Refrigerator appliance with icemaker and water reservoir system

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance includes a valve system including a plurality of flow control devices, a filter fluidly coupled to the valve system, a first water supply conduit configured to provide water to the valve system through the filter, and an ice maker appliance configured to receive water from the valve system. The refrigerator appliance also includes a water collection reservoir positioned to receive fluid from a return conduit fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit. A controller is operably coupled to the valve system. The controller is configured to receive and transmit signals operative of at least one of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to ice makers and water reservoir systems within refrigerator appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include an ice maker appliance mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment or fresh food compartment. To produce ice, liquid water is directed to the ice maker and frozen. For example, certain ice makers include an ice tray, for example, a mold body for receiving liquid water.

[0003] After ice is formed in the ice tray, it may be harvested from the ice tray and stored within an ice storage bin. Ice stored in the ice storage bin is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door.

[0004] For some ice maker appliances, such as nugget ice maker appliances, ice produced from the ice maker appliance may be stored in an above-freezing temperature environment. The above-freezing temperature environment leads to accumulation of melt water from ice makers and ice storage bins. The melt water from ice makers and ice storage bins may become contaminated with scaling and / or contaminants. Accordingly, recirculating the contaminated water may be undesirable.

[0005] Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial. Additionally, or alternatively, a refrigerator appliance including a nugget ice maker appliance that overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial and advantageous.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0007] In one example embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a first ice maker appliance, a valve system including a plurality of flow control devices, a filter fluidly coupled to the valve system, a first water supply conduit configured to provide water to the valve system through the filter, and an ice storage bin positioned to receive ice from the first ice maker appliance. The ice storage bin is positioned in an above-freezing temperature environment. The refrigerator appliance also includes a water collection reservoir positioned to receive fluid from the ice storage bin, and a return conduit fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit. The return conduit includes a pump configured to pump water from the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit. The refrigerator appliance further includes a water-receiving appliance and a second water supply conduit coupled to the valve system. The second water supply conduit is configured to provide water to the water-receiving appliance. The second water supply conduit is fluidly coupled to a first flow control device. The first flow control device is configured to selectively limit supply of water to the water-receiving appliance. A controller is operably coupled to the valve system. The controller is configured to receive and transmit signals operative of at least one flow control device of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a first ice maker appliance, a valve system including a plurality of flow control devices, a filter fluidly coupled to the valve system, a first water supply conduit configured to provide water to the valve system through the filter, and an ice storage bin positioned to receive ice from the first ice maker appliance. The ice storage bin is positioned in an above-freezing temperature environment. The refrigerator appliance also includes a water collection reservoir positioned to receive fluid from the ice storage bin, and a return conduit fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit. The return conduit includes a pump configured to pump water from the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit. The refrigerator appliance further includes a second water supply conduit coupled to the valve system. The second water supply conduit is configured to provide water to the first ice maker appliance. The second water supply conduit is fluidly coupled to a second flow control device. The second flow control device is configured to selectively limit supply of water from the second water supply conduit to the first ice maker appliance. A controller is operably coupled to the valve system. The controller is configured to receive and transmit signals operative of at least one flow control device of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough.

[0009] In another example embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a valve system including a plurality of flow control devices, a filter fluidly coupled to the valve system, a first water supply conduit configured to provide water to the valve system through the filter, an ice maker appliance configured to receive water from the valve system, and an ice storage bin positioned to receive ice from the ice maker appliance. The ice storage bin is positioned in an above-freezing temperature environment. The refrigerator appliance also includes a water collection reservoir positioned to receive fluid from the ice storage bin and a return conduit fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit. The return conduit includes a pump configured to pump water from the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit, and a controller is operably coupled to the valve system. The controller is configured to receive and transmit signals operative of at least one of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position.

[0014] FIG. 3 provides an interior perspective view of a refrigerator door of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of a water system for a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of a water system for a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of a water system for a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of a water system for a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of a water system for a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 provides a schematic view of an embodiment of a water system for a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 provides another schematic view of the water system of FIG. 9, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise, or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0026] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an appliance 100 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Appliance 100 may be configured as a refrigerator appliance or a standalone freezer appliance. Appliance 100 may define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T being mutually perpendicular to one another to form an orthogonal coordinate system. Appliance 100 may include a housing or a cabinet 102 that may extend between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along the transverse direction T.

[0028] Cabinet 102 may define one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 may define a fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of cabinet 102. As such, appliance 100 may generally be referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance, or standalone freezer appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein may be for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber or freezer appliance configuration.

[0029] Appliance 100 may include refrigerator doors 128 that may be rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 may be arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 may be coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) that may be slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 may be shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1A. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of appliance 100 shown with refrigerator doors 128 in the open position is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components may be mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages or solid food items, etc.) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator doors 128 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0031] Referring now generally to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 may generally be configured for dispensing liquid water or ice bodies from an ice maker 180. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 may be illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

[0032] Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on one of refrigerator doors 128. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on front side 112 of appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening refrigerator door 128. In addition, dispenser recess 142 may be positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 may be positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

[0033] Dispensing assembly 140 may include an ice dispenser 144 that may include a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice pieces from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, may be mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 may be an external part of ice dispenser 144 and may be mounted in dispenser recess 142.

[0034] In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle.

[0035] A control panel 160 may be provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 may include one or more selector inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, for selecting a desired mode of operation, for example an ice-dispensing button that may be provided for selecting crushed or non-crushed ice pieces. In addition, the one or more selector inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, the one or more selector inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 may operate appliance 100 and the dispensing assembly 140 in response to the one or more selector inputs 162. Additionally, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 may be in communication with controller 164 and may display information in response to signals from controller 164.

[0036] As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible to the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

[0037] FIG. 3 provides an interior perspective view of an embodiment of one of the refrigerator doors 128. Appliance 100 includes an ice maker appliance 180, e.g., a first ice maker appliance. The ice maker 180 may be positioned at one or more of the refrigerator doors 128. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, ice maker 180 extends into fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position. Chilled air from a sealed system (not depicted) of appliance 100 may be directed into components of the ice maker 180. Ice maker 180 may generally be configured for freezing liquid water to form ice pieces 184, for example, ice cubes or ice shapes, which may be collected and stored in ice storage bin 182 positioned below ice maker 180. In some embodiments, ice pieces 184 stored within ice storage bin 182 may be dispensed through discharging outlet 146 by dispensing assembly 140 (FIG. 1). Additionally or alternatively, the ice pieces may be stored in a separate ice storage box or compartment where they may be manually retrieved by a user. For instance, ice maker 180 may be configured to produce (e.g., freeze) designer or custom ice shapes (e.g., spheres, stars, geometric shapes, etc.) that may not be suitable for dispensation through dispensing assembly 140.

[0038] In some embodiments, the ice maker appliance 180 includes a nugget ice maker appliance configured to generate nuggets of ice, such as may include pockets of air in ice pieces, such as may be softer than conventional ice cubes at a freezer appliance. Nugget ice is provided from the ice maker appliance 180 to the ice storage bin 182 positioned in an above-freezing environment, such as at the fresh food chamber 122.

[0039] Appliance 100 may include a water-receiving appliance 150, such as a water reservoir and dispenser or a second ice maker appliance (e.g., for storing ice at freezer chamber 124). In some embodiments, water-receiving appliance 150 configured as a water reservoir and dispenser holding water 152 that may be dispensed through a dispenser 154, such as a faucet 154 (FIG. 3).

[0040] Various embodiments of the ice maker 180, ice storage bin 182, and water-receiving appliance 150 may be positioned at one or more bins 134 at the refrigerator door 128. In some embodiments, a water collection reservoir 156 may be positioned at the door 128, such as at bin 134, below the ice storage bin 182, the water-receiving appliance 150, or both. The water collection reservoir 156 may be positioned vertically below the ice storage bin 182, the water-receiving appliance 150, or both, such as to gravitationally receive water therefrom.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, schematic embodiments of a water system 158 are provided. Embodiments of the water system 158 include ice maker appliance 180, ice storage bin 182, water receiving appliance 150, and water collection reservoir 156. Embodiments of the water system 158 include a first water supply conduit 178 configured to supply water to the ice maker appliance 180. The ice storage bin 182 is positioned to receive ice 184 from the ice maker appliance 180. The water collection reservoir 156 forms a melt water collection bin positioned to receive melt water 186 from the ice storage bin 182.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, the water collection reservoir 156 forms a collection area below the ice storage bin 182 for collecting melt water 186 from the ice stored above freezing temperatures at the fresh food chamber 122. In various embodiments, the water collection reservoir 156 may include baffles (not shown) to minimize sloshing, waves, spills, or other disturbances as the door 128 is open and closed. The water collection reservoir 156, the ice storage bin 182, or both, may include openings, holes, or slots to direct melt water from the ice storage bin 182 to the water collection reservoir 156. Openings at the water collection reservoir 156, the ice storage bin 182, or both, are configured large enough to capture ice that falls when the ice storage bin 182 is removed.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, in various embodiments, the water system 158 includes a return conduit 188 is configured to supply melt water 186 from the water collection reservoir 156 to the water-receiving appliance 150. In an exemplary embodiment of a method for recycling melt water at a refrigeration appliance, melt water 186 received at the water collection reservoir 156 may be flowed, pumped, or gravitationally fed from the water collection reservoir 156 to the water-receiving appliance 150.

[0044] Referring still to FIG. 5, in various embodiments, the first water supply conduit 178 includes a first supply conduit 178A configured to supply water to the ice maker 180, and a second supply conduit 178B configured to supply water to the water-receiving appliance 150. Water supply conduit 178, 178A, 178B may form main supply conduits configured to supply water from a main water source (e.g., a main water supply line at a residence or office). As will be explained further below, water supply conduit 178, 178A, 178B are provided by way of example only, and other configurations and conduits may be provided within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as depicted in FIG. 6, a drain conduit 199 extends from the water collection reservoir 156. For example, drain conduit 199 may be configured to drain melt water from the water collection reservoir 156 via gravitational force. Water supplied from first water supply conduit 178 may contrast to water supplied from water collection reservoir 156 through return conduit 188 based at least on an amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) present in the main water supply (e.g., conduit 178) in contrast to melt water 186 from ice 184 at ice storage bin 182. As the presence and magnitude of TDS in water can change the taste, appearance, freezing point, or overall user experience with the water, amounts and ratios of water provided to the water-receiving appliance 150 as drinking water or as a second ice making appliance may be controlled to improve water or ice quality received by a user.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7, in various embodiments, a flow control device 191, 192 is configured to selectively limit supply of water from the second water supply conduit 178B and the return conduit 188 to the water-receiving appliance 150. The flow control device 191, 192 may be configured as an appropriate type of valve configured to selectively articulate to permit and inhibit flow of water to the water-receiving appliance 150.

[0047] In some embodiments, a water level sensor 190 is communicatively coupled to the flow control device 191, 192. The water level sensor 190 is configured to command selective articulation of the flow control device 191, 192 to permit flow of water from the second supply conduit 178B and the return conduit 188 to the water-receiving appliance 150. In some embodiments, the water level sensor 190 may be included at the water-receiving appliance 150, such as to command water fill at the water-receiving appliance 150. Additionally, or alternatively, the water level sensor 190 may be included at the water collection reservoir 156, such as to command drain or removal of water from the water collection reservoir 156.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the water level sensor 190 and flow control devices 191, 192, 193, 212, 220, 222 are operably coupled to controller 164. Controller 164 is configured to receive signals from the water level sensor 190 and transmit control signals to the flow control devices 191, 192, 193, 212, 220, 222 to selectively command and articulate opening and closing to permit and inhibit flow of water such as described herein. In some embodiments, drain conduit 199 may extend from the water collection reservoir 156, and a drain flow control device 193 may be positioned at the drain conduit 199 to selectively permit and inhibit flow of melt water through the drain conduit 199. In some example embodiments, a user may manually drain the water collection reservoir 156.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of a method for recycling melt water at a refrigeration appliance, the water-receiving appliance 150 may generate a demand signal to receive or replenish water to the water-receiving appliance 150. For instance, the demand signal may be a signal generated and transmitted from the water level sensor 190. Controller 164 may be configured to provide a ratio of main water, through conduit 178B, to melt water, through conduit 188, such as to maintain TDS at or below a threshold at the water-receiving appliance 150. It should be appreciated that the ratio may be any appropriate ratio as may be determined by one skilled in the art, as may correspond to a desired taste, appearance, freezing point, or other quality of water at the water-receiving appliance 150.

[0050] In various embodiments, controller 164 may be configured to transmit a fill level signal from the water level sensor 190 to the drain flow control device 193. The fill level signal may correspond to a fill level (e.g., max fill level) at the water-receiving appliance 150. The fill level signal corresponding to a max fill level commands drain flow control device 193 to drain melt water from water collection reservoir 156, such as to inhibit flow of water from the water collection reservoir 156 to the water-receiving appliance 150.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a filter 200 and a valve system 210 may be provided with water system 158. In particular, FIG. 9 generally illustrates valve system 210 and return line 188 of water system 158, and FIG. 10 illustrates the valve system 210 and the return line 188 of the water system 158 in greater detail. Water system 158 may include first water supply conduit 178 configured to supply water to valve system 210 through filter 200, such as to supply filtered water to valve system 210. As described above, ice storage bin 182 may be positioned to receive ice 184 from the ice maker appliance 180, and water collection reservoir 156 may form a melt water collection bin positioned to receive melt water 186 from the ice storage bin 182. As described below, return conduit 188 may fluidly couple back to first water supply conduit 178, such as to recirculate and / or refilter water from water collection reservoir 156.

[0052] In particular, valve system 210 may include a plurality of flow control devices and, in some example embodiments, a flow meter 214. For example, the plurality of flow control devices may include a first flow control device, e.g., flow control device 191, a second flow control device, e.g., flow control device 192, and a third flow control device 212. In other example embodiments, valve system 210 may include additional or alternative flow control devices. Valve system 210 may generally be operably coupled to controller 164, such that controller 164 receives and transmits signals operative of at least one of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough. In general, valve system 210 may receive water from first water supply conduit 178. Additionally or alternatively, a filter 200 may be fluidly coupled to valve system 210. In particular, filter 200 may be provided on first water supply conduit 178, whereby water flowing to valve system 210 is filtered through filter 200 before entering valve system 210.

[0053] In general, water system 158 includes return conduit 188 generally configured to fluidly couple water collection reservoir 156 to valve system 210. In particular, return conduit 188 fluidly couples water collection reservoir 156 to first water supply conduit 178, and return conduit 188 may include a pump 202 configured to pump water from water collection reservoir 156 to first water supply conduit 178, such as through filter 200 to valve system 210. Accordingly, water within first water supply conduit 178 may be a combination of water from a main water source (e.g., a main water supply line at a residence or office) and water from water collection reservoir 156.

[0054] In general, extending from valve system 210 may be a plurality of water supply conduits, e.g., as described above, water supply conduit 178B, e.g., a second water supply conduit 178B, may be fluidly coupled to valve system 210 and be configured to provide water to water-receiving appliance 150. The second water supply conduit 178B may be fluidly coupled to first flow control device 191, whereby first flow control device 191 selectively limits supply of water to water-receiving appliance 150. For example, water level sensor 190 may be communicatively coupled to first flow control device 191, such that water level sensor 190 may command selective articulation of flow control device 191 to permit flow of water from second water supply conduit 178B to water-receiving appliance 150.

[0055] In general, water supply conduit 178A, e.g., third water supply conduit 178A, may be fluidly coupled to valve system 210 and be configured to provide water to ice maker appliance 180. The third water supply conduit 178A may be fluidly coupled to second flow control device 192, whereby second flow control device 192 selectively limits supply of water from the first water supply conduit 178 to the ice maker appliance 180.

[0056] In general, water supply conduit 178C, e.g., fourth water supply conduit 178C, may be fluidly coupled to valve system 210 and be configured to provide water to second ice maker appliance 181. The fourth water supply conduit 178C may be fluidly coupled to third flow control device 212, whereby third flow control device 212 selectively limits supply of water from the first water supply conduit 178 to the second ice maker appliance 181.

[0057] As stated above, return conduit 188 may fluidly couple back to first water supply conduit 178, such as to recirculate and / or refilter water from water collection reservoir 156. In particular, some example embodiments may include return line 188 including a first return line 188A and a second return line 188B, e.g., return line 188 may extend from water collection reservoir 156 and split into first return line 188A and second return line 188B. In particular, the first return line 188A may fluidly couple the water collection reservoir directly to valve system 210, such that pump 202 may pump water directly from water collection reservoir 156 to valve system 210. The second return line 188B may fluidly couple water collection reservoir 156 to valve system 210 through filter 200 on first water supply conduit 178.

[0058] Moreover, return line 188 may generally include a fourth flow control device 220 positioned on first return line 188A and a fifth flow control device 222 positioned on second return line 188B. In particular, fourth flow control device 220 may selectively limit supply of water from water collection reservoir 156 to valve system 210 and fifth flow control device 222 may selectively limit supply of water from water collection reservoir 156 to filter 200. As such, melt water 186 may be pumped back through filter 200 to aid in reducing any contamination of melt water 186 and may then be pumped back through the valve system 210. Accordingly, controller 164 may be configure to decide to only pump back through filter 200, via second return conduit 188B, for the water receiving appliance 150 and second ice maker appliance 181, and may choose to bypass filter 200, e.g., via first return conduit 188A, for the recirculation path, e.g., third water supply conduit 178A, back to the first ice maker appliance 180.

[0059] In some example embodiments, valve system 210 may include flow meter 214. In general, flow meter 214 may be coupled in-line with the valve system in order to monitor the amount of water flow to the valve system 210. Accordingly, controller 164 may make decisions based upon the measured flow amount from flow meter 214, such as calculating the amount of water to pump to the first ice maker appliance 180, the water receiving appliance 150, the dispensing assembly 140, and / or the second ice maker appliance 181.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of a method for recycling melt water at a refrigeration appliance, melt water 186 received at the water collection reservoir 156 may be flowed, pumped, or gravitationally fed from the water collection reservoir 156 to the valve system 210.

[0061] As mentioned above, the present disclosure may also be applied to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Additionally, variations and modifications may be made to ice maker while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0062] Embodiments of the refrigerator appliance 100 and water system 158 depicted and described herein may provide circulation and recycling solutions for melt water, such as may mitigate build-up of TDS at the appliance, or provide uses for high-TDS water received from melt water. Embodiments provided herein may remove a need for manual drainage, or may mitigate scaling and contaminants at the refrigerator appliance.

[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance, comprising:a first ice maker appliance;a valve system comprising a plurality of flow control devices;a filter fluidly coupled to the valve system;a first water supply conduit configured to provide water to the valve system through the filter;an ice storage bin positioned to receive ice from the first ice maker appliance, wherein the ice storage bin is positioned in an above-freezing temperature environment;a water collection reservoir positioned to receive fluid from the ice storage bin;a return conduit fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit, the return conduit comprising a pump configured to pump water from the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit;a water-receiving appliance;a second water supply conduit coupled to the valve system, the second water supply conduit configured to provide water to the water-receiving appliance, the second water supply conduit fluidly coupled to a first flow control device, the first flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water to the water-receiving appliance; anda controller operably coupled to the valve system, the controller configured to receive and transmit signals operative of at least one flow control device of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a water level sensor communicatively coupled to the first flow control device, the water level sensor configured to command selective articulation of the first flow control device to permit flow of water from the second water supply conduit to the water-receiving appliance.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the return conduit comprises a first return line and a second return line, the first return line fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir directly to the valve system, the second return line fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the valve system through the filter.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 3, further comprising:a third water supply conduit coupled to the valve system, the third water supply conduit configured to provide water to the first ice maker appliance, the third water supply conduit fluidly coupled to a second flow control device, the second flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the first water supply conduit to the first ice maker appliance;a fourth water supply conduit coupled to the valve system, the fourth water supply conduit configured to provide water to a second ice maker appliance, the fourth water supply conduit fluidly coupled to a third flow control device, the third flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the first water supply conduit to the second ice maker appliance; anda fourth flow control device positioned on the first return line and a fifth flow control device positioned on the second return line, wherein the fourth flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the water collection reservoir to the valve system and the fifth flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the water collection reservoir to the filter.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a drain conduit extending from the water collection reservoir.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 5, comprising: a drain flow control device operably coupled to the drain conduit to selectively permit and inhibit flow of melt water through the drain conduit.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the first ice maker appliance, the ice storage bin, the water collection reservoir, and the water-receiving appliance are positioned in a fresh food chamber defined at a cabinet of the refrigerator appliance.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the water-receiving appliance comprises a water reservoir and a dispenser.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the valve system comprises a flowmeter.

10. A refrigerator appliance, comprising:a first ice maker appliance;a valve system comprising a plurality of flow control devices;a filter fluidly coupled to the valve system;a first water supply conduit configured to provide water to the valve system through the filter;an ice storage bin positioned to receive ice from the first ice maker appliance, wherein the ice storage bin is positioned in an above-freezing temperature environment;a water collection reservoir positioned to receive fluid from the ice storage bin;a return conduit fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit, the return conduit comprising a pump configured to pump water from the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit;a second water supply conduit coupled to the valve system, the second water supply conduit configured to provide water to the first ice maker appliance, the second water supply conduit fluidly coupled to a second flow control device, the second flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the second water supply conduit to the first ice maker appliance; anda controller operably coupled to the valve system, the controller configured to receive and transmit signals operative of at least one flow control device of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough.

11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the return conduit comprises a first return line and a second return line, the first return line fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir directly to the valve system, the second return line fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the valve system through the filter.

12. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, further comprising:a third water supply conduit coupled to the valve system, the third water supply conduit configured to provide water to a second ice maker appliance, the third water supply conduit fluidly coupled to a third flow control device, the third flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the third water supply conduit to the second ice maker appliance; anda fourth flow control device positioned on the first return line and a fifth flow control device positioned on the second return line, wherein the fourth flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the water collection reservoir to the valve system and the fifth flow control device configured to selectively limit supply of water from the water collection reservoir to the filter.

13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, further comprising: a drain conduit extending from the water collection reservoir.

14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, comprising: a drain flow control device operably coupled to the drain conduit to selectively permit and inhibit flow of melt water through the drain conduit.

15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the first ice maker appliance, the ice storage bin, and the water collection reservoir are positioned in a fresh food chamber defined at a cabinet of the refrigerator appliance.

16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the first ice maker appliance comprises a nugget ice maker appliance.

17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the valve system comprises a flowmeter.

18. A refrigerator appliance, comprising:a valve system comprising a plurality of flow control devices;a filter fluidly coupled to the valve system;a first water supply conduit configured to provide water to the valve system through the filter;an ice maker appliance configured to receive water from the valve system;an ice storage bin positioned to receive ice from the ice maker appliance, wherein the ice storage bin is positioned in an above-freezing temperature environment;a water collection reservoir positioned to receive fluid from the ice storage bin;a return conduit fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit, the return conduit comprising a pump configured to pump water from the water collection reservoir to the first water supply conduit; anda controller operably coupled to the valve system, the controller configured to receive and transmit signals operative of at least one of the plurality of flow control devices to selectively permit and inhibit flow of water therethrough.

19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 18, wherein the return conduit comprises a first return line and a second return line, the first return line fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir directly to the valve system, the second return line fluidly coupling the water collection reservoir to the valve system through the filter.

20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 18, wherein the valve system comprises a flowmeter.

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