Ice making for optimized water flow

Abstract

To provide a system for the formation and removal of ice pieces.SOLUTION: An ice making system includes an ice formation cell 218, an ejector 203, a panel, and an evaporator tube 112. The ice formation cell has a first wall and a second wall. The evaporator tube comprises a first portion and a second portion. The panel is situated between the first portion and the second portion of the evaporator tube. The ejector is situated between the first wall and the second wall, and configured to remove an ice piece from the first portion or the second portion of the evaporator tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background An ice maker may refer to a commercial or household device for making ice. The ice maker can freeze liquid water to produce ice cubes. Ice cubes can be used to cool perishable items such as food, beverages, and medicines, and prevent spoilage. An evaporator may be included in the ice maker together with controls and a sub-frame that are directly involved in ice production and discharge. The discharged ice can be discharged into an ice storage.

[0002] Ice makers can produce various types of ice, such as flake ice, cube ice, and tube ice. Flake ice is made from a mixture of brine and water and can be made directly from brine in some cases. Tube ice makers can produce ice by freezing water in tubes that extend vertically within a surrounding casing. Cube ice makers can be classified as small ice makers, in contrast to tube ice makers and flake ice makers. However, cube ice makers may be constructed on a large scale. An ice maker that makes cube ice can be regarded as a vertical modular device. The upper part is an evaporator, and the lower part is an ice bin. The refrigerant can circulate within the pipes. The refrigerant conducts heat from the water in a heat exchanger. The water can freeze into ice cubes. When the water is completely frozen into ice, the ice can be released and fall into the ice bin. Summary

[0003] This disclosure presents a system and method for forming and removing ice pieces. The system may include an ice-forming cell, an ejector, an evaporator tube, and a panel. The ice-forming cell may include a first wall and a second wall. The panel may be positioned between a first and a second section of the evaporator tube. The ejector may be positioned between the first and second walls. The ejector may be configured to remove ice pieces from the first or second section of the evaporator tube. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0004] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily proportional to the actual size; instead, the focus is on clearly illustrating the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, the drawings show corresponding parts across several views, such as reference numbers.

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an ice-making system according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 shows an example of an ice-forming assembly that performs an operation to remove ice flakes (not shown) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 shows a plurality of ejectors mounted on an ejector shaft for the ice-forming assembly of Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figures 4A–4C illustrate ice-forming assemblies with various gap widths according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an example of an ejector configured for insertion, having a substantially diamond-shaped cross-section to be mounted on the ejector shaft of Figure 3, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figures 6A–6B illustrate an example of an ejector configured for insertion, having a substantially square cross-section to be mounted on the ejector shaft of Figure 3, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an example of an ejector configured for insertion, which has two sides with a shape similar to a beveled surface, to be mounted on the ejector shaft of Figure 3, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate an example of an ejector configured for substantially D-shaped insertion to be mounted on the ejector shaft of Figure 3, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figures 9A–9C illustrate an example of an ejector configured for paddle-shaped insertion to be mounted on the ejector shaft of Figure 3, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate examples of ejectors made without insertion, with an aperture formed to correspond to the cross-section of the ejector shaft, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figures 11A to 11C illustrate examples of panel-based ice-forming assemblies according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed explanation

[0016] The following are various embodiments of the System and Method for ice makers, including commercial ice makers. The following discussion provides a general description of the System and its components, followed by a discussion of its operation. While specific embodiments are described, these embodiments are merely illustrative implementations of the System and Method. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments are possible. All such embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is described herein with reference to the drawings, but is not intended to limit itself to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Referring to Figure 1, the diagram shows a schematic representation of an example of an ice-making system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ice-making system 100 can be used with ice-forming units (ice formation units) or other systems as described herein. In some embodiments, the ice-making system 100 may be part of a self-contained system that produces and stores ice shards, which will be referred to below as ice shards 130.

[0018] The ice-making system 100 may include an ice-forming assembly 103, a compressor 115, an expansion valve 121, a water supply 106, an ice bin 124, and other components, if possible. The water supply 106 may provide a liquid water stream 127 used to form ice shards 130. For this purpose, the water supply 106 may be connected to a faucet, hose, valve, spigot, or any other type of water connection, for example, in a building structure. In some embodiments, the water supply 106 may include a filter or other components for removing contaminants from the water provided by the building structure. According to various embodiments, the water stream 127 may be water supplied to the ice-forming assembly 103 by dripping, squirting, spraying, misting, or any other method.

[0019] The ice-forming assembly 103 may be part of the ice-making system 100 in which ice pieces 130 are produced. In various embodiments, the ice-forming assembly 103 may include one or more ice-forming trays 109, one or more evaporator tubes 112, and other components, if possible. The ice-forming tray 109 is a component of the ice-forming assembly 103 that receives the water flow 127. The ice-forming tray 109 may determine or influence the shape of the ice pieces 130 produced. According to some embodiments, the ice-forming tray 109 may include one or more ice-forming cells (not shown).

[0020] As will be discussed further below, the evaporator tube 112 may be located within at least a portion of the ice-forming tray 109. In this sense, the evaporator tube 112 may extend through the ice-forming tray 109. The evaporator tube 112 may be a hollow structure that receives and delivers the refrigerant. The hollow structure may include internal rifling within the evaporator tube 112. The internal rifling allows the refrigerant to swirl within the hollow structure, enabling more even heat distribution through the refrigerant. The evaporator tube 112 can be made from metal or other food-safe materials, such as stainless steel or tin-dipped copper.

[0021] The refrigerant may be any type of fluid used in a refrigeration cycle, as can be understood by those skilled in the art. The ice-making system 100 can utilize the physical properties of the refrigerant to lower the temperature of the evaporator tube 112 to a level in which at least a portion of the water flow 127 can be frozen. Thus, the evaporator tube 112 can be configured to freeze at least a portion of the water flow 127 that is in direct contact with the evaporator tube 112. For example, the refrigerant can absorb thermal energy through the evaporator tube 112 to lower the temperature of at least a portion of the water flow 127 to or below its freezing point.

[0022] The compressor 115 is in communication with the evaporator tube 112 and the condenser tube 118. In one embodiment, the compressor 115 pressurizes the refrigerant in the condenser tube 118 to create a pressure difference between the evaporator tube 112 and the condenser tube 118. The compressor 115 may be a subsystem of the ice-making system 100 configured to receive the refrigerant from the evaporator tube 112 and compress the refrigerant into the condenser tube 118. Thus, the condenser tube 118 may be a hollow structure that receives and delivers the refrigerant at a pressure higher than the pressure of the refrigerant in the evaporator tube 112.

[0023] The expansion valve 121 may be a subsystem of the ice-making system 100 that controls the transfer of refrigerant from the condenser tube 118 to the evaporator tube 112. As will be described later, the transfer of refrigerant at a relatively high pressure in the condenser tube 118 to a relatively low pressure in the evaporator tube 112 lowers the temperature of the evaporator tube 112, thereby promoting the formation of ice pieces 130.

[0024] Next, a general description of the operation of various components of the ice-making system 100 is provided. Assume that the ice-making system 100 is powered on, water flow 127 is flowing, and refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator tube 112.

[0025] The compressor 115 is capable of transporting (pumping) refrigerant from the evaporator tube 112 to the condenser tube 118. By pushing the refrigerant into the condenser tube 118, the pressure in the condenser tube 118 can be increased. The heat generated by the compression of the refrigerant fluid is transferred to the condenser tube 118, where a portion of the heat can be dissipated to the surrounding environment.

[0026] Together with the relatively high-pressure refrigerant in the condenser tube 118, the expansion valve 121 can promote the transfer of at least a portion of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the condenser tube 118 to the evaporator tube 112. Due to the relatively low-pressure state in the evaporator tube 112, the refrigerant can be depressurized and expanded at the outlet of the expansion valve 121 when exposed to the evaporator tube 112. This depressurization of the refrigerant fluid lowers the temperature of the evaporator tube 112.

[0027] The compressor 115 can then compress the refrigerant again from the evaporator tube 112 to the condenser tube 118, and the above-described refrigeration cycle can be repeated. Accordingly, the temperature of the evaporator tube 112 can be lowered to a level capable of freezing the water in the water flow 127.

[0028] Returning to FIG. 2, illustrated is an example of an ice forming assembly 200 that performs a maneuver to remove ice pieces 130 (not shown) from an ice forming tray 109 and an evaporator tube 112. The ice forming assembly 200 may be the ice forming assembly 103 of the ice making system 100 (FIG. 1). The ice forming assembly 200 may include an ice forming tray 109, a portion of the evaporator tube 112, and ejectors 203 attached to an ejection shaft 212.

[0029] As further discussed below, the evaporator tube 112 may be disposed within at least a portion of the ice forming tray 109. Individual ice pieces (not shown) may be formed within ice forming cells 218. The ice forming cells 218 may include at least a portion of the evaporator tube 112 and two walls that may be dividers 221. The ice forming cells 218 may further include a stationary bevel 224 and an ejection bevel 227. The stationary bevel 224 may also be a flat surface that may be referred to as a stationary panel. In some embodiments, since the water is in direct contact with the evaporator tube 112 to rapidly cool, the water cannot freeze along the stationary panel during the ice making cycle. Thus, using a stationary panel combined with water in direct contact with the evaporator tube may provide an increase in the flow of water to the ice forming cells 218 while reducing the accumulation of ice along the stationary panel. In other embodiments, the stationary bevel 224 includes a horizontal ridge.

[0030] In various embodiments, the discharge angle 227 includes an ejector 203. In some aspects, the discharge angle 227 may further include a first partial angle 206 and a second partial angle 209, with the ejector 203 positioned between the first partial angle 206 and the second partial angle 209. In some embodiments, the discharge angle 227 is substantially the same shape as the fixed angle 224. In one example, the ice-forming cell 218 may include a portion of the first partition 221a and a portion of the second partition 221b, as well as a portion of the fixed angle 224 and a portion of the discharge angle 227, with a portion of the evaporator tube 112 positioned between the fixed angle 224 and the discharge angle 227. The ice-forming assembly 200 has a first side surface 230 and a second side surface 233, allowing ice fragments to simultaneously form the ice-forming cell 218 on both sides.

[0031] The following description refers to only one of the ejectors 203, but it is understood that a similar process can be performed with the other ejectors 203. The ice-forming assembly 200 shows the ejector 203 enclosed by a first partial bevel 206 and a second partial bevel 209. The ejector 203 is rotatable to remove two ice pieces 130. Figure 2 shows the rotation of the ejector 203 capable of removing two ice pieces 130 from the ice-forming tray 109 and the evaporator tube 112. For this purpose, the ejector shaft 212 is rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow 215.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ejector shaft 212 can rotate the ejector 202 by a first amount in a first direction and by a second amount in the other direction. The second amount may be twice the height of the first amount, with the first half of the second amount corresponding to the ejector shaft 212 returning to a neutral position. In one example, the ejector shaft 212 rotates 40 degrees in the first direction to pry open a first set of ice shards. Then, the ejector shaft 212 rotates 40 degrees in the opposite direction to return to a neutral position. Next, the ejector shaft 212 rotates another 40 degrees in the opposite direction to pry open a second set of ice shards. Then, the ejector shaft 212 rotates 40 degrees in the first direction to return to a neutral position. In yet another embodiment, the ejector shaft 212 rotates between 30 and 50 degrees in a first direction, returns to a neutral position, rotates between 30 and 50 degrees in another direction, and returns to a neutral position.

[0033] As the ejector 203 rotates in conjunction with the ejector shaft 212, the first end 201 of the ejector 203 retracts (is displaced) relative to the first straight segment 236a of the evaporator tube 112. Simultaneously, the second end 202 of the ejector 203 retracts relative to the second straight segment 236b of the evaporator tube 112. As shown in the figure, the retraction of the first end 201 of the ejector 203 is in the opposite direction to the retraction of the second end 202 of the ejector 203. The retraction of the end 201 of the ejector 203 allows the first ice shard 130 (not shown) to be separated from the first straight segment 213a of the evaporator tube 112 and the first side surface 230 of the ice-forming tray 109. Similarly, the retraction of the second end 202 of the ejector 203 allows the second ice shard 130 (not shown) to be separated from the second straight segment 213b of the evaporator tube 112 and the second side surface 233 of the ice-forming tray 109. Once the ice shard 130 is removed from the evaporator tube 112 and the ice-forming tray 109, it may fall into, for example, an ice bin 124.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, the diagram shows a plurality of ejectors 203, hereto be called ejectors 203a to 203h, mounted on an ejector shaft 212. The ejector shaft 212 with the ejectors 203 may be part of the ice-forming assembly 103 and may be configured to form an ejection angle 227 when assembled with at least the ice-forming tray 109. The ejectors 203 may have an ejector width 303. The ejectors 203 may be spaced apart by a separation distance 306. The cross-section of the ejector shaft 242 may be D-shaped, square, hexagonal, or other shape that is freely rotatable within the bore of the ice-forming tray 109. The ejector shaft 212 may be configured to be inserted into one of the bores on the side of the ice-forming tray 109 (not shown). Furthermore, the ejector shaft 212 is rotatable about the axis defined by the ejector shaft 212. For this purpose, the end of the ejector shaft 212 may be fixedly connected to a link. The link may include slots to facilitate the rotation of the ejector shaft 212.

[0035] Returning to Figure 4, illustrated is an example of an ice-forming tray 400 for an ice-making system 100 (Figure 1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ice-forming tray 400 shows an ejector gap 403 in which the ejector 203 is removed between a first partial bevel 206 and a second partial bevel 209. The divider gap 406 shows the span of space between dividers 221, for example, between partition 409 and partition 412. When assembled with the ejector 203 to form an ejection bevel 227, the ejector gap 403 is substantially the width 303 of the ejector 203, and the ejector width 303 is substantially smaller than the ejector gap 403 by a certain clearance. An ejector shaft 212 (not shown) may be inserted into a smaller hole (e.g., small hole 418) to provide a means for positioning the ejector 203 in the ejector gap 403 and for rotating the ejector 203. An evaporator tube 112 (not shown) may be inserted into a larger hole (e.g., large hole 421) as part of the ice-forming assembly 109.

[0036] The ejector gap 403 may be 30 percent of the distance of the divider gap 406. The ejector 203 may have an ejector width 303 that is substantially equal to the distance of the ejector gap 403. According to one embodiment, the ejector width 303 is substantially equal to the distance of the ejector gap 403. In this example, the ejector width 303 may be only 1 millimeter or less than the distance of the ejector gap 403. The ice-forming assembly 200 (Figure 2) may include an ice-forming tray 400 and an ejector 203 with a width substantially similar to the distance of the ejector gap 403. When the ice shards 130 freeze in the ice-forming cell 218, the ice shards 130 may require a force to separate from the ice-forming cell 218. A shearing force can separate the ice shards 130 from the dividers 409 and 412. The force may be applied in such a way that it breaks away at least from the fixed angle 224 and the evaporator tube 112.

[0037] The breakaway force can separate the ice shard 130 from the ejector 203, the first partial bevel 206, and the second partial bevel 209. The rotational force of the ejector 203 during rotation can pry the ice shard away from the ejector 203. This rotational force can reduce the breakaway force required to separate the ice shard 130 from the ejector 203. However, since the first partial bevel 206 and the second partial bevel 209 do not rotate, the breakaway force is not reduced by the rotational force from the ejector. The separation force required to separate the ice shard 130 from the first partial bevel 206 and the second partial bevel 209 can be reduced in size or eliminated.

[0038] Returning to Figure 4B, illustrated is an example of an ice-forming tray 430 for an ice-making system 100 (Figure 1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ice-forming tray 430 may include an ejector gap 433 that is wider than the ejector gap 403 of the ice-forming tray 400. In one embodiment, the ejector gap 433 may be at least 40 percent of the distance of the partition gap 406. In another embodiment, the ejector gap 433 may be at least 60 percent of the distance of the gap 406. In yet another embodiment, the ejector gap 433 may be at least 80 percent of the distance of the gap 406 (Figure 4A). Increasing the width of the ejector gap 433 and the ejector width 303 increases the surface area of ​​the ejector that encounters the ice pieces 130. Increasing the width also decreases the surface area of ​​the first partial bevel 206 and the second partial bevel 209 that encounter the ice pieces 130. Therefore, the force required to remove the ice shards 130 can be reduced by increasing the ejector width 303 and / or by decreasing the widths of the first partial bevel 206 and the second partial bevel 209.

[0039] The ice-forming assembly 200 (Figure 2) may include an ice-forming tray 430 and an ejector 203 with a width substantially similar to the distance of the ejector gap 433. When the ice shards 130 freeze within the ice-forming cell 218, the ice shards 130 may require a force to separate from the ice-forming cell 218. A shear force may separate the ice shards 130 from the partitions 409 and 412. The force may be at least away from the fixed angle 224 and the evaporator tube 112.

[0040] Returning to Figure 4C, illustrated is an example of an ice-forming tray 460 for an ice-making system 100 (Figure 1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ice-forming tray 460 may include an ejector gap 463. The ice-forming tray 460 may omit partial bevels, such as a first partial bevel 206 and a second partial bevel 209, so that the ejector gap 463 spans between partitions 409 and 412. The ejector width 303 may be substantially the same as the size of the ejector gap 463. In an ice-forming cell 218 formed between the two partitions 409 / 412, the ejector 203 may provide a shear force that freely separates ice pieces 130 from partitions 409 / 412. The ejector 203 may provide both a release force and a prying force, among other forces, to freely separate the ice shards 130 from the ejector 203. In the ice-forming tray 460, the amount of force required to remove the ice shards 130 can be dramatically reduced by eliminating bevels, such as partial bevels 206 and 209, in contrast to the ice-forming trays 400 and 430.

[0041] Referencing Figure 5A below, illustrated is an ejector 500a for an ice-making system 100 (Figure 1) according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5A shows the assembled ejector 500a. The ejector 500a may also be the ejector 203 of an ice-forming assembly 200 (Figure 2). The ejector 500a may be sized to correspond to the ejector gaps 403, 433, or 463 of an ice-forming tray 400, 430, or 460. Although shown as a single width, the width of the ejector 500a may be narrower or wider to substantially span the ejector gap in the ice-forming cell. The ejector 500a may include a single structure 503 with an insert 506. The single structure 503 may have an angled surface 509 in contact with water. The insert 506 may include a keyed aperture 518. Water may freeze on the beveled surface 509 to form ice shards 130 within the ice-forming cell 218.

[0042] The insert 506 is made of a different material than the single structure 503. In some embodiments, the insert 506 is made of a material with a higher density than the single structure 503. The insert 506 may be a metal alloy or other material. The single structure 503 may be made of plastic, rubber, polymer, or other material. According to one embodiment, the insert 506 is placed in an ejection mold, and the single structure 503 is formed by injecting material around the insert 506. In other embodiments, the insert 506 is pressed into the single structure 503.

[0043] Referring to the following Figure 5B, the ejector 500a for an ice-making system 100 (Figure 1) according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In Figure 5B, the components within the ejector 500a from Figure 5A are shown separately, along with a portion of the ejector shaft 212.

[0044] The ejector shaft 212 can be inserted through a keyed opening 518 of the insert 506. The keyed opening 518 may be molded to correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the ejector shaft 212 and sized to fit the ejector shaft 212 with a tight clearance. The cross-section of the ejector shaft 212 may have any cross-sectional profile shape to allow free rotation within the hole 418 of the ice-forming tray 109 and may be keyed so that the insert rotates with the ejector shaft 212 when torque is applied. For example, the cross-sectional profile of the ejector shaft may be circular, with a planar (D-shaped), square, hexagonal, or other shape that allows free rotation around the axis.

[0045] In one embodiment, the ejector shaft 212 may be circular with a flat side 512 called the D-shaft and is configured to avoid rotation of the ejector 203 in relation to the ejector 212 by contacting the flat side 515 of the keyed opening 518 of the insert 506. Due to the increased density of the insert 506, the ejector shaft 212 can provide greater rotational force to the insert 506 than if the ejector 203 were made of a single plastic material. The increased density of the insert 506 can prevent the ejector shaft 212 from stripping the flat side 515 of the ejector 203. The increased density material of the insert 506 can provide structural support to the single structure 503 when it rotates to provide force to the ice shard 130.

[0046] The insert 506 may be formed in various shapes or be keyed to prevent the insert 506 from delaminating when torque is applied to the single structure 503. Because the single structure 503 is less dense than the insert 506, the shape of the keyed intersection of the single structure 503 and the insert 506 may be designed to provide greater support against shear forces than the keyed intersection between the ejector shaft 212 and the insert 506.

[0047] The cross-section of the insert 506 may be a slender diamond shape, such as a rhombic shape, keying it to the single structure 503. The cross-section may substantially be a slender diamond shape in a plane perpendicular to the ejector shaft 212. In some embodiments, the slender diamond shape may have beveled sides. For example, the sides of the insert 506 may be beveled to provide an additional layer of material closest to the center of the beveled side corresponding to the thickest part of the ejector shaft 212. In some embodiments, the slender diamond cross-section may have slightly concave or convex sides. In other embodiments, the slender diamond cross-section may have straight sides. The beveled side 509 may correspond to the obtuse angle of the insert 506.

[0048] Illustrated with reference to Figure 6A is an ejector 500b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ejector 500b may include a single structure 603 and an insert 606. The ejector 500b may be inserted into the single structure in one of four different directions. The insert 606 is made of a different material than the single structure 603. In some embodiments, the insert 606 is made of a material of higher density than the single structure 603. The insert 606 may be a metal alloy or other material. The single structure 603 is made of plastic, rubber, polymer, or other material. According to one embodiment, the insert 606 is placed in an ejector mold, and the single structure 603 is formed by injecting material around the insert 606. In other embodiments, the insert 606 is pressed into the single structure 603.

[0049] Illustrated with reference to Figure 6B are ejectors 500b according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figure 6B, the components within the ejector 500b from Figure 6A are shown separately, along with a portion of the ejector shaft 212. The insert 606 may have a substantially square cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the ejector shaft 212. In some embodiments, the edges of the cross-section may be straight or curved. According to one embodiment, the ejectors 500b are inserted in a common orientation. In one example, the flat sides 515 may face left, right, up, or down of the single structure 603, and all flat sides 515 may face up or down, or right and left, ensuring that all ejectors 500b are oriented in the same dimension relative to the ejector shaft 212.

[0050] Referring to Figure 7A, the ejector 500c is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ejector 500c may include a single structure 703 and an insert 706. The insert 706 may have two sides with a shape similar to the beveled face 509 of the single structure 703. In one embodiment, the thickness of the single structure 703 is substantially uniform over most of each face.

[0051] The insert 706 is made from a different material than the single structure 703. In some embodiments, the insert 706 is made from a material with a higher density than the single structure 703. The insert 706 may be a metal alloy or other material. The single structure 703 may be made from plastic, rubber, polymer, or other material. According to one embodiment, the insert 706 is placed in an ejector type, and the single structure 703 is formed by injecting material around the insert 706. In other embodiments, the insert 706 is pressed into the single structure 703. The higher density material of the insert 706 may provide structural support to the single structure 703 when it rotates to provide force to the ice shard 130. In one embodiment, a plastic single structure 703 may provide greater force than a metal insert 706.

[0052] Referring to Figure 7B, the ejector 500c shown is an ejector 500c according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figure 7B, the components within the ejector 500c from Figure 7A are shown separately, along with a portion of the ejector shaft 212.

[0053] Referring to Figure 8A, the ejector 500d is shown, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ejector 500d may include a single structure 803 and an insert 806. In some embodiments, the insert 806 is made of a metal that requires a greater force to separate the ice. In this embodiment, when water passes between the ejector 500d and the first partial bevel 206, the second partial bevel 209, the partition 409, or the partition 412, the water may come into contact with the side component 809 rather than the insert 806 in order to minimize the force required to remove the ice shards 130. The side component 809 may be included in any other embodiments of the ejector 203 discussed herein, such as ejectors 500a-e.

[0054] In some embodiments, the insert 806 is made of a material with a higher density than the single structure 803. The insert 806 may be a metal alloy or other material. The single structure 803 may be made of plastic, rubber, polymer, or other material. According to one embodiment, the insert 806 is placed in an ejector type, and the single structure 803 is formed by injecting material around the insert 806. In other embodiments, the insert 806 is pressed into the single structure 803. The higher density material of the insert 806 may provide structural support to the single structure 803 when it rotates to provide force to the ice shard 130. In one embodiment, a plastic single structure 803 may provide greater force than a metal insert 806.

[0055] Referring to Figure 8B, an ejector 500d is shown that conforms to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figure 8B, the components within the ejector 500d from Figure 8A are depicted and shown separately, along with a portion of the ejector shaft 212. A single structure 803 may include side components 809 that cover two side portions of an insert 806 corresponding to a keyed opening 518 in the ejector 500d. The side components 809 can prevent water from contacting the insert 806. The insert 806 may have a D-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the ejector shaft 212. The D-shaped shape may have rounded corners. In some embodiments, the edges of the cross-section may be straight or curved.

[0056] Referring to Figure 9A, the ejector 500e is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ejector 500e may include a single structure 903 and an insert 906. The ejector 500e may have a symmetrically balanced oblique shape with an elongated insert 906. The insert 906 may have a substantially circular central portion 909 with a keyed opening 518 and two flat, substantially rectangular extensions 912a and 912b radiating in the same plane from two sides of the circular central portion 909.

[0057] Referring to Figure 9B, the ejector 500e is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9B shows a cross-section of the ejector 500e in a plane perpendicular to the ejector shaft 212.

[0058] Referring to Figure 9C, the ejector 500e is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9C shows a cross-section of the ejector 500e in a plane parallel to the ejector shaft 212, and the insert 906 may be substantially rectangular while fitting within a single structure 903. The insert 906 may have a width shorter than the width of the ejector 500e in a plane parallel to the ejector shaft 212. The width may vary such that the ejector material surrounds the insert 906 by a distance 915. In some embodiments, the distance 915 is 5% of the total width of the ejector 500e. In other embodiments, the distance 915 is at least 3 millimeters.

[0059] Returning to Figure 10A, the ejector 1000a is disclosed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ejector 203 may be manufactured without an insert. The ejector 1000a may be formed with a keyed opening 1018a having an angled surface 509. The keyed opening 1018a is D-shaped to correspond to a D-shaped ejector shaft 212.

[0060] With respect to Figure 10B, an ejector 1000b is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The ejector 1000b may be formed with a keyed opening 1018b. In one embodiment, the keyed opening 1018b is square to accommodate a square ejector shaft 212. The shape of the keyed opening 1018b and the ejector shaft 212 may be other shapes, such as the shape of inserts 503, 603 or 703. Due to the shape of the shaft, the square ejector shaft 212 can provide a greater torque to the ejector compared to the D-shaped ejector shaft 212. The D-shaped ejector shaft 212 can strip the keyed opening 1018a when a first torque is applied, and the square ejector shaft 212 can strip the keyed opening 1018b when a second torque is applied. The first torque is smaller than the second torque.

[0061] Next, with respect to Figures 11A to 11C, illustrated are different views of the ice-forming assembly 1100 optimized for the distribution of the water flow 127. Figure 11A depicts an exemplary ice-forming assembly 1100 from a perspective view. The ice-forming assembly 1100 includes an ice-forming tray 1103, one or more evaporator tubes 112a-f, and other components, if possible. Some other components from previous embodiments are omitted from the figures. The ice-forming tray 1103 is a component of the ice-forming assembly 1100 that receives the water flow 127 (Figure 1). The ice-forming tray 1103 can determine or influence the shape of the ice pieces 130 produced. According to some embodiments, the ice-forming tray 1103 may include a first side surface 1104a, a second side surface 1104b (collectively referred to as "side surface 1104"), one or more ice-forming cells 1106a-c (collectively referred to as "ice-forming cells 1106"), and other appropriate components.

[0062] Figure 11B depicts a magnified view of a portion of the ice-forming cell 1106 from the ice-forming assembly 1103 of Figure 11A. The ice-forming cell 1106 may be of different sizes. Figure 11B depicts at least a portion of the ice-forming cell 1106, which extends beyond the window shown. As shown in Figure 11B, the ice-forming cell 1106 may include one or more portions of the evaporator tube 112, a first wall 1109a, a second wall 1109b, one or more panels 1112a-d (collectively referred to as "panels 1112"), one or more ejectors 1115a-c (collectively referred to as "ejectors 1115"), and other components, if possible.

[0063] In some embodiments, panel 1112 may have a fixed and flat surface. Panel 1112 may be positioned between the first wall 1109a and the second wall 1109b (collectively referred to as "wall 1109"). Alternatively, panel 1112 may be positioned between wall 1109 and side 1104. As shown in Figure 11A, panel 1112 may be substantially perpendicular to the first wall 1109a and the second wall 1109b. Panel 1112 may also be positioned to align with the various components within the ice-forming tray 1103. For example, panels 1112 may be aligned perpendicular to each other. Panel 1112 may have a height "H1" that can be parallel to a vertical axis related to the height "H2" of the ice-forming trial 1106.

[0064] The ejector 1115 may be positioned adjacent to one or more evaporator tubes 112. The ejector 1115 may be configured to rotate about an axis centered on the ejector shaft 212 (Figure 2) in order to remove ice fragments 130 from the surface of the evaporator tubes 112. The ejector 115 and the flat panel 1112 may share a common plane. The ejector shaft 212 and the panel 1112 may be aligned vertically. The panel 1112 may be aligned in a plane that substantially intersects the center of a portion of the evaporator tubes 112. Additionally, the ejector 1115 may have two projections extending in opposite directions.

[0065] In some scenarios, the water flow 127 can be supplied to the top of the ice-forming cell 1106, and a portion of the water flow 127 may freeze along the surface of the first or second portion of the evaporator tube 112. In some cases, the accumulation of ice may prevent the water flow from moving to the lower layers of the ice-forming cell 1106. Thus, ice formation is hindered because the water flow cannot move to the lower layers. In this scenario, the panel 1112 may have a flat surface to increase the water flow to the lower layers of the ice-forming cell 1106.

[0066] Figure 11C depicts a magnified view of the ice-forming tray 1103, and the evaporator tube 112 is omitted from the figure. Figure 11C depicts the ice-forming tray 1103 including holes 1121a and 1121b (collectively referred to as "holes 1121"). The holes 1121 and the omitted evaporator tube 112 (Figure 11A) may be aligned with panel 1112. Furthermore, Figure 11C depicts panel 1112 having a concave surface 1124 extending through a plurality of ice-forming cells 1106 and holes 1121. The concave surface 1124 may facilitate the positioning and retention of the evaporator tube 112 at a particular location. In some embodiments, the concave surface 1124 may meet the evaporator tube 112, which may form a seal or partial seal. In some embodiments, the concave surface 1124 may be a groove or a slot.

[0067] In some embodiments, panel 1112 may be substantially equal in distance from the leading edge and trailing edge of the first side surface 1104a, as indicated by an axis relating to the width "W" of the ice-forming tray 1103. In other words, panel 1112 may be located midway between the first wall 1109a and the second wall 1109b. Additionally, Figure 11C depicts that the ejector 1115 may include a ridge 1127 having a flat or straight surface. Similar to panel 1112, the flat surface of the ridge 1127 may be used to create a water flow to the lower layer of the ice-forming tray 1103. The ridge 1127 may be located between two slanted projections extending in opposite directions.

[0068] Figure 11C also depicts the ice-forming tray 1103 including a ridge 1130 extending from panel 1112f. The water stream 127 (Figure 1) enters the top of the ice-forming tray 1103 and also contacts the ridge 130. Subsequently, the water stream 127 may move along panel 1112f beyond the ridge 127. At the bottom of panel 1112f, the water stream 127 contacts the evaporator tube 112. The ridge 1130 extends outward from panel 1112f and, in some embodiments, may include a lip extending upward at the edge.

[0069] Disjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z," is understood, unless otherwise specified, in the context in which items, terms, etc., refer to X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Therefore, such disjunctive language is generally not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as implying that a particular embodiment requires at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to exist.

[0070] It should be emphasized that the embodiments described above in this disclosure are merely possible examples of embodiments presented for a clear understanding of the principles of this disclosure. Various modifications and alterations may be made to the embodiments described above without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be incorporated herein by reference and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. an ice formation tray having a first side and a second side, the ice formation tray comprising an ice formation cell, the ice formation cell being at least partially defined by a first wall and a second wall thereof; an ejector located between the first wall and the second wall; an evaporator tube extending through the first wall and the second wall, the evaporator tube including a first portion and a second portion; a flat panel located between the first wall and the second wall, the ejector and the flat panel adjacent at least one of the first portion of the evaporator tube or the second portion of the evaporator tube; The flat panel includes a concave surface at an upper end for facilitating placement and retention of the first portion of the evaporator tube or the second portion of the evaporator tube at the upper end of the flat panel, the concave surface extending from the upper end of the flat panel to an adjacent flat panel in an adjacent ice formation cell. system.

2. The ejector, a first inclined protrusion and a second inclined protrusion inclined in different directions; a ridge with a flat surface, the ridge being disposed between the first angled protrusion and the second angled protrusion. The system of claim 1 .

3. Further comprising an ejector shaft, The ejector shaft and the center of the evaporator tube are vertically aligned. The system of claim 1 .

4. the flat panel comprises a first flat panel and further comprises a second flat panel vertically aligned with the first flat panel; The system of claim 1 .

5. the flat panel is aligned with a plane that substantially intersects a center of the first portion or the second portion of the evaporator tube; The system of claim 1 .

6. an ejector shaft configured to rotate the ejector and vertically aligned with the flat panel; The system of claim 1 .

7. Further comprising a water supply section configured to generate a water flow moving along the ejector, the first portion of the evaporator tube, and the flat panel. The system of claim 1 .

8. The ejector includes two projections extending in opposite directions. The system of claim 1 .

9. The concave surface and the evaporator tube form at least a partial seal, the at least partial seal facilitating the transfer of water from the evaporator tube to the flat panel. The system of claim 1 .

10. an ice formation cell including a first wall and a second wall; an evaporator tube having a first portion and a second portion; a flat panel between the first and second portions of the evaporator tube, the flat panel having a concave surface at an upper end for facilitating placement and retention of the first portion of the evaporator tube or the second portion of the evaporator tube at the upper end; an ejector between the first wall and the second wall, the ejector configured to remove ice pieces from the first portion of the evaporator tube. system.

11. the flat panel is substantially perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall; The system of claim 10.

12. the ejector and the flat panel share a common plane; The system of claim 10.

13. the flat panel comprises a first flat panel and further comprises a second flat panel vertically aligned with the first flat panel; The system of claim 10.

14. the flat panel is adjacent to the first portion and the second portion of the evaporator tube; The system of claim 10.

15. the first wall and the second wall are configured to move and guide a flow of water along the first portion of the evaporator tube, along the flat panel, and along the second portion of the evaporator tube. The system of claim 10.

16. an ejector shaft configured to rotate the ejector and vertically aligned with the flat panel; The system of claim 10.

17. the flat panel is substantially equally distant from a leading edge of the first wall and a trailing edge of the first wall; The system of claim 10.

18. the flat panel is aligned with a plane that substantially intersects a center of the first portion or the second portion of the evaporator tube; The system of claim 10.

19. The flat panel comprises a first flat panel, a second flat panel disposed above the first flat panel, the second flat panel including a panel ridge extending outwardly from the second flat panel, the panel ridge including an upwardly extending lip; a first hole in the first wall vertically aligned with the flat panel; a second hole in the second wall vertically aligned with the flat panel. The system of claim 10.

20. The concave surface extends from the upper end of the flat panel through a hole to an adjacent flat panel in an adjacent ice-forming cell. The system of claim 10.

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