An assembly of an ice making machine

Abstract

An assembly of an ice making machine is disclosed. The assembly (100) includes a support plate with a plurality of housings defining a chamber and arranged in a plurality of rows (1r). A conductive ring extends from a tip of each of the plurality of housings. A fluid flow line extends between each of the plurality of rows of the plurality of housings. Further, the fluid flow line is configured to abut at least one surface of the conductive ring at the tip of each of the plurality of housings.

Description

[0001] AN ASSEMBLY OF AN ICE MAKING MACHINE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Present disclosure in general relates to a field of refrigeration. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an evaporator assembly to produce rib free cube shape clear ice blocks in an automatic ice cube making machine. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an assembly for making ice blocks in an ice making machine.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Ice may be formed by exposing water to sub-zero temperatures. When water is exposed to subzero temperatures i.e., freezing temperatures, water turns from a liquid state to a solid state. Ice of different shapes and sizes may be produced by moulds of predetermined shapes for usage in various industries such as food and beverage industries. Initially, water that is to be frozen is poured / guided into a mould of predetermined shape. The mould may be configured with cooling / refrigerant coils, or the mould may be exposed to sub-zero temperatures which causes the water in the mould to freeze. As the water turns into a solid state, the water acquires the shape of the mould and thus ice blocks in the shape of the mould may be obtained.

[0006] Generally, the mould is defined with a frame and a plurality of cups are oriented adjacent to each other within the frame. The plurality of cups receive water and, water freezes to form ice blocks. Conventionally, due to the adjacent or adjoined orientation of the cups, water often freezes along the boundaries of the cups. Therefore, ice is formed on the frame and along the boundaries of the cups. The formation of ice on the boundaries of the cups leads to the ice blocks in each of the cups being joined / merged. Consequently, when the ice blocks are harvested, the mould tends to release ice blocks that are joined with each other. The user in a time consuming and tedious process may have to manually break the ice blocks into separate pieces. Further, manually breaking large number of ice blocks into separate pieces may result in hypothermia and may cause severe numbing of the users’ fingers / hands. Also, manually breaking / separating ice blocks is unhygienic and is not preferable for consumption.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional ice making machines are configured to circulate fresh water which is to be cooled from the room temperature / ambient temperature to the freezing point of water for the formation of ice blocks. Further, the refrigerant must be circulated for a prolonged period for reducing the temperature of the water from the room temperature to the freezing point. Therefore, the load on compressor and other components increases drastically which leads to increased power consumption and reduced operational efficiency of the ice making machine. Furthermore, conventional ice making machines includes evaporator assemblies with moving water spray plate that are defined with small holes to spray water. Conventional assemblies generally include up to three tiny hole for each mould, where one hole is for water inlet and two for water outlet. Therefore, conventional assembles require complex mechanism with gear motors and moving parts for forming ice.

[0008] The drawbacks / difficulties / disadvantages / limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks / disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] One or more shortcomings of the conventional systems are overcome by providing plurality of conductive protrusion assemblies that are divided into a cooling and an insulating section. The conductive protrusion assemblies are configured to come in contact with the water that is sprayed during the cooling cycle. Since, the conductive protrusion assembly is divided into insulating and cooling sections, the ice blocks are formed with a rib free better cube shape and the overall operational efficiency of the evaporator is improved.

[0011] In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an assembly of an ice making machine is disclosed. The assembly includes a support plate, and a plurality of housings are arranged in a plurality of rows, where each of the plurality of housings define a chamber. Further, the plurality of housings is supported by the support plate. The assembly also includes a conductive ring extending from a tip of each of the plurality of housings. The assembly also includes a fluid flow line extending between each of the plurality of rows of the plurality of housings. Further, the fluid flow line is configured to abut at least one surface of the conductive ring at the tip of each of the plurality of housings.

[0012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerant tube defined by a first end and a second end, where the refrigerant tube is positioned to abut at least one surface of the plurality of housings.

[0013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a tube-in-tube set up is provided where the tube-in-tube set up includes the refrigerant tube extending concentrically within the fluid flow line. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second end of the refrigerant tube extends into an inlet of the fluid flow line.

[0014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive ring and the and the plurality of housings are made of the same thermally conductive material.

[0015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the assembly of the ice making machine is an evaporator assembly.

[0016] In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an ice making machine is disclosed. The machine includes a water reservoir accommodating a water distributor. Further, the machine includes an assembly configured to receive water from a water distributor for forming ice. Further, a prime mover is coupled to the assembly and the prime mover is configured to receive a refrigerant from the assembly and pressurize the refrigerant. The machine also includes a condenser coupled to the prime mover. The condenser is configured to receive the refrigerant from the prime mover and cool the refrigerant. The refrigerant from the condenser is circulated to the assembly, where the assembly includes a support plate, and a plurality of housings are arranged in a plurality of rows, where each of the plurality of housings define a chamber. Further, the plurality of housings is supported by the support plate. The assembly also includes a conductive ring extending from a tip of each of the plurality of housings. The assembly also includes a fluid flow line extending between each of the plurality of rows of the plurality of housings. Further, the fluid flow line is configured to abut at least one surface of the conductive ring at the tip of each of the plurality of housings.

[0017] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0019] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating a circuit of various components in an ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 is a front view of the ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 is a magnified front view of a section of the ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of an assembly of the ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the assembly of the ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6 is a front view of the assembly of the ice making machine without ice blocks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7 is a top view of the assembly of the ice making machine depicting the formation of ice blocks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the assembly of the ice making machine with the ice blocks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the circuit from the Figure 1 illustrating various components in the ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the circuit from the Figure 1 illustrating various components in the ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the circuit from the Figure 1 illustrating various components in the ice making machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other devices for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0034] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly. In other words, one or more elements in the device or assembly proceeded by “comprises ... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating a circuit of various components in an ice making machine (200) and the Figure 2 is a front view of an assembly (100) in the ice making machine (200). The ice making machine (200) may be defined by a body (15) and the body (15) may be configured to house various components including but not limited to a compressor (8), a condenser (9) and an assembly (100) for forming ice blocks.

[0036] The ice making machine (200) may include a water reservoir (6). The water reservoir (6) may be accommodated by the body (15) of the ice making machine (200) and the water reservoir (6) may be adapted to receive, store, and dispense water. In an embodiment, the water reservoir (6) may be made of thermally insulating material, or the water reservoir (6) may be provided with thermally insulating jacket for insulating the water and for retaining the water in the water reservoir (6) at lower temperatures. The ice making machine (200) may include a water distributor (7) and the water distributor (7) may be coupled with the water reservoir (6). The water distributor (7) may be a pump that is selectively operable to dispense water from the water reservoir (6). Further, the ice making machine (200) may also include one or more fluid spray nozzles (11) which may be fluidly coupled to the water distributor (7) in the water reservoir (6). The one or more fluid spray nozzles (11) may be configured to receive water from the water distributor (7) and the one or more fluid spray nozzles (11) may inject water onto the assembly (100) for the formation of ice blocks.

[0037] The water from the water reservoir (6) described above, is cooled to freezing temperatures for the formation of ice blocks in the assembly (100). The water from the water reservoir (6) may be cooled by circulating the refrigerant through the assembly (100). Further, the ice making machine (200) may include a prime mover (8) and the refrigerant required for cooling the water and for the formation of ice blocks may be initially circulated through the prime mover (8). The ice making machine (200) also includes one or more refrigerant tubes (5) [hereinafter referred to as the refrigerant tube] for circulating the refrigerant between the various components of the ice making machine (200). In an embodiment, the prime mover (8) may be a compressor and the prime mover (8) (the prime mover may be a compressor in an embodiment) may be configured to heat and pressurize the refrigerant.

[0038] The ice making machine (200) may include a condenser (9) and the condenser (9) may be fluidly coupled with prime mover (8) through the refrigerant tube (5). The condenser (9) may be configured to receive the high temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the prime mover (8) and the condenser (9) may cool the refrigerant to a lower temperature . The refrigerant that exits the condenser (9) may be at lower temperature and higher pressure. In an embodiment, the condenser (9) may cool the refrigerant such that the refrigerant changes its phase from a vapour state to a liquid state. In an embodiment, the condenser (9) may include a series of tubes where the high-temperature and the high-pressure refrigerant is circulated. The refrigerant may be cooled as the refrigerant passes through the series of tubes in the condenser (9). In an embodiment, the refrigerant in the series of tubes of the condenser (9) may be cooled by forcing air across the series of tubes through one or more fans. In another embodiment, the series of tubes in the condenser (9) may also be cooled by means of a liquid jacket or by circulating liquid around the series of tubes for cooling the refrigerant in the tubes of the condenser (9). In an embodiment, the condenser (9) may be configured to lower the temperature of the refrigerant from a high temperature and high-pressure vapour to a low temperature and high-pressure vapour.

[0039] The ice making machine (200) may further include a dryer (13) that is fluidly coupled with an outlet of the condenser (9) through the refrigerant tube (5). The dryer (13) may be configured to remove the moisture content from the refrigerant circuit. The dryer (13) may remove the moisture and other impurities from the refrigerant that flows form the outlet of the condenser (9).

[0040] The ice making machine (200) may include a fluid flow line (3) and the fluid flow line (3) may be adapted to receive water from a fluid source (12). In an embodiment, the ice making machine (200) may include a pump that is configured to selectively draw water from the fluid source (12) through the fluid flow line (3). The water that is drawn from the fluid source (12) may be further processed in the ice making machine (200) to form the ice blocks.

[0041] Figure 3 illustrates a magnified front view of a section of the ice making machine (200). The assembly (100) may be positioned at a substantially top end or a top region in the body (15) of the ice making machine (200). The assembly (100) may be positioned to lie below the one or more fluid spray nozzles (11) and the assembly (100) may be configured to receive the water that is injected / dispensed by the one or more fluid spray nozzles (11). In an embodiment, the assembly (100) is an evaporator assembly that is configured to receive the water from the water reservoir (6) and the refrigerant from the condenser (9). The assembly (100) may be adapted to receive and circulate the refrigerant in the assembly (100) for cooling the water and for the formation of the ice blocks in the assembly (100).

[0042] Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate perspective views of the assembly (100). The assembly (100) may include a support plate (2) and the support plate (2) may be fixedly coupled with the body (15) of the ice making machine (200). In an embodiment, the support plate (2) may be oriented to extend along a horizontal direction or substantially along the horizontal direction. The support plate (2) may be defined with a plurality of holes and the plurality of holes may be equidistantly oriented apart from each other. In an embodiment, the plurality of holes may be defined in plurality of rows (Ir) on the support plate (2). The assembly (100) also includes a plurality of housings (1) and each of the plurality of housings (1) are accommodated inside the plurality of holes of the support plate (2). In an embodiment, the plurality of housings (1) is arranged in the plurality of rows (Ir) such that a predefined distance is defined between the plurality of rows (Ir). In an embodiment, the housings (1) may be defined as square shaped structures defining a chamber (1c) with an opening defined on one of the sides of the housing (1). Each of the plurality of housings (1) may be accommodated in the plurality of holes such that the opening of the plurality of housings (1) are adapted to receive the water from the fluid spray nozzles (11) of the ice making machine (200). The plurality of housing (1) may be coupled with the support plate (2) by means including but not limited to clamps, fasteners, welding, and brazing.

[0043] In an embodiment, the plurality of housings (1) may be removably coupled with the support plate (2) for enabling the removal and cleaning of the plurality of housings (1). In an embodiment, the plurality of housings (1) may also be defined with profiles including but not limited to a square shape, a spherical shape, an oval shape, and a conical shape. In an embodiment, the housing (1) may be made of thermally conductive material with low coefficient of thermal expansion or contraction.

[0044] Further, the plurality of housings (1) may be defined with a tip (la). The end of the plurality of housings (1) that is defined with the opening and lies proximal to the one or more fluid spray nozzles (11) may be defined as the tip (la) of the plurality of housing (1). The assembly (100) may further include a conductive ring (4) that extends from the tip of each of the plurality of housings (1). The conductive ring (4) may be defined with a shape that is identical to the shape of the plurality of housings (1). In an embodiment, conductive ring (4) may be an extension of the housing (1) that extends for a predefined length from the tip (la) of the plurality of housings (1). In an embodiment, the conductive ring (4) may be coupled with the tip (la) of the plurality of housings (1) by means including but not limited to fasteners, clamps, welding, and brazing. In an embodiment, the conductive ring (4) may also be made of the same material as the plurality of housings (1). In an embodiment, the conductive ring (4) may have the same thermal co-efficient of expansion and contraction as that of the plurality of housings (1).

[0045] Furthermore, the assembly (100) may include a tube-in-tube set up (300) defined by an inlet (300a) and an outlet (300b). The tube-in-tube set up (300) may be configured to abut the conductive ring (4) of the plurality of housings (1). The assembly (100) may include a first connector (16) and the first connector (16) may be coupled with the inlet (300a) of the tube-in- tube set up (300) at one end and the opposite end of the first connector (16) may be configured to receive the fluid flow line (3) and refrigerant tube (5). The first connector (16) may be adapted to receive the fluid flow line (3) from the fluid source (12) and the first connector (16) may also be adapted to receive the refrigerant tube (5) from the dryer (13). The tube-in-tube set up (300) may include two tubes that are concentrically arranged within each other. The tube-in-tube set up (300) may be defined to include the fluid flow line (3) as an outer tube and the refrigerant tube (5) may concentrically extend within the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in- tube set up (300). The fluid flow line (3) from the fluid source (12) may be coupled to the outer tube of the tube-in-tube set up (300) which is hereinafter also referred to as the fluid flow line (3). Further, the refrigerant tube (5) from the dryer (13) may be fluidly coupled with the inner tube of the tube-in-tube set up (300) which is hereinafter also referred to as the refrigerant tube (5). Thus, the above-described tube-in-tube set up (300) is configured to circulate the refrigerant inside the refrigerant tube (5) which is encompassed or surrounded by the water flowing in the fluid flow line (3).

[0046] The fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) may be adapted to abut at least one surface of the conductive ring (4) of the plurality of housings (1). As seen from the Figure 5, the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) abuts the conductive rings (4) of each of the plurality of housings (1) arranged in each of the plurality of rows (Ir). The fluid flow line (3) abuts the conductive rings (4) of each of the plurality of housings (1) in a first row (Irl) and the fluid flow line (3) may further extend to the second row (lr2) or adjacent row (Ir) of the plurality of rows (Ir) abutting the conductive rings (4) of the plurality of housings (1) as seen from the Figure 4. Further, the tube-in-tube set up (300) may be positioned to lie below the support plate (2) such that the tube-in-tube set up (300) abuts the support plate (2) and the conductive rings (4) of the plurality of housings (1) as seen from the Figure 5. The tube -in-tube set up (300) is positioned to remain exposed to the water that is injected by the one or more fluid spray nozzles (11). In an embodiment, the distance between each of the plurality of rows (Ir) are defined to be equivalent to the thickness or diameter of the tube-in-tube set up (300). In an embodiment, the thickness of the conductive ring (4) may be equivalent to the diameter of the tube-in-tube set up (300) such that the fluid line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) comes in contact with the complete surface area of the conductive ring (4). In an embodiment, the fluid flow line (3) and the refrigerant tube (5) may be made of conductive material such that the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) come in contact with all the surfaces of the conductive ring (4).

[0047] Further, the fluid flow line (3) and the refrigerant tube (5) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) may be separated as different pipes without any concentric arrangement at the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300). The refrigerant tube (5) at the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set (300) up may act as a capillary tube where the pressure of the refrigerant is relieved. Thus, the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tube (5) after the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) may be a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. In an embodiment, the refrigerant tube (5) from the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) may be coupled to a tube with larger diameter / larger surface area and this tube may also be referred to as the refrigerant tube (5). As seen from the Figure 4 and the Figure 6, the refrigerant tube (5) from the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) may be positioned on the plurality of housings (1) of the assembly (100). The refrigerant tube (5) may be configured to abut a top surface of the plurality of housings (1) which is defined at an end opposite to the tip (la) of the plurality of housings (1). As seen from the Figure 4, the refrigerant tube (5) may extend in a zig-zag manner to abut the top surface of the plurality of housings (1) in each of the plurality of rows (Ir). The refrigerant tube (5) may also be configured to extend along the side surfaces of the plurality of housings (1) as seen from the Figure 6. The refrigerant tube (5) may abut the side surfaces of the plurality of housings (1) in each of the plurality of rows (Ir). Furthermore, circulating the refrigerant through the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the surfaces of the plurality of housings (1) causes the plurality of housings (1) to be cooled and the water that is injected by the one or more fluid spray nozzles (11) is solidified in the chamber (1c) of the one ore more housings (1) to form ice blocks. Further, the refrigerant tube (5) abutting the plurality of housings (1) may extend away from the support plate (2) and may be coupled to the compressor (8).

[0048] Further, the ice making machine (200) may include an auxiliary refrigerant tube (10) for redirecting the refrigerant from the prime mover (8) for harvesting the ice blocks in the plurality of housings (1). One end of the auxiliary refrigerant tube (10) may be coupled to the refrigerant tube (5) extending between the prime mover (8) and the condenser (9). The other end of the auxiliary refrigerant tube (10), opposite to the one end of the refrigerant tube (5) may be coupled to the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the plurality of housings (1). The auxiliary refrigerant tube (10) may bypass the condenser (9) and the assembly (100). The auxiliary refrigerant tube (10) may be configured to re-direct the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the prime mover (8) to the refrigerant tubes (5) that abut the plurality of housings (1). The ice making machine (200) may also be provided with a solenoid valve (14) that is coupled to the auxiliary refrigerant tube (10). The solenoid valve (14) may be selectively operable to allow and restrict the flow of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the prime mover (8) to the refrigerant tubes (5).

[0049] The working of the ice making machine (200) is explained below. The refrigerant may initially be circulated into the prime mover (8) by the refrigerant tube (5). The refrigerant is pressurized to high pressures and high temperatures in the prime mover (8). Further, the refrigerant may flow form the prime mover (8) to the condenser (9). The condenser (9) may be configured to receive the high temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the prime mover (8) and the condenser (9) may cool the refrigerant to a lower temperature. The refrigerant that exits the condenser (9) may be at lower temperature and higher pressure. In an embodiment, the condenser (9) may cool the refrigerant such that the refrigerant changes its phase from a vapour state to a liquid state. In an embodiment, the condenser (9) may include a series of tubes where the high-temperature and the high-pressure refrigerant is circulated. The refrigerant may be cooled as the refrigerant passes through the series of tubes in the condenser (9). In an embodiment, the refrigerant in the series of tubes of the condenser (9) may be cooled by forcing air across the series of tubes through one or more fans. In another embodiment, the series of tubes in the condenser (9) may also be cooled by means of a liquid jacket or by circulating liquid around the series of tubes for cooling the refrigerant in the tubes of the condenser (9). In an embodiment, the condenser (9) may be configured to lower the temperature of the refrigerant from a high temperature and high-pressure vapour to a low temperature and high-pressure vapour. The refrigerant from the condenser (9) is further directed into the dryer (13) that is fluidly coupled with the outlet of the condenser (9) through the refrigerant tube (5). The dryer (13) may be configured to remove the moisture content and impurities from the refrigerant circuit.

[0050] The low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the dryer (13) may be further directed into the assembly (100) through the refrigerant tube (5). The refrigerant may enter the refrigerant tube (5) in the tube-in-tube set up (300). Further, the fluid from the fluid source (12) may also be directed into the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300). The water may flow inside the fluid flow line (3) and the refrigerant tube (5) may be disposed inside the fluid flow line (3) such that the refrigerant tube (5) is encompassed by the water in the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300). Referring to the Figure 4 and the Figure 6, the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) abuts the surfaces of the conductive ring (4) of the plurality of housings (1). The water from the fluid source (12) is at atmospheric temperatures and the temperature of water is greater than the water from the water reservoir (6). Circulating the water from the fluid source in the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) ensures that the conductive ring (4) is heated, and temperature of the conductive ring (4) is greater than the temperature of the plurality of housings (1). Thus, heating the conductive ring (4) ensures that the formation of ice around the conductive ring (4) is hampered and the formation of ice blocks is only restricted to the plurality of housings (1).

[0051] Further, the refrigerant from the tube-in-tube set up (300) flows in the refrigerant tube (5) that is positioned on the top surface and on the isle surface of the plurality of housings (1). The capillary nature of the refrigerant tube (5) causes the pressure in the refrigerant tube (5) to be relieved. The low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant flows in the refrigerant tube (5) that is positioned on the top surface and on the side surface of the plurality of housings (1). Therefore, the top surface, the side surface, and the chamber (1c) of the plurality of housings (1) are cooled. Further, the water injected by the fluid spray nozzles (11) comes in contact with the top surface and the side surfaces of the plurality of housings (1). Referring to the Figure 7, low temperature of the top surface, the side surface, and the chamber (1c) of the plurality of housings (1) causes the water injected by the fluid spray nozzles (11) to gradually freeze on the inner surfaces of the plurality of housings (1). Further, the water slowly freezes layer by layer in the plurality of housings (1) to form ice blocks (17). The remaining water which is not frozen but is cooled to lower temperatures in the plurality of housings (1) may fall back into the water reservoir (6).

[0052] In an embodiment, the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) is oriented adjacent to the conductive ring (4) of the plurality of housings (1). Therefore, circulating the water from the fluid source in the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) ensures that the conductive ring (4) is slightly warmed up and temperature of the conductive ring (4) is greater than the temperature of the plurality of housings (1). Thus, heating the conductive ring (4) ensures that the formation of ice around the conductive ring (4) is hampered and the formation of ice blocks is only restricted to the plurality of housings (1). Therefore, the ice blocks in the plurality of housings (1) are not merged with the adjacent ice blocks since the ice blocks are completely restricted to the plurality of housings ( 1) by the conductive ring (4). The above such configurations of the assembly (100) with the conductive ring (4) ensures that separate ice blocks are harvested. In an embodiment, the configuration of the assembly (100) as shown in Figure 6 and 7 ensures formation of individual ice blocks with higher efficiency as the refrigerant tubes (5) can also be used on the sides of the housing (1) along with top surface of the housing (1). In an embodiment, the above configuration of the assembly (100) which enables the formation of individual ice blocks ensures that additional manual separation of ice blocks may not be required since the ice blocks remain separated and are not joined during the formation of ice blocks or during the harvesting of ice blocks. Furthermore, avoiding manual separation of ice blocks also reduces / eliminates the external exposure of the ice blocks to the user and ensures that the ice blocks are hygienic for consumption.

[0053] In an embodiment, the above such configurations of the tube-in-tube set up (300) and the positioning of the tube-in-tube set up (300) below the support plate (2) ensures that the low temperature water from the water (6) reservoir, injected by the fluid spray nozzles (11) comes in contact with the tube-in-tube set up (300). Therefore, the water in the fluid flow line (3) and the refrigerant in the refrigerant tube (5) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) is cooled by the low temperature water from the water reservoir (6) that is injected through the fluid spray nozzles (11). Further, as the water in the fluid flow line (3) heats the conductive rings (4) to a temperature above the temperature of the plurality of housings (1), the water injected from the water reservoir (6) cools the water in the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300). This cooled water is further directed into the water reservoir (6) from the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300). This water from the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) which is stored in the water reservoir (6) is further injected onto the one or more housings (1) for the formation of the ice blocks. Since, the water in the water reservoir (6) is already cooled in the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300), the time required for the injected water to be frozen into ice blocks in the plurality of housings (1) is reduced. Further, pre-cooling the water that is injected into the plurality of housings (1) also ensures that the overall load on the prime mover (8) and the condenser (9) is reduced since, the refrigerant will have to draw away lesser heat from the water injected into the plurality of housings (1). Thus, the overall efficiency of the ice making machine (200) is improved.

[0054] In an embodiment, the above such configurations of the tube-in-tube set up (300) and the positioning of the tube-in-tube set up (300) below the support plate (2) ensures that the low temperature water from the water (6) reservoir, injected by the fluid spray nozzles (11) comes in contact with the tube-in-tube set up (300). Therefore, the refrigerant in the refrigerant tube (5) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) is cooled by the low temperature water from the water reservoir (6) that is injected through the fluid spray nozzles (11). This cooled refrigerant from refrigerant tube (5) at the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) is further directed through the refrigerant tube (5) that is positioned on the plurality of housings (1) for cooling the water in the plurality of housings (1). Since, the refrigerant in the refrigerant tube (5) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) is precooled, before being directed into the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the plurality of housings (1), the overall load on the prime mover (8) and the condenser (9) is reduced. The precooling of the refrigerant in the refrigerant tube (5) of the tube-in-tube set up (300), ensures that the refrigerant may not have to be cooled excessively by the condenser (9). Thus, the overall efficiency of the ice making machine (200) is improved.

[0055] The working of the ice making machine (200) also involves the re-directing of the refrigerant in the auxiliary refrigerant tube (10). Once the ice blocks are formed in the plurality of housings (1), the solenoid valve (14) may be selectively operated to re-direct the high temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the prime mover (8) is re-directed into the auxiliary refrigerant tube (16). The refrigerant flows from the prime mover (8) and enters the refrigerant tubes (5) that abuts the plurality of housings (1), bypassing the condenser (9) and the assembly (100). Therefore, the high temperature refrigerant in the refrigerant tubes (5) that abuts the plurality of housings (1) may heat the ice blocks and may melt the layer of the ice blocks that is in contact with the side surfaces and the top surface of the plurality of housings (1). Thus, the ice blocks are disengaged from the plurality of housings (1) and the ice blocks are harvested for usage.

[0056] Reference is made to the Figure 9, illustrating a first embodiment of the circuit in the ice making machine (200). The circuit of the ice making machine (200) in the first embodiment is similar to the circuit of the ice making machine (200) depicted in the Figure 1. The ice making machine (200) in the first embodiment may include an expansion valve (18). The refrigerant tube (5) in the tube-in-tube setup (300) of the assembly ( 100) may not be the capillary tube . The expansion valve (18) may be coupled with the refrigerant tube (5) between the outlet (300b) of the assembly (100) and between the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the surfaces of the plurality of housings (1). The expansion valve (18) may be configured to relive pressure in the high- temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) before redirecting the same into the refrigerant tube (5) abutting the one or more housings (1). In this embodiment the water from the fluid source (12) is at atmospheric temperatures and the temperature of water is greater than the water from the water reservoir (6). Circulating the water from the fluid source in the fluid flow line (3) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) with high refrigerant temperature ensures that the conductive ring (4) is heated, and temperature of the conductive ring (4) is greater than the temperature ofthe plurality ofhousings (1). Thus, heating the conductive ring (4) ensures that the formation of ice around the conductive ring (4) is hampered and the formation of ice blocks is only restricted to the plurality of housings (1). Further, the tube-in-tube set up (300) with the refrigerant tube (10) is precooled by water spraying. Thus, the refrigerant in the refrigerant tube (10) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) is also pre-cooled. Thus, the overall load on prime mover (8) (condenser) is reduced and the operational efficiency of the machine (200) is improved.

[0057] Reference is made to the Figure 10, illustrating a second embodiment of the circuit in the ice making machine (200). In the second embodiment, the assembly (100) may include the refrigerant tube (5) that is directly abutted to the surfaces of the conductive ring (4). The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tube (5) may directly heat the conductive ring (4) and the tube-in-tube set up (300) is precooled by water spraying thus overall load on prime mover (8) (condenser) is reduced, in the assembly (100). Further, the refrigerant tube (5) abutting the conductive ring (4) may also be positioned below the support plate (2) and may be directly exposed to the water being injected by the fluid spray nozzles (11). Further, the refrigerant tube (5) abutting the surfaces of the plurality ofhousings (1) may be further directed to the expansion valve (18) where the pressure of the refrigerant is relieved. The low-temperature and low- pressure refrigerant is further directed through the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the surfaces of the plurality of housings (1). The fluid source (12) may be directly coupled with the water reservoir (6) in the ice making machine (200). The fluid source (12) may be configured to directly supply water to the water reservoir (6).

[0058] Reference is made to the Figure 11, illustrating a third embodiment of the circuit in the ice making machine (200). The ice making machine (300) in the third embodiment may include a first sub circuit (19) and a second sub circuit (20). The first sub circuit (19) and the second sub circuit (20) may be provided between the outlet (300b) of the tube-in-tube set up (300) and the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the plurality of housings (1). The first sub circuit (19) may be oriented to lie parallel to the second sub circuit (20). The first sub circuit (19) may include the expansion valve (18) and the second circuit may include the solenoid valve (14). The third embodiment of the ice making machine (200) may include two solenoid valves (14). One solenoid vale (14) may be provided with the auxiliary circuit (10) and the other solenoid valve (14) may be provided with the second sub circuit (20) of the ice making machine (200). In an embodiment, the expansion valve (18) in the first sub circuit (19) may be operated to an open condition during the formation of ice blocks in the plurality of housings (1). The refrigerant may flow from the prime mover (8), the condenser (9), the dryer (13), the tube-in-tube set up (300) and the refrigerant may enter the first sub circuit (19). The open condition of the expansion valve (18) may allow the pressure in the refrigerant to be relieved. The low- temperature and low-pressure refrigerant in the first sub circuit (19) may further flow into the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the plurality of housings (1) for enabling the formation of the ice blocks inside the plurality of housings. Further, the solenoid valves (14) in the auxiliary refrigerant tube (10) and the second sub circuit (20) may be in the closed condition when the expansion valve (18) in the first sub circuit is in the open condition. In an embodiment, the solenoid valves (14) in the auxiliary refrigerant tube (10) and the second sub circuit (20) may be operated to the open condition when the ice blocks are completely formed in the plurality of housings (1) and when the ice blocks in the plurality of housings (1) are to be harvested. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant may now flow from the prime mover (8) into the auxiliary refrigerant tube (10) bypassing the condenser (9). The refrigerant may further flow through the tube-in-tube set up (300) into the second sub circuit (20). The solenoid valve (14) in the second sub circuit may be in the open condition and the expansion valve (14) in the firs sub circuit (19) may be in the closed condition. Therefore, the refrigerant may flow through the second sub circuit (19), and into the refrigerant tube (5) that abuts the surfaces of the plurality of housings (1). Therefore, the high temperature refrigerant in the refrigerant tubes (5) that abuts the plurality of housings (1) may heat the ice blocks and may melt the layer of the ice blocks that is in contact with the side surfaces and the top surface of the plurality of housings (1). Thus, the ice blocks are disengaged from the plurality of housings (1) and the ice blocks are harvested for usage. In this embodiment the water from the fluid source (12) and the high temperature refrigerant in the refrigerant tube (5) may heat the conductive rings (4) for preventing the formation of ice along the edges of the housing (1). In an embodiment, the assembly (100) may be adopted to existing ice making machines for improving the efficiency of the existing ice making machine.

[0059] Equivalents:

[0060] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0061] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0062] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

[0063] Referral numerals:

Claims

We Claim:

1. An assembly (100) of an ice making machine (200), the assembly (100) comprising: a support plate (2); a plurality of housings (1) arranged in a plurality of rows (Ir), wherein each of the plurality of housings (1) define a chamber (1c) and the plurality of housings (1) are supported by the support plate (2); a conductive ring (4) extending from a tip of each of the plurality of housings (i); a fluid flow line (3) extending between each of the plurality of rows (Ir) of the plurality of housings (1); wherein the fluid flow line (3) is configured to abut at least one surface of the conductive ring (4) at the tip of each of the plurality of housings (1).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a refrigerant tube (5) that is positioned to abut at least one surface of the plurality of housings (1).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a tube-in-tube set up (300), wherein in the tube-in-tube set up (300) includes the refrigerant tube (5) extending concentrically within the fluid flow line (3).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the refrigerant tube (5) extends into the fluid flow line (3).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conductive ring (4) and the and the plurality of housings (1) are made of the same thermally conductive material.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) of the ice making machine (300) is an evaporator assembly.

7. An ice making machine (200) comprising: a water reservoir (6) accommodating a water distributor (7); an assembly (100) configured to receive water from a water distributor (7) for forming ice; a prime mover (8) coupled to the assembly (100), the prime mover (8) is configured to receive a refrigerant from the assembly (100) and pressurize the refrigerant;a condenser (9) coupled to the prime mover (8), the condenser (9) is configured to receive the refrigerant from the prime mover (8) and cool the refrigerant, the refrigerant from the condenser (9) is circulated to the assembly (100), wherein the assembly (100) comprises: a support plate (2); a plurality of housings (1) arranged in a plurality of rows (Ir), wherein each of the plurality of housings (1) define a chamber (1c) and the plurality of housings (1) are supported by the support plate (2); a conductive ring (4) extending from a tip of each of the plurality of housings (1); a fluid flow line (3) extending between each of the plurality of rows (Ir) of the plurality of housings (1); wherein the fluid flow line (3) is configured to abut at least one surface of the conductive ring (4) at the tip of each of the plurality of housings (1).

8. The ice making machine (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a refrigerant tube (5) that is positioned to abut at least one surface of the plurality of housings (1).

9. The ice making machine (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a tube-in-tube set up (300), wherein in the tube-in-tube set up (300) includes the refrigerant tube (5) extending concentrically within the fluid flow line (3).

10. The ice making machine (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the refrigerant tube (5) extends into the fluid flow line (3).

11. The ice making machine (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the conductive ring (4) and the and the plurality of housings (1) are made of the same thermally conductive material.

12. The ice making machine (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the assembly (100) of the ice making machine (300) is an evaporator assembly.

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