US20150276298A1 - Apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers - Google Patents
Apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150276298A1 US20150276298A1 US14/224,249 US201414224249A US2015276298A1 US 20150276298 A1 US20150276298 A1 US 20150276298A1 US 201414224249 A US201414224249 A US 201414224249A US 2015276298 A1 US2015276298 A1 US 2015276298A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- icemaker
- door
- cold air
- air flow
- freezer compartment
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 13
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
- F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
-
- 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
- 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
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/061—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation through special compartments
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/062—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation along the inside of doors
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
- F25D2317/0666—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the freezer
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/067—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by air ducts
- F25D2317/0671—Inlet ducts
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to ice makers, and, more particularly, to apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers.
- On-the-door icemakers facilitate, among other things, the dispensing of ice and/or beverages through external dispensers.
- An example icemaker includes an ice mold configured to produce ice by removing heat from the ice mold using supplied cold air, and a shaped air flow redirection member disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door to redirect at least a portion of the cold air away from the door toward the freezer compartment.
- An example method for redirecting air flow in an on-the-door icemaker of an appliance having a freezer compartment, and a door that provides access to the freezer compartment includes supplying cold air into the icemaker, and redirecting at least a portion of the cold air from the ice maker back toward the freezer compartment using a generally L-shaped air flow redirection device disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an example refrigerator having an on-the-door icemaker in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an example freezer compartment having an air duct to supply cold air to the example on-the-door icemaker of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of the example on-the-door icemaker of FIG. 1 showing an improved air flow.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are front and side views of an example ice mold for the example on-the-door icemaker of FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- FIG. 6 is a front view of the example on-the-door icemaker of FIGS. 1 and 2 with ice storage bin removed.
- cold air provided to an on-the-door icemaker may result in the buildup of humidity, frost and/or ice on an appliance door or stored ice, and/or the freezing of a water supply.
- on-the-door icemakers having improved air flow are disclosed. For example, the disclosed on-the-door icemakers redirect more air away from the door, ice storage bin, and water freezing zone than existing appliances.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an example refrigerator 100 having a refrigerated compartment 101 and a freezer compartment 102 .
- the refrigerated compartment 101 and the freezer compartment 102 each have an open face to provide access to the compartments 101 and 102 .
- the refrigerator 100 includes a door 103 for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face of the freezer compartment 102 . While not shown for clarity, the refrigerator 100 also includes a door to selectively open and close the open face of the refrigerated compartment 101 .
- the example refrigerator 100 of FIG. 1 includes one or more shelves (one of which is designated at reference numeral 104 ).
- the shelves 104 may have fixed positions and/or be moveably positionable. While not shown for simplicity, the refrigerator 100 may, additionally or alternatively, include any number and/or type(s) of bins, holders, drawers and/or baskets for the storage of items.
- the example refrigerator 100 includes an on-the-door icemaker 110 on the door 103 , which is constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
- the icemaker 110 may be fixedly or removeably mounted to the door 103 . While not shown or discussed herein, the on-the-door icemaker 110 may dispense ice through the door 103 , as is well understood. Additionally or alternatively, the icemaker 110 may include a door and/or access 112 to enable a person to remove ice from an ice storage area and/or bin 320 (see FIG. 3 ) when the door 103 is open. As will be discussed in detail below in connected with FIG.
- the example icemaker 110 has an improved air flow that, among other things reduces an amount of cold air flowing into a water feeding zone, reduces an amount of cold air flowing into the ice storage zone 320 , reduces an amount of humidity that may form on the door 103 , reduces an amount of frost that may form on the door 103 , and/or an amount of ice that may form on the door 103 .
- the example on-the-door icemaker 110 disclosed herein is described with reference to the example refrigerator 100 of FIG. 1 , one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the icemaker disclosed herein may be used in refrigerators and/or freezers having any configuration (e.g., side-by-side refrigerators, a French-door refrigerators, a top-freezer refrigerators, etc.).
- cold air is supplied to the example on-the-door icemaker 110 via an air duct 115 .
- the supplied cold air enters the icemaker 110 via an opening 120 .
- an example air duct 115 and opening 120 combination is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other configurations may, additionally or alternatively, be used to supply cold air to the icemaker 110 .
- the example on-the-door icemaker 110 includes an ice mold 305 .
- the example ice mold 305 is configured to produce ice by removing heat from the ice mold 305 (i.e., the water) using cold air supplied, for example, via the air duct 115 and the opening 120 .
- a flow of cold air 310 enters the icemaker 110 and, a first portion of the flow of cold air 310 passes around and beneath the ice mold 305 .
- a second portion of the flow of cold air 310 may flow into a water supply zone 315 of the icemaker 110 .
- the water supply zone 315 includes a supply line 317 that may be routed through, foamed in and/or pass through at least a portion of the door 103 .
- the second portion of the cold air flow 310 is reflected by the interior lining the door 103 .
- the second portion of the cold air flow 310 has numerous disadvantages including, but not limited to, the buildup of frost, ice and/or humidity on the door 103 , the unnecessary reflection of cold air into the ice storage zone 320 , and/or the reflection of additional cold air into the water supply zone 315 which may result in freezing of the water supply.
- the example icemaker 110 includes a generally L-shaped air flow redirection member 325 .
- the example air flow redirection member 325 has a first portion or member 330 that is at least partially between the icemaker 110 and the door 103 .
- This first member 330 reflects at least some of the first portion of the flow of cold air 310 after it passes around and/or beneath the ice mold 305 back toward the freezer compartment 102 .
- the example air flow redirection member 325 has a second portion or member 335 that extends from the first portion or member 330 generally toward the freezer compartment 102 . As shown, at least some of the cold air flowing downward along the first member 330 is redirected away from the door 103 and toward the freezer compartment 102 by the second member 335 .
- the air flow redirection member 325 is a generally L-shaped member.
- the first and second portions 330 and 335 need not form a right angle, nor does either member 330 , 335 need be straight.
- the air flow redirection member 325 has a generally L shape, but does not need to have a strict L shape.
- the second member 335 may be curved and/or have a scoop like shape. When the second member 335 is curved and/or has a scoop shape, cold air may be more efficiently redirected away from the door 130 toward the freezer compartment 102 .
- the second member 335 curves from the first member 330 toward the freezer compartment 103 and may extend to a position at least partial beneath, or beyond the ice mold 305 .
- the first portion 330 could be curved or have a scoop shape.
- Other shapes for the the air flow redirection member 325 include, but are not limited to, a C-shaped member, a U-shaped member, and angle-bracket-shaped member, a semi-circle shaped member, etc.
- the air flow redirection member 325 is a separate member that is mounted to the icemaker 110 such that when the icemaker 110 is in place in the door 103 it is positioned at least partially between the icemaker 110 and an inner liner of the door 103 .
- the air flow redirection member 325 is mounted or affixed to the inner liner of the door 103 .
- the first portion 330 may be formed as part of the inner liner; with the second portion 335 attached or affixed to the liner or as a part of the liner, thereby forming the L-shaped air flow redirection member 325 .
- Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other configurations may be used.
Abstract
On-the-door icemakers having improved air flow are disclosed. An example icemaker includes an ice mold configured to produce ice by removing heat from the ice mold using supplied cold air, and a shaped air flow redirection member disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door to redirect at least a portion of the cold air away from the door toward the freezer compartment.
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to ice makers, and, more particularly, to apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers.
- Some prior-art appliances such as side-by-side refrigerators, French-door refrigerators and freezers have on-the-door icemakers. On-the-door icemakers facilitate, among other things, the dispensing of ice and/or beverages through external dispensers.
- On-the-door icemakers having improved air flow are disclosed. An example icemaker includes an ice mold configured to produce ice by removing heat from the ice mold using supplied cold air, and a shaped air flow redirection member disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door to redirect at least a portion of the cold air away from the door toward the freezer compartment.
- An example method for redirecting air flow in an on-the-door icemaker of an appliance having a freezer compartment, and a door that provides access to the freezer compartment includes supplying cold air into the icemaker, and redirecting at least a portion of the cold air from the ice maker back toward the freezer compartment using a generally L-shaped air flow redirection device disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an example refrigerator having an on-the-door icemaker in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an example freezer compartment having an air duct to supply cold air to the example on-the-door icemaker ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of the example on-the-door icemaker ofFIG. 1 showing an improved air flow. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 are front and side views of an example ice mold for the example on-the-door icemaker ofFIGS. 1 and 3 . -
FIG. 6 is a front view of the example on-the-door icemaker ofFIGS. 1 and 2 with ice storage bin removed. - In some prior-art appliances including to, but not limited to, side-by-side refrigerators, French-door refrigerators and freezers, cold air provided to an on-the-door icemaker may result in the buildup of humidity, frost and/or ice on an appliance door or stored ice, and/or the freezing of a water supply. To overcome at least these problems, on-the-door icemakers having improved air flow are disclosed. For example, the disclosed on-the-door icemakers redirect more air away from the door, ice storage bin, and water freezing zone than existing appliances.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of anexample refrigerator 100 having a refrigeratedcompartment 101 and afreezer compartment 102. The refrigeratedcompartment 101 and thefreezer compartment 102 each have an open face to provide access to thecompartments refrigerator 100 includes adoor 103 for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face of thefreezer compartment 102. While not shown for clarity, therefrigerator 100 also includes a door to selectively open and close the open face of the refrigeratedcompartment 101. To allow items to be stored in the refrigeratedcompartment 101 and/or thefreezer compartment 102, theexample refrigerator 100 ofFIG. 1 includes one or more shelves (one of which is designated at reference numeral 104). Theshelves 104 may have fixed positions and/or be moveably positionable. While not shown for simplicity, therefrigerator 100 may, additionally or alternatively, include any number and/or type(s) of bins, holders, drawers and/or baskets for the storage of items. - To make and/or dispense ice, the
example refrigerator 100 includes an on-the-door icemaker 110 on thedoor 103, which is constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Theicemaker 110 may be fixedly or removeably mounted to thedoor 103. While not shown or discussed herein, the on-the-door icemaker 110 may dispense ice through thedoor 103, as is well understood. Additionally or alternatively, theicemaker 110 may include a door and/oraccess 112 to enable a person to remove ice from an ice storage area and/or bin 320 (seeFIG. 3 ) when thedoor 103 is open. As will be discussed in detail below in connected withFIG. 3 , theexample icemaker 110 has an improved air flow that, among other things reduces an amount of cold air flowing into a water feeding zone, reduces an amount of cold air flowing into theice storage zone 320, reduces an amount of humidity that may form on thedoor 103, reduces an amount of frost that may form on thedoor 103, and/or an amount of ice that may form on thedoor 103. - Although the example on-the-
door icemaker 110 disclosed herein is described with reference to theexample refrigerator 100 ofFIG. 1 , one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the icemaker disclosed herein may be used in refrigerators and/or freezers having any configuration (e.g., side-by-side refrigerators, a French-door refrigerators, a top-freezer refrigerators, etc.). - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , cold air is supplied to the example on-the-door icemaker 110 via anair duct 115. The supplied cold air enters theicemaker 110 via anopening 120. While anexample air duct 115 and opening 120 combination is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other configurations may, additionally or alternatively, be used to supply cold air to theicemaker 110. - Turning to
FIG. 3 , to make ice, the example on-the-door icemaker 110 includes anice mold 305. When filled with water, theexample ice mold 305 is configured to produce ice by removing heat from the ice mold 305 (i.e., the water) using cold air supplied, for example, via theair duct 115 and theopening 120. As shown, a flow ofcold air 310 enters theicemaker 110 and, a first portion of the flow ofcold air 310 passes around and beneath theice mold 305. A second portion of the flow ofcold air 310 may flow into awater supply zone 315 of theicemaker 110. Thewater supply zone 315 includes asupply line 317 that may be routed through, foamed in and/or pass through at least a portion of thedoor 103. - Traditionally, after passing around the
ice mold 305, the second portion of thecold air flow 310 is reflected by the interior lining thedoor 103. However, doing so has numerous disadvantages including, but not limited to, the buildup of frost, ice and/or humidity on thedoor 103, the unnecessary reflection of cold air into theice storage zone 320, and/or the reflection of additional cold air into thewater supply zone 315 which may result in freezing of the water supply. - To prevent these and other problems, the
example icemaker 110 includes a generally L-shaped airflow redirection member 325. The example airflow redirection member 325 has a first portion ormember 330 that is at least partially between theicemaker 110 and thedoor 103. Thisfirst member 330 reflects at least some of the first portion of the flow ofcold air 310 after it passes around and/or beneath theice mold 305 back toward thefreezer compartment 102. - To reflect cold air that has been reflected downward by the
first member 330 and/or cold air that may be pass below and generally close to thefirst portion 330, the example airflow redirection member 325 has a second portion ormember 335 that extends from the first portion ormember 330 generally toward thefreezer compartment 102. As shown, at least some of the cold air flowing downward along thefirst member 330 is redirected away from thedoor 103 and toward thefreezer compartment 102 by thesecond member 335. - It will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that not all of the cold air flowing into the
icemaker 110 and/or impinging on the airflow redirection member 325 will be reflected toward thefreezer compartment 102. However, more cold air will be redirected away from thedoor 103, thewater supply zone 315, and theice storage area 320 toward thefreezer compartment 102 than traditional icemakers. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the airflow redirection member 325 is a generally L-shaped member. However, the first andsecond portions member flow redirection member 325 has a generally L shape, but does not need to have a strict L shape. For example, as shown inFIGS. 4-6 , thesecond member 335 may be curved and/or have a scoop like shape. When thesecond member 335 is curved and/or has a scoop shape, cold air may be more efficiently redirected away from the door 130 toward thefreezer compartment 102. In such examples, thesecond member 335 curves from thefirst member 330 toward thefreezer compartment 103 and may extend to a position at least partial beneath, or beyond theice mold 305. Likewise thefirst portion 330 could be curved or have a scoop shape. Other shapes for the the airflow redirection member 325 include, but are not limited to, a C-shaped member, a U-shaped member, and angle-bracket-shaped member, a semi-circle shaped member, etc. - In some examples, the air
flow redirection member 325 is a separate member that is mounted to theicemaker 110 such that when theicemaker 110 is in place in thedoor 103 it is positioned at least partially between theicemaker 110 and an inner liner of thedoor 103. In other examples, the airflow redirection member 325 is mounted or affixed to the inner liner of thedoor 103. In these latter examples, thefirst portion 330 may be formed as part of the inner liner; with thesecond portion 335 attached or affixed to the liner or as a part of the liner, thereby forming the L-shaped airflow redirection member 325. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other configurations may be used. - Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.
Claims (20)
1. An on-the-door icemaker for use on a door of a freezer compartment, the icemaker comprising:
an ice mold configured to produce ice by removing heat from the ice mold using supplied cold air; and
a shaped air flow redirection member disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door to redirect at least a portion of the cold air away from the door toward the freezer compartment.
2. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein the shaped air flow redirection member comprises at least one of an L-shaped member, a C-shaped member, a U-shaped member, and angle-bracket-shaped member, or a semi-circle shaped member.
3. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein the shaped air flow redirection member comprises:
a first member positioned at least partially between the icemaker and the door; and
a second curved member curving from beneath the first member toward the freezer compartment.
4. An icemaker as defined in 3, wherein a liner of the door comprises the first member, and an upper portion of second curved member attaches the liner.
5. An icemaker as defined in 3, wherein the first member is curved.
6. An icemaker as defined in 3, wherein the second member extends to a position at least partially beneath the ice mold.
7. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein the Shaped air flow redirection member comprises:
a first member positioned at least partially between the icemaker and the door; and
a second member extending from the first member toward the freezer compartment.
8. An icemaker as defined in claim 7 , wherein the first and second members form substantially a right angle.
9. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein a first flow of the cold air in a first direction is redirected by the Shaped air flow redirection member into a second flow having a second direction generally opposite the first direction, wherein the second flow comprises at least a portion of the first flow.
10. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein a shape of the Shaped air flow redirection member is selected to reduce an amount of cold air flowing into a water feeding zone.
11. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein a shape of the Shaped air flow redirection member is selected to reduce an amount of cold air flowing into an ice storage zone.
12. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein a shape of the Shaped air flow redirection member is selected to reduce an amount of humidity on the door.
13. An icemaker as defined in claim 1 , wherein a shape of the Shaped air flow redirection member is selected to reduce an amount of at least one of frost and/or ice on the door.
14. A method for redirecting air flow in an on-the-door icemaker of an appliance having a freezer compartment, and a door that provides access to the freezer compartment, the method comprising:
supplying cold air into the icemaker; and
redirecting at least a portion of the cold air from the ice maker back toward the freezer compartment using a generally L-shaped air flow redirection device disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door.
15. A method as defined in claim 14 , wherein redirecting the at least a portion of the cold air from the ice maker back toward the freezer compartment comprises redirecting the at least a portion of the cold air toward the freezer compartment along a curved path defined by a curved portion of the L-shaped air flow redirection device.
16. A method as defined in claim 14 , wherein redirecting at least a portion of the cold air from the ice maker back toward the freezer compartment comprises redirecting a first flow of the at least portion different than opposite the first direction.
17. A method as defined in claim 14 , further comprising reducing a flow of cold air into a water feeding zone by redirecting the at least portion of the cold air.
18. A method as defined in claim 14 , further comprising reduces a flow of cold air into an ice storage zone by redirecting the at least portion of the cold air.
19. A method as defined in claim 14 , further comprising reducing humidity on the door by the redirecting the at least portion of the cold air.
20. A method as defined in claim 14 , further comprising reducing at least one of frost or ice on the door by the redirecting the at least portion of the cold air reduces.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/224,249 US20150276298A1 (en) | 2014-03-25 | 2014-03-25 | Apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/224,249 US20150276298A1 (en) | 2014-03-25 | 2014-03-25 | Apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150276298A1 true US20150276298A1 (en) | 2015-10-01 |
Family
ID=54189801
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/224,249 Abandoned US20150276298A1 (en) | 2014-03-25 | 2014-03-25 | Apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150276298A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017190807A1 (en) * | 2016-05-06 | 2017-11-09 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Cool air deflector device for use with an ice maker in a refrigerator |
US20200158404A1 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2020-05-21 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice maker and refrigerator |
WO2021107369A1 (en) * | 2019-11-25 | 2021-06-03 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US20210364219A1 (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2021-11-25 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice-making compartment for an appliance |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080295539A1 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2008-12-04 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Ice maker and refrigerator having the same |
US20130167576A1 (en) * | 2012-01-03 | 2013-07-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
-
2014
- 2014-03-25 US US14/224,249 patent/US20150276298A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080295539A1 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2008-12-04 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Ice maker and refrigerator having the same |
US20130167576A1 (en) * | 2012-01-03 | 2013-07-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017190807A1 (en) * | 2016-05-06 | 2017-11-09 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Cool air deflector device for use with an ice maker in a refrigerator |
US20200158404A1 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2020-05-21 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice maker and refrigerator |
US11959686B2 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2024-04-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Ice maker and refrigerator |
US20210364219A1 (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2021-11-25 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice-making compartment for an appliance |
US11879680B2 (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2024-01-23 | Whirlpool Corporation | Ice-making compartment for an appliance |
WO2021107369A1 (en) * | 2019-11-25 | 2021-06-03 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6810682B1 (en) | Refrigerator with internal water dispenser | |
US8783055B2 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US8656731B2 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR101584806B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
EP2407739B1 (en) | Refrigerator having water feed system | |
US9109826B2 (en) | Bladed ice dispensing system for an ice compartment in a refrigeration chamber | |
KR101392596B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR100737956B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR101713327B1 (en) | Refirgerator | |
US20100218543A1 (en) | Water introduction into fresh-food icemaker | |
US10502477B2 (en) | Refrigerator appliance | |
KR20060085985A (en) | Refrigerator | |
US20150276298A1 (en) | Apparatuses and methods to improve air flow in on-the-door icemakers | |
EP2568235A3 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US20110167862A1 (en) | Refrigeration and ice-making system thereof | |
US20170167780A1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
MX2011009933A (en) | Refrigerator. | |
EP2570755A3 (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR20090075911A (en) | Refrigerator | |
US10408520B2 (en) | Airflow containment device for an ice maker | |
US8640488B2 (en) | Ice bin assembly | |
US20140196493A1 (en) | Refrigerator appliance | |
US9377235B2 (en) | Refrigerator and control method for the same | |
US11662138B2 (en) | Water circuit assembly for a refrigerator | |
JP6061808B2 (en) | refrigerator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ARGUMEDO, SINUHE;RANGEL-MARTINEZ, LEONARD;POHL, DOUGLAS ALAN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140303 TO 20140306;REEL/FRAME:032516/0471 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |