or size of the opening 212 can increase due to the flexibility of the mold half 206 and the pleats 230 (e.g., slits) in the mold half 206. When the mold 204 reaches the Figure 11 second position shown, the ejector 238 reaches the extended position, as indicated by arrow E, so as to force the ice shape 234 to be completely ejected from the mold 204.

[0042] Upon reaching the second position, the second limit switch 228 is activated, as shown, which provides a signal to the controller 134 to stop the motor 216. The controller 134 can immediately or after a delay reverse the motor 216 so that the mold 204 returns to the first position and the ejector 238 is completely retracted. Upon reaching the first position, the first limit switch is activated, as shown, which provides a signal to the controller 134 to stop the motor 216. The controller 134 can immediately or after a delay repeat the process of refilling the chamber 210 with water 236 using the dispenser 232 in order to create another ice shape 234. Figure 13 Figure 12 Upon reaching the second position, the second limit switch 228 is activated, as shown, which provides a signal to the controller 134 to stop the motor 216. The controller 134 can immediately or after a delay reverse the motor 216 so that the mold 204 returns to the first position and the ejector 238 is completely retracted. Upon reaching the first position, the first limit switch is activated, as shown, which provides a signal to the controller 134 to stop the motor 216. The controller 134 can immediately or after a delay repeat the process of refilling the chamber 210 with water 236 using the dispenser 232 in order to create another ice shape 234.

[0043] For the exemplary embodiment described above, the ice mold 204 and the ejector 238 are rotated 90 degrees between the first position and the second position. In other embodiments, a different degree of rotation can be used. Additionally, the gravity and / or elasticity of the lower mold half 208 can be used to return the ejector 238 to the retracted position. Springs that are compressed when the ejector 238 is extended can also be used to push the ejector 238 back to its retracted position.

[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the application, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the application is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.​

Claims

1. An ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance, comprising: including: a mold defining a cavity for forming an ice shape and an opening; the mold rotatable between a first position and a second position; an ejector disposed adjacent to the mold and rotatable with the mold between the first position and the second position, the ejector configured to push the ice shape out of the cavity through the opening as the mold is rotated between the first position and the second position; and a motor for rotating the mold and ejector from the first position to the second position; further including a cam in mechanical communication with the ejector, the cam defining a slotted arcuate path for receiving a cam follower disposed at an end of the ejector, the cam follower traveling along the arcuate path as the ejector is rotated between the first position and the second position; the ejector correspondingly moves from a retracted position to an extended position as the mold moves from the first position to the second position. the ejector is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position as the mold and ejector are rotated between the first position and the second position.

2. The ice-making assembly of claim 1, wherein, the mold defines an outer surface that is pinched by the ejector as the mold is rotated from the first position to the second position.

3. The ice-making assembly of claim 1, wherein, further including:

4. The ice-making assembly of claim 1, wherein, a first limit switch for stopping rotation of the mold and ejector when the mold moves to the first position; and a second limit switch for stopping rotation of the mold and ejector when the mold moves to the second position. the mold comprises a flexible material. the mold comprises a lower mold half and an upper mold half that together form a spherical cavity.

5. The ice-making assembly of claim 1, wherein, the upper mold half defines the opening and further comprises a plurality of pleats around the opening.

6. The ice-making assembly of claim 1, wherein, further including a plurality of heat exchange fins in thermal communication with the lower mold half.

7. The ice-making assembly of claim 6, wherein, including:

8. The ice-making assembly of claim 7, wherein, a cabinet comprising a freezer compartment; 9. A refrigeration appliance characterized by, an ice making assembly disposed within the freezer compartment, the ice making assembly comprising: a flexible mold defining a cavity for forming an ice shape and an opening to the cavity, the mold configured to rotate between a first position in which the opening is oriented upward and a second position in which the ice shape can be ejected from the cavity; and an ejector disposed adjacent to the mold, the ejector configured to move between i) a retracted position when the flexible mold is in the first position and ii) an extended position when the flexible mold is in the second position, the ejector causing the ice shape to move through the opening of the cavity as the ejector moves from the retracted position to the extended position; further including a cam in mechanical communication with the ejector, the cam defining a slotted arcuate path for receiving a cam follower disposed at an end of the ejector, the cam follower traveling along the arcuate path as the ejector is rotated between the first position and the second position; the ejector correspondingly moves from a retracted position to an extended position as the mold moves from the first position to the second position. further including a cam follower attached to the ejector and traveling on an arcuate surface of the cam. further including a cam follower attached to the ejector and traveling on an arcuate surface of the cam.

10. The refrigeration appliance of claim 9, wherein, ​ 11. The refrigeration appliance of claim 10, wherein, The flexible mold includes a lower half and an upper half, the upper half defining the opening.

12. The refrigeration appliance of claim 11, wherein, The ejector deforms the lower half to push the ice shape through the opening when the ejector moves to the extended position.

13. The refrigeration appliance of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising: a first limit switch to stop rotation of the mold when the mold moves to a first position; and a second limit switch to stop rotation of the mold when the mold moves to a second position. Further comprising a water dispenser disposed above the opening when the flexible mold is in the first position.

14. The refrigeration appliance of claim 13, wherein, Further comprising an ice bin to receive the ice shape after being ejected from the flexible mold.

15. The refrigeration appliance of claim 14, wherein, Further comprising a motor to power movement of the flexible mold between the first position and the second position.

16. The refrigeration appliance of claim 15, wherein, ​

Images