EP4180745B1 - Kältegerät mit einer eisherstellungsanordnung und reinigungsverfahren dafür - Google Patents

Kältegerät mit einer eisherstellungsanordnung und reinigungsverfahren dafür

Info

Publication number
EP4180745B1
EP4180745B1 EP21838736.3A EP21838736A EP4180745B1 EP 4180745 B1 EP4180745 B1 EP 4180745B1 EP 21838736 A EP21838736 A EP 21838736A EP 4180745 B1 EP4180745 B1 EP 4180745B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
icemaker
cleaning
storage volume
fluid
water
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP21838736.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4180745A1 (de
EP4180745A4 (de
Inventor
Santhosh KANDI
Venkata Naga Sathya Vijay Kumar KOTTE
Charles Benjamin Miller
Bradley Nicholas Gilkey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd, Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc filed Critical Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Publication of EP4180745A1 publication Critical patent/EP4180745A1/de
Publication of EP4180745A4 publication Critical patent/EP4180745A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4180745B1 publication Critical patent/EP4180745B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/20—Distributing ice
    • F25C5/22—Distributing ice particularly adapted for household refrigerators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/12—Means for sanitation

Definitions

  • the present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances and ice making assemblies, and more particularly to features and methods for cleaning an ice making assembly (e.g., within a refrigerator appliance).
  • Certain refrigerator appliances include an icemaker.
  • liquid water is directed to the icemaker and frozen.
  • a variety of ice types can be produced depending upon the particular icemaker used.
  • certain icemakers include a mold body for receiving liquid water. An auger within the mold body can rotate and scrape ice off an inner surface of the mold body to form ice nuggets.
  • Such icemakers are generally referred to as nugget style icemakers. Certain consumers prefer nugget style icemakers and their associated ice nuggets.
  • Ice nuggets are generally stored at temperatures above the freezing temperature of liquid water to maintain a texture of the ice nuggets. When stored at such temperatures, at least a portion of the ice nuggets will melt to liquid water. Generally, liquid water can thus accumulate within an ice bucket of the ice making assembly. This may create a number of difficulties or undesirable conditions for the refrigerator appliance. For instance, some of liquid water every freeze, causing portions of the nugget ice to clump together such that dispensing ice nuggets is difficult. Moreover, liquid water may damage or negatively affect performance of electrical components, such as motors. Furthermore, the liquid water may be difficult to remove and, in some instances, drip or flow from an ice dispensing portion of the refrigerator appliance.
  • a refrigerator appliance or ice making assembly addressing one or more of the above identified issues.
  • US20190257565A1 relates to an ice maker with a main water reservoir and a sanitizer reservoir for automatically descaling and sanitizing the ice maker.
  • the main water reservoir is filled with water to an ice making water level, a descale water level, and a sanitize water level.
  • the sanitizer reservoir is filled with a sanitizer and is in fluid communication with the main water reservoir.
  • the ice maker also includes a water distributor and a water pump for supplying water to the sump.
  • US20120118001A1 relates to an ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance which includes an ice maker for making ice cubes.
  • An ice cube storage bin receives ice cubes from the ice maker.
  • the ice cube storage bin is maintained at a temperature above the freezing temperature of water.
  • a drain in communication with the ice cube storage bin receives water melted from ice cubes located in the storage bin.
  • Figures 7-10 show embodiments according to the present invention, which disclose a method of cleaning an ice making assembly according to claim 1 and a refrigerator appliance according to claim 6, whereas figures 1-6 and 11 show embodiments only for understanding the present invention, but not being part of it.
  • FIGs 1-6 and 11 show embodiments only for understanding the present invention, but not being part of it.
  • Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention.
  • features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.
  • the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims.
  • upstream and downstream refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway.
  • upstream refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows
  • downstream refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a refrigerator 100.
  • Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T.
  • Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.
  • Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage.
  • housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of housing 102.
  • refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, for example, a top mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.
  • Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122.
  • a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124.
  • Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed position in FIG. 1 .
  • Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a delivery assembly 140 for delivering or dispensing liquid water or ice.
  • Delivery assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., on one of refrigerator doors 128).
  • Dispenser 142 includes a discharging outlet 144 for accessing ice and liquid water.
  • An actuating mechanism 146 shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 144 for operating dispenser 142.
  • any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser 142.
  • dispenser 142 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle.
  • a control panel 148 is provided for controlling the mode of operation.
  • control panel 148 includes a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
  • Discharging outlet 144 and actuating mechanism 146 are an external part of dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 150.
  • Dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to open refrigerator doors 128.
  • dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 may receive ice from an icemaker disposed in a sub-compartment of the fresh food chamber 122.
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a door of refrigerator doors 128.
  • optional embodiments of refrigerator appliance 100 includes a sub-compartment 160 defined on refrigerator door 128.
  • Sub-compartment 160 is often referred to as an "icebox.”
  • sub-compartment 160 extends into fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position.
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of refrigerator appliance 100.
  • refrigerator appliance 100 includes a sealed cooling system 180 for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling air within refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., within fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124).
  • Sealed cooling system 180 includes a compressor 182, a condenser 184, an expansion device 186, and an evaporator 188 connected in fluid series and charged with a refrigerant.
  • sealed cooling system 180 may include additional components (e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, or condenser).
  • sealed cooling system 180 may include two evaporators.
  • gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 182, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant.
  • This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 184.
  • condenser 184 heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant to condense to a liquid state.
  • Expansion device 186 receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 184. From expansion device 186, the liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 188. Upon exiting expansion device 186 and entering evaporator 188, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator 188 is cool relative to fresh food and freezer chambers 122 and 124 of refrigerator appliance 100. As such, cooled air is produced and refrigerates fresh food and freezer chambers 122 and 124 of refrigerator appliance 100. Thus, evaporator 188 is a heat exchanger which transfers heat from air passing over evaporator 188 to refrigerant flowing through evaporator 188.
  • evaporator 188 is a heat exchanger which transfers heat from air passing over evaporator 188 to refrigerant flowing through evaporator 188.
  • refrigerator appliance 100 further includes a valve 194 (e.g., in fluid communication with a water supply line 272) for regulating a flow of liquid water to a fluid flow path 260 or an icemaker 210 therealong.
  • Valve 194 is selectively adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, valve 194 permits a flow of liquid water to icemaker 210. Conversely, in the closed configuration, valve 194 hinders the flow of liquid water to icemaker 210.
  • refrigerator appliance 100 also includes an air handler 192.
  • Air handler 192 may be operable to urge a flow of chilled air from an evaporator ( FIG. 3 ) (e.g., within a freezer chamber 124) into icebox compartment 160 (e.g., via supply and return ducts or chilled air passages) and may be any suitable device for moving air.
  • air handler 192 can be an axial fan or a centrifugal fan.
  • Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 190 that is operably coupled to (e.g., in electrical or wireless communication with) user interface panel 148, sealed cooling system 180, or various other components.
  • User interface panel 148 provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance 100, such as dispensing ice, chilled water, or other various options.
  • controller 190 may operate various components of the refrigerator appliance 100.
  • Controller 190 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance 100.
  • the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
  • the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
  • controller 190 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
  • Controller 190 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 190 is located within the user interface panel 148. In other embodiments, controller 190 may be positioned at any suitable location within refrigerator appliance 100, such as for example within a fresh food chamber, a freezer door, etc. Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between controller 190 and various operational components of refrigerator appliance 100. For example, user interface panel 148 may be in communication with controller 190 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
  • controller 190 may be in communication with the various components of refrigerator appliance 100 and may control operation of the various components.
  • the various valves, switches, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from controller 190.
  • interface panel 148 may additionally be in communication with controller 190.
  • the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller 190 instruction.
  • an ice making assembly 200 including an icemaker 210 and a selectively-removable ice storage bin 212 attached to cabinet 102 ( FIG. 1 ) (e.g., indirectly via a door 128 or, alternatively, directly within a chilled chamber defined by cabinet 102).
  • ice making assembly 200 is positioned or disposed within icebox compartment 160.
  • ice making assembly 200 may be directly mounted within a chilled chamber (e.g., freezer chamber 124- FIG. 1 ) of refrigerator appliance 100, as would be understood.
  • ice can be selectively supplied to dispenser 142 recess 150 ( FIG. 1 ) from icemaker 210 or ice storage bin 212 in icebox compartment 160 on a back side of refrigerator door 128 (e.g., during or as part of an ice making operation).
  • air from a sealed system 180 ( FIG. 3 ) of refrigerator appliance 100 may be directed into icemaker 210 in order to cool icemaker 210.
  • chilled air from the sealed system 180 may cool components of icemaker 210, such as a casing or mold body of icemaker 210, to or below a freezing temperature of liquid water.
  • icemaker 210 may be an air cooled icemaker 210.
  • Chilled air from the sealed system 180 may also cool ice storage bin 212.
  • air around ice storage bin 212 can be chilled to a temperature above the freezing temperature of liquid water (e.g., to about the temperature of fresh food chamber 122, such that ice nuggets in ice storage bin 212 melt over time due to being exposed to air having a temperature above the freezing temperature of liquid water).
  • an access door 166 is hinged to refrigerator door 128.
  • access door 166 may permit selective access to icebox compartment 160.
  • Any manner of suitable latch 168 is configured with icebox compartment 160 to maintain access door 166 in a closed position.
  • latch 168 may be actuated by a consumer in order to open access door 166 for providing access into icebox compartment 160.
  • Access door 166 can also assist with insulating icebox compartment 160.
  • ice making assembly 200 is illustrated as being at least partially enclosed within icebox compartment 160, alternative embodiments may be free of any separate access door 166 (e.g., such that ice making assembly 200 is generally in open fluid communication with at least one chilled chamber of refrigerator appliance 100).
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 provide schematic views of an ice making assembly 200 (e.g., during a cleaning operation).
  • a filtration assembly 240 may be provided downstream from support tray 218 and tray outlet 234 to filter liquid water (e.g., before selectively returning liquid water to icemaker 210). Moreover, filtration assembly 240, support tray 218, and icemaker 210 may be provided along a fluid flow path 260. Although fluid flow path 260 may receive liquid (e.g., water from a water supply line 272), fluid flow path 260 may be defined as a closed loop having one or more drains or drain lines. Additionally or alternatively, fluid flow path 260 may be fluidly isolated from dispenser 142 such that liquid within or drained from fluid flow path 260 does not flow to or from dispenser 142.
  • liquid e.g., water from a water supply line 272
  • fluid flow path 260 may be defined as a closed loop having one or more drains or drain lines. Additionally or alternatively, fluid flow path 260 may be fluidly isolated from dispenser 142 such that liquid within or drained from fluid flow path 260 does not flow to or from dispenser 142.
  • a bin mounting region 211 is provided adjacent to icemaker 210 (e.g., to receive ice nuggets or fluids therefrom, depending on the initiated operation at a given moment). As shown, bin mounting region 211 extends along the vertical direction V between a top end 214 and a bottom end 216.
  • a support tray 218 may generally define, or extend below, the bottom end 216 to provide an area on which a bin maybe received.
  • support tray 218 may define a tray outlet 234 to permit the flow of liquid therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, support tray 218 may be mounted or formed on a portion of the door 128 to hold or otherwise engage a bin mounted within bin mounting region 211.
  • an ice storage bin 212 is provided. Specifically, ice storage bin 212 may be selectively or removably received within the bin mounting region 211 (e.g., during ice making operations). For instance, ice storage bin 212 may be slidably mounted within the icebox compartment 160 on support tray 218. Generally, ice storage bin 212 defines an ice storage volume 224 for holding ice nuggets therein. As would be understood, a movable auger or paddle may be mounted within ice storage volume 224 to agitate or motivate ice therein.
  • An ice inlet 220 may be defined (e.g., at an upper end) to permit ice from icemaker 210 to the ice storage volume 224 (e.g., during ice making operations when ice storage bin 212 is received within the bin mounting region 211).
  • an ice outlet 222 is defined (e.g., at a lower end) to selectively permit ice to pass from the ice storage volume 224 to the dispenser 142 ( FIG. 1 ).
  • ice storage bin 212 may define a bin outlet 226 through the lower end.
  • a bottom wall 228 of ice storage bin 212 may define one or more apertures therethrough (e.g., above tray outlet 234).
  • the apertures of the bin outlet 226 may be sufficiently sized (e.g., in diameter) to permit the flow of liquid water therethrough and to tray outlet 234.
  • the apertures of bin outlet 226 may be defined as a series of unimpeded perforations.
  • the bin outlet 226 may include a movable or resilient plug, which is configured to selectively engage support tray 218 and permit water through the bin outlet 226 to tray outlet 234 when ice storage bin 212 is fully received within the icebox compartment 160.
  • a cleaning bin 229 is provided. Specifically, cleaning bin 229 may be selectively or removably received within the bin mounting region 211 (e.g., during cleaning operations). Optionally, cleaning bin 229 may be mounted within bin mounting region 211 in place of ice storage bin 212 such that cleaning operations may be performed without flowing a cleaning solution through ice storage bin 212. Cleaning bin 229 may be slidably mounted within the icebox compartment 160 on support tray 218. Generally, cleaning bin 229 defines a container volume 230 for holding a liquid (e.g., water or cleaning solution) therein. The container volume 230 may generally be open and unobstructed by any internal (e.g., movable) members.
  • a liquid e.g., water or cleaning solution
  • a container inlet 232 may be defined (e.g., at an upper end) to permit liquid water or cleaning solution from icemaker 210 to the container volume 230 (e.g., during cleaning operations when cleaning bin 229 is received within the bin mounting region 211).
  • a container outlet 233 is defined at a lower end of cleaning bin 229.
  • a bottom wall 231 of cleaning bin 229 may define one or more apertures therethrough.
  • the apertures of the container outlet 233 may be sufficiently sized (e.g., in diameter) to permit the flow of liquid water therethrough.
  • the apertures of container outlet 233 may be defined as a series of unimpeded perforations.
  • the container outlet 233 may include a movable or resilient plug, which is configured to selectively engage support tray 218 and permit water through the container outlet 233 to tray outlet 234 when cleaning bin 229 is fully received within the icebox compartment 160.
  • cleaning bin 229 is supplied as a part of an assembly kit with ice storage bin 212 and appliance 100 such that a user can selectively swap or exchange ice storage bin 212 with cleaning bin 229 (e.g., to permit appliance 100 to perform cleaning operations), and similarly swap or exchange cleaning bin 229 with ice storage bin 212 (e.g., to permit appliance 100 to perform ice making operations).
  • a catch cup 284 is positioned below the icemaker 210.
  • catch cup 284 may be positioned horizontally between ice storage bin 212 and icemaker 210 (e.g., when ice storage bin 212 is mounted in bin mounting region 211 or received on support tray 218). Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of catch cup 284 may be positioned above ice storage bin 212.
  • catch cup 284 defines at least one fluid outlet (e.g., apex outlet 286) along fluid flow path 260 between icemaker 210 and the filtration assembly 240 (e.g., at a cartridge mounting region 241).
  • apex outlet 286 may be downstream from icemaker 210 while being upstream from a cartridge mounting region 241 of filtration assembly 240 ( FIG. 5 ).
  • catch cup 284 may be fixedly mounted (e.g., within icebox 160).
  • catch cup 284 includes a lower funnel base 288 attached to an upper guide plate 289.
  • Upper guide plate 289 may be tilted or sloped along a decline from icemaker 210 toward bin mounting region 211.
  • upper guide plate 289 may define one or more plate apertures 290 extending therethrough (e.g., along the vertical direction V) to lower funnel base 288.
  • the plate apertures 290 may each define a diameter that is smaller than the predetermined size of ice nuggets formed within icemaker 210.
  • guide plate 289 may direct ice nuggets to ice storage bin 212 (e.g., ice storage volume 224).
  • liquids e.g., water or cleaning solutions
  • Apex outlet 286 may be defined through lower funnel base 288 (e.g., at a lowermost point thereof), such that water or cleaning solution is permitted to flow from lower funnel base 288 to filtration assembly 240.
  • catch cup 284 is movably (e.g., pivotably) mounted (e.g., within icebox 160).
  • catch cup 284 includes a funnel wall 292 positioned proximal to bin mounting region 211.
  • a secondary wall 294 may be positioned proximal to icemaker 210.
  • funnel wall 292 and secondary wall 294 may extend in opposite directions to an apex point.
  • funnel wall 292 and secondary wall 294 may be joined together as an continuous or integral funnel.
  • catch cup 284 may be pivotably mounted to rotate about a predetermined pivot axis A (e.g., defined above ice storage bin 212).
  • the pivot axis A is positioned closer to the bin mounting region 211 (e.g., along a horizontal direction, such as the lateral direction L) than the apex outlet 286.
  • catch cup 284 may selectively move between a storage position (e.g., FIG. 8 ) and a cleaning position (e.g., FIG. 9 ).
  • ice storage bin 212 is fully received within icebox 160 (e.g., on support tray 218 or otherwise between the icemaker 210 and the cartridge mounting region 241) proximal to funnel wall 292.
  • funnel wall 292 may be pivoted downward toward the ice bin.
  • funnel wall 292 may thus direct ice nuggets to ice storage bin 212 (e.g., ice storage volume 224).
  • ice storage bin 212 e.g., ice storage volume 224
  • the funnel wall 292 may be pivoted upward.
  • liquid flowing from the icemaker 210 may be directed along funnel wall 292 to the apex outlet 286 (e.g., such that water is permitted to flow from lower funnel base 288 to filtration assembly 240).
  • the filtration assembly 240 includes a selectively removable fluid filter 242 having one or more filtration media for treating water therein.
  • fluid filter 242 is disposed along a fluid flow path 260 between icemaker 210 and one or more fluid storage volumes.
  • a cartridge mounting region 241 may be defined below support tray 218 (e.g., along the vertical direction V) to receive fluid filter 242.
  • the cartridge mounting region 241 may be directly beneath support tray 218 or, alternatively, laterally offset therefrom.
  • cartridge mounting region 241 includes a cartridge inlet 244 and a cartridge outlet 246 that is located at a position below (e.g., lower than) the cartridge inlet 244 along the vertical direction V.
  • the cartridge inlet 244 When assembled, the cartridge inlet 244 is positioned downstream from the tray outlet 234 such that water flowing from the tray outlet 234 (e.g., as motivated by gravity) may enter fluid filter 242 through the cartridge inlet 244.
  • the cartridge outlet 246 is positioned downstream from the cartridge inlet 244.
  • Fluid filter 242 may include any suitable filtration media.
  • filtration media includes a mixed resin media, such as a mixed-bed media of commingled anion and cation resin.
  • the mixed-bed media may be configured to remove dissolved solids, such as inorganic salts of sodium and chlorine ions.
  • Additional or alternative embodiments may include another suitable media configured to filter liquid water, such as a paper filter cartridge, activated carbon, etc.
  • filtration assembly 240 may include a selectively removable cleaning cartridge 247 containing one more cleaning agents for generating a cleaning solution (e.g., when mixed with or dissolved in water).
  • the cleaning agent(s) may be any suitable cleaner for descaling or sanitizing (e.g., eliminating pathogens) within an icemaker, such as citric or nitric acid.
  • cleaning cartridge 247 is disposed along the fluid flow path 260 at the cartridge mounting region 241 (e.g., in the place of fluid filter 242).
  • first drain line 310 may be closed during such operations.
  • the generated liquid cleaning solution may flow from first storage volume 252 and to the fluid pump 254 before reaching icemaker 210.
  • first drain line 310 may be closed.
  • first drain line 310 may be opened to guide the cleaning solution from the fluid flow path 260.
  • second drain line 320 may be joined to the same drain valve 318 as first drain line 310. Nonetheless, it is understood that alternative embodiments may include discrete drain plugs or valves corresponding to first drain line 310 and second drain line 320, respectively.
  • liquid may flow from fluid pump 254 and to the second storage volume 266 before reaching icemaker 210.
  • liquid water may flow from fluid pump 254 and to the second storage volume 266 before reaching icemaker 210.
  • second drain line 320 may be closed during such operations.
  • the generated liquid cleaning solution may flow from fluid pump 254 and to the second storage volume 266 before reaching icemaker 210. If present, second drain line 320 may be closed.
  • liquid water may be supplied to second storage volume 266 (e.g., from a water supply line 272) before such water is supplied to the icemaker 210 and, subsequently, to the cleaning cartridge 247 mounted within the cartridge mounting region 241.
  • second drain line 320 may be opened to guide the cleaning solution from the fluid flow path 260.
  • a water supply line 272 is provided in selective fluid communication with the ice making assembly 200.
  • water supply line 272 may be in downstream fluid communication to receive a flow or volume of water from a suitable water source (e.g., a municipal water supply, residential well, etc.).
  • water supply line 272 may further be in upstream fluid communication with fluid flow path 260 (e.g., to supply liquid water thereto).
  • fluid flow path 260 e.g., to supply liquid water thereto.
  • water supply line 272 may connect to fluid flow path 260 at a location between fluid pump 254 (e.g., or check valve 262) and second storage volume 266.
  • supply valve 276 is positioned in fluid communication between the second storage volume 266 and water supply line 272 (e.g., with or as part of valve 194- FIG. 3 ).
  • supply valve 276 may be located along the fluid flow path 260 at a location downstream from fluid pump 254 or check valve 262.
  • Supply valve 276 may be provided as any suitable valve for selectively permitting or restricting water from water supply line 272 to enter the fluid flow path 260 (e.g., independently or separately from fluid pump 254). Liquid water may thus be selectively and alternately flowed to the second storage volume 266 from the first storage volume 252 and water supply line 272.
  • one or more level sensors are provided.
  • a first level sensor 280 may be mounted to filtered storage tank 248 in fluid communication with the first storage volume 252 to detect an amount or volume of water therein.
  • a second level sensor 282 may be mounted to the upper reservoir 264 in fluid communication with the second storage volume 266 and an amount volume or volume of water therein.
  • One or both of the level sensors 280, 282 may be operably coupled to (i.e., in operative communication with) controller 190.
  • the level sensors 280, 282 may be provided as any suitable liquid detecting sensor (e.g., a float-reed sensor, ultrasonic sensor, conductivity sensor, etc.). During use, controller 190 may thus generally determined if and when water within the first storage volume 252 or the second storage volume 266 has reached one or more corresponding predetermined levels.
  • a suitable liquid detecting sensor e.g., a float-reed sensor, ultrasonic sensor, conductivity sensor, etc.
  • controller 190 is configured to control or direct the flow of liquid (e.g., water or cleaning solution) to the second storage volume 266 alternately from the first storage volume 252 and water supply line 272.
  • controller 190 may be configured to initiate a cleaning operation.
  • controller 150 may, as discussed, be in communication with control panel 148, air handler 192, compressor 182, icemaker 210, fluid pump 254, supply valve 276, or one or more sensors 280, 282.
  • controller 150 may send signals to and receive signals from panel 148, air handler 192, compressor 182, icemaker 210, fluid pump 254, supply valve 276, or one or more sensors 280, 282.
  • Controller 150 may further be in communication with other suitable components of the appliance 100 to facilitate operation of the appliance 100 generally.
  • the disclosed methods may advantageously provide for cleaning of an ice making assembly without removing the icemaker. Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed methods may easily, efficiently, and effectively clean portions of the assembly, such as without requiring significant user intervention or care.
  • FIG. 10 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purpose of illustration and discussion.
  • the method 400 includes providing a cleaning cartridge containing a cleaning agent along a fluid flow path between an icemaker, such as a nugget icemaker, and a fluid storage volume (e.g., first storage volume or second storage volume, as discussed above).
  • the cleaning cartridge is provided in a cartridge mounting region.
  • the cleaning cartridge may be provided as a replacement for a recirculation filter (e.g., provided as a kit).
  • 410 may include replacing the recirculation filter within the cartridge mounting region.
  • the replaced recirculation filter may be maintained apart from the cabinet or remainder of the appliance (e.g., for the duration of method 400).
  • Such a replacement may be performed by a user (e.g., manually) and may include any steps required to typically replace a recirculation filter (e.g., following the expiration of the recirculation filter's usable lifespan).
  • Step 440 includes directing water through the catch cup positioned below the icemaker.
  • the catch cup may be pivotably mounted to move between a storage position and a cleaning position.
  • 440 may include providing the catch cup in the cleaning position such that water is funneled from the icemaker to an outlet (e.g., apex outlet) of the catch cup.
  • the method 400 includes motivating the cleaning solution to the icemaker through the fluid storage volume.
  • the cleaning solution is collected (e.g., as motivated, at least in part, by gravity) in the first storage volume defined by the storage tank positioned below the cleaning cartridge.
  • the cleaning solution may be pumped (e.g., by the fluid pump) to the second storage volume defined by the upper reservoir.
  • the fluid pump may pump the cleaning solution along the fluid path from the first storage volume and upward to the second storage volume.
  • the method 400 includes opening a drain line downstream from the cleaning cartridge between the fluid storage volume and the icemaker to guide the cleaning solution from the fluid flow path.
  • the second drain line may be opened downstream from the second storage volume, as described above.
  • the first drain line may be opened downstream from the cleaning cartridge or first storage volume, as also described above.
  • 460 may be initiated by a determined expiration of the cleaning operation.
  • the cleaning operation may have a predetermined time period (e.g., in seconds or minutes) in which the fluid (e.g., water or the cleaning solution) is to be motivated through the ice making assembly.
  • the fluid e.g., water or the cleaning solution
  • 460 may be initiated.
  • 460 may be initiated at a user-selected moment, such as in response to a user input to drain the cleaning solution.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Verfahren zum Reinigen einer Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) in einem Kühlschrankgerät (100), wobei das Verfahren umfasst:
    Bereitstellen einer Reinigungskartusche (229), die ein Reinigungsmittel enthält, entlang eines Fluidwegs zwischen einem Eisbereiter (210) und einem Fluidspeichervolumen;
    Auslösen einer Wasserströmung zum Fluidspeichervolumen;
    Leiten einer überlaufenden Wasserströmung zum Eisbereiter (210);
    Führen von Wasser vom Eisbereiter (210) zur Reinigungskartusche (229), um eine Reinigungslösung zu erzeugen, wobei der Eisbereiter (210) entlang des Strömungswegs stromaufwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) angeordnet ist;
    Befördern der Reinigungslösung mittels Schwerkraft oder mittels einer Fluidpumpe (254) durch das Fluidspeichervolumen zum Eisbereiter (210); und
    Öffnen einer Abflussleitung stromabwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) zwischen dem Fluidspeichervolumen und dem Eisbereiter (210), um die Reinigungslösung aus dem Fluidweg zu führen; wobei das Verfahren dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass es ferner umfasst:
    Entfernen eines Eisbehälters aus dem Bereich zwischen dem Eisbereiter (210) und der Reinigungskartusche (229), bevor Wasser vom Eisbereiter (210) zur Reinigungskartusche (229) geführt wird;
    wobei das Führen von Wasser vom Eisbereiter (210) zur Reinigungskartusche (229) Leiten von Wasser durch einen Auffangbecher (284) umfasst, der unterhalb des Eisbereiters (210) positioniert ist.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Auffangbecher (284) schwenkbar angebracht ist, um sich zwischen einer Speicherposition und einer Reinigungsposition zu bewegen, wobei die Speicherposition eine Trichterwand (292) aufweist, die nach unten in Richtung des Eisbehälters zwischen dem Eisbereiter (210) und der Reinigungskartusche (229) geschwenkt ist, und wobei die Reinigungsposition die Trichterwand (292) aufweist, die nach oben geschwenkt ist, um Fluid trichterförmig zu einem Spitzenauslass des Auffangbechers (284) zu leiten.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Speichervolumen ein zweites Speichervolumen (266) ist, das durch einen oberen Vorratsbehälter (264) definiert ist, der über der Reinigungskartusche (229) positioniert ist, wobei das Befördern der Reinigungslösung zum Eisbereiter (210) umfasst,
    Sammeln der Reinigungslösung in einem ersten Speichervolumen (252), das durch einen unterhalb der Reinigungskartusche (229) positionierten Speichertank (248) definiert ist, und
    Pumpen der Reinigungslösung aus dem ersten Speichervolumen (252) in das zweite Speichervolumen (266) durch die Fluidpumpe (254).
  4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Abflussleitung eine zweite Abflussleitung (320) ist, die Eiserzeugungsanordnung ferner eine erste Abflussleitung (310) stromabwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) zwischen dem ersten Speichervolumen (252) und der Fluidpumpe (254) aufweist, und wobei das Verfahren ferner Folgendes umfasst:
    Öffnen einer ersten Abflussleitung stromabwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) zwischen dem ersten Speichervolumen (252) und der Fluidpumpe (254), um die Reinigungslösung aus dem Fluidweg zu führen.
  5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Bereitstellen einer Reinigungskartusche (229) Folgendes umfasst: Ersetzen eines Umwälzfilters entlang des Fluidwegs zwischen dem Eisbereiter (210) und dem Fluidspeichervolumen nach dem Ablauf der Nutzungsdauer des Umwälzfilters;
    wobei die Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) in einem Kühlschrankgerät (100) angebracht ist und wobei der Fluidweg flüssigkeitsmäßig von einem Wasserspender (142) des Kühlschrankgeräts (100) isoliert ist; wobei die Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) innerhalb einer Drehtür (128) des Kühlschrankgeräts (100) angebracht ist.
  6. Kühlschrankgerät (100), das eine vertikale Richtung, eine seitliche Richtung und eine Querrichtung definiert, wobei das Kühlschrankgerät (100) Folgendes aufweist:
    ein Gehäuse (102);
    eine Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200), die an dem Gehäuse (102) angebracht ist, wobei die Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) Folgendes aufweist:
    einen Fluidweg stromabwärts einer Wasserversorgungsleitung (272),
    einen entlang des Fluidwegs vorgesehenen Eisbereiter (210),
    ein entlang des Fluidwegs vorgesehenes Fluidspeichervolumen, das in Fluidverbindung mit dem Eisbereiter (210) steht,
    eine Reinigungskartusche (229), die ein Reinigungsmittel enthält und wahlweise entlang des Fluidwegs zwischen dem Eisbereiter (210) und dem Fluidspeichervolumen vorgesehen ist, und
    eine Abflussleitung stromabwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) zwischen dem Fluidspeichervolumen und dem Eisbereiter (210); und
    eine Steuereinheit (190), die in Wirkverbindung mit der Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) steht, wobei die Steuereinheit (190) eingerichtet ist, einen Reinigungsvorgang auszulösen, der Folgendes umfasst:
    Auslösen einer Wasserströmung aus der Wasserversorgungsleitung (272) zum Fluidspeichervolumen,
    Leiten einer überlaufenden Wasserströmung zum Eisbereiter (210),
    Führen von Wasser entlang des Fluidwegs vom Eisbereiter (210) zur Reinigungskartusche (229), um eine Reinigungslösung zu erzeugen, wobei der Eisbereiter (210) entlang des Strömungswegs stromaufwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) angeordnet ist,
    Befördern der Reinigungslösung mittels Schwerkraft oder mittels einer Fluidpumpe (254) zum Eisbereiter (210) durch das Fluidspeichervolumen; und
    Öffnen der Abflussleitung, um die Reinigungslösung aus dem Fluidweg zu führen; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsvorgang ferner Folgendes umfasst:
    Entfernen eines Eisbehälters, der zwischen dem Eisbereiter (210) und der Reinigungskartusche (229) abnehmbar angebracht ist;
    die Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) ferner einen Auffangbecher (284) aufweist, der unterhalb des Eisbereiters (210) angebracht ist, wobei der Auffangbecher (284) einen Spitzenauslass (286) stromaufwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) definiert, wobei das Führen von Wasser vom Eisbereiter (210) zur Reinigungskartusche (229) Leiten von Wasser durch den Auffangbecher (284) umfasst.
  7. Kühlschrankgerät nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Auffangbecher (284) schwenkbar angebracht ist, um sich zwischen einer Speicherposition und einer Reinigungsposition zu bewegen, wobei die Speicherposition eine Trichterwand (292) aufweist, die zwischen dem Eisbereiter (210) und der Reinigungskartusche (229) nach unten in Richtung des Eisbehälters geschwenkt ist, und wobei die Reinigungsposition die Trichterwand (292) aufweist, die nach oben geschwenkt ist, um Fluid trichterförmig zum Spitzenauslass (286) des Auffangbechers (284) zu leiten.
  8. Kühlschrankgerät nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Speichervolumen ein zweites Speichervolumen (266) ist, das durch einen oberen Vorratsbehälter (264) definiert ist, der über der Reinigungskartusche (229) positioniert ist, wobei die Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) ferner ein erstes Speichervolumen (252) und eine Fluidpumpe (254) aufweist, wobei das erste Speichervolumen (252) unterhalb der Reinigungskartusche (229) in stromabwärtiger Fluidverbindung damit angebracht ist, wobei die Fluidpumpe (254) in Fluidverbindung zwischen dem ersten Speichervolumen (252) und dem zweiten Speichervolumen (266) steht, und wobei das Befördern der Reinigungslösung zum Eisbereiter (210) umfasst:
    Sammeln der Reinigungslösung in einem ersten Speichervolumen (252), das durch einen unterhalb der Reinigungskartusche (229) positionierten Speichertank (248) definiert ist, und
    Pumpen der Reinigungslösung aus dem ersten Speichervolumen (252) in das zweite Speichervolumen (266) durch die Fluidpumpe (254).
  9. Kühlschrankgerät nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Abflussleitung eine zweite Abflussleitung (320) ist, wobei die Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) ferner eine erste Abflussleitung (310) stromabwärts von der Reinigungskartusche (229) zwischen dem ersten Speichervolumen (252) und der Fluidpumpe (254) aufweist, und wobei der Reinigungsvorgang ferner umfasst: Öffnen der ersten Abflussleitung (310), um die Reinigungslösung aus dem Fluidweg zu führen.
  10. Kühlschrankgerät nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Bereitstellen einer Reinigungskartusche (229) umfasst: Ersetzen eines Umwälzfilters entlang des Fluidwegs zwischen dem Eisbereiter (210) und dem Fluidspeichervolumen nach dem Ablauf der Nutzungsdauer des Umwälzfilters.
  11. Kühlschrankgerät nach Anspruch 6, das ferner eine Tür (128) aufweist, die drehbar an dem Gehäuse (102) angebracht ist, wobei die Tür (128) einen Wasserspender (142) aufweist und wobei der Fluidweg flüssigkeitsmäßig von dem Wasserspender (142) isoliert ist; wobei die Eiserzeugungsanordnung (200) innerhalb der Tür (128) angebracht ist.
EP21838736.3A 2020-07-09 2021-07-07 Kältegerät mit einer eisherstellungsanordnung und reinigungsverfahren dafür Active EP4180745B1 (de)

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Citations (1)

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US9664430B2 (en) * 2010-11-17 2017-05-30 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Ice maker for dispensing soft ice and related refrigeration appliance
US9404683B2 (en) * 2013-10-22 2016-08-02 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Refrigerator appliance
CN104075533B (zh) * 2014-07-22 2019-09-20 合肥晶弘电器有限公司 一种冰箱供水系统控制方法
EP3280960B1 (de) * 2015-04-06 2021-06-30 True Manufacturing Co., Inc. Eisbereiter mit automatischer entkalkungs- und desinfektionsfunktion
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EP4180745A4 (de) 2023-12-06
CN116018488A (zh) 2023-04-25

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