Ice maker leak detection

Abstract

A method of operating an ice maker includes directing liquid water to a mold body of the ice maker. The method also includes determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped based on at least one of an ice making time, a harvest motor torque, or a temperature rate of change. The method also includes providing a user notification in response to determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to ice makers, and more specifically to systems and methods for detecting leaks in such appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Some refrigeration appliances include ice makers. Ice makers can also be standalone appliances designed for commercial and / or residential kitchens. To make ice, liquid water is directed to the ice maker and frozen. For example, some ice makers include a mold body for receiving liquid water. After ice forms in the mold body, it can be harvested from the mold body and stored in an ice storage box or ice bucket within the refrigeration appliance.

[0003] In some cases, a certain amount of liquid water directed to the mold body may escape from the mold body before it forms ice as intended. For example, the mold body may develop cracks, one or more sealing elements may wear out, or the mold body may be overfilled. In one example of a possible overfill scenario, a torsion tray ice maker may include a partitioned plastic mold that physically deforms to break the bond formed between the ice and the tray, in which the ice may break during the torsion process. When this breakage occurs, some of the ice may remain in the tray, leading to overfilling during the next filling process.

[0004] Users of ice makers often cannot easily observe the various situations that can cause liquid water to escape from the mold. Therefore, this situation can persist for a long time and / or reach a point where a large amount of water escapes from the ice maker (such as enough time and / or amount to show the secondary effects of the escaped water), even before the user is aware of the water escaping, let alone be able to remedy the problem.

[0005] Therefore, ice makers with improved leak detection features would be desirable. Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for operating an ice maker is provided. The ice maker includes a mold body. The method includes: guiding liquid water into the mold body, and calculating an ice-making time after guiding the liquid water into the mold body. The method further includes: determining that the calculated ice-making time is less than an allowable ice-making time. Because the calculated ice-making time is less than the allowable ice-making time, it can be determined that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped. The method further includes: providing a user notification in response to determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating an ice maker is provided. The ice maker includes a mold body and a harvesting motor. The method includes: guiding liquid water into the mold body, and determining that ice has formed in the mold body after guiding the liquid water into the mold body. The method further includes: harvesting ice from the mold body. Harvesting ice from the mold body includes activating the harvesting motor. The method further includes: measuring the torque of the harvesting motor during ice harvesting from the mold body, and determining that the measured torque of the harvesting motor is less than a minimum harvesting torque threshold. Because the measured torque of the harvesting motor is less than the minimum harvesting torque threshold, it can be determined that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped. The method further includes: providing a user notification in response to determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating an ice maker is provided. The ice maker includes a mold body and a temperature sensor operable to measure the temperature at a location on the mold body. The method includes: directing liquid water into the mold body, and calculating a rate of temperature change of the mold body's temperature after directing the liquid water into the mold body. The method further includes: determining that the calculated rate of temperature change is greater than a maximum rate of temperature change threshold. Because the calculated rate of temperature change is greater than the maximum rate of temperature change threshold, it can be determined that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped. The method further includes: providing a user notification in response to determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from 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 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 perspective view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance, wherein the door of the food preservation compartment is shown in the open position.

[0014] Figure 3 Provided Figure 1 An internal perspective view of the distributor door of an exemplary refrigeration appliance.

[0015] Figure 4 Provided Figure 3An internal elevation view of the door, in which the entrance door is shown in the open position.

[0016] Figure 5 A perspective view of an exemplary ice maker arranged in an ice box according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is provided.

[0017] Figure 6 Provided Figure 5 Another perspective view of an exemplary ice maker.

[0018] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the components of an ice maker according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is provided.

[0019] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of components of an ice maker according to one or more other embodiments of the present invention is provided.

[0020] Figure 9 A flowchart is provided illustrating an exemplary method of operating an ice maker according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 10 A flowchart is provided as an example of another exemplary method for operating an ice maker according to one or more other embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 11 A flowchart is provided as an example of yet another exemplary method of operating an ice maker according to one or more other embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] 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

[0024] Referring now to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is given by way of explanation and does not constitute a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desired that the invention cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] As used herein, approximate terms such as “generally” or “approximately” include values ​​within ten percent larger or smaller than the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values ​​within ten degrees larger or smaller than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of the vertical line in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components.

[0026] 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 extending 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 transverse direction T between a front side 112 and a rear side 114. Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T is perpendicular to each other.

[0027] 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 refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or single-door 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 way.

[0028] 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 chamber is shown in a closed configuration. Those skilled in the art will understand that other chamber and door configurations are feasible and within the scope of this invention.

[0029] Figure 2 A perspective view of the refrigeration appliance 100 is provided with the refrigerator door 128 in the open position. (See diagram below.) Figure 2As shown, 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. In particular, the storage components may include boxes 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components is used to receive food (e.g., beverages or / or solid foods, etc.) and may assist in the organization of such food. As shown, box 134 may be mounted on the refrigerator door 128 or may slide into the receiving space within the food preservation compartment 122. It should be understood that the storage components shown are for illustrative purposes only, and other storage components may be used, and these other storage components may have different sizes, shapes, and constructions.

[0030] Now generally refer to Figure 1 This document will describe a dispensing component 140 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The dispensing component 140 is typically used for dispensing liquid water and / or ice. While an exemplary dispensing component 140 has been exemplified and described herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the dispensing component 140 while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0031] The dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be at least partially disposed within a dispenser recess 142 defined on one of the refrigerator doors 128. In this respect, the dispenser recess 142 is defined on the front side 112 of the refrigeration appliance 100, allowing the user to operate the dispensing assembly 140 without opening the refrigerator door 128. Furthermore, the dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined height that facilitates ice retrieval by the user and allows the user to retrieve ice without bending over. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser recess 142 is positioned approximately at chest level with the user.

[0032] The dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 with a discharge port 146 for discharging ice from the dispensing assembly 140. An actuation mechanism 148, shown as a lever, is mounted below the discharge port 146 to operate the ice or water dispenser 144. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, any suitable actuation mechanism can be used to operate the ice dispenser 144. For example, the ice dispenser 144 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a lever. The discharge port 146 and the actuation mechanism 148 are external parts of the ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 142.

[0033] In contrast, inside the refrigeration appliance 100, the refrigerator door 128 can limit the ice box 150, which accommodates the ice maker 200 and the ice storage box 202. Figures 2 to 4 The ice maker and ice storage box are configured to supply ice to the dispenser recess 142. In this respect, for example, the ice box 150 may define an ice-making chamber 154 for accommodating the ice-making components, storage mechanism, and dispensing mechanism.

[0034] Control panel 160 is configured to control operating modes. For example, control panel 160 includes one or more selection inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, and water and ice dispensing buttons, for selecting a desired operating mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice. Additionally, input 162 can be used to specify the filling volume or the method of operating dispensing component 140. In this respect, input 162 can communicate with the processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 operate refrigeration appliance 100 and dispensing component 140 in response to selector input 162. Furthermore, a display 166, such as indicator lights or a screen, can be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 can communicate with controller 164 and can display information in response to signals from controller 164.

[0035] As used herein, "processing device" or "controller" may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices, and is not necessarily limited to a single element. The processing device may be programmed to operate the refrigeration appliance 100 and the dispensing assembly 140. The processing device may include or be associated with one or more storage elements (e.g., permanent storage media). In some such embodiments, the storage element includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Typically, the storage element may store information accessible to the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by the processing device. Optionally, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions and / or data that, when executed by the processing device, causes the processing device to perform operations.

[0036] See now Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 An internal 3D view of a refrigerator door body 128 is provided, and Figure 4 An interior elevation view of the door 128 is provided, with the entrance door 170 shown in the open position. The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a sub-compartment 150 defined on the refrigeration door 128. As described above, the sub-compartment 150 may be referred to as an "ice box". In the exemplary embodiment shown, when the refrigeration door 128 is in the closed position, the ice box 150 extends into the food preservation compartment 122. Figure 4 As shown, an ice maker 200 may be disposed within an ice container 150. The ice maker 200 is typically used to freeze water to make ice (e.g., block ice, such as ice cubes), and the ice may be stored in an ice storage container 202 and dispensed via a dispensing assembly 140 through a drain port 146. Figure 4An ice maker 200 is illustrated, wherein an ice storage box 202 is disposed below the ice maker 200 for receiving ice from the ice maker 200, for example, for receiving ice after it has been discharged from the ice maker 200. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, ice from the ice maker 200 is collected and stored in the ice storage box 200, and supplied from the ice storage box 202 in the ice box 150 on the back of the refrigerator door 128 to the dispenser 144. Figure 1 Cold air from the sealing system (not shown) of the refrigeration appliance 100 can be directed into components (e.g., ice maker 200 and / or ice storage box 202) within the ice box 150.

[0037] As described above, the present invention can also be applied to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as top-mounted refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or stand-alone ice makers. Variations and modifications can be made to the ice maker 200 while remaining within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the description herein of the ice tray 150 on the door 128 of the food preservation compartment 122 is merely exemplary. In other exemplary embodiments, the ice maker 200 may be located in the freezer compartment 124 of, for example, a bottom-mounted refrigerator, side-by-side refrigerator, top-mounted refrigerator, or any other suitable refrigeration appliance. As another example, the ice maker 200 may also be located in a stand-alone ice maker. As used herein, the term "stand-alone ice maker" refers to an appliance whose sole or primary operation is to generate or produce ice, while the more general term "ice maker" includes such appliances as well as appliances with different capabilities besides ice generation, such as refrigeration appliances equipped with ice makers, and other possible examples.

[0038] As described above, the access door 170 can be hinged to the interior of the refrigerator door 128. The access door 170 allows selective access to the ice box 150. A suitable latch 172, in any manner, can be configured with the ice box 150 to hold the access door 170 in the closed position. As an example, the latch 172 can be actuated by a consumer to open the access door 170, providing access to the ice box 150. The access door 170 can also assist in isolating the ice box 150, for example, by thermally or isolating the ice box 150 from the food preservation compartment 122.

[0039] See now Figure 5 and Figure 6 A perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an ice maker 200 is shown. In some embodiments, for example, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6For example, ice maker 200 may be a twistable tray ice maker. In such an embodiment, ice maker 200 may include a mounting unit 210 disposed within ice box 150, for example, mounted on one or more internal surfaces of ice box 150. Mounting unit 210 may be coupled to ice tray 220, for example, mounting unit 210 may be configured to releasably receive ice tray 220. Ice tray 220 may provide the mold body of ice maker 200, for example, ice tray 220 may include one or more chambers 224 for receiving liquid water therein, and the liquid water may be retained within the chambers 224 until ice is formed (or at least a portion of the liquid water may be retained). Ice tray 220 may include a flexible (e.g., twistable) material, such as ice tray 220 may include a plastic material that is flexible enough to twist ice tray 220, thereby facilitating the removal, for example, release, of ice from ice tray 220, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0040] In some embodiments, mounting unit 210 may include a first mounting unit 211 and a second mounting unit 212. Mounting units 211 and 212 may be spaced apart from each other along the central axis 201 of the ice maker 200. In various embodiments, when the ice tray 220 is mounted to mounting unit 210, the direction of the central axis 201 corresponds to (e.g., along or parallel to) the longitudinal axis of the ice tray 220. Furthermore, mounting units 211 and 212 may be spaced apart from each other to allow for the separation of a pair of lips 222 of the ice tray 220 along the central axis 201. Figure 6 The ice tray 220 is received by the corresponding mounting units 211 and 212. For example, mounting unit 210 may include one or more clips 218, such as a first clip 218 on the first mounting unit 211 and a second clip 218 on the second mounting unit 212, and the lip 222 of the ice tray 220 may be configured to be received in and held by the clips 218. For example, the lip 222 may be sized and shaped to correspond to the respective clips 218, and the external dimensions of the lip 222 or each lip 222 may correspond to the internal dimensions of the clips 218 or each clip 218, thereby allowing the lip 222 to be received in and held by the clips 218.

[0041] In various embodiments, mounting unit 210 includes a rotor 216 configured to rotate relative to a central axis 201. In such embodiments, a first clip 218 on the first mounting unit 211 may be integrally formed with the rotor 216. The first mounting unit 211 may be secured to the ice box 150. The first mounting unit 211 may include a motor or other actuation device 206 operatively coupled to the rotor 216 to rotate relative to (e.g., about) the central axis 201. When the ice tray 220 is mounted on the rotor 216, rotation of the rotor 216 (e.g., via the actuation device 206) causes the ice tray 220 to be tilted or filled with ice or other contents.

[0042] In some embodiments, the ice maker 200 may include a dedicated controller 207, such as a controller 164 similar to that of the refrigeration appliance 100 described above. In embodiments where the ice maker 200 is incorporated into a refrigeration appliance (such as the exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 described above), the dedicated controller 207 may be a controller other than the controller 164 of the refrigeration appliance and may communicate with the controller 164 of the refrigeration appliance 100. The controller 207 of the ice maker 200 may also be operatively communicatively communicated with other components of the ice maker 200 and may be specifically used to control or direct the operation of such components (e.g., actuator 206). In some embodiments, the ice maker 200 may also include one or more sensors, such as temperature sensors which will be further described below, and the dedicated controller 207 of the ice maker 200 may also be operatively communicatively communicated with these sensors.

[0043] For example, controller 207 can cause actuator 206 to rotate about central axis 201 by a first amount, such as a first degree, to twist tray 220, thereby facilitating the release of ice from its compartment 224, such as rotating by a first amount in a first direction, followed by the same amount, such as the first amount, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, to twist tray 220, thereby releasing ice from compartment 224. After rotating by the first amount, such as after twisting tray 220, controller 207 can then cause actuator 206 to rotate about central axis 201 by a second amount, such as a second degree, greater than the first amount, to tip or invert tray 220, thereby allowing ice to fall from tray 220 into box 202 below ice maker 200, for example by gravity. Figure 4 )middle.

[0044] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the ice maker 200 according to the present invention are provided. For example, in Figure 7 and Figure 8As can be seen, the ice maker 200 may include or be provided with a water pipe 230, which is configured to guide liquid water flow to the mold body 236 of the ice maker 200. For example, the liquid water flow may be directed and / or enter the mold body 236. For example, the mold body 236 may be as described above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The described tray 220 or any other suitable mold body 236 for receiving and holding liquid water to form block ice (such as ice cubes, ice gems, etc.) therein. The ice maker 200 may also include a temperature sensor 238. The temperature sensor 238 is used to measure the temperature of the mold body 236 and / or the object (such as liquid water and / or solid water) within the mold body 236. The temperature sensor 238 can be any suitable device for measuring the temperature of the mold body 236 and / or the object therein. For example, the temperature sensor 238 can be a thermistor, a thermocouple, or a bimetallic device. Controller 207 ( Figure 6 Signals, such as voltage or current, corresponding to the temperature of the mold body 236 and / or the object therein can be received from the temperature sensor 238. Thus, the temperature of the mold body 236 and / or the object therein can be monitored and / or recorded by the controller 207. Some embodiments may also include an electromechanical ice maker configured with bimetallic devices to complete the circuitry when a specific temperature is reached.

[0045] See now for details. Figure 7 In some embodiments, flow meter 232 may be disposed in water conduit 230. Thus, the amount (e.g., volume) of liquid water supplied to mold body 236 can be directly measured, for example, through or using flow meter 232. For example, flow meter 232 may be operatively communicatively connected to and / or communicatively coupled to controller 207 to transmit a signal in a manner similar to that described above with respect to temperature sensor 238, indicating or corresponding to the flow rate of liquid water passing through water conduit 230 and reaching mold body 236 as measured by flow meter 232.

[0046] See now for special reference Figure 8In some embodiments, a water filter 234 may be disposed within the water conduit 230, for example, connected to and / or connected in series with the water conduit. Thus, liquid water flowing through the water conduit 230 and reaching the mold body 236 may also flow through the filter 234, for example, upstream of the mold body 236, thereby passing through the filter 234 before being delivered to the mold body 236. In this embodiment, the ice maker 200 (e.g., its controller 207) may be operable and configured to monitor or query the status of the water filter 234, such as its lifespan. For example, the water filter 234 may be removably connected to the water conduit 230, thereby allowing it to be periodically removed and replaced (e.g., after a predetermined period of several months following initial installation). For example, the water filter 234 may have a lifespan of approximately six months.

[0047] Turn now Figures 9 to 11 Embodiments of the present invention may include a method of operating an ice maker (such as the exemplary ice maker 200 described above).

[0048] like Figure 9 As shown, method 900 may include guiding liquid water into the mold body, for example, as Figure 9 The 910 indicates this. After directing liquid water into the mold body, method 900 may include a step 920 of calculating the ice-making time, which is, for example, the amount of time it takes for liquid water (or at least as much liquid water as is actually received and held in the mold body) to transform into ice within the mold body. For example, the ice-making time can be calculated by monitoring the temperature at the mold body, for example by directly measuring the mold body temperature with a temperature sensor in direct contact with the mold body, or by measuring the ambient temperature in a region directly surrounding the mold body, from which the temperature of the mold body can be inferred, and the time until the monitored temperature reaches a level indicating ice formation (such as about thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit or lower), where such a level may also be an ice-making threshold. The ice-making time may also be calculated based on how long the monitored temperature remains at or below the level indicating ice formation (such as when the monitored temperature remains at or below that level for at least a minimum time) and / or based on a time-temperature integral, as will be further described below.

[0049] In some embodiments, given a known volume of ice to be produced, such as based on the volume of the mold body, for example, the volume of chamber 224 in an embodiment where the mold body is provided as ice tray 220, the expected or permissible ice-making time can be determined. The expected or permissible ice-making time can also be based on the volume of liquid water provided to the mold body, for example, in… Figure 9The volume of liquid water mentioned in 910 can be determined or measured in various ways as described below. For example, the permissible ice-making time can be a minimum time, such as the shortest amount of time a known volume of liquid water can freeze, given the expected starting temperature of the liquid water being directed to the mold and the operating temperature of the ice maker's cooling system. Thus, in some embodiments, method 900 may further include determining that the ice-making time calculated from step 920 is less than the permissible ice-making time, for example, as... Figure 9 The 930 instruction states that when the actual ice-making time (e.g., the calculated ice-making time) is shorter than expected (e.g., less than the allowed ice-making time), it can be inferred that the volume of liquid water frozen during the calculated ice-making time is less than the expected volume, for example, less than the volume of water directed to the mold body in step 910. Therefore, when less than all the water directed to the mold body eventually freezes, a volume of unfrozen water may have escaped from the mold body. Liquid water may escape from the mold body in one or more of various ways, such as by not reaching the mold body at all, for example, due to misalignment of the fill pipe with the mold body or deformation or blockage of the fill pipe, resulting in unstable flow from the fill pipe (e.g., some liquid water may have sprayed from the fill pipe outside the mold body, or some liquid water may have been directed to the mold body but then branched off from that path before reaching the mold body). As another example, liquid water may escape from the mold body by overflow, such as when the mold body is partially blocked, for example, by remnants of previously formed ice, or by leakage, for example, from cracks in the mold body.

[0050] As another example, in some implementations, method 900 may also include sending a user notification, for example, to a display on the ice maker and / or to a remote user interface device, after detecting the escaped water. Figure 9 Example of step 950. For example, in an embodiment where the ice maker is a refrigeration appliance (such as refrigeration appliance 100) having an ice maker, the controller 207 of the ice maker 200 can communicate with the controller 164 of the refrigeration appliance 100, whereby user notifications can be displayed on the user interface of the refrigeration appliance 100, such as display 166. Figure 1In exemplary embodiments where user notifications are also or alternatively provided on a remote user interface device, the remote user interface device can be any suitable device, such as a laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, wearable device, smart speaker, smart home system, and / or various other suitable devices. The remote user interface device is "remote" at least in relation to being isolated from and not physically connected to the ice maker; for example, the remote user interface device is a separate device independent of the ice maker that wirelessly communicates with the ice maker, for example, via various possible communication connections and interfaces such as Wi-Fi. The ice maker and the remote user interface device can be matched in wireless communication, for example, connected to the same wireless network. The ice maker can communicate with the remote user interface device via a short-range radio such as Bluetooth or any other suitable wireless network with a layered protocol architecture. Any suitable device, separate from the ice maker and configured to provide and / or receive communications, information, data, or commands from the user, can be used as a remote user interface device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, personal computer, smart home system, or other similar device. For example, the remote user interface device can be a smartphone operable to store and run an application (also referred to as an "app"), and some or all of the method steps disclosed herein can be performed by the smartphone application. For example, user notifications can be or include emails, text messages, and / or other suitable notifications via the remote user interface device.

[0051] As described above, the permissible ice-making time can be proportional to or based on the volume of liquid water directed to the mold. For example, in some embodiments, the ice maker may include a flow meter, such as those described above. Figure 7 Described. In this embodiment, the method may further include measuring the flow rate of the liquid water while guiding it to the mold body, and determining the volume of the liquid water based on the measured flow rate, wherein the permissible ice-making time is based on the determined volume of liquid water. In another embodiment, the ice maker may also include or alternatively include a water filter, for example, as described above regarding Figure 8 Described. In this embodiment, the method may further include determining the state of the water filter, wherein the permissible ice-making time is based on the determined state of the water filter. For example, the state of the water filter may include the lifespan of the water filter, and the flow rate of liquid water directed to the mold body may be determined based on the filter's lifespan, for example, wherein older filters are more clogged, thereby providing a reduced flow of water through the filter to the mold body. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the flow rate of liquid water based on the state of the water filter, and determining the volume of liquid water based on the determined flow rate, such as determining the volume of liquid water directed to the mold body based on the determined flow rate multiplied by the flow time.

[0052] Figure 10This document illustrates another exemplary method of operating an ice maker according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The ice maker may include a mold body and a harvesting motor; for example, tray 220 may be an embodiment of the mold body, and actuation device 206 may be an embodiment of the harvesting motor. Figure 10 As shown, exemplary method 1000 may include step 1010 of guiding liquid water to a specific model, for example, as described above with respect to step 910 of method 900.

[0053] Method 1000 may also include determining that ice has formed in the mold body after the liquid water is directed to the mold body, for example, as... Figure 10 The 1020 indicator. For example, ice formation can be determined based on the time and / or temperature after liquid water has been introduced into the mold body. In some embodiments, the ice maker may include a temperature sensor. In such embodiments, the method may also include monitoring the temperature at the mold body with the temperature sensor, wherein determining that ice has formed in the mold body may be based on the monitored temperature reaching an ice-making threshold, and / or may be based on the monitored temperature remaining at or below the ice-making threshold, and / or may be based on a time-temperature integral, as will be further described below.

[0054] Once ice formation has been detected or determined, method 1000 may include step 1030 of harvesting ice from the mold body. For example, harvesting ice from the mold body may include activating the harvesting motor of the ice maker.

[0055] Method 1000 may further include, for example, a step 1040 of measuring the torque of the harvesting motor during ice harvesting from the mold body. The provided torque may generally be proportional to the volume of ice formed (e.g., the extent to which the volume of liquid water directed to the mold body actually reaches the mold body and remains there throughout the freezing process). Thus, when the torque during harvesting is less than expected, this may indicate that less ice has been formed than expected, for example, less than the entire volume of liquid water directed to the mold body ultimately becomes ice. For example, method 1000 may further include determining that the measured torque of the harvesting motor is less than a minimum harvesting torque threshold (1050), and determining, based on the measured torque of the harvesting motor being less than the minimum harvesting torque threshold, that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped (1060).

[0056] For example, the mold body includes an ice tray (see above for example). Figure 5 and Figure 6In the described embodiment of the torsion tray, harvesting ice from the mold body may include a torsion ice tray, and the measured torque of the harvesting motor may include the torque applied when the ice tray is torsionally twisted. For example, the ice tray may be easier to torsion when less ice is detached from it. Also by way of example, the ice tray may be easier to torsion when it breaks (e.g., with less torque applied by the harvesting motor), and such a crack in the ice tray may also allow liquid water to escape from the mold body (e.g., from the ice tray, which may be the mold body in this embodiment).

[0057] Thus, for example, leakage events such as overfilling or misalignment of filling pipes, as described above, can be detected based on the harvesting motor torque. Furthermore, method 1000 may also include providing a user notification in response to determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped, for example, as... Figure 10 The (1070) instruction. As described above with respect to method 900, user notifications may be provided on the interface of the ice maker itself (e.g., a display) and / or on a remote user interface device.

[0058] In various embodiments, determining that ice has formed in the mold body can be based on the volume of water flowing during the step of guiding a certain volume of liquid water into the mold body. Thus, given a specific temperature and / or a specific amount of time after guiding the liquid water into the mold body, it can be determined that the volume of liquid water has frozen.

[0059] In some embodiments, the ice maker may include a flow meter. In such embodiments, the method may further include measuring the flow rate of liquid water with the flow meter while directing liquid water into the mold body, and determining the volume of liquid water based on the measured flow rate. Also in such embodiments, determining that ice has formed in the mold body may be based on the determined volume of liquid water.

[0060] In some embodiments, the ice maker may include a water filter. In such embodiments, the method may further include determining the state of the water filter, such as its lifespan or maintenance status. As mentioned above, this state of the water filter can also indicate the flow rate of water passing through it. Thus, in this embodiment, determining that ice has formed in the mold body can be based on the state of the water filter. For example, this embodiment may include determining the flow rate of liquid water based on the state of the water filter (e.g., the lifespan of the water filter), and determining the volume of liquid water based on the determined flow rate. In this embodiment, determining that ice has formed in the mold body can be based on the determined volume of liquid water.

[0061] In some embodiments, the ice maker may include a temperature sensor. In such embodiments, the method may further include monitoring the temperature at the mold body with the temperature sensor and determining that ice has formed in the mold body may be based on the monitored temperature, such as the monitored temperature reaching an ice-making threshold. In some embodiments, determining that ice has formed in the mold body may be based on temperature (e.g., the monitored temperature) and time (e.g., based on temperature over time). For example, determining that ice has formed may be based on the monitored temperature being at or below the ice-making threshold for at least a minimum ice-making time. As another example, determining that ice has formed may be based on a time-temperature integral, such as the area under the curve of temperature over time. In embodiments where determining that ice has formed is based on the temperature integral over time, the integral may begin at a certain point in time and continue until the integral reaches a threshold, such as the ice-making threshold, where the ice-making threshold in such embodiments may be a time-temperature integral value. For example, the specific point in time at which the integral begins may be when the monitored temperature reaches a limit temperature (e.g., approximately thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (32°F)).

[0062] See now Figure 11 The figure illustrates another exemplary method 1100. As shown, exemplary method 1100 may include guiding liquid water into a mold body, for example, as... Figure 11 The method 1100 may further include step 1120 of calculating the rate of temperature change of the mold body (e.g., as measured by a temperature sensor) after the liquid water is directed to the mold body.

[0063] When the temperature drops too rapidly, the thermal mass present in the mold body may be less than expected. For example, the amount of liquid water guided to the mold body and then actually received and retained in the mold body may be less than the total amount of liquid water guided to the mold body. Therefore, for example, an exemplary method according to the invention may include determining that the calculated rate of temperature change is greater than a maximum rate of temperature change threshold, for example, as... Figure 11 The 1130 indicates that when the rate of temperature change is greater than a maximum rate of temperature change threshold, this can indicate that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped, for example, never reaching the mold body and / or escaping from the mold body. Therefore, some embodiments may include step 1140 of determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped based on a calculated rate of temperature change greater than a maximum rate of temperature change threshold.

[0064] Similarly, Figure 11 For example, method 1100 may also include step 1150 of providing a user notification in response to determining that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped. As described above with respect to method 900, the user notification may be provided on the user interface of the ice maker and / or may be transmitted from the ice maker to a remote user interface device.

[0065] In some embodiments, the ice maker may include a flow meter. In such embodiments, the method may further include measuring the flow rate of liquid water while directing it into the mold body, and determining the volume of liquid water based on the measured flow rate. For example, a maximum temperature change rate threshold may be based on a determined volume of liquid water.

[0066] In some embodiments, the ice maker may include a water filter. In such embodiments, the method may further include determining the state of the water filter, such as its lifespan. Also in this exemplary embodiment, a maximum temperature change rate threshold may be based on the determined state of the water filter. For example, the method may further include determining the flow rate of liquid water based on the state of the water filter, and determining the volume of liquid water based on the determined flow rate, and the maximum temperature change rate threshold may be based on the determined volume of liquid water.

[0067] In some implementations, the maximum temperature change rate threshold can be based on the stored temperature change rate from previous operating cycles of the ice maker. For example, a previous operating cycle could be the initial cycle when the ice maker is first put into use (e.g., when it is first installed at the location of use). Thus, when calculating the temperature change rate threshold based on the actual operating cycles of the ice maker, the ice maker can be brand new, and the temperature change rate threshold can be optimal or ideal. In some implementations, the maximum temperature change rate threshold can be a percentage of the temperature change rate from previous operating cycles, such as approximately 105% (105%) or more of the measured and stored temperature change rate from previous operating cycles, such as approximately 110% (110%), such as approximately 125% (125%). As another example, the maximum temperature change rate threshold can be based on additional stored temperature change rates from other previous operating cycles of the ice maker, such as the average temperature change rate of multiple previous operating cycles. Thus, in some implementations, the maximum temperature change rate threshold can be customized for a specific ice maker unit and its installation and operating conditions.

[0068] In some implementations, the maximum temperature change rate threshold can be a fixed, predetermined value. For example, the maximum temperature change rate threshold can be a pre-programmed factory setting for the ice maker. This implementation can advantageously reduce the possibility of false negatives, for example, when a leak develops very slowly over time and gradually deviates from the actual temperature change rate, and can provide a simpler algorithm with relatively low storage and handling requirements.

[0069] Now generally refer to Figures 9 to 11 Methods 900, 1000 and / or 1100 may be associated with each other and / or may have one or more steps from any of methods 900, 1000 and / or 1100 in combination with any other methods 900, 1000 and / or 1100.

[0070] 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 method for operating an ice maker, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a mold body, and the method includes: Liquid water is guided into the mold body; The ice-making time is calculated after the liquid water is guided into the mold body; Determine that the calculated ice-making time is less than the allowable ice-making time; Based on the calculated ice-making time being less than the permissible ice-making time, it is determined that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped; and A user notification is provided in response to the determination that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker further includes a flow meter, and the method further includes measuring the flow rate of the liquid water while guiding the liquid water to the mold body, and determining the volume of the liquid water based on the measured flow rate, wherein the allowable ice-making time is based on the determined volume of the liquid water.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a water filter, and the method further includes determining the state of the water filter, wherein the allowable ice-making time is based on the determined state of the water filter.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes determining the flow rate of the liquid water based on the state of the water filter, and determining the volume of the liquid water based on the determined flow rate.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a temperature sensor, wherein calculating the ice-making time includes using the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature at the mold body and calculating the time until the monitored temperature reaches the ice-making threshold.

6. A method for operating an ice maker, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a mold body and a harvesting motor, and the method includes: Liquid water is guided into the mold body; After the liquid water is directed into the mold body, it is determined that ice has formed in the mold body; Harvesting ice from the mold body, wherein harvesting ice from the mold body includes activating the harvesting motor; The torque of the harvesting motor was measured during the harvesting of ice from the mold body; It is determined that the measured torque of the harvesting motor is less than the minimum harvesting torque threshold; Based on the fact that the measured torque of the harvesting motor is less than a minimum harvesting torque threshold, it is determined that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped; and A user notification is provided in response to the determination that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice maker further includes a flow meter, and the method further includes measuring the flow rate of the liquid water while guiding the liquid water to the mold body, and determining the volume of the liquid water based on the measured flow rate, wherein determining that ice has formed in the mold body is based on the determined volume of the liquid water.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a water filter, and the method further includes determining the state of the water filter, wherein determining that ice has formed in the mold body is based on the state of the water filter.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes determining the flow rate of the liquid water based on the state of the water filter, and determining the volume of the liquid water based on the determined flow rate, wherein it is determined that ice has formed in the mold body based on the determined volume of the liquid water.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a temperature sensor, and the method further includes using the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature at the mold body, wherein determining that ice has formed in the mold body is based on the monitored temperature reaching an ice-making threshold.

11. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a temperature sensor, and the method further includes using the temperature sensor to monitor the temperature at the mold body, wherein ice is determined to have formed in the mold body based on the monitored temperature over time.

12. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mold body includes an ice tray, wherein harvesting ice from the mold body includes twisting the ice tray, and wherein the measured torque of the harvesting motor includes the torque when twisting the ice tray.

13. A method for operating an ice maker, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a mold body and a temperature sensor operable to measure the temperature at the mold body, the method comprising: Liquid water is guided into the mold body; The rate of temperature change of the mold body is calculated after the liquid water is guided to the mold body; Determine that the calculated rate of temperature change is greater than the maximum rate of temperature change threshold; The at least portion of the liquid water is determined to have escaped based on a calculated temperature change rate greater than a maximum temperature change rate threshold; and A user notification is provided in response to the determination that at least a portion of the liquid water has escaped.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a flow meter, and the method further includes measuring the flow rate of the liquid water while guiding the liquid water to the mold body, and determining the volume of the liquid water based on the measured flow rate, wherein the maximum temperature change rate threshold is based on the determined volume of the liquid water.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a water filter, and the method further includes determining the state of the water filter, wherein the maximum temperature change rate threshold is based on the determined state of the water filter.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes determining the flow rate of the liquid water based on the state of the water filter, and determining the volume of the liquid water based on the determined flow rate, wherein the maximum temperature change rate threshold is based on the determined volume of the liquid water.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The maximum temperature change rate threshold is based on the stored temperature change rate from previous operating cycles of the ice maker.

18. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The maximum temperature change rate threshold is a fixed predetermined value.

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