Systems and methods of ice making devices

Abstract

An ice maker can include a first chamber, a second chamber, an evaporator, an ice molder, and a controller. The first chamber includes a first outlet and a second outlet. The second chamber includes an inlet coupled to the second outlet and a third outlet. The evaporator is to cause ice of a first ice shape to form within the first chamber. The second chamber is to receive the ice from the first chamber via the second outlet. The ice molder is coupled to the third outlet, and is to receive the ice from the second chamber to mold the ice into a second ice shape. The controller is to cause the ice molder to shape the ice into the second ice shape, and to move a door to block the first outlet and to operate ice molder to mold the ice into the second shape.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ICE MAKING DEVICESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311249406.9, filed September 26, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Ice making devices, such as ice making appliances, can manipulate the ice into various useful structures, such as bullet ice and particle ice.SUMMARY

[0003] Systems and methods in accordance with the present disclosure can allow for ice making devices to generate ice of various shapes. For example, the ice making device can include a mechanism to receive input from a user and operate the ice making device according to the input to create selected shapes of ice (e.g., bullet or particle). The ice making device can also collect and reuse surplus water generated during the ice making process. Various such systems and methods as described herein can allow for a first ice shape and a second ice shape to be produced while retaining a compact form factor for the ice making device.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to an ice maker. The ice maker can include a first chamber, a second chamber, an evaporator, an ice molder, and a controller. The first chamber includes a first outlet and a second outlet. The second chamber includes an inlet coupled to the second outlet and a third outlet. The evaporator is to cause ice of a first ice shape to form within the first chamber. The second chamber is to receive the ice from the first chamber via the second outlet. The ice molder is coupled to the third outlet, and is to receive the ice from the second chamber to mold the ice into a second ice shape. The controller is to cause the ice molder to shape the ice into the second ice shape, and to move a door to block the first outlet and to operate ice molder to mold the ice into the second shape.

[0005] At least one aspect relates to an ice making apparatus. The ice making apparatus can include an evaporator, at least one ice bin, a mold, and a member. The evaporator is to form ice of a first shape. The mold is to form ice of a second shape. The member is movable to selectively direct the ice of the first shape to the at least one ice bin or to the mold.

[0006] At least one aspect relates to a method. The method can include detecting, by one or more processors, an instruction to form ice in a first chamber coupled with a water source. The method can include causing, by the or more processors, an evaporator to freeze water from the water source into ice. The method can include causing, by the one or more processors, ice formed around the plurality of protrusions to be released from evaporator. The method can include rotating, by the one or more processors, the first chamber to direct the ice into a first outlet of the first chamber or a second outlet of the first chamber.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an example of an ice making appliance.

[0002] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example of an ice making appliance.

[0003] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2.

[0004] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of components of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2 in a second ice shape making mode.

[0005] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a fluid circuit of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2.

[0006] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of components of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2 in a first ice shape making mode.

[0007] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of components of the ice making appliance of FIG. 2 in the second ice shape making mode.

[0008] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for ice making.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of ice making devices. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0010] Ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure can implement a refrigeration cycle to freeze water into ice, such as into pieces of ice. The pieces of ice can be formed into ice of a target structure, such as a cylindrical structure having target texture, density, and / or size characteristics. For example, an evaporator can be used to freeze ice around the evaporator and heat the ice to separate the ice from the evaporator to form a firstice shape. A second ice shape may then be formed by molding the first ice shape. The target structure can include bullet and / or particles of ice. The ice making devices may generate the target structure responsive to receiving user input regarding the target structure, and opening and / or closing a door based on the target structure. For example, the first ice shape can be formed regardless of the target structure being the first ice shape or the second ice shape. Responsive to the second ice shape being the target structure, the ice making device may operate a door to block a first outlet. The first ice shape may then fall through a second outlet to be molded from the first ice shape into the second ice shape.

[0011] In some implementations, ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure can be deployed independently of a refrigerator. These devices may not have similar limits (e.g., compared to refrigerator-based ice makers) on the amount of ice that can be produced, and may not rely on the refrigeration system of the refrigerator to form the ice.

[0012] Some ice making appliances form ice in an ice scraping system, which scrapes ice, following a formation of the ice, towards an ice receiving space (e.g., a chamber). The ice scraping system may be disposed within an ice box with an evaporator that is connected to a cooling and / or refrigeration system. The cooling system cools the water within the ice box of the ice scraping systems to form ice, which is then heated by the refrigeration system, allowing the ice scraper to scrape particles of ice (e.g., bullet ice) formed within the ice box. The evaporator may include multiple protrusions to allow ice to form around the protrusions. The protrusions can then be heated to detach the ice from the protrusions. The ice may then fall off the protrusions and allow the ice scraper to scrap the ice particles from the ice box.

[0013] Ice makers that provide ice may not be able to provide different types of ice, such as bullet or particle ice. For example, some devices may be able to provide only one type of ice.

[0014] Ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure can facilitate making ice of a selected type or shape in response to user input. The ice making device can generate bullet ice within a first chamber and deliver the bullet ice through either a first outlet or a second outlet. The first outlet can correspond to the bullet ice while the second outlet corresponds to particle ice. Depending on the selected type or shape of the ice, the ice making device can block the first outlet or the second outlet. For example, responsive to a selection being bullet ice, the ice making device can block the second outlet and allow thebullet ice to fall into a first ice bin for collection by the user. To create particle ice, the ice making device may block the first outlet, and the bullet ice may then fall into an ice molder. The ice molder can then mold the bullet ice into particle ice (e.g., based on first cutting or breaking the bullet ice into smaller pieces to be molded into particle ice or granular ice) with the particle ice falling into a second ice bin for collection by the user.

[0015] The ice making devices may be compact while still being able to generate both bullet ice and particle ice. Conventional ice making devices that can generate multiple shapes of ice may be mechanically complex, such as to require multiple refrigeration assemblies. The ice making devices in accordance with the present disclosure may generate the first ice shape regardless of the selected shape of the ice, and can selectively operate the ice molder responsive to the selected shape being the second ice shape.

[0016] In some implementations, the first chamber is located in a second chamber. The first chamber can be coupled to a first drive assembly, and can rotate to allow the bullet ice (as well as surplus water that may remain in the first chamber) to be moved into the second chamber. The surplus water may be generated due to heating of the ice within the first chamber. An ice scraping plate may direct the bullet ice from the second chamber to either the first outlet or the second outlet. The second outlet may lead to a third chamber to house the bullet ice prior to being molded into particle ice. The ice making device can include a first door coupled to the first outlet and a second door coupled to the third outlet. The ice making device can operate the first door to block or open the first outlet via a second drive assembly. The ice making device can also operate the second door to block or open the third outlet.

[0017] In some implementations, the surplus water of the first chamber may be returned to a water tank of the ice making device. The ice making device may also include a plurality of sensors, such as a sensor to detect whether the bullet ice is entering the first outlet. The sensor(s) can be used to monitor ice and / or water presence in various portions of the ice making device to facilitate selecting operations of the ice making device to perform. The ice making device can reuse surplus water generated in the first chamber, the first ice bin, and the second ice bin by a fluid circuit being coupled to the first chamber, the first ice bin, and the second ice bin. For example, water poured into either the first ice bin or the second ice bin can be returned to the first chamber by the fluid circuit and made into ice. The first ice bin and the second ice bin may include a plurality of apertures on a bottom of the first ice bin and the second ice bin to allow surplus water to drain. The surplus water may then bereturned to the water tank or the first chamber. In some implementations, the second ice bin may be located in the first ice bin.

[0018] FIG. 1 depicts an example of an appliance 100 (e.g., ice-making appliance, ice maker, ice-making device, stand-alone appliance, ice-making system). The components as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be disposed within a housing (e.g., housing 202 of FIG. 2), which can be positioned separately from other refrigeration devices in a space, such as to provide the appliance 100 as a stand-alone device.

[0019] The appliance 100 can include or be coupled with at least one water source, e.g., at least one water storage tank 102. The appliance 100 can receive water to store in the water storage tank 102. The appliance 100 can perform various operations on the water, including flowing the water through one or more components of the appliance 100, and freezing the water to form ice. The water storage tank 102 can be fluidly connected with one or more components of the appliance 100 as described herein. The water storage tank 102 can be a container (e.g., a receiving space, a receptacle) to store water to be used and processed by the appliance 100.

[0020] The appliance 100 can include at least one pump 104. The pump 104 can pump (e.g., move, force) water in the water storage tank 102 to one or more components of the appliance 100 by way of at least one fluid circuit 106. The pump 104 can be a centrifugal pump, positive displacement pump, jet pump, multistage pump, hydraulic ram pump, and any other suitable pump to pump water. The pump 104 can move water from the water storage tank 102 through various components of the appliance 100 such as an ice making bucket (not shown).

[0021] Water can be moved through the appliance 100 through a fluid circuit 106. The fluid circuit 106 can include one or more pipes and / or pipe fittings to pass water throughout the appliance 100. For example, the fluid circuit 106 can fluidly connect the water storage tank 102 with a first chamber 308 as depicted in FIG. 3. The fluid circuit 106 can be used to support one or more of multiple operations; for example, the fluid circuit 106 can be used to flow water for making ice as well as for cleaning the appliance 100.

[0022] The appliance 100 can include at least one controller 108. The controller 108 can include one or more processors (e.g., hardware processors) and a memory. The processor may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processingcomponents, or other suitable processing components. The processor may be configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory (e.g., fuzzy logic, etc.) or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.) to perform one or more of the processes described herein. The memory may include one or more data storage devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, computer-readable storage media, etc.) configured to store data, computer code, executable instructions, or other forms of computer-readable information. The memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. The controller 108 can be implemented as a hardware processor including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an Application-Specific Instruction-Set Processor (ASIP), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Physics Processing Unit (PPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a Controller, a Microcontroller unit, a Processor, a Microprocessor, an ARM, or the like, or any combination thereof. The memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. The memory may be communicably connected to the processor via the processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor) one or more of the processes described herein. The memory can include various modules (e.g., circuits, engines) for completing processes described herein. The controller 108 can include and / or be coupled with one or more user interface devices and / or one or more network interface devices, such as to facilitate receiving or providing inputs and outputs for the controller 108. The controller 108 (e.g., stored in memory) can include any one or more instructions, functions, algorithms, machine learning models, logic, rules, heuristics, or various combinations thereof to implement operations described herein.

[0023] The controller 108 can control operation of the pump 104. For example, the controller 108 can cause the pump 104 to drive water from the water storage tank 102 into the fluid circuit 106, such as to provide water to the first chamber 308. As such, the controller 108 can also, simultaneously, prevent water from flowing through the fluid circuit 106. The controller 108 can control and adjust a rate of the pump 104.

[0024] The appliance 100 can include at least one ice generator 110. The controller 108 can control operation of the ice generator 110 to cause ice to be formed, including to cause water to be formed into larger ice portions (e.g., bullet ice). The controller 108 can also control operation of the ice generator 110 to mold the larger ice portions into smaller ice portions (e.g., particle ice); this can be performed, for example, by breaking the larger ice portions into smaller portions that are then molded into particle ice. The controller 108 can control operation of the ice generator 110 according to the mode of operation; for example, the controller 108 can cause the ice generator 110 to operate to form ice in a first ice shape making mode. In some implementations, the controller 108 can control operation of the ice generator 110 to first form ice of a first ice shape (e.g., bullet ice) and then to form the first ice shape into a second ice shape (e.g., particle ice). For example, the ice generator 110 may include an evaporator that condenses and freezes water into the first ice shape. The ice generator 110 can also include an ice molder that molds ice of the first ice shape (or of pieces of ice of the first ice shape) into ice of a second ice shape. Responsive to receiving an indication of a target shape, the controller 108 can control the ice generator 110 to generate either ice of the first ice shape or the second ice shape. To generate the second ice shape, the controller 108 can control the ice generator 110 to generate the first ice shape and then direct the first ice shape to the ice molder to generate the second ice shape.

[0025] The controller 108 can control operation of the ice generator 110. For example, the ice generator 110 can have a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet may correspond to the first ice shape while the second outlet may lead to the ice molder to create the second ice shape. The ice generator 110 can also include a door coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet. The controller 108 can control the door to open the first outlet while blocking the second outlet in the first ice shape making mode. The controller 108 can also cause the ice molder to operate responsive to the target shape being indicated to be the second ice shape (e.g., responsive to receiving a selection input indicating that the target shape is the second ice shape). The controller 108 can control the door to open the second outlet while blocking the first outlet in the second ice shape making mode and direct ice to the ice molder.

[0026] The appliance 100 can include at least one sensor 112. The sensor 112 can detect a movement and / or rotation of the ice generator 110. For example, the controller 108 can control the ice generator 110 to rotate to output (e.g., pour out) ice. The ice generator 110 can come into contact with the sensor 112. Upon the ice generator 110 contacting the sensor112, the controller 108 can either control the pump 104 to deliver water to the ice generator 110 or output ice from the ice generator 110 by rotating the ice generator 110. The controller 108 can rotate the ice generator 110 between a first position and a second position. The first position can correspond to an ice making position while the second position can correspond to an ice output position. The sensor 112 can also detect a presence of ice . Responsive to the sensor 112 not detecting ice, the controller 108 can control the pump 104 to deliver water to the ice generator 110.

[0027] FIG. 2 depicts an example of the appliance 100. The appliance 100 can include at least one housing 202. The housing 202 can be a shell. The housing 202 can house (e.g., contain) various components of the appliance 100. The housing 202 can include one or more of metal, plastic, and / or a composite. An inner liner (not shown) that includes one or more of metal, plastic, and / or a composite can be coupled with an inner surface of the housing 202. The housing 202 can include one or more cover members, which can be moved (e.g., pivoted, rotated) to provide access into the appliance 100. The one or more cover members can include a top cover 204, a bottom cover 206, a first panel 208, a second panel 210, a third panel 212, and a fourth panel 214, for example and without limitation. The top cover 204 and the bottom cover 206 can be fixedly coupled to the first panel 208, the second panel 210, the third panel 212, and the fourth panel 214 to form a rectangular shaped housing. The first panel 208, the second panel 210, and the fourth panel 214 can include a heat dissipation hole 216 (e.g., a vent).

[0028] The appliance 100 can include a first ice bin 218. The first ice bin 218 can hold (e.g., contain) water for the appliance 100 to reuse and ice. A user may remove ice from the first ice bin 218. The third panel 212 can include an aperture 220 for the first ice bin 218 to be placed within and taken out of the housing 202. The first ice bin 218 can be moved by the user. The first ice bin 218 can have an ice receiving position within the housing 202 and an ice removal position outside the housing 202.

[0029] The appliance 100 can include at least one user interface 222. The user interface 222 can be coupled with the controller 108 to receive one or more user inputs to provide to the controller 108, such as for presentation of visual and / or audio outputs regarding the appliance 100 and / or selection of the mode of operation of the appliance 100. For example, the user interface 222 can receive an input to start an ice making cycle of the appliance 100 to generate ice of a first shape.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, the first ice bin 218 can further include a first ice bin support 302 and a first ice bin cover 304. The first ice bin support 302 can be fixedly coupled to the housing 202. The first ice bin cover 304 can be coupled to the first ice bin support 302. The first ice bin support 302 and the first ice bin cover 304 can define a cavity 306. The first ice bin 218 can be located within the cavity 306. The cavity 306 can align with the aperture 220.

[0031] The appliance 100 can include a first chamber 308. Ice can be generated in the first chamber 308, e.g., by operation of evaporator 312 as described further herein. The first chamber 308 can be rotatably coupled with and / or disposed in a second chamber 310. The second chamber 310 can be located above the water storage tank 102.

[0032] The appliance 100 can include an evaporator 312 in the first chamber 308. The evaporator 312 can be used to remove heat from water to form ice, e.g., ice of a first shape. An outlet of the first ice bin 218 can be coupled to an inlet 309 (e.g., the first inlet) of the first chamber 308. The outlet of the water tank can be located on the first ice bin cover 304. The pump 104 can be coupled to the inlet 309 of the first chamber 308, such as by way of the outlet of the first ice bin 218, to pump water (e.g., a predetermined amount of water) into the first chamber 308 as seen in FIG. 5. The second chamber 310 can also include a first outlet 314 to output ice out of. The controller 108 can rotate the first chamber 308 within the second chamber 310 via a drive assembly 316. The drive assembly 316 can rotate the first chamber 308 to direct ice formed within the first chamber 308 out through the first outlet 314. Rotating the first chamber 308 can also output surplus (e.g., additional, extra) water out of the first outlet 314. The surplus water may be water that did not freeze into ice. The second chamber 310 can also include a second outlet 315 to output ice out of. The first outlet 314 can correspond to generating ice of the first shape while the second outlet 315 can correspond to generating ice of the second shape.

[0033] To move the ice from the second chamber 310 to the first outlet 314 or the second outlet 315, the first chamber 308 can also include an ice scraper 324. The ice scraper 324 can direct the ice fallen from the plurality of protrusions 318 to the first outlet 314 or the second outlet 315. The ice scraper 324 can direct ice from the second chamber 310 to the first outlet or the second outlet 315.

[0034] In some implementations, the appliance 100 can include a first door 317. The first door 317 can be coupled to the first outlet 314 and / or the second outlet 315. The first door317 can be rotated by the drive assembly 316 to block or open the first outlet 314.Responsive to the appliance 100 being in the first ice shaping mode, the first door 317 can open the first outlet 314 and the ice scraper 324 can push the ice from the second chamber 310 to the first outlet 314. Responsive to the appliance 100 being in the second ice shaping mode, the first door 317 can block the first outlet 314 and the ice scraper 324 can push the ice in the second chamber 310 to the second outlet 315. In some implementations, the first door 317 is coupled to a rotating shaft. In some implementations, a sensor is located at the first door 317. The controller 108 can use the sensor to control the rotation of the first door 317. The first door 317 can be coupled to a second drive assembly 319. The controller 108 can operate the second drive assembly 319 to rotate the first door 317.

[0035] Referring further to FIG. 3, the evaporator 312 can be coupled to the first chamber 308 and / or be located within the second chamber 310. The evaporator 312 can cause ice of a first ice shape to form within the first chamber 308. For example, the evaporator 312 can include a plurality of protrusions 318 extending within the first chamber 308. The evaporator 312 can then flow a refrigerant through the plurality of protrusions 318 to transfer heat from the plurality of protrusions 318 to the refrigerant, such as to cause water provided to the first chamber 308 to freeze into ice around the plurality of protrusions 318. The water can freeze around the plurality of protrusions 318 to form the first ice shape (e.g., bullet ice).

[0036] Referring further to FIG. 2, the appliance 100 can also include a compressor 224. As seen in FIG. 3, the appliance 100 can also include a radiator 322. The radiator 322 can be coupled to the compressor 224 via a refrigerant conduit (not shown). The compressor 224 can be coupled to the evaporator 312 via the refrigerant conduit. The evaporator 312 can receive refrigerant via the refrigerant conduit. The appliance 100 (e.g., by operation of one or more of the radiator 322, the compressor 224, and the evaporator 312) can freeze water around the plurality of protrusions 318.

[0037] The appliance 100 (e.g., by operation of one or more of the radiator 322, the compressor 224, and the evaporator 312) can cause the ice around the plurality of protrusions 318 to separate (e.g., detach) the ice from the plurality of protrusions 318. For example, the appliance 100 can cause temperature of the protrusions 318 to increase (e.g., by reducing or discontinuing flow of refrigerant; by flowing refrigerant at a higher temperature) to allow the ice to melt to release from the protrusions 318. The separated ice can fall to and be received in the second chamber 310. For example, the controller 108 canrotate the first chamber 308 to pour (e.g., direct, move) both ice and surplus water from the first chamber 308 to the second chamber 310. The surplus water may be generated from heating the ice to detach the ice from the plurality of protrusions 318.

[0038] In some implementations, the first chamber 308 includes a first chamber cover 326. The second chamber 310 can be coupled to the housing 202 via a support assembly. The support assembly can include various components. The support assembly can include a second chamber support 328, a first bracket 330, and second bracket 332. The second chamber 310 can be coupled to and located in the second chamber support 328. An upper end of the first bracket 330 and the second bracket 332 can be coupled to the second chamber support 328. A lower end of the first bracket 330 and the second bracket 332 can be coupled to the housing 202.

[0039] In some implementations, the first chamber 308 can rotate around a shaft (not shown). The shaft can include a sensor (e.g., the sensor 112) to detect an angle of the rotation of the first chamber 308. The controller 108 can use information provided by the sensor to control rotation of the first chamber 308.

[0040] In some implementations, the controller 108 can include a microcontroller unit (MCU) module 334 within the housing 202. The controller 108 can also include a control board component 336 within the housing 202. The control board component 336 can be electrically coupled to the MCU module 334. The MCU module 334 can be electrically coupled to various components of the appliance 100 (e.g., the pump 104, the evaporator 312, the compressor 224, etc.). The MCU module 334 can receive input from the user interface 222 and operate the appliance 100 based on the input through the control board component 336.

[0041] For example, the drive assembly 316 can rotate the first chamber 308 counterclockwise until the first chamber 308 contacts a sensor (e.g., the sensor 112). Responsive to the first chamber contacting the sensor, the MCU module 334 can control the drive assembly 316 to rotate clockwise. The MCU module 334 can also control the pump 104 to deliver water to the first chamber 308 based on the rotation. The MCU module 334 can also determine when the appliance 100 is in a state of water storage and control the appliance 100 to be in standby mode.

[0042] In some implementations, responsive to the first chamber 308 rotating counterclockwise, the ice and surplus water created by heating of the ice within the firstchamber 308 can be poured in the second chamber 310. The second chamber 310 can be coupled to the first ice bin 218 for the first ice bin 218 to receive the surplus water. Responsive to the first chamber 308 rotating clockwise, the ice scraper 324 can push and direct the ice in the second chamber 310 to the first outlet 314 or the second outlet 315.

[0043] Referring further to FIG. 3, the appliance 100 can include a third chamber 338. As seen in FIG. 4, the third chamber 338 can include an inlet 404 coupled to the second outlet 315. The third chamber 338 can be located above the water storage tank 102. The third chamber 338 can receive ice in the first ice shape from the first chamber 308. The third chamber 338 can also include a third outlet 406. In the second ice shape making mode, ice generated within the first chamber 308 can be directed to the third outlet 406. The ice scraper 324 can direct ice from the second chamber 310 to the third chamber 338 via the second outlet 315 and to the third outlet 406. The third chamber 338 can include a sensor to detect whether ice is entering and within the third chamber 338.

[0044] Referring further to FIG. 3, the appliance 100 can also include an ice molder 340. The ice molder 340 can be coupled to the third outlet 406. The ice molder 340 can receive ice from the third chamber 338 and mold the ice into a second ice shape in the second ice shaping mode. For example, the first chamber 308 can generate ice in the first ice shape. To create the second ice shape, the ice can be directed to the ice molder 340. The ice molder 340 can form particle (e.g., granular) ice. To reach the ice molder 340, the ice scraper 324 can direct ice from the second chamber 310 to the third chamber 338 via the second outlet 315. The ice can then fall through the second outlet 315 to the ice molder 340. Responsive to the first chamber 308 rotating clockwise to touch the sensor, the MCU module 334 can control the ice molder 340 to begin operation.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 7, in some implementations, the ice molder 340 can include a plurality of blades 701. The ice molder 340 can rotate the plurality of blades 701 to mold and / or slice the first ice shape into the second ice shape. In some implementations, the ice molder 340 can compress the first ice shape to generate the second ice shape.

[0046] Referring further to FIG. 3, the appliance 100 can include a channel 342. The channel 342 can be coupled to the first ice bin 218 and the first outlet 314. The first ice bin 218 can receive ice and water from the first outlet 314 via the channel 342. The first ice bin 218 can be located below the first outlet 314 and above the water storage tank 102. The channel 342 can also include a sensor to measure whether ice is entering the channel 342.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the first ice bin 218 can include a first plate 504 comprising a plurality of first apertures 505. Water received from the channel 342 can fall through the plurality of first apertures 505 while the ice of the first shape can remain on the first plate 504. The appliance 100 can also include one or more pipes 506. The water under the first plate 504 can then be reused by the appliance 100 by the pump 104 connecting the water within the first ice bin 218 to the one or more pipes 506. The one or more pipes 506 can also couple the pump 104 to the first chamber 308. The one or more pipes 506 can be coupled to the pump 104, the inlet 309 of the first chamber 308, and the first outlet 314. The one or more pipes 506 can deliver water to the inlet 309 and receive water from the first outlet 314.

[0048] In some implementations, the second chamber 310 includes a water outlet 508. The water outlet 508 can be coupled to the pump 104 and the water storage tank 102 via a down pipe 344 as seen in FIG. 3. The down pipe 344 can include a check valve. The surplus water generated by the first chamber 308 can fall to the second chamber 310. The surplus water can then be returned to the pump 104, the water storage tank 102, and / or the first ice bin 218 by the down pipe 344. The surplus water can be recycled. In some implementations, the appliance 100 does not include the one or more pipes 506. In this case, the pump 104 and the down pipe 344 couple the water storage tank 102 and the first ice bin 218 to the first chamber 308.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 6, the appliance 100 can include a second door 602. The second door 602 can be coupled to the third outlet 406. The controller 108 can operate the second door 602 to open and close in the second ice making mode. For example, the controller 108 can move the second door 602 to block the third outlet 406 in the first ice shaping mode. The controller 108 can receive an indication from the user interface 222 regarding a target shape of the ice (e.g., particle or bullet) and control operation to open the first door 317 coupled to the first outlet 314 or the second door 602 coupled to the third outlet 406. The controller 108 can also control operation of the ice scraper 324 to direct ice to the first outlet 314 or the second outlet 315. The opening of the second door 602 can allow ice to fall into the ice molder 340.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 7, the appliance 100 can also include a second ice bin 704. The second ice bin 704 can be located below the ice molder 340. The second ice bin 704 can be located below the third outlet 406 and above the water storage tank 102. Upon opening of the second door 602, the ice in the first ice shape can be molded by the icemolder 340 into the second ice shape and fall to the second ice bin 704. The second ice bin 704 can receive both ice in the second ice shape as well as surplus water from the ice molder 340. The second ice bin 704 can include a second plate 706. The second plate 706 can include a plurality of second apertures 708. The surplus water can fall through the plurality of second apertures 708 to at least one of the one or more pipes 506, the water storage tank 102, and / or the first ice bin 218. The surplus water can be recycled by the appliance 100 to create more ice within the first chamber 308. In some implementations, the second ice bin 704 is located in the first ice bin 218.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the appliance 100 can operate in one or more modes of operation. For example, the appliance 100 can operate in a first ice shape making mode and a second ice shape making mode. The MCU module 334 may receive an indication of which mode to operate in from the control board component 336. The MCU module 334 can first control the pump 104 to input a quantity of water to the first chamber 308 via the one or more pipes 506 in both the first ice shape making mode and the second ice shaping mode as seen in FIG. 5. The MCU module 334 can further control the compressor 224, the radiator 322, and the evaporator 312 to initiate and operation and condense water around the plurality of protrusions 318 of the evaporator 312. After a predetermined amount of time, the MCU module 334 can control the evaporator 312 to enter a heating mode. The ice around the plurality of protrusions 318 can then fall off the plurality of protrusions 318 into the second chamber 310 and / or the first chamber 308.

[0052] In the first ice shaping mode as seen in FIG. 6, as the ice is falling off the plurality of protrusions, the MCU module 334 can control the second drive assembly 319 to rotate clockwise and drive the first door 317 to rotate clockwise responsive to receiving the target ice shape to be the first ice shape (e.g., bullet ice). Rotating the first door 317 clockwise can open the first outlet 314. The MCU module 334 can then control the drive assembly 316 to rotate the first chamber 308 to rotate the ice and the surplus water from the first chamber 308 into the second chamber 310. The drive assembly 316 continues to rotate the first chamber 308 counterclockwise until the first chamber 308 touches the sensor. The MCU module 334 then controls the drive assembly 316 to drive the first chamber 308 clockwise and back to its original position to make ice. The ice scraper 324 can then push (e.g., guide) ice from the second chamber 310 to the first outlet 314 and through the channel 342, as seen in FIG. 6 in the first ice shape making mode. Due to positioning of the channel 342 and the first ice bin 218, the ice of the first ice shape can fall through the first outlet 314 and thechannel 342 via gravity. The ice can land on the first plate 504. While the ice is falling to the first ice bin 218, the surplus water in the second chamber 310 can return to the water storage tank 102 via the down pipe 344. Ice can then be removed by a user from the first ice bin 218. Responsive to the first chamber 308 rotating clockwise and becoming in contact with the sensor again, the MCU module 334 can control the pump 104 to deliver water to the first chamber 308 to enter another ice making cycle as seen in FIG. 5.

[0053] In the second ice shaping mode, as seen in FIG. 7, as the ice around the plurality of protrusions 318 is falling off the plurality of protrusions 318 into the second chamber 310 and / or the first chamber 308, the MCU module 334 can rotate the first door 317 to block the first outlet 314. The MCU module 334 can also initiate operation of the ice molder 340. The MCU module 334 can then control the drive assembly 316 to rotate the first chamber 308 for the ice of the first ice shape and the surplus water within the first chamber 308 to fall into the second chamber 310. Responsive to the first chamber 308 rotating counterclockwise to touch the sensor, the MCU module 334 controls the drive assembly 316 to rotate clockwise again to return to an ice making position. The ice scraper 324 can then push the ice within the second chamber 310 to the third chamber 338 via the second outlet 315. The MCU module 334 can then open the second door 602 for the ice to fall to the ice molder 340 to form ice of the second ice shape. Due to positioning of the third chamber 338, the ice molder 340, and the second ice bin 704, the ice of the second ice shape can fall to the second ice bin 704 via gravity. Ice can then be removed by a user from the second ice bin 704. Responsive to the first chamber 308 rotating clockwise to touch the sensor, the MCU module 334 can control the ice molder 340 to initiate operation. At the same time, the MCU module 334 can control the pump 104 to deliver water to the first chamber 308 to start another round of ice making.

[0054] Responsive to the MCU module 334 not receiving a signal detecting ice in the third chamber 338 or the channel 342, the MCU module 334 can determine that the appliance 100 is short on water (e.g., lacking water, does not have enough water to generate ice) and stop operation of the appliance 100.

[0055] In some implementations, the appliance 100 does not include the second ice bin 704. In this case, the first ice bin 218 can include one or more outlets. The first ice bin 218 can include a first inlet coupled to the channel 342. The first ice bin 218 can include a second inlet coupled to the ice molder 340. The first ice bin 218 can receive ice in the first ice shape and surplus water from the channel 342. The first ice bin 218 can also receive ice inthe second ice shape and surplus water from the ice molder 340. In this case, the appliance 100 does not include the second plate 706. The ice can fall onto the first plate 504 while the surplus water can fall through the plurality of first apertures 505. The first ice bin 218 can be coupled to the one or more pipes 506 and the pump 104. Water collected by the first ice bin 218 can be reused in a cycle of ice making of the appliance 100. In some implementations, the second ice bin 704 is the first ice bin 218.

[0056] FIG. 8 depicts an example of a method 800 of making ice. The method 800 can be performed using various devices described herein, such as the appliance 100. The method 800 can be performed responsive to activation of an ice making device or during operation of the ice making device. The method 800 can be performed to make ice of a first ice shape or a second ice shape, and can also reuse surplus water generated in the ice making process.

[0057] The method 800 can include detecting (802) (e.g., receiving) an instruction to form ice in a first chamber coupled with a water source (e.g., water storage tank). The first chamber can be located above the water source. The instruction can be received from the user through a user interface. The instruction can be received from a remote device coupled with the ice making device. The instruction can be detected responsive to evaluation of a schedule. The first chamber can be coupled to an evaporator including a plurality of protrusions. The instruction can indicate a target ice shape.

[0058] Responsive to detecting an instruction, the method 800 can further include detecting the target ice shape as indicated by the instruction. The target ice shape can be a first ice shape (e.g., bullet ice) or a second ice shape (e.g., particle ice). Based on the detected target ice shape, the method 800 can further include controlling a first door coupled to the first chamber to block either a first outlet or a second outlet of the first chamber. The first outlet can correspond to the first ice shape while the second outlet corresponds to the second ice shape.

[0059] The method 800 can include condensing (804) water received from the water source around the plurality of protrusions responsive to detecting the instruction. The water can be condensed via the evaporator flowing refrigerant through the plurality of protrusions.

[0060] The method 800 can include heating (806) ice formed around the plurality of protrusions. The evaporator can enter a heating mode to detach the ice from the plurality of protrusions. The ice can then fall to the first chamber.

[0061] The method 800 can include rotating (808) the first chamber to direct ice detached from the plurality of protrusions to either the first outlet or the second outlet of the first chamber. Rotation of the first chamber can be based on the instruction. For example, responsive to the target ice shape being a first ice shape, the first chamber is rotated to the first outlet while responsive to the target ice shape being a second ice shape, the first chamber is rotated to the second outlet.

[0062] Responsive to rotating the first chamber, the method 800 can further include directing the ice in the first chamber to the first outlet or the second outlet. The ice can be directed by an ice scraper. Responsive to directing the ice to the second outlet, the ice can be further directed to a third outlet. The ice directed to the second outlet can fall to a second chamber. The ice in the second chamber can then be directed to a third outlet of the second chamber. Responsive to directing ice to the third outlet, the method can include operating an ice molder coupled to the third outlet.

[0063] Responsive to detecting the rotation of the first chamber, the method 800 can include operating a water pump coupled to the water source to deliver water to the first chamber. Another ice making cycle can then be initiated.

[0064] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. The orientation of various elements can differ according to other illustrative implementations, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. References herein to the order of elements (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” “sixth,” “seventh”) are merely used for ease of description relative to each element in the FIGURES.

[0065] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order.

[0066] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts, and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed inconnection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations.

[0067] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0068] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0069] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or implementation, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or implementation. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0070] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’.Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0071] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The implementations of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine- readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0073] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / -10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise.Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An ice maker, comprising: a first chamber comprising a first outlet and a second outlet; a second chamber comprising an inlet coupled to the second outlet and a third outlet; an evaporator coupled to the first chamber, the evaporator to cause ice of a first ice shape to form within the first chamber, the second chamber to receive the ice from the first chamber via the second outlet; an ice molder coupled to the third outlet, the ice molder to receive the ice from the second chamber and mold the ice into a second ice shape; and a controller to detect an instruction to cause the ice molder to shape the ice into the second ice shape, the controller to move a door to a position to block the first outlet and to initiate operation of the ice molder to mold the ice into the second shape.

2. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein: the door is a first door; the second chamber comprises a second door coupled to the third outlet; the evaporator is to cause the ice of the first shape to form in a first ice shape making mode; and the controller is to move the second door to a position to block the third outlet in the first ice shape making mode, and to move the door to the position to block the first outlet in a second ice shaping mode in which the ice molder molds the ice into the second shape.

3. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising a drive assembly coupled to the first chamber to rotate the first chamber to direct the ice from the first chamber to the first outlet or the second outlet.

4. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising a water tank, the water tank coupled to the first chamber via one or more pipes to receive water from the first chamber responsive to a rotation of the first chamber.

5. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising a first ice bin and a second ice bin, the first ice bin to receive the ice from the first outlet and the second ice bin to receive the icefrom the third outlet, and water tank coupled to the first ice bin and the second ice bin to receive water from the first ice bin and the second ice bin.

6. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the second ice shape is smaller than the first ice shape.

7. The ice maker of claim 1, the evaporator comprising a plurality of protrusions within the first chamber, the evaporator to flow a refrigerant through the plurality of protrusions to remove heat from the plurality of protrusions to cause the water provided to the first chamber to freeze into ice around the plurality of protrusions.

8. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising an ice scraper coupled to the first chamber, the ice scraper to scrape the ice from the first chamber and direct the ice to either the second outlet or the third outlet.

9. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising a bladed member to process the ice of the first shape into ice material for the ice molder to mold into the ice of the second shape.

10. An ice making apparatus, comprising: an evaporator to form ice of a first shape; at least one ice bin; a mold to form ice of a second shape; and a member movable to selectively direct the ice of the first shape to the at least one ice bin or to the mold.

11. The ice making apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a motor coupled with the member; and a controller to control operation of the motor to move the member between a first position to direct the ice to the at least one ice bin and a second position to direct the ice to the mold.

12. The ice making apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a water tank coupled with a chamber in which the evaporator is positioned;a pump to pump water from the water tank to the chamber by way of a first fluid path; and a second fluid path to allow water in the chamber to flow to the water tank.

13. The ice making apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the evaporator comprises a plurality of protrusions, the ice of the first shape to be released from the plurality of protrusions responsive to an increase in temperature of the plurality of protrusions; and the ice making apparatus comprises a chamber in which the ice of the first shape is received and an ice scraper coupled to the chamber to direct the ice of the first shape from the chamber towards the member.

14. The ice making apparatus of claim 10, comprising: a chamber to receive the ice of the first shape from the evaporator; and a drive assembly coupled to the chamber to rotate the chamber.

15. The ice making apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an ice cutter to break the ice of the first shape into ice material to be received in the mold to form the ice of the second shape.

16. A method, comprising: detecting, by one or more processors, an instruction to form ice in a first chamber coupled with a water source; causing, by the or more processors, an evaporator to freeze water from the water source into the ice; causing, by the one or more processors, the ice formed around the evaporator to be released from evaporator; and rotating, by the one or more processors, the first chamber to direct the ice into a first outlet of the first chamber or a second outlet of the first chamber.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: controlling, by the one or more processors, in response to detecting an instruction to form the ice to have a first ice shape, a first door to block the second outlet of the first chamber to direct the ice in the first chamber to the first outlet.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: controlling, by the one or more processors, in response to detecting an instruction to form the ice to have a second shape, a first door to block the first outlet of the first chamber to direct the ice in the first chamber to a second chamber coupled to the second outlet.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: operating, by the one or more processors, an ice molder coupled to the third outlet.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: detecting, by the one or more processors, a rotation of the first chamber; and operating, by the one or more processors, a water pump coupled to the water source to deliver water to the first chamber.

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