Multi-chamber ice-making assembly

Abstract

An ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance includes: a mold body, the mold body including an upper mold and a lower mold coupled to the upper mold, the mold body defining a cavity for forming an ice shape; a mold frame, the mold frame at least partially surrounding the mold body, a first upper mold piece and a second upper mold piece coupled together via the mold frame; an ejector, the ejector being disposed adjacent to the mold body and rotatable together with the mold body and the mold frame between a first position and a second position; and a motor for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejector between the first position and the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to ice makers and, more particularly, to ice makers for making a plurality of large ice cubes. Background Art

[0002] Ice machines are typically available as stand-alone appliances or can be incorporated into larger refrigeration appliances used for food storage in commercial and residential applications. Typically, such ice machines are used to make batches of ice, for example, when multiple blocks of ice are used to cool the same beverage or other food. Individual ice blocks can have different shapes and are typically relatively small in size (e.g., the largest size of an individual ice block can be 2 inches or less, or even 1 inch or less). These batch ice machines typically do not produce multiple larger blocks or ice cubes, and some do not produce ice cubes that uniformly have a specific shape (such as a sphere).

[0003] Some consumers may prefer ice of a specific size or shape for certain beverages. For example, in the consumption of some alcoholic beverages, consumers may prefer to use a single piece of ice to cool the beverage. When using a glass or metal cup, a spherical ice cube with a diameter almost as large as the cup opening may also be preferred. For example, a diameter of two inches or more may be preferred. Although other shapes may also be used, a spherical single piece of ice may melt more slowly than ice or multiple pieces of ice in other shapes, which may mean less dilution of the alcoholic beverage. In addition, some consumers may also prefer relatively clear or transparent ice.

[0004] Manually filled ice molds are available in specific shapes and sizes. These molds can be one piece or multiple pieces. The consumer manually fills the mold with water, and may also have to remove trapped air. The mold is then placed in a refrigerated space maintained at freezing temperatures. After sufficient time has passed for the water to freeze, the mold is then removed. The mold may need to be slightly heated and / or bent to release the ice from the mold. If the consumer wants additional ice, the process must be repeated manually. Disadvantages of this manual process may include overflow, difficulty removing ice from the mold, the rate at which ice cubes are produced being limited by the number of molds, and the user having to remember to refill the mold each time.

[0005] Therefore, an ice making machine that can automatically or repeatedly make larger ice cubes of a specific shape would be desirable. An ice making machine that can make multiple large ice cubes at a time would be particularly beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0007] In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, an ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance is provided. The ice-making assembly may include: a mold body including an upper portion and a lower portion, the mold body defining a plurality of cavities for forming ice shapes, wherein the upper portion defines a plurality of orifices for supplying water; a mold frame at least partially surrounding the mold body, wherein the mold bodies are coupled together via the mold frame; an ejector disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the mold body, the ejector being rotatable along with the mold body and the mold frame between a first position and a second position, wherein the ejector deflects the lower portion toward the upper portion, and wherein the upper portion separates between the plurality of orifices to define a single orifice when in the second position; and a motor for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejector between the first position and the second position.

[0008] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance may include: a housing including a freezer compartment; and an ice-making assembly disposed within the freezer compartment. The ice-making assembly may include: a mold body including an upper portion and a lower portion, the mold body defining a plurality of cavities for forming ice shapes, wherein the upper portion defines a plurality of orifices for supplying water; a mold frame at least partially surrounding the mold body, wherein the mold bodies are coupled together via the mold frame; an ejector disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the mold body, the ejector being rotatable together with the mold body and the mold frame between a first position and a second position, wherein the ejector deflects the lower portion toward the upper portion, and wherein the upper portion separates between the plurality of orifices to define a single orifice when in the second position; and a motor for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejector between the first position and the second position.

[0009] 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

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the present invention for those skilled in the art, which disclosure enables those skilled in the art to implement the present invention, including the best embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0012] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 Front view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance with the refrigerator door and the freezer door in an open position.

[0013] Figure 3 A perspective view of an ice maker according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention is provided.

[0014] Figure 4 Provided Figure 3 A front cross-sectional view of an exemplary ice maker.

[0015] Figure 5 Provided Figure 3 A perspective cutaway view of an exemplary ice maker.

[0016] Figure 6 Provided Figure 3 A perspective view of an ice mold of an exemplary ice maker.

[0017] Figure 7 Provided Figure 3 A top view of an exemplary ice maker.

[0018] Figure 8 Provided Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary ice maker with an ice mold in a first position.

[0019] Figure 9 Provided Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary ice maker with the ice mold in a second position.

[0020] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative positions of the rotational axis of the mold body and the arcuate surface of the cam of an exemplary ice making assembly.

[0021] Figure 11 A portion of an exemplary ice-making assembly is depicted in a first position.

[0022] Figure 12 A portion of an exemplary ice-making assembly is depicted in a second position.

[0023] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] 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 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 expected that the present invention covers these modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] As used herein, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (ie, "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both"). The phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may be.

[0026] The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of each component. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions relative to the flow of fluid in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, while "downstream" refers to the direction to which the fluid is flowing.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or casing 102 that extends along a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, along a lateral direction L between a first side 108 and a second side 110, and along a lateral direction T between a front side 112 and a rear side 114. Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the lateral direction T is perpendicular to one another.

[0028] The housing 102 defines a refrigeration compartment for receiving food for storage. Specifically, the housing 102 defines a fresh food 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. As can be seen, the refrigeration appliance 100 is commonly referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator. However, it is recognized that the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as top-mounted refrigeration appliances or side-by-side refrigeration appliances. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration compartment configuration in any respect.

[0029] The refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the housing 102 for selective access to the fresh food compartment 122. Similarly, the freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the housing 102 for selective access to the freezer compartment 124. To prevent cold air from leaking, the refrigerator door 128, the freezer door 130, or the housing 102 may define one or more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber seals, not shown) at the interface where the doors 128, 130 meet the housing 102. Figure 1 is shown in a closed configuration and in Figure 2 It should be understood that doors with different styles, positions or configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] The refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 132 for dispensing liquid water or ice. The dispensing assembly 132 includes a dispenser 134 that is disposed on or mounted to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100, for example, on one of the refrigeration doors 128. The dispenser 134 includes a discharge port 136 for obtaining ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism 138, shown as a paddle, is mounted below the discharge port 136 to operate the dispenser 134. In an optional exemplary embodiment, any suitable actuating mechanism can be used to operate the dispenser 134. For example, the dispenser 134 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle. A control panel 140 is provided to control the operating mode. For example, the control panel 140 includes multiple user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, which are used to select a desired operating mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice.

[0031] The discharge port 136 and the actuator 138 are external components of the dispenser 134 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 142. The dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined height that is convenient for the user to access ice or water and enables the user to access ice without bending over or opening the refrigerator door 128. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser recess 142 is positioned approximately at chest level. According to an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing assembly 132 can receive ice from an ice maker or ice-making assembly located in a sub-compartment (e.g., compartment 1B) of the refrigeration appliance 100.

[0032] The refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a controller 144. The operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 is regulated by the controller 144, which is operably coupled to or in operative communication with a control panel 140. In one exemplary embodiment, the control panel 140 may represent a general purpose I / O ("GPIO") device or function block. In another exemplary embodiment, the control panel 140 may include input components, such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices, including a rotary control dial, buttons, a touchpad, or a touch screen. The control panel 140 may communicate with the controller 144 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus. The control panel 140 provides user selections for operating the refrigeration appliance 100. In response to user operation of the control panel 140, the controller 144 operates various components of the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, as discussed below, the controller 144 is operably coupled to or in communication with various components of the sealing system. The controller 144 may also communicate with various sensors, such as a room temperature sensor or an ambient temperature sensor. The controller 144 may receive signals from these temperature sensors corresponding to the temperature of the atmosphere or air within their respective locations.

[0033] In some embodiments, the controller 144 includes a memory and one or more processing devices, such as a microprocessor, a CPU, etc., such as a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, which is operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control codes associated with the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory can represent a random access memory such as DRAM or a read-only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The processor executes the programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory can be a component separate from the processor, or can be included on a board within the processor. Alternatively, the controller 144 can be constructed 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., to perform control functions, rather than relying on software).

[0034] Figure 2 A front view of a refrigeration appliance 100 is provided, wherein a refrigeration door body 128 and a freezing door body 130 are shown as being in an open position. According to the illustrated embodiment, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various storage components are installed in the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezing compartment 124 to promote the storage of food therein. In particular, the storage component comprises a box 146, a drawer 148 and a shelf 150 that are installed in the fresh food compartment 122 or the freezing compartment 124. Box 146, drawer 148 and shelf 150 are used to receive food (e.g., beverage or solid food) and can help organize this food. As an example, drawer 148 can receive fresh food (e.g., vegetables, fruit or cheese) and increase the service life of this fresh food.

[0035] Figures 3 to 12 The exemplary embodiment of the ice making assembly 200 that can be used in the refrigeration appliance 100 or another appliance configuration as described above (including a dedicated ice maker) is illustrated. For example, the ice making assembly 200 can be as Figure 2 Shown is located in the lower freezer compartment 124. An ice storage bin 202 may be included for ice collection.

[0036] The ice making assembly 200 may include a mold body 204 that defines a chamber or cavity 210 into which a liquid (e.g., water) may be supplied to form ice shapes 234 (e.g., spheres, e.g., Figure 8 It should be understood that the examples given herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not limiting, and that any suitably shaped ice molds may be implemented to form a wide variety of ice shapes. Additionally or alternatively, while two different ice shape volumes are shown in the drawings and discussed herein, any suitable number of ice shape volumes may be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given herein.

[0037] The ice making assembly 200 may include a mold frame (or mold shell) 260. The mold frame 260 may at least partially surround the mold body 204. For example, the mold frame 260 may be coupled to the mold body 204 at multiple connection points. Thus, the mold body 204 may be constrained by the mold frame 260. As will be explained in more detail below, the mold frame 260 and the mold body 204 may be rotated together (e.g., within the freezer compartment 124) via a rotation mechanism or assembly. The mold frame 260 may include an upper mold shell 207 and a lower mold shell 209.

[0038] In this exemplary embodiment, the mold body 204 is composed of an upper mold portion 206 and a lower mold portion 208 contained within an upper mold shell 207 and a lower mold shell 209 ( Figure 4 ). The two mold sections 206 and 208 can be 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 can include a plurality of heat exchange fins 211, which are in thermal communication with the lower mold section 208 to assist in heat transfer during the freezing process. For example, the heat exchange fins 211 can be a separate component from the lower mold shell 209. The heat exchange fins 211 can be composed of metal, while the lower mold shell 209 can be composed of plastic. Thus, the heat exchange fins 211 can be coupled to the lower mold shell 209.

[0039] A thermocouple 215 or other temperature sensor can be connected to the controller 144 via wires 217 so that the freezing process can be monitored during ice making. The upper mold shell 207 can define an opening 205 through which the upper mold portion 206 extends. The upper mold portion 206 can define an opening 212 leading to the chamber 210. In some embodiments, pleats can be formed around the opening 212 and can be evenly spaced. Thus, the opening 212 can be selectively enlarged, as will be described in more detail below.

[0040] Furthermore, the cavity 210 formed in the mold body 204 may include a first chamber 2101 and a second chamber 2102. In detail, as Figures 3 to 7 As shown, first chamber 2101 can define a first shape and second chamber 2102 can define a second shape. Each of the first shape and the second shape (e.g., first chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102) can be identical in shape. However, it should be understood that any suitable combination of shapes can be incorporated into chamber 210. Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that any suitable number of different chambers can be formed within chamber 210 to accommodate any suitable number of ice shapes.

[0041] The first chamber 2101 and the second chamber 2102 can be connected by a central channel 262. Specifically, the central channel can be a via or opening that fluidically connects the first chamber 2101 and the second chamber 2102, such that, for example, liquid supplied to the first chamber 2101 can then be supplied to the second chamber 2102. Thus, each of the first chamber 2101 and the second chamber 2102 can be supplied with water via a single opening 212. Furthermore, as shown, when the cavity is spherical, the central channel 262 can be disposed at or along the vertical center of the mold body 204. Additionally or alternatively, the central channel 262 can be disposed at or near the transverse center of the mold body 204.

[0042] Mold portions 206 and 208 can be constructed from a flexible or elastic material. In one exemplary aspect, one or both mold portions 206 and 208 are constructed from silicone rubber. As described above, the pleats can allow the size or diameter of opening 212 to increase as ice shapes 234 are ejected from mold body 204, as will be explained further. In another exemplary aspect, one or both mold portions 206 and 208 are constructed from a flexible and hydrophobic material (e.g., silicone rubber). The hydrophobicity helps prevent water from escaping (e.g., through the pleats or between mold portions 206 and 208) during the filling and freezing process. In other embodiments of the present invention, a unitary construction can also be used in place of mold portions 206 and 208. For example, upper mold portion 206 and lower mold portion 208 can be formed as a single piece having one or more openings 212 defined therein.

[0043] According to at least one embodiment, the upper mold portion 206 may include a first upper mold piece 2061 and a second upper mold piece 2062. Figure 6 As shown, first upper mold piece 2061 can form the first upper quadrant of mold body 204. First upper mold piece 2061 can therefore be referred to as the front upper mold piece. Accordingly, second upper mold piece 2062 can form the second upper quadrant of mold body 204. Second upper mold piece 2062 can therefore be referred to as the rear upper mold piece. As described above, first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062 can be constructed from a flexible and hydrophobic material (e.g., silicone rubber). Thus, the hydrophobic property can help prevent water from escaping from mold body 204 between first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062.

[0044] For example, upper mold portion 206 may define a joint 264 that extends, for example, along lateral direction L from a first lateral end of mold body 204 to a second lateral end of mold body 204. Joint 264 may be a connection point between first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062. In detail, when mold body 204 is in an intermediate or rest position, first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062 may contact each other along joint 264. The hydrophobicity of upper mold portion 206 may help prevent water from escaping through joint 264 (e.g., when mold body 204 is in an intermediate position). Joint 264 may further help define each of first chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102. For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown, each of first chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102 can be primarily spherical in shape. Joint 264 can be defined by one or more planar portions 266 on each of first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062. For example, first planar portion 266 can be formed on a first side of upper mold portion 206, second planar portion 266 can be formed on a second side of upper mold portion 206, and third planar portion 266 can be formed at the center of upper mold portion 206 (e.g., along lateral direction L).

[0045] First upper mold piece 2061 can be selectively coupled to second upper mold piece 2062. Specifically, first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062 can be coupled to each other at each of the first and second lateral ends. One or more fasteners 213 can penetrate first planar portion 266 and second planar portion 266 (e.g., through each of first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062). Thus, upper mold portion 206 can be constrained at both lateral ends. Additionally or alternatively, upper mold portion 206 can be a single piece. For example, the connection points defined at the respective lateral ends of upper mold portion 206 can be integrally formed. Thus, upper mold portion 206 can be opened along joint 264. For example, as will be explained in more detail below, during a harvesting operation, joint 264 can be separated to create or define a single orifice 280 at the top of upper mold portion 206 (i.e., two or more openings 212 can be merged or joined to define orifice 280). Advantageously, the formed ice shape 234 can be easily released from the mold body 204 .

[0046] The mold frame 260 (e.g., the upper mold shell 207) may include a first support strut 270 disposed at a first lateral end of the upper mold shell 207 and a second support strut 272 disposed at a second lateral end of the upper mold shell 207. The first support strut 270 and the second support strut 272 may be mirror images of each other with respect to the transverse direction T. Therefore, hereinafter, the first support strut 270 will be described in detail, with the understanding that the description also applies to the second support strut 272.

[0047] like Figure 3 As particularly shown in FIG, first support strut 270 can define a first groove 271 (i.e., second support strut 272 defines a second groove 273). First groove 271 can extend along a vertical direction V and a lateral direction L. For example, first support strut 270 can include a plurality of walls defining first groove 271. First groove 270 can selectively receive a portion of upper mold portion 206 therein. According to at least one embodiment, planar portion 266 at the first lateral end of mold body 204 is received within first groove 271. Additionally or alternatively, planar portion 266 can be coupled to first support strut 270 via fastener 213. For example, first planar portion 266 can be defined as a first tab 282. First tab 282 can be selectively received within first groove 271. Similarly, second planar portion 266 can be defined as a second tab 284. Second tab 284 can be selectively received within second groove 273. Thus, the first fastener 213 may penetrate the first support post 270 and the first tab 282 , and the second fastener 213 may penetrate the second support post 272 and the second tab 284 .

[0048] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Side cross-sectional views of the ice making assembly 200 in a first position and a second position are provided, respectively. Although only a single chamber 210 is shown, it should be understood that, for example, the description applies to each of the first chamber 2101 and the second chamber 2102. Therefore, for the sake of brevity and clarity, common reference numerals will be used where appropriate. The mold body 204 (and mold frame 260) can be in the first position ( Figure 8 ) and the second position ( Figure 9 ). In the first position, the mold body 204 can be filled with water (e.g., from the water dispenser 232). For example, as part of the ice making process, a valve (not shown) can be activated by the controller 144 to provide an appropriate amount of water to flow into the mold body 204 when the mold body 204 is in the upper (or first) position. Figure 8As shown, when the mold body 204 is in the first position, the lower mold shell 209 can contact the first limit switch 226. The first limit switch 226 can be connected (eg, communicatively) to the controller 144 to determine when the mold body 204 is in the first position.

[0049] In the second position, the ice shape 234 (or multiple ice shapes) can be completely discharged from the mold body 204. The ice shape 234 can be discharged into the ice storage bin 202 (e.g., via the orifice 280). Figure 9 As shown, when the mold body 204 is in the second position, the lower mold shell 209 can contact the second limit switch 228. The second limit switch 228 can be connected (e.g., communicatively) to the controller 144 to determine when the mold body 204 is in the second position. Other configurations of limit switches can also be used to determine the position of the mold body 204.

[0050] The motor 216 can be used to rotate the mold body 204 (and the mold frame 260) and the ejector 238 between a first position and a second position. The motor 216 can be operated by the controller 144. For example, the motor 216 can drive the gear 244 to rotate the mold body 204 about the rotation axis AA 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 control the direction of rotation of the mold 204 determined by the controller 144.

[0051] Ejector 238 can be positioned adjacent to mold body 204 and can rotate with mold body 204 between a first position and a second position. As will be explained, ejector 238 can be configured to push ice shapes 234 out of cavity 210 (e.g., first chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102) through aperture 280 created by separating open first and second upper mold pieces 2061, 2062 during rotation between the first and second positions. More specifically, ejector 238 is configured to be in a retracted position ( Figure 8 ) and extended position ( Figure 9 ). When the mold body 204 moves from the first position to the second position, the ejector 238 can correspondingly move from the retracted position to the extended position. In doing so, the ejector can translate within a guide or channel 246 formed at least in part by the lower mold shell 209.

[0052] The ejector 238 may include a first plunger 2381 and a second plunger 2382. For example, Figure 4As shown, the first plunger 2381 can be disposed below the first chamber 2101, while the second plunger 2382 can be disposed below the second chamber 2102 (e.g., along the vertical V when the mold body 204 is in the first position). The first plunger 2381 and the second plunger 2382 can be connected by a shaft 274. The shaft 274 can connect the distal end 240 of the first plunger 2381 with the distal end 240 of the second plunger 2382. For example, each of the first plunger 2381 and the second plunger 2382 can include a cam follower 242 (e.g., at the distal end 240 of each plunger). The shaft 274 can connect the cam followers 242 to each other so that each of the first plunger 2381 and the second plunger 2382 rotates together, thereby ensuring smooth movement of the assembly 200.

[0053] In this exemplary embodiment, the movement of the ejectors 238 (e.g., the first plunger 2381 and the second plunger 2382) is determined by the cam 218. More specifically, the distal end 240 of the first plunger 2381 includes a cam follower or wheel 242 that travels in a slot 222 along an arcuate path 220 defined by the cam 218. The slotted arcuate path 220 can determine the position of the ejectors 238 as the mold 204 and the ejectors 238 rotate together from the first position to the second position. Furthermore, the cam 218 can include a first slot and a second slot. The first slot can interact with the first plunger 2381, while the second slot interacts with the second plunger 2382. Thus, each ejector 238 can be associated with a dedicated slot 222, thereby ensuring smooth and unobstructed operation when moving between the first and second positions.

[0054] The exemplary embodiment will now be used to describe an exemplary method of operating the ice making assembly 200. Those skilled in the art, using the teachings disclosed herein, will understand that other exemplary operating methods may also be used.

[0055] After the chamber 210 has been filled with the appropriate amount of water as previously described, the water is allowed to freeze. During the filling and freezing process, the mold body 204 is maintained at a constant temperature. Figure 8 234.

[0056] After determining that the water has frozen to form the ice shape 234, the controller 144 can activate the motor 216 to begin rotating the mold body 204. As the mold body 204 rotates about the rotation axis AA, the head 250 of the ejector 238 is forced against the outer surface 214 of the lower mold half 208. As the mold body 204 rotates, the ejector 238 can move through the guide 246 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AA. Since the cam follower 242 travels on the arcuate path 220, the rotation forces the ejector 238 to move in this manner. See FIG. Figure 10 , the center C of the radius R defining the arcuate path 220 is offset from the axis of rotation AA by a distance D. As can be seen, rotation shortens the distance between the guide 246 and the arcuate path 220 of the cam 218 - which forces the ejector 238 to move through.

[0057] As the mold body 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 portions 206 and 208, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As described. Continued rotation increases the movement of the ejector 238 and the deformation of the mold portions 206 and 208. The lower mold portion 208 can flip over as it is pressed toward the openings 205 and 212. Moreover, when the joint 264 is separated by the movement of the ejector 238 (or the first ejector 2381 and the second ejector 2382), the orifice 280 between the first upper mold piece 2061 and the second upper mold piece 2062 can begin to form. The ice shape 234 can be rotated, but more importantly, it is forced to move in the same direction as the ejector 238 by squeezing the head 250. This squeezing action can force the ice shape 234 through the formed orifice 280. Due to the flexibility of the upper mold portion 206 and the joint 264 (e.g., including the flat portion 266) in the upper mold portion 206, the diameter or size of the orifice 280 can be increased. In some embodiments, additional pleats can be added to the upper mold portion 206 to provide further deflection capability. When the mold body 204 reaches Figure 9 In the second position shown, the ejector 238 reaches the extended position to force the ice shape 234 completely out of the mold body 204 through the orifice 280 as shown by arrow E.

[0058] When the second position is reached, the second limit switch 228 may be activated, such as Figure 12 As shown, this provides a signal to the controller 144 to stop the motor 216. The controller 144 can reverse the motor 216 immediately or after a delay so that the mold body 204 returns to the first position and the ejector 238 is fully retracted. When the first position is reached, the first limit switch 226 can be activated, as shown in FIG. Figure 11As shown, this provides a signal to the controller 144 to stop the motor 216. The controller 144 can repeat the process of refilling the chamber 210 with water 236 using the dispenser 232 immediately or after a delay to produce another ice shape 234.

[0059] For the exemplary embodiment described above, the mold body 204 and ejector 238 are rotated 90 degrees between the first and second positions. In other embodiments, different degrees of rotation may be used. Additionally or alternatively, gravity and / or the elasticity of the lower mold portion 208 may be used to return the ejector 238 to the retracted position. A spring that is compressed when the ejector 238 is extended may also be used to push the ejector 238 back to its retracted position.

[0060] According to the present invention, an ice-making assembly for a refrigerator includes a multi-cavity or multi-chamber ice mold capable of forming multiple ice shapes simultaneously. The mold can be formed from a flexible material (such as silicon). The top of the mold can be constrained at either lateral end to form a joint therebetween. In some embodiments, the top of the mold is formed from two separate pieces. The top can be at least partially constrained by a mold frame. After ice has been formed in the multiple cavities, the mold frame and the mold together can be rotated, for example, by a motor. During rotation, one or more ejectors can squeeze the bottom of the mold. As a result, the formed ice shape can be pressed against the top of the mold, separating the joints between the constrained ends. Because an orifice is formed therebetween, a relatively large opening can be formed in the top of the mold. The formed ice can then be easily discharged from the mold into an ice storage bin.

[0061] 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. An ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance, characterized in that: The ice-making assembly defines vertical, lateral and transverse directions, and the ice-making assembly includes: a mold body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the mold body defining a plurality of cavities for forming ice shapes, wherein the upper portion defines a plurality of orifices for supplying water; a mold frame at least partially surrounding the mold bodies, wherein the mold bodies are coupled together via the mold frame; an ejector disposed adjacent a lower portion of the mold body, the ejector rotatable with the mold body and the mold frame between a first position and a second position, wherein the ejector deflects the lower portion toward the upper portion, and wherein the upper portion separates between the plurality of apertures to define a single aperture when in the second position; and A motor is provided for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejector between the first position and the second position.

2. The ice making assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The mold body includes a flexible material.

3. The ice making assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The upper portion includes a first upper mold piece and a second upper mold piece coupled to the first upper mold piece.

4. The ice making assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The first upper mold piece and the second upper mold piece are coupled to each other at a first end of the mold body and a second end of the mold body, respectively.

5. The ice making assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The mold frame includes: upper mold shell; a first support leg disposed at a first lateral end of the upper mold shell, the first support leg defining a first recess; and A second support leg is disposed at a second lateral end of the upper mold shell, the second support leg defining a second recess.

6. The ice making assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that The upper portion comprises: a first tab selectively received within the first recess; and A second tab is selectively received in the second groove.

7. The ice making assembly according to claim 6, wherein: Also includes: a first fastener that penetrates the first support post and the first tab; as well as A second fastener penetrates the second support strut and the second tab.

8. The ice making assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of cavities of the mold body define a first ice-shaped volume and a second ice-shaped volume, the first ice-shaped volume and the second ice-shaped volume being connected by a central passage.

9. The ice making assembly according to claim 8, wherein: Liquid water is supplied to the first ice-shaped volume of the mold body and flows into the second ice-shaped volume of the mold body via the central channel.

10. The ice making assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The ejector comprises: a first plunger contacting an outer surface of the lower portion adjacent the first ice-shaped volume; a second plunger contacting an outer surface of the lower portion adjacent the second ice-shaped volume; and A shaft connects the first plunger to the second plunger.

11. The ice-making assembly according to claim 10, wherein: Also includes: A cam is in mechanical communication with the ejector, the cam defining an arcuate path along which the first end of the ejector moves when rotated between the first position and the second position.

12. The ice making assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a first limit switch for stopping the rotation of the mold frame and the ejector when the mold frame moves to the first position; as well as A second limit switch is configured to stop the rotation of the mold frame and the ejector when the mold frame moves to the second position.

13. The ice making assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: A plurality of heat exchange fins are in thermal communication with the lower portion, the plurality of heat exchange fins being attached to the mold frame.

14. A refrigeration appliance with limited vertical, lateral and horizontal directions, characterized in that: The refrigeration appliance comprises: a cabinet comprising a freezer compartment; and An ice-making assembly is disposed in the freezing chamber, and the ice-making assembly includes: a mold body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the mold body defining a plurality of cavities for forming ice shapes, wherein the upper portion defines a plurality of orifices for supplying water; a mold frame at least partially surrounding the mold bodies, wherein the mold bodies are coupled together via the mold frame; an ejector disposed adjacent a lower portion of the mold body, the ejector rotatable with the mold body and the mold frame between a first position and a second position, wherein the ejector deflects the lower portion toward the upper portion, and wherein the upper portion separates between the plurality of apertures to define a single aperture when in the second position; and A motor is provided for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejector between the first position and the second position.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that: The mold body includes a flexible material.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that: The upper portion includes a first upper mold piece and a second upper mold piece coupled to the first upper mold piece.

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 16, characterized in that: The first upper mold piece and the second upper mold piece are coupled to each other at a first end of the mold body and a second end of the mold body, respectively.

18. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that: The mold frame includes: upper mold shell; a first support leg disposed at a first lateral end of the upper mold shell, the first support leg defining a first recess; and A second support leg is disposed at a second lateral end of the upper mold shell, the second support leg defining a second recess.

19. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 18, characterized in that: The upper portion comprises: a first tab selectively received within the first recess; and A second tab is selectively received in the second groove.

20. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that: The plurality of cavities of the mold body define a first ice-shaped volume and a second ice-shaped volume, the first ice-shaped volume and the second ice-shaped volume being connected by a central passage.

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