CN114945782A

CN114945782A - Ice maker and method of dispensing ice over a water trough

Info

Publication number: CN114945782A
Application number: CN202180008976.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 布伦特·奥尔登·容格
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2020-01-16
Filing date: 2021-01-07
Publication date: 2022-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2041-01-07
Also published as: US20210222933A1; WO2021143609A1; EP4092362A4; EP4092362A1; AU2021207074A1; CN114945782B; AU2021207074B2

Abstract

An ice making assembly and method of dispensing ice. Which comprises a water tank (114), an upper distributor (110), a lower water tank (112) and a heat exchanger (130). The upper dispenser (110) may be disposed above the sink (114). A lower tank (112) may be disposed below the upper dispenser (110) to hold an initial volume of liquid water. The heat exchanger (130) may include a finger die (136), and the finger die (136) may be disposed within the lower tank (112) and freeze a portion of the initial volume of liquid water into ice cubes (116). The lower tank (112) may define a vertical passage (138), the vertical passage (138) allowing ice cubes (116) to float and pass through the vertical passage (138) along with the remaining volume of liquid water. The upper dispenser (110) may include an ice door (168). An ice door (168) is movable between a closed position and an open position. The open position may allow ice (168) to pass from the upper dispenser (110) to the sink (114).

Description

Ice maker and method of dispensing ice over a water trough

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to ice making and more particularly to an ice maker that dispenses ice over a residential or commercial sink.

Background

Ice making appliances or ice making machines typically produce ice for use by consumers, such as in beverages consumed, for cooling food, or for other various purposes. Some refrigeration appliances include an ice maker for making ice. The ice maker may be disposed within a freezing chamber of the appliance and direct ice into an ice bucket where the ice may be stored within the freezing chamber. Such a refrigeration appliance may also include a dispensing system for assisting a user in accessing ice produced by an ice maker of the refrigeration appliance. However, incorporating an ice maker into a refrigeration appliance may have drawbacks, such as limitations on the amount of ice that can be produced and reliance on the refrigeration system of the refrigeration appliance to form the ice. Difficulties can also arise in providing a piping system connecting the water supply or drain to the refrigeration appliance. In addition, the aesthetic appearance or "clean look" of the refrigeration appliance may be adversely affected by the presence of the ice maker or dispenser.

Dedicated or stand-alone ice makers have also been developed. These ice makers are separate from the refrigeration appliance and provide an independent ice supply. Typically, ice is provided into the interior volume for storage. This can present its own difficulties in maintaining the ice. For example, such systems can become particularly heavy or bulky. Also, if any ice within the interior volume has melted, it may be difficult to remove the liquefied ice or water. Additionally or alternatively, difficulties can arise when attempting to add water to a system for making ice (e.g., without inadvertently spilling water outside of the ice-making machine or into undesired interior portions of the ice-making machine).

In many ice making machines, water begins to freeze within a dedicated mold body and first freezes from its sides and outer surfaces (including the top water surface that can be directly exposed to chilled air), then the water occupying the remaining volume of the cavity freezes. In other words, the outer surface of the ice cubes freezes first. However, impurities and gases contained in the water to be frozen may be trapped in the solidified ice pieces during the freezing process. For example, impurities and gases may be trapped near the center or bottom of the ice due to their inability to escape and due to the phase change of the frozen liquid to a solid at the surface of the ice. In addition to the trapped impurities and gases, a dull or cloudy finish may form on the exterior surface of the ice (e.g., during rapid freezing of the ice). Often, cloudy or opaque ice cubes are the product of a typical ice maker.

Accordingly, further improvements to the field of ice making would be desirable. In particular, it may be desirable to provide an appliance or method for quickly and reliably producing substantially transparent ice in addition to a refrigeration appliance. Furthermore, it may be desirable to provide an appliance that does not require significant space or piping to handle the ice and water therein.

Disclosure of Invention

Various aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, an ice making appliance is provided. The ice maker may include a water tank, an upper dispenser, a lower water tank, and a heat exchanger. The upper dispenser may be disposed above the sink. The lower tank may be disposed below the upper distributor to hold an initial volume of liquid water upstream of the upper distributor. The heat exchanger may include a finger die that may be disposed within the lower tank and freeze a portion of the initial volume of liquid water into ice cubes. The lower tank may define a vertical passage that allows ice cubes to float through the vertical passage along with the remaining volume of liquid water. The upper dispenser may include an ice door. The ice door is movable between a closed position and an open position. The open position may allow ice to pass from the upper dispenser to the water reservoir.

In another exemplary aspect of the invention, a method of dispensing ice is provided. The method can comprise the following steps: an initial volume of liquid water is supplied to the lower tank. The method may further comprise: a portion of the initial volume of liquid water is frozen into ice pieces on the finger molds within the remaining volume of the initial volume of liquid water. The method may further comprise: releasing the ice pieces from the finger form and allowing the ice pieces to float upward from the finger form to the upper dispenser.

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

Drawings

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

Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of an ice maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 provides a schematic elevational view of the heat exchanger of the exemplary ice maker of fig. 2 prior to freezing of the ice-making cycle.

Fig. 4 provides a schematic elevational view of the heat exchanger of the exemplary ice maker of fig. 2 during freezing of an ice-making cycle.

Fig. 5 provides a schematic elevational view of the heat exchanger of the exemplary ice maker of fig. 2 after freezing of the ice-making cycle.

Fig. 6 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an ice maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 provides a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an ice maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

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

As used herein, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "a or B" is intended to mean "a or B or both"). The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one element from another, and are not intended to denote the position or importance of the various elements. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction of fluid flow, while "downstream" refers to the direction of fluid flow.

Turning now to the drawings, fig. 1 and 2 illustrate an ice maker 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, fig. 1 provides a perspective view illustrating an upper dispenser 110 and a sink 114, such as a typical residential or commercial kitchen sink having a drain tube, to which the upper dispenser 110 may be directed (e.g., for dispensing ice 116 or a stream of water 118). Fig. 2 provides a schematic elevational view of the ice maker 100 including the lower water tank 112 below the upper dispenser 110.

Generally, the ice maker 100 defines a vertical direction V. As shown, the upper dispenser 110 is disposed above the lower water tank 112. At least a portion of the water tank 114 may also be disposed below the upper dispenser 110, and an additional or alternative portion of the water tank 114 may be disposed above the lower water tank 112. In some embodiments, the upper dispenser 110 is mounted to a counter 120 adjacent the sink 114. For example, the upper dispenser 110 may extend vertically upward away from the top surface 122 of the counter 120. The lower tank 112 may be mounted or disposed generally below the counter 120 while still in fluid communication (e.g., upstream) with the upper dispenser 110. Thus, the plumbing or portions of the lower tank 112 may extend through the counter 120 from the bottom surface 124 to the top surface 122. However, it should be understood that additional or alternative embodiments of ice maker 100 may fluidly connect lower tank 112 to upper dispenser 110 without passing through counter 120 (e.g., by routing connecting pipes around counter 120 or through an adjacent wall).

The lower tank 112 defines an internally open or unobstructed chamber 126 (e.g., without any screw feeder or mechanical conveyance mechanism) for enclosing the ice and liquid water upstream of the upper dispenser 110. For example, lower water tank 112 may hold an initial volume of liquid water within chamber 126 before freezing any water or generating any ice cubes 116. In some embodiments, water (e.g., an initial volume of liquid water) may be selectively supplied to the chamber 126 from a water source, such as a municipal water source or well. A water supply valve 128 disposed outside the chamber 126 in upstream fluid communication with the lower water tank 112 may be opened and closed to control the flow of liquid water from the water source.

A heat exchanger 130 having one or more finger dies 136 is disposed on or adjacent the lower water tank 112 (e.g., at the bottom of the lower water tank 112). When assembled, finger die 136 is generally disposed within lower tank 112. For example, the finger die 136 may extend upwardly from the bottom of the lower header 112 within the chamber 126. Optionally, the finger dies 136 may extend from the exchange base 132 (e.g., in conductive thermal communication). In some such embodiments, the heat exchanger has a hot side 134 disposed generally opposite the finger die 136 and disposed outside of the chamber 126 or the lower water tank 112. Additionally or alternatively, the finger die 136 may be disposed below the basin 114 (e.g., below a side wall or bottom wall of the basin 114). If a plurality of finger dies 136 are provided, the individual finger dies may be spaced apart from one another (e.g., horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V).

Turning briefly to fig. 3-5, during use, such as during an ice-making cycle, the finger die 136 may be surrounded by or extend through a portion of the liquid water within the lower water tank 112. Before freezing, the finger die 136 contacts the surrounding liquid water, as shown in FIG. 3. Heat may be extracted from the surrounding water by the finger form 136 and the exchange base 132, as described below. Portions of the liquid water may collect around the finger forms 136 and freeze outward to form ice cubes 116, as shown in fig. 4. After ice cubes 116 have been formed on fingers 136 (e.g., after freezing), ice cubes 116 can be released or separated from fingers 136 to float upwardly within the remaining volume of liquid water in chamber 126, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, heat may be conducted to the finger form 136 such that the ice pieces 116 melt against a small portion of the inner layer of the finger form 136. Optionally, an additional volume of liquid water may be added to the chamber 126 to further lift the released ice cubes 116 to or through the upper dispenser 110 (FIG. 2). Advantageously, ice cubes 116 freeze from inside to outside, such that impurities or deposits within chamber 126 can be gradually pushed outward (e.g., away from the fingers) and prevented from freezing within ice cubes 116.

Returning to FIG. 2, in an alternative embodiment, a pump 137 is provided in fluid communication with the chamber 126 of the lower header 112. For example, a pump 137 may be disposed within lower water tank 112 to selectively circulate water through or within chamber 126. Thus, during freezing, the pump 137 may be activated to push a circular flow of water (e.g., an initial or residual volume of liquid water) within the chamber 126, such as across the finger die 136. Advantageously, the circulating flow may displace impurities or precipitates as the ice cubes 116 form, thereby preventing such impurities or precipitates from accumulating within the ice cubes 116, particularly during rapid freezing.

As shown, the lower tank 112 may define a vertical channel 138 (e.g., an open channel) above the finger die 136 and below the upper dispenser 110. During use, water may fill the vertical channel 138 and the chamber 126. Thus, the released or separated ice pieces 116 may be allowed to float upward (e.g., with the remaining liquid water) through the vertical channels 138. The water may also fill an internal passage 140 of the upper distributor 110 that extends above and downstream of the vertical passage 138. Thus, the ice pieces 116 may be allowed to float and travel with the remaining volume of liquid water from the vertical channels 138 into the internal channels 140 of the upper dispenser 110. Advantageously, the ice pieces 116 may be delivered to the upper dispenser 110 via buoyancy without the need for an active auger or delivery mechanism.

Generally, the freezing or releasing of the ice cubes 116 can be controlled according to a set freezing time or based on signals received from one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) within the lower header 112. In some embodiments, the operation of the ice maker 100 may be regulated by a controller 142 in operable (e.g., electrical or wireless) communication with the heat exchanger 130 or various other components. The controller 142 may include a memory (e.g., a non-deliverable medium) and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or microcontrol code associated with the operation of the ice maker 100. The memory may represent a random access memory such as a DRAM or a read only memory such as a ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, a processor executes programming instructions stored in a memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be contained on-board within the processor. Alternatively, rather than relying on software, controller 142 can be constructed to perform control functions without the use of a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.).

The controller 142 may be disposed in a plurality of locations; such as outside of a chamber 126 on or below the counter 120, sink 114, or upper dispenser 110. When assembled, input/output ("I/O") signals may be transmitted between the controller 142 and various operational components of the ice maker 100. For example, a user interface having one or more controls for directing the operation of the ice maker 100 may be in operable communication with the controller 142 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

As shown, the controller 142 may communicate with and control the operation of various components of the ice maker 100. For example, various pumps, valves, switches, etc. may be actuated based on commands from controller 142. As noted, the user interface may additionally be in communication with the controller 142. Thus, various operations may occur automatically based on user input or via instructions from controller 142.

In certain embodiments, heat exchanger 130 includes a Peltier (Peltier) cell 144. The peltier cells 144 may be mounted on or as part of the exchange base 132. Generally, peltier cell 144 includes a first end 146 and a second end 148 in thermal communication therebetween. The first end 146 may be proximate the finger form 136 and the second end 148 is distal from the finger form 136 (e.g., proximate the hot side 134). When assembled, the first end 146 is in thermally conductive connection with the finger die 136. Thus, during freezing of ice piece 116, heat may be drawn from fingers 136 or transferred from first end 146 to the fingers. As understood, the first end 146 is operable to exchange heat (e.g., based on a received Direct Current (DC) current or voltage) with the second end 148. The heat exchange may be controlled, for example, by controller 142. During a freezing operation for forming ice pieces 116 on finger die 136, peltier cell 144 may be activated to direct heat from first end 146 to second end 148. Thus, the first end 146 may act as a cold end while the second end 148 acts as a hot end. During a release operation for releasing ice pieces 116 on finger dies 136, peltier cell 144 may be activated to direct heat from second end 148 to first end 146. Thus, first end 146 may act as a hot end and force ice cubes 116 apart from fingers 136, while second end 148 acts as a cold end.

Turning now to fig. 6, an additional or alternative embodiment of the ice maker 100 includes a sealed refrigeration system 150 having a heat exchanger 130. In some embodiments, ice maker 100 includes a sealed refrigeration system 150 for performing a vapor compression cycle for cooling within ice maker 100 (e.g., within chamber 126). The sealed refrigeration system 150 includes a compressor 152, a condenser 154, an expansion device 156, and an evaporator 158 fluidly connected in series in a sealed refrigeration loop filled with a refrigerant. When assembled, the sealed refrigeration circuit of the sealed refrigeration system 150 is fluidly isolated from the lower water tank 112 (e.g., such that the refrigerant does not exchange or mix with the liquid water within the chamber 126). As should be appreciated, the refrigeration system 150 may include additional components (e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, or condenser). As shown, an evaporator 158 is disposed on or as part of heat exchanger 130 (e.g., in thermally conductive communication with finger dies 136 to cool the finger dies). Thus, the heat exchanger 130 may be arranged along a sealed refrigeration circuit.

During freezing operations, within the sealed refrigeration system 150, gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor 152, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant and push the refrigerant through the sealed refrigeration circuit. The compression of the refrigerant raises the temperature of the refrigerant, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through the condenser 154. In the condenser 154, heat exchange with ambient air, for example, is performed to cool the refrigerant and condense the refrigerant into a liquid state.

An expansion device 156 (e.g., a mechanical valve, capillary tube, electronic expansion valve, or other restriction device) receives liquid refrigerant from the condenser 154. From the expansion device 156, the liquid refrigerant enters an evaporator 158. Upon exiting the expansion device 156 and entering the evaporator 158, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and evaporates. The evaporator 158 is cold relative to the chamber 126 due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant. It can be seen that heat is removed from the finger die 136 within the cavity 126. Thus, the evaporator 158 may act as or in conjunction with the heat exchanger 130 to transfer heat (e.g., from the finger dies 136 to the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 158).

In some embodiments, ice maker 100 further includes an air handler 160 mounted within (or otherwise in fluid communication with) chamber 126. The air handler 160 may operate to push the flow of ambient air through a portion of the sealed refrigeration system 150 (e.g., the condenser 154 or the heat exchanger 130). Moreover, air handler 160 may be any suitable device for moving air. For example, the air handler 160 may be an axial fan or a centrifugal fan. In some embodiments, air handler 160 is in operable (e.g., electrical or wireless) communication with controller 142.

In an alternative embodiment, hot gas valve 162 is disposed in selective thermal or fluid communication with heat exchanger 130 (e.g., at finger die 136). During a release operation for releasing ice pieces 116 from finger dies 136, hot gas valve 162 may direct a heated gas (e.g., gaseous refrigerant) through heat exchanger 130. For example, the hot gas valve 162 may be disposed along a sealed refrigeration circuit (e.g., along a fluid path between the compressor 152 and the expansion device 156). As shown, the hot gas valve 162 may be downstream of the compressor 152 and upstream of the condenser 154. Optionally, the hot gas valve 162 may be in operable communication with the controller 142. Thus, the controller 142 may control the hot gas valve 162 to release a portion of the compressed high heat refrigerant to the heat exchanger 130 (e.g., to or through the finger die 136). Heat from the heated gas may be conducted to the outer surface of the finger form 136, causing the ice pieces 116 to melt against a small portion of the inner layer of the finger form 136 to release the ice pieces 116 from the finger form 136, as described above.

In additional or alternative embodiments, an electrical heating element 164 (e.g., a resistive heating element, a radiant heating element, etc.) is disposed in thermally conductive connection with the finger die 136. For example, the electrical heating element 164 may be mounted to the heat exchanger 130 (e.g., within the exchange base 132 or the finger die 136). Optionally, the electrical heating element 164 may be in operable communication with the controller 142. Thus, controller 142 may control electrical heating element 164 to activate, thereby generating heat within heat exchanger 130 (e.g., via finger dies 136). Heat from the electric heating elements 164 may be conducted to the outer surfaces of the fingers 136, causing the ice pieces 116 to melt against a small portion of the inner layer of the fingers 136 to release the ice pieces 116 from the fingers 136, as described above.

In still additional or alternative embodiments, the thermal insulation mold 166 is disposed on the heat exchanger 130 (e.g., around the finger mold 136). For example, the insulating mold 166 may define a vertically open recess or cavity that defines the bottom of the ice pieces 116. In general, the insulating mold 166 may include or be formed of any suitable material, such as silicone or polyurethane.

Note that although fig. 2 and 6 illustrate the peltier cell 144 and the sealed refrigeration system 150, respectively, the components of the illustrated embodiment can be readily added to or exchanged with either embodiment. Also, any suitable chiller system may be provided on the heat exchanger 130 to freeze the ice cubes 116 at the finger dies 136.

Returning again to fig. 1 and 2, the upper dispenser 110 may be disposed above the lower tank 112 and the counter 120 or sink 114. An internal passage 140 is defined by the upper dispenser 110 downstream of the lower water tank 112 to receive the ice cubes 116 and liquid water from the chamber 126.

Generally, the upper dispenser 110 defines one or more outlets through which the ice 116 can be dispensed (e.g., into or toward the water reservoir 114). In some embodiments, upper dispenser 110 includes an ice door 168 movably (e.g., pivotably or slidably) mounted adjacent to ice outlet 170. Specifically, the ice door 168 is movable between a closed position and an open position, as shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, the ice door 168 may cover the ice outlet 170 and restrict access to or from the ice outlet. Thus, ice pieces 116 may be prevented from exiting the ice outlet 170 by the ice door 168 in the closed position. Conversely, in the open position, ice door 168 may remain separated from ice outlet 170 such that ice pieces 116 may fall forward from upper dispenser 110 (e.g., as pushed by gravity or water pressure). In other words, in the open position, ice pieces 116 may be allowed to pass from the upper dispenser 110 through the open ice door 168.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the upper distributor 110 defines a water outlet 172. As shown, the water outlet 172 may be spaced apart from the ice outlet 170 and the ice door 168. However, the outlet 172 may be defined in downstream fluid communication with the lower sump 112. The water outlet 172 may be defined to be in fluid parallel with the ice outlet 170. Thus, cooled liquid water (e.g., from a remaining or additional volume of liquid water) may be allowed to flow from the lower tank 112 and the upper dispenser 110 (e.g., to the sink 114) through the water outlet 172, but not through the ice outlet 170. Optionally, an internal grate may be disposed upstream of the water outlet 172 (e.g., above the water outlet 172) such that ice 116 is prevented from flowing to or blocking the water outlet 172. Additionally or alternatively, a liquid valve 174 may be disposed on or within the outlet 172 such that the flow of liquid water through the outlet 172 may be selectively restricted. In other words, the user may be allowed to open the liquid valve 174 to dispense the flow of cooling water 118 through the water outlet 172 separately from the ice 116 or without dispensing the ice 116.

Referring now to fig. 7, various methods (e.g., method 700) may be provided for use with the ice maker 100 according to the present invention. In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment shown in method 700, all or some of the various steps of the method may be performed by controller 142 (e.g., as part of an ice-making cycle). For example, as noted, the controller 142 may be operatively coupled to or in operative communication with the heat exchanger 130 (e.g., peltier cell 144), the sealed refrigeration system 150, the water supply valve 128, the pump 137, the hot gas valve 162, or the electric heating element 164. During use, the controller 142 may send signals to receive signals from some or all of these components. The controller 142 may also be operatively coupled to or in operative communication with other suitable components of the appliance 100 to generally facilitate operation of the appliance 100. The present method may advantageously facilitate the dispensing or formation of substantially transparent ice 116. Moreover, this approach may advantageously allow the ice pieces 116 to be dispensed without any auger or conveying mechanism.

As shown in fig. 7, at 710, method 700 includes: an initial volume of liquid water is supplied to the lower tank. Typically, an initial volume of water may be supplied from a water source to the chamber of the lower tank, as described above. For instance, the water valve may be opened to allow filling of at least a portion of the chamber (e.g., at least the fill level above the finger die). The water may be supplied below the water tank. Optionally, an initial volume of water may fill the chamber, the vertical channel, and the internal channel of the upper dispenser. Additionally or alternatively, the initial volume of water may be supplied while the heat exchanger remains inoperative (e.g., turned off or set at a temperature above 0 ℃ at the finger die).

At 720, method 700 includes: a portion of the initial volume of liquid water is frozen into ice cubes on one or more finger molds within the remaining volume of the initial volume of liquid water. In other words, less than the entire initial volume of water is frozen into ice cubes and surrounded by the remaining initial volume of water, which remains in liquid form.

Generally, freezing at 720 requires lowering the temperature of the finger die below the freezing temperature of the initial volume of water (e.g., below 0 ℃). As mentioned above, a suitable chiller system or assembly may be provided on or as part of the heat exchanger. For example, if the peltier cell is provided with a heat exchanger, the peltier cell can be activated to conduct heat away from the fingers and to the hot side of the cell, which can be arranged outside the chamber of the lower tank (e.g. so that the heat can be exhausted to the surroundings). Additionally or alternatively, if the sealed refrigeration system is provided with a heat exchanger, the compressor of the sealed refrigeration system may be activated to push the refrigerant through the heat exchanger, as described above.

In an alternative embodiment, water (e.g., a remaining volume of water) is circulated within the chamber during 720. Thus, the water in the lower water tank can be prevented from remaining still when the ice cubes are frozen. For example, as the ice cubes form, the pump may be activated to move or circulate the remaining volume of water through or within the chamber.

At 730, method 700 includes: releasing the ice pieces from the finger molds. For example, after 720, 730 may include: the finger die is heated as described above. In some embodiments, heating the finger die includes directing hot gas through a heat exchanger (e.g., from a hot gas valve of a sealed refrigeration system). In an additional or alternative embodiment, an electric heating element is activated which is on or in heat-conducting connection with the heat exchanger. In further additional or alternative embodiments, the peltier cell may be activated. Alternatively, the current flowing through the peltier cell may be in the opposite direction as during freezing. In other words, the peltier cell may direct heat from the cold side outside the chamber to the finger die.

At 740, method 700 includes: allowing the ice cubes to float upward from the finger molds to the upper dispenser. For example, ice cubes can freely and unimpeded float through the vertical passage and into the interior passage of the upper dispenser (e.g., without any assistance from an auger or mechanical conveying mechanism). Optionally, additional water may be supplied to the lower water tank to help lift the ice cubes. For example, if the initial volume of water does not fill the entire area of the internal passage from the chamber to the upper dispenser, an additional volume of water may be required to allow the ice cubes to float all the way to the upper dispenser.

Once the ice cubes have floated to the upper dispenser, the ice cubes or water within the upper dispenser can be dispensed. For example, an ice door of the upper dispenser may be opened and ice may be allowed to pass from the upper dispenser through the upper dispenser. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid valve can be opened to allow cooling water (e.g., cooling water that lifts the remaining volume of ice or additional water) to flow from the upper dispenser through the water outlet (e.g., separately and apart from the ice). After dispensing, the ice door or liquid valve may be closed again so that additional ice or water is prevented from leaking out of the upper dispenser.

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

Claims

An ice-making assembly, comprising:

a water tank;

an upper dispenser disposed above the water tank;

a lower tank disposed below the upper distributor to maintain an initial volume of liquid water upstream of the upper distributor; and

a heat exchanger including a finger disposed within the lower tank and adapted to freeze a portion of the initial volume of liquid water into ice cubes,

wherein the lower tank defines a vertical passage that allows the ice cubes to float and pass through with the remaining volume of liquid water, and

wherein the upper dispenser includes an ice door movable between a closed position and an open position that allows the ice pieces to pass from the upper dispenser to the water reservoir.
An icemaker assembly according to claim 1 further comprising:

a pump disposed within the lower tank to selectively circulate the remaining volume of liquid water.
An icemaker assembly according to claim 1 further comprising:

a controller in operable communication with the heat exchanger, the controller configured to initiate an ice-making cycle comprising:

releasing the ice pieces from the finger molds;

"releasing the ice pieces from the finger mold" includes: directing heated gas through the heat exchanger.
An icemaker assembly according to claim 1 further comprising:

an electrical heating element in thermally conductive connection with the finger die; and

a controller in operable communication with the heat exchanger and the electric heating element, the controller configured to initiate an ice-making cycle comprising:

releasing the ice pieces from the finger die;

"releasing the ice pieces from the finger molds" includes: activating the electrical heating element to heat the finger die.
An icemaker assembly according to claim 1 wherein said heat exchanger comprises a peltier cell in thermally conductive connection with said finger die, and wherein said icemaker assembly further comprises:

a controller in operable communication with the heat exchanger and the Peltier cell, the controller configured to initiate an ice-making cycle comprising:

releasing the ice pieces from the finger molds;

"releasing the ice pieces from the finger mold" includes: activating the Peltier cell to heat the finger die.
An icemaker assembly according to claim 1 wherein said heat exchanger comprises a peltier cell in thermally conductive connection with said finger die, and wherein said icemaker assembly further comprises:

a controller in operable communication with the heat exchanger and the Peltier cell, the controller configured to initiate an ice-making cycle comprising:

freezing the ice pieces on the fingers, freezing including activating the Peltier cells to conduct heat away from the fingers.
An icemaker assembly according to claim 1 further comprising:

a sealed refrigeration circuit fluidly isolated from the lower header to circulate a refrigerant through the sealed refrigeration circuit, the heat exchanger being disposed along the sealed refrigeration circuit; and

a compressor disposed on the sealed refrigeration circuit in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to urge the refrigerant to the heat exchanger.
An icemaker assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said upper dispenser defines a water outlet spaced from said ice door, said water outlet being in downstream fluid communication with said lower tank to direct a flow of cold water from said remaining volume of liquid water.
An icemaker assembly according to claim 1 further comprising:

a water supply valve in upstream fluid communication with the lower tank; and

a controller in operable communication with the heat exchanger and the water supply valve, the controller configured to initiate an ice-making cycle comprising:

supplying the initial volume of liquid water to the lower tank through the water supply valve;

freezing a portion of the initial volume of liquid water onto the finger molds within the remaining volume of liquid water into the ice pieces;

releasing the ice pieces from the finger die; and

allowing the ice pieces to float upward from the finger molds to the upper dispenser.
A method of dispensing ice from a lower tank through an upper dispenser, wherein the lower tank encloses a finger die of a heat exchanger below the upper dispenser, the method comprising the steps of:

supplying an initial volume of liquid water to the lower tank;

freezing a portion of the initial volume of liquid water onto the finger molds within the remaining volume of the initial volume of liquid water into ice pieces;

releasing the ice pieces from the finger die; and

allowing the ice pieces to float upward from the finger molds to the upper dispenser.
The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: circulating the remaining volume of water through a pump in fluid communication with the lower water tank during freezing.
The method of claim 10, wherein releasing the ice cubes comprises: the finger die is heated.
The method of claim 12, wherein heating the finger die comprises: hot gas is directed through the heat exchanger.
The method of claim 12, wherein heating the finger die comprises: activating an electrical heating element in thermally conductive connection with the finger die.
The method of claim 12, wherein heating the finger die comprises: actuating a peltier cell in thermally conductive connection with the finger.
The method of claim 10, wherein "freezing a portion of the initial volume of liquid water onto the finger molds within the remaining volume of the initial volume of liquid water into ice" comprises: actuating a peltier cell in thermally conductive connection with the finger.
The method of claim 10, wherein "freezing a portion of the initial volume of liquid water into ice pieces on the finger molds within the remaining volume of the initial volume of liquid water" comprises: a compressor of the hermetic refrigeration system is activated to push refrigerant through the heat exchanger.
The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: directing a flow of cold water from the remaining volume of liquid water in the lower tank through a water outlet on the upper distributor.
The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

opening an ice door at a top end of the upper dispenser; and

allowing the ice pieces to pass from the upper dispenser through the opened ice door.