WO2022007849A1 - Appareil de réfrigération présentant un ensemble de fabrication de glace et procédé de nettoyage - Google Patents

Appareil de réfrigération présentant un ensemble de fabrication de glace et procédé de nettoyage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022007849A1
WO2022007849A1 PCT/CN2021/105018 CN2021105018W WO2022007849A1 WO 2022007849 A1 WO2022007849 A1 WO 2022007849A1 CN 2021105018 W CN2021105018 W CN 2021105018W WO 2022007849 A1 WO2022007849 A1 WO 2022007849A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ice
cleaning
ice maker
fluid
storage volume
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/105018
Other languages
English (en)
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
坎迪桑托什
纳加 萨提亚 维杰 库马尔 科特文卡塔
本杰明 米勒查尔斯
尼古拉斯 吉尔基布拉德利
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
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 海尔智家股份有限公司, 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司 filed Critical 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority to EP21838736.3A priority Critical patent/EP4180745A4/fr
Priority to CN202180048113.7A priority patent/CN116018488A/zh
Priority to AU2021306388A priority patent/AU2021306388B2/en
Publication of WO2022007849A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022007849A1/fr

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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 invention relates generally to refrigeration appliances and ice making assemblies, and more particularly to features and methods for cleaning ice making assemblies (eg, within refrigeration appliances).
  • Some refrigeration appliances include ice makers. To create ice, liquid water is directed to an ice maker and frozen. Depending on the specific ice maker used, many types of ice can be produced. For example, some ice makers include a mold body for receiving liquid water. An auger within the mold body can rotate and scrape ice from the inner surface of the mold body to form ice cubes. This type of ice maker is often referred to as a block ice maker. Certain consumers prefer block ice makers and their associated ice cubes.
  • Ice cubes are usually stored at temperatures above the freezing temperature of liquid water to preserve the texture of the ice cubes. When stored at such temperatures, at least a portion of the ice cubes will melt into liquid water. Typically, liquid water thus accumulates in the ice bucket of the ice making assembly. This can create many difficult or undesirable situations for refrigeration appliances. For example, every time some liquid water freezes, it causes parts of the ice to freeze together, making it difficult to dispense the ice. Also, liquid water may damage or adversely affect electrical components such as electric motors. Additionally, liquid water can be difficult to remove and, in some cases, can drip or flow from the ice dispensing portion of the refrigeration appliance.
  • a method of cleaning an ice making assembly may include positioning a cleaning cartridge containing detergent along a fluid path between the ice maker and the fluid storage volume, and initiating a flow of water to the fluid storage volume.
  • the method may further include directing a flow of overflow water to the ice maker and directing water from the ice maker to a cleaning cartridge to generate a cleaning solution.
  • the method may further include: forcing the cleaning solution through the fluid storage volume to the ice maker, and opening a drain line downstream of the cleaning cartridge between the fluid storage volume and the ice maker to direct the cleaning solution out of the fluid path.
  • a refrigeration appliance may include a case, an ice making assembly, and a controller.
  • An ice making assembly may be attached to the case.
  • the ice making assembly may include: a fluid path downstream of the water supply conduit; an ice making machine disposed along the fluid path; a fluid storage volume disposed along the fluid path, connected to the ice making machine in fluid communication; a cleaning cartridge containing a cleaning agent and selectively disposed along a fluid path between the ice maker and the fluid storage volume; and a drain conduit between the fluid storage volume and the ice maker downstream of the cleaning filter element in between.
  • a controller may be in operative communication with the ice making assembly.
  • the controller may be configured to initiate a cleaning operation comprising: initiating a flow of water from the water supply conduit to the fluid storage volume, directing a flow of overflow water to the ice maker, directing water from the ice maker along the fluid path to the cleaning cartridge, To generate the cleaning solution, force the cleaning solution through the fluid storage volume to the ice maker, and open the drain line to direct the cleaning solution away from the fluid path.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a door of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of the hermetic cooling system of the exemplary refrigeration appliance shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 provides a front view of the door of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 2 having an access door of the door shown in an open position and an ice storage bin mounted for ice making operations.
  • FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram of an ice making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 provides a schematic front view of a portion of an ice making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 provides a schematic front view of a portion of an ice making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the ice bank removed for cleaning operations.
  • FIG. 8 provides a schematic front view of a portion of the example ice making assembly of FIG. 7 with the ice storage bin replaced for an ice making operation.
  • FIG. 9 provides a schematic front view of a portion of an ice making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 provides a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 provides a schematic diagram of an ice making assembly according to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of refrigerator 100 .
  • Refrigeration appliance 100 includes a box or housing 102 extending in vertical direction V between top 104 and bottom 106 and laterally L between first side 108 and second side 110 , and extends along the transverse direction T between the front side 112 and the rear side 114 .
  • Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the lateral direction T are perpendicular to each other.
  • the housing 102 defines a refrigerated compartment for receiving food items for storage.
  • the housing 102 defines a food preservation compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent to the top 104 of the housing 102 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent to the bottom 106 of the housing 102 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator.
  • the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as overhead refrigeration appliances or side-by-side refrigeration appliances. Accordingly, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration chamber configuration in any respect.
  • the refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the housing 102 for selective access to the food preservation compartment 122 .
  • a freezing door 130 is arranged below the refrigerating door 128 so as to selectively enter the freezing compartment 124 .
  • the freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 124 .
  • the refrigerator door 128 and the freezer door 130 are shown in the closed position in FIG. 1 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a delivery assembly 140 for delivering or dispensing liquid water or ice.
  • the delivery assembly 140 includes a distributor 142 disposed on or mounted to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100 (eg, on one of the refrigeration doors 128).
  • the dispenser 142 includes a drain 144 for obtaining ice and liquid water.
  • An actuation mechanism 146 shown as a paddle, is mounted below the drain 144 to operate the dispenser 142 .
  • any suitable actuation mechanism may be used to operate the dispenser 142 .
  • the dispenser 142 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle.
  • a control panel 148 is provided to control the mode of operation.
  • the control panel 148 includes a number of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispense button and an ice dispense button, for selecting a desired mode of operation, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice.
  • Drain 144 and actuation mechanism 146 are external parts of dispenser 142 and are mounted in dispenser recess 150 .
  • the dispenser recess 150 is provided at a predetermined height that is convenient for the user to take ice or water and enables the user to take the ice without bending over and without opening the refrigerator door 128 .
  • the dispenser recess 150 is positioned near the level of the user's chest.
  • dispensing assembly 140 may receive ice from ice maker 152 disposed in a sub-compartment of food preservation compartment 122 .
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the door in refrigerated door 128 .
  • an alternate embodiment of the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a sub-compartment 160 defined on the refrigeration door body 128 .
  • the sub-compartment 160 is commonly referred to as an "ice box”. Also, the sub-compartment 160 extends into the fresh food compartment 122 when the refrigerating door 128 is in the closed position.
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of certain components of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a hermetic cooling system 180 for implementing a vapor compression cycle for cooling within the refrigeration appliance 100 (eg, the food preservation compartment 122 and the freezer). air in chamber 124).
  • the sealed refrigeration system 180 includes a compressor 182 , a condenser 184 , an expansion device 186 , and an evaporator 188 fluidly connected in series and filled with refrigerant.
  • the sealed cooling system 180 may include additional components (eg, at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, or condenser).
  • the hermetic cooling system 180 may include two evaporators.
  • the gaseous refrigerant flows into a compressor 182, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. Compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by the passage of the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 184 . Within the condenser 184, heat exchange with ambient air takes place in order to cool the refrigerant and condense the refrigerant to a liquid state.
  • Expansion device 186 receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 184 .
  • Liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 188 from expansion device 186 .
  • the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and evaporates. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, the evaporator 188 is cool relative to the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezer compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100 . Thereby, cooling air is generated and the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezing compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100 are cooled.
  • the evaporator 188 is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the air passing through the evaporator 188 to the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 188 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a valve 194 (eg, in fluid communication with the water supply conduit 272) for regulating the flow of liquid water to the fluid flow path or the ice maker 210 along the path.
  • Valve 194 is selectively adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, valve 194 allows liquid water to flow to ice maker 210 . Conversely, in the closed configuration, valve 194 blocks the flow of liquid water to ice maker 210 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes an air handler 192 .
  • the air handler 192 is operable to push cool air from the evaporator (FIG. 3) (eg, within the freezer compartment 124) into the ice compartment 160 (eg, via supply and return ducts or cool air passages), and may is any suitable means for moving air.
  • the air handler 192 may be an axial fan or a centrifugal fan.
  • Operation of refrigeration appliance 100 may be regulated by controller 190 operatively coupled to (eg, 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 the user to operate the operation of refrigeration appliance 100, such as in dispensing ice, cold water, or various other options.
  • the controller 190 may operate various components of the refrigeration appliance 100 in response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 148 or one or more sensor signals.
  • the controller 190 may include memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, for executing programmed instructions or micro-control code associated with the operation of the refrigeration 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 the memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be contained on a board within the processor.
  • the controller 190 may be implemented without the use of a microprocessor (eg, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) To perform control functions instead of relying on software.
  • the controller 190 may be provided at various locations throughout the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • controller 190 is located within user interface panel 148.
  • the controller 190 may be disposed at any suitable location within the refrigeration appliance 100, such as, for example, within a food preservation compartment, a freezer door, and the like.
  • I/O Input/output
  • signals may be routed between the controller 190 and various operational components of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • user interface panel 148 may communicate with controller 190 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
  • the controller 190 may communicate with various components of the refrigeration appliance 100 and may control the operation of the various components. For example, various valves, switches, etc. may be actuated based on commands from the controller 190 .
  • the interface panel 148 may additionally be in communication with the controller 190, as described. As such, various operations may occur automatically based on user input or via controller 190 instructions.
  • certain embodiments include an ice making assembly 200 that includes an ice making machine 210 and a selectively removable ice storage bin 212 attached to the bin 102 ( FIG. 1 ). (eg, indirectly via door 128, or alternatively, directly within the refrigerated compartment defined by enclosure 102).
  • ice making assembly 200 is provided or disposed within ice bin compartment 160 .
  • ice making assembly 200 may be installed directly within a refrigeration compartment (eg, freezer compartment 124 - FIG. 1 ) of refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • ice may be selectively supplied to the dispenser 142 recess 150 ( FIG. 1 ) from the ice maker 210 or the ice storage bin 212 in the ice bin compartment 160 on the rear side of the refrigerated door 128 (eg, , during or as part of an ice making operation).
  • air from the sealing system 180 ( FIG. 3 ) of the refrigeration appliance 100 may be directed into the ice maker 210 in order to cool the ice maker 210 .
  • cool air from sealing system 180 may cool components of ice maker 210, such as the housing or mold body of ice maker 210, to or below the freezing temperature of liquid water.
  • the ice maker 210 may be an air cooled ice maker 210 .
  • Cool air from sealing system 180 may also cool ice bank 212 .
  • the air surrounding the ice storage bin 212 may be cooled to a temperature above the freezing temperature of liquid water (eg, to about the temperature of the food preservation compartment 122, so that the ice cubes in the ice storage bin 212 due to exposure to liquid water air at temperatures above the freezing temperature that melts over time).
  • the access door 166 is hinged to the refrigerated door body 128 .
  • access door 166 may allow selective access to ice compartment 160 .
  • Any suitable latch 168 is configured with the ice compartment 160 to hold the access door 166 in the closed position.
  • latch 168 may be actuated by a consumer to open access door 166 to provide access into ice bin compartment 160 .
  • Access door 166 may also assist in insulating ice compartment 160 .
  • ice making assembly 200 is illustrated as being at least partially enclosed within ice bin compartment 160 , alternative embodiments may not have any separate access door 166 (eg, such that ice making assembly 200 is generally associated with at least one of refrigeration appliance 100 ) A refrigerated compartment is in open fluid communication).
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 provide schematic illustrations of ice making assembly 200 (eg, during a cleaning operation).
  • filter assembly 240 may be positioned downstream of support tray 218 and tray outlet 234 to filter liquid water (eg, prior to selectively returning the liquid water to ice maker 210). Also, filter assembly 240 , support tray 218 and ice maker 210 may be positioned along fluid flow path 260 .
  • fluid flow path 260 may receive liquid (eg, water from water supply line 272), fluid flow path 260 may be defined as a closed circuit with 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 discharged from fluid flow path 260 does not flow into or out of dispenser 142 .
  • the cartridge mounting area 211 is positioned adjacent to the ice maker 210 (eg, to receive ice cubes or fluid therefrom, depending on the operation initiated at a given time). As shown, the cartridge mounting area 211 extends in the vertical direction V between the top end 214 and the bottom end 216 .
  • the support tray 218 may generally define or extend below the bottom end 216 to provide an area above which cartridges may be received. Also, the support tray 218 may define a tray outlet 234 to allow liquid to flow therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, a support tray 218 may be mounted or formed on a portion of the door body 128 to hold or otherwise engage a cartridge mounted within the cartridge mounting area 211 .
  • an ice storage bin 212 is provided. Specifically, the ice storage bin 212 may be selectively or removably received within the bin mounting area 211 (eg, during an ice making operation). For example, the ice bin 212 may be slidably mounted on the support tray 218 within the ice bin compartment 160 . Generally, the ice storage bin 212 defines an ice storage volume 224 for holding ice cubes therein. It should be appreciated that a movable auger or paddle may be mounted within the ice storage volume 224 to agitate or push the ice therein.
  • An ice inlet 220 may be defined (eg, at the upper end) to allow ice from the ice maker 210 to enter the ice storage volume 224 (eg, during an ice making operation when the ice storage bin 212 is received within the bin mounting area 211).
  • an ice outlet 222 is defined (eg, at the lower end) to selectively allow ice to pass from the ice storage volume 224 to the dispenser 142 (FIG. 1).
  • the ice storage bin 212 may define a bin outlet 226 through the lower end.
  • the bottom wall 228 of the ice bank 212 may define one or more apertures therethrough (eg, above the tray outlet 234).
  • the size (eg, diameter) of the orifice of the cartridge outlet 226 can be designed to be large enough to allow liquid water to flow therethrough and to the tray outlet 234 .
  • the orifice of the cartridge outlet 226 may be defined as a series of unobstructed perforations.
  • the bin outlet 226 may include a removable or resilient plug configured to selectively engage the support tray 218 and allow water when the ice storage bin 212 is fully contained within the ice bin compartment 160 Tray outlet 234 is reached through cassette outlet 226 .
  • a cleaning box 229 is provided.
  • cleaning cartridge 229 may be selectively or removably received within cartridge mounting area 211 (e.g., during cleaning operations).
  • a cleaning box 229 may be installed in the box mounting area 211 in place of the ice bank 212 so that cleaning operations can be performed without flowing a cleaning solution through the ice bank 212 .
  • the cleaning box 229 may be slidably mounted on the support tray 218 within the ice box compartment 160 .
  • the cleaning box 229 defines a container volume 230 for holding a liquid (eg, water or cleaning solution) therein.
  • the container volume 230 may generally be open and unobstructed by any internal (eg, movable) components.
  • a container inlet 232 may be defined (eg, at the upper end) to allow liquid water or cleaning solution from the ice maker 210 to enter the container volume 230 (eg, during a cleaning operation, when the cleaning box 229 is received within the box mounting area 211 ) .
  • a container outlet 233 is defined at the lower end of the cleaning box 229 .
  • the bottom wall 231 of the cleaning box 229 may define one or more apertures therethrough.
  • the size (eg, diameter) of the orifice of the container outlet 233 can be designed to be large enough to allow liquid water to flow therethrough.
  • the orifice of the container outlet 233 may be defined as a series of unobstructed perforations.
  • the container outlet 233 may include a removable or resilient plug configured to selectively engage the support tray 218 and allow the passage of water when the cleaning box 229 is fully contained within the ice box compartment 160 The container outlet 233 reaches the tray outlet 234 .
  • cleaning box 229 is provided as part of an assembly kit with ice storage box 212 and appliance 100 so that a user can selectively interchange or exchange ice storage box 212 with cleaning box 229 (eg, to to allow appliance 100 to perform cleaning operations), and similarly, interchange or exchange cleaning bin 229 with ice bank 212 (eg, to allow appliance 100 to perform ice making operations).
  • FIGS. 7-9 although separate ice bin 212 and cleaning bin 229 are illustrated with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 , alternative embodiments may include only a single bin (eg, ice bin 212 ) that Ice may be contained without receiving liquid (eg, water or cleaning solution) directly from ice maker 210 .
  • the collection cup 284 may be positioned below the ice maker 210 .
  • the collection cup 284 may be disposed horizontally between the ice bank 212 and the ice maker 210 (eg, when the ice bank 212 is mounted in the bin mounting area 211 or received on the support tray 218). Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the collection cup 284 may be positioned above the ice storage bin 212 .
  • collection cup 284 defines at least one fluid outlet (eg, apex outlet 286 ) along fluid flow path 260 between ice maker 210 and filter assembly 240 (eg, at filter element mounting area 241 ).
  • apex outlet 286 may be downstream of the ice maker 210 while upstream of the filter element mounting area 241 of the filter assembly 240 (FIG. 5).
  • the collection cup 284 may be fixedly mounted (eg, within the ice bin 160).
  • the collection cup 284 includes a lower funnel base 288 attached to the upper guide plate 289 .
  • the upper guide plate 289 may be inclined along a slope from the ice maker 210 toward the box mounting area 211 .
  • the upper guide plate 289 may define one or more plate apertures 290 that extend through the upper guide plate (eg, along the vertical V) to the lower funnel base 288.
  • the plate apertures 290 may each define a diameter that is smaller than the predetermined size of the ice cubes formed within the ice maker 210 .
  • guides 289 may guide ice cubes to ice storage bin 212 (eg, ice storage volume 224).
  • a liquid eg, water or cleaning solution
  • the apex outlet 286 may be defined through the lower funnel base 288 (eg, at its lowest point) such that water or cleaning solution is allowed to flow from the lower funnel base 288 to the filter assembly 240 .
  • the collection cup 284 may be removably (eg, pivotally) mounted (eg, within the ice bin 160).
  • the collection cup 284 includes a funnel wall 292 disposed proximate the cartridge mounting area 211 .
  • the secondary wall 294 may be positioned proximate the ice maker 210 .
  • the funnel wall 292 and the secondary wall 294 may extend in opposite directions to the apex.
  • funnel wall 292 and secondary wall 294 may be joined together as a continuous or integral funnel.
  • the collection cup 284 may be pivotally mounted to rotate about a predetermined pivot axis A (eg, defined above the ice bank 212).
  • the pivot axis A is positioned closer to the cartridge mounting area 211 (eg, in a horizontal direction, eg, lateral direction L) than the apex outlet 286 .
  • the collection cup 284 is selectively movable between a storage position (eg, FIG. 8 ) and a cleaning position (eg, FIG. 9 ).
  • ice storage bin 212 may be fully contained within ice bin 160 (eg, on support tray 218 or otherwise between ice maker 210 and filter element mounting area 241 ) proximate funnel wall 292 .
  • the funnel wall 292 may pivot downward toward the ice bank.
  • funnel wall 292 may thereby direct ice cubes to ice storage bin 212 (eg, ice storage volume 224).
  • ice bank 212 may be removed from ice bank compartment 160 or otherwise removed from collection cup 284 .
  • the funnel wall 292 can pivot upward.
  • liquid from ice maker 210 may be directed along funnel wall 292 to apex outlet 286 (eg, such that water is allowed to flow from lower funnel base 288 to filter assembly 240).
  • filter assembly 240 includes a selectively removable fluid filter 242 having one or more filter media therein for treating water.
  • fluid filter 242 is disposed along fluid flow path 260 between ice maker 210 and one or more fluid storage volumes.
  • a cartridge mounting area 241 may be defined below the support tray 218 (eg, along vertical V) to accommodate the fluid filter 242 .
  • the cartridge mounting area 241 may be directly below the support tray 218, or alternatively, offset laterally therefrom.
  • the filter element mounting area 241 includes a filter element inlet 244 and a filter element outlet 246 located along the vertical direction V below (eg, lower than) the filter element inlet 244 .
  • the cartridge inlet 244 When assembled, the cartridge inlet 244 is positioned downstream of the tray outlet 234 so that water flowing from the tray outlet 234 (e.g., as pushed by gravity) can enter the fluid filter 242 through the cartridge inlet 244. Also, the cartridge outlet 246 is disposed downstream of the cartridge inlet 244 .
  • Fluid filter 242 may comprise any suitable filter media.
  • the filter medium comprises a mixed resin medium, such as a mixed bed medium of mixed anionic and cationic resins.
  • the mixed bed media can be configured to remove dissolved solids, such as inorganic salts of sodium and chloride ions.
  • Additional or alternative embodiments may include another suitable medium configured to filter liquid water, such as a paper filter element, activated carbon, or the like.
  • the filter assembly 240 may include a selectively removable cleaning cartridge 247 containing one or more cleaning solutions for generating a cleaning solution (eg, when mixed with or dissolved in water) agent.
  • the cleaning agent may be any suitable cleaning agent used to descale or disinfect (eg, eliminate pathogens) within the ice maker, such as citric acid or nitric acid.
  • a cleaning cartridge 247 is disposed along the fluid flow path 260 at the cartridge mounting area 241 (eg, in place of the fluid filter 242 ).
  • the cleaning cartridge 247 when installed within the cartridge mounting area 241 , the cleaning cartridge 247 may be retained or otherwise disposed between the cartridge inlet 244 and the cartridge outlet 246 such that water flowing along the flow path 260 is generally forced through the cleaning cartridge 247 (eg, to mix with or dissolve the cleaning agent therein).
  • a filter storage tank 248 defining a storage volume (eg, first storage volume 252 ) is provided downstream of filter element mounting area 241 (ie, downstream of filter element outlet 246 ) to receive liquid (eg, liquid state) therefrom
  • the water or cleaning solution is based on whether the fluid filter 242 or cleaning cartridge 247 is installed in the cartridge mounting area 241 ,).
  • the filter storage tank 248 may define a tank inlet 256 through which liquid may be received.
  • liquid water may be received after such water has been filtered within fluid filter 242 and passed through cartridge outlet 246 (eg, during an ice making operation where fluid filter 242 is installed within cartridge mounting area 241).
  • the liquid cleaning solution 241 may be received after the liquid cleaning solution is generated within the filter element mounting area 241 and passes through the filter element outlet 246 (eg, during a cleaning operation in which the cleaning filter element 247 is installed within the filter element mounting area).
  • filter storage tank 248 is positioned below cartridge mounting area 241 (eg, along vertical V).
  • liquid water can flow (eg, as propelled by gravity) from the cartridge mounting area 241 to the filter reservoir 248 without the need for any intermediate pumps, valves, or other mechanically driven fluid propelling devices.
  • a filter reservoir 248 may optionally be disposed upstream of the filter mount assembly 240 .
  • a filter element eg, fluid filter element 242 or cleaning filter element 247
  • filter element mounting area 241 may be in fluid communication between filter reservoir 248 and ice maker 210 or upper reservoir 264.
  • liquid water may be drawn from the filter storage tank 248 through the filter cartridge mounting area 241 via, for example, a fluid pump 254 downstream of the filter storage tank 248 or the filter cartridge mounting area 241 .
  • a fluid pump 254 may be provided in fluid communication between the filter reservoir 248 and the ice maker 210 .
  • the fluid pump 254 may be configured to selectively direct or push liquid water or cleaning from the first storage volume 252 (eg, after passing through the tank outlet 258 ) and through the fluid flow path 260 between the fluid pump 254 and the ice maker 210 solution.
  • ice maker 210 is positioned above filter storage tank 248 such that fluid pump 254 is forced to push liquid (eg, water or cleaning solution) at least partially along vertical V.
  • a check valve 262 is disposed along (eg, in fluid communication with) the fluid flow path 260 downstream of the fluid pump 254 .
  • a drain line (eg, first drain line 310 ) is typically provided between first storage volume 252 and fluid pump 254 or ice maker 210 .
  • the first drain conduit 310 may extend between the first drain end 312 and the second drain end 314 .
  • the first drain end 312 may be coupled to the fluid flow path 260 downstream of the tank outlet 258 (or generally the first storage volume 252 ), while the second drain end 314 is coupled to the fluid flow path 260 downstream of the first drain end 312 Fluid flow paths 260 are spaced apart.
  • a suitable drain plug or valve 318 may be provided on the first drain conduit 310 to selectively open or close the second drain conduit 320 (eg, as manually pushed by a user, or alternatively, operably by a indicated by controller 190 coupled to drain valve 318).
  • the drain valve 318 may be further mounted in fluid communication with a separate refrigeration drain (eg, to direct water away from the refrigeration appliance 100, such as to a municipal drain or surrounding area) surroundings).
  • liquid water may flow from the first storage volume 252 to the fluid pump 254 before reaching the ice maker 210 .
  • the first drain conduit 310 may be closed during such operations.
  • the generated liquid cleaning solution may flow from the first storage volume 252 to the fluid pump 254 before reaching the ice maker 210 during certain portions or phases of the cleaning operation.
  • the first drain conduit 310 may be closed.
  • the first drain conduit 310 may be opened to direct the cleaning solution out of the fluid flow path 260 during other portions or phases of the cleaning operation (eg, after the cleaning solution is generated and circulated through the fluid flow path 260 ).
  • an upper reservoir 264 defining a storage volume is disposed upstream of the ice maker 210 .
  • the upper reservoir 264 may be provided at a location above the filter element mounting area 241 or the support tray 218 .
  • upper reservoir 264 is disposed at least partially above ice maker 210 .
  • the upper reservoir 264 may be positioned directly above the ice maker 210 to selectively flow liquid to the ice maker.
  • the upper reservoir 264 is positioned downstream of the fluid pump 254 .
  • a reservoir inlet 268 defined by upper reservoir 264 may be disposed upstream of second storage volume 266 to selectively receive liquid water from fluid pump 254 flowing through fluid flow path 260 .
  • a reservoir outlet 270 may also be defined by the upper reservoir 264 downstream of the second storage volume 266 and upstream of the ice maker 210 .
  • a drain conduit (eg, second drain conduit 320 ) is disposed between second storage volume 266 and ice maker 210 .
  • the second drain conduit 320 may extend between the first drain end 322 and the second drain end 324 .
  • the first drain end 322 may be coupled to the fluid flow path 260 downstream of the reservoir outlet 270 (or generally the second storage volume 266 ), while the second drain end 324 is at the first drain end 322 Downstream is spaced from the fluid flow path 260 .
  • a suitable drain plug or valve may be provided on the second drain conduit 320 to selectively open or close the second drain conduit 320 (eg, as manually pushed by a user, or alternatively, by an operably coupled controller 190 to drain valve 318 instructs).
  • the second drain conduit 320 may be coupled to the same drain valve 318 as the first drain conduit 310 . It will be appreciated, however, that alternative embodiments may include separate drain plugs or valves corresponding to the first drain conduit 310 and the second drain conduit 320, respectively.
  • liquid may flow from the fluid pump 254 to the second storage volume 266 before reaching the ice maker 210 .
  • liquid water may flow from the fluid pump 254 to the second storage volume 266 before reaching the ice maker 210 .
  • the second drain conduit 320 may be closed during such operations.
  • the generated liquid cleaning solution may flow from the fluid pump to the second storage volume 266 before reaching the ice maker 210 during certain portions or phases of the cleaning operation. If present, the second drain conduit 320 may be closed.
  • liquid water may be supplied to the ice maker 210 and subsequently to cleaning installed in the filter element installation area 241 after such water is supplied to the ice maker 210 .
  • Cartridge 247 was previously supplied to second storage volume 266 (eg, from water supply line 272).
  • the second drain conduit 320 may be opened to direct the cleaning solution out of the fluid flow path 260.
  • water supply conduit 272 is provided in selective fluid communication with ice making assembly 200 . It should be appreciated that the water supply conduit 272 may be in fluid communication downstream to receive a flow or volume of water from a suitable water source (eg, a municipal water system, a residential well, etc.). Optionally, the water supply conduit 272 may also be in upstream fluid communication with the fluid flow path 260 (eg, supply liquid water thereto). For example, water supply conduit 272 may be connected to fluid flow path 260 at a location between fluid pump 254 (eg, or check valve 262 ) and second storage volume 266 .
  • fluid pump 254 eg, or check valve 262
  • pre-filter 274 and supply valve 276 are disposed upstream of ice making assembly 200 (eg, fluid flow path 260). Water received in fluid flow path 260 from water supply conduit 272 may thus be forced through pre-filter 274 before being directed to ice making assembly 200 .
  • the pre-filter 274 may generally comprise any suitable filter body or media.
  • the pre-filter 274 may be an activated carbon filter configured to remove sediment or organic material from the water supplied thereto.
  • supply valve 276 is provided in fluid communication between second storage volume 266 and water supply conduit 272 (eg, with or as part of valve 194 - Figure 3).
  • supply valve 276 may be located downstream of fluid pump 254 or check valve 262 along fluid flow path 260 .
  • Supply valve 276 may be configured as any suitable valve (eg, independent of or separate from fluid pump 254 ) for selectively allowing or restricting water from water supply conduit 272 into fluid flow path 260 .
  • liquid water can selectively and alternately flow from the first storage volume 252 and the water supply conduit 272 to the second storage volume 266 .
  • one or more liquid level sensors are provided.
  • a first liquid level sensor 280 may be mounted to the filter storage tank 248 in fluid communication with the first storage volume 252 to detect the amount or volume of water therein.
  • a second liquid level sensor 282 may be mounted to the upper liquid reservoir 264 in fluid communication with the second storage volume 266 to detect the amount or volume of water therein.
  • One or both of the liquid level sensors 280, 282 may be operably coupled to (ie, in operative communication with) the controller 190.
  • the liquid level sensors 280, 282 may be provided as any suitable liquid detection sensors (eg, floating spring sensors, ultrasonic sensors, conductivity sensors, etc.).
  • the controller 190 may thereby generally determine whether and when the water within the first storage volume 252 or the second storage volume 266 has reached one or more corresponding predetermined levels.
  • the controller 190 is configured to control or direct the flow of liquid (eg, water or cleaning solution) to the second storage volume 266 alternately from the first storage volume 252 and the water supply conduit 272 .
  • the controller 190 may be configured to initiate a cleaning operation.
  • controller 190 may communicate with control panel 148 , air handler 192 , compressor 182 , ice maker 210 , fluid pump 254 , supply valve 276 , or one or more sensors 280 , 282 .
  • controller 190 may send signals to and receive signals from panel 148 , air handler 192 , compressor 182 , ice maker 210 , fluid pump 254 , supply valve 276 , or one or more sensors 280 , 282 .
  • the controller 190 may also communicate with other suitable components of the appliance 100 to facilitate operation of the appliance 100 .
  • the disclosed method can advantageously provide cleaning of the ice making assembly without removing various parts of the assembly, such as an ice maker. Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed method can easily, efficiently and effectively clean parts of the assembly, eg, without extensive user intervention or care.
  • Figure 10 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of example and discussion. Using the summary provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the steps of any method described herein may be modified, adapted, rearranged, omitted, or expanded in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention (except in otherwise described).
  • method 400 includes: arranging along a fluid flow path between an ice maker (such as an ice cube ice maker) and a fluid storage volume (eg, the first storage volume or the second storage volume, as described above) comprising: Cleaning filter element for detergent.
  • the cleaning cartridge is disposed in the cartridge mounting area.
  • the cleaning cartridge may be provided as a replacement for the recirculation filter (eg, provided as a kit).
  • 410 may include replacing the recirculation filter in the cartridge installation area.
  • the replaced recirculation filter may remain separate from the rest of the case or appliance (eg, for the duration of method 400).
  • Such replacement may be performed by a user (eg, manually), and may include any steps normally required to replace a recirculation filter (eg, after the useful life of the recirculation filter has expired).
  • method 400 may require removing the ice storage bin from a location between the ice maker and the cleaning cartridge.
  • the ice storage bin may be separate from the ice bin or bin mounting area in which the ice storage bin is configured to receive ice during an ice making operation.
  • the removed ice bank may remain separate from the remainder of the case or appliance (eg, for the duration of method 400).
  • Such removal may be performed by a user (eg, manually), and may include any steps typically required to replace an ice bank (eg, to completely empty or remove most of the ice retained within the ice bank).
  • the ice bank may need to be removed prior to any subsequent steps (eg, 420 to 460), such as those described below.
  • the ice storage bin may be replaced by a cleaning bin (eg, within the ice bin or bin mounting area).
  • method 400 includes initiating water flow to the fluid storage volume. Specifically, 420 may follow 410 (eg, occur after 410).
  • the activated water flow may be provided, for example, by a water supply pipe.
  • 420 may include opening the supply valve (eg, moving the supply valve to an open configuration, as described above).
  • the fluid pump may remain inactive for the duration of 420 .
  • method 400 includes directing a flow of overflow water to an ice maker.
  • the initiated flow of water at 420 may continue such that a predetermined overflow volume is supplied to the fluid storage volume.
  • the overflow volume may be determined in response to a fill signal received from a level sensor (eg, a second level sensor) within the fluid storage volume or expiration of a predetermined fill time after the water supply valve is opened.
  • the supply valve may be held in an open position and then closed or restricted (eg, moving the supply valve to a closed configuration) when it is determined that a predetermined overflow volume has been supplied to the fluid storage volume.
  • the overflow volume can be directed or released to the ice maker with the overflow water flow.
  • the overflow water flow provides an amount of water that exceeds the capacity of the ice maker, such that at least a portion of the water (eg, excess) is poured out of the ice maker.
  • method 400 includes directing water (eg, excess) from the ice maker to a cleaning cartridge to generate a cleaning solution.
  • the ice maker may be located upstream of the cleaning cartridge along the flow path. Thereby, water can be directed through the assembled flow path before reaching the filter element. In some such embodiments, this includes directing the excess water through the cleaning box or along a path around the ice bank, as described above.
  • 440 includes directing water through a collection cup disposed below the ice maker.
  • the collection cup may be pivotally mounted for movement between the storage position and the cleaning position.
  • 440 may include positioning the collection cup in a clean position such that water is funneled from the ice maker to an outlet (eg, an apex outlet) of the collection cup.
  • the cleaning solution can be pushed or circulated (eg, repeatedly) from the cleaning cartridge along the assembled flow path, such as in a loop.
  • method 400 includes pushing cleaning solution through the fluid storage volume to the ice maker.
  • cleaning solution may be collected (eg, as at least partially driven by gravity) in a first storage volume defined by a storage tank disposed below the cleaning cartridge.
  • the cleaning solution may be pumped (eg, by a fluid pump) to a second storage volume defined by the upper reservoir container.
  • a fluid pump may pump cleaning solution along the fluid path from the first storage volume and up to the second storage volume.
  • method 400 includes opening a drain line downstream of the cleaning cartridge between the fluid storage volume and the ice maker to direct cleaning solution out of the fluid flow path.
  • the second drainage conduit may be opened downstream of the second storage volume, as described above.
  • the first drain conduit may be open downstream of the cleaning cartridge or the first storage volume, also as described above.
  • 460 may be initiated by the determination of the expiry of the cleaning operation.
  • the cleaning operation may have a predetermined time period (eg, in seconds or minutes) during which fluid (eg, water or cleaning solution) will be pushed through the ice making assembly.
  • fluid eg, water or cleaning solution
  • 460 may be initiated.
  • 460 may be initiated at a user-selected time, such as in response to 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)
  • Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

Appareil de réfrigération et procédé de fonctionnement de l'appareil de réfrigération. L'appareil de réfrigération comprend un corps de boîte, un ensemble de fabrication de glace et un dispositif de commande. L'ensemble de fabrication de glace est fixé au corps de boîte et comprend : un trajet de fluide, le trajet de fluide étant disposé en aval d'un tuyau d'alimentation en eau ; une machine à glaçons, la machine à glaçons étant le long du trajet de fluide ; une capacité de stockage de fluide, la capacité de stockage de fluide étant en communication fluidique avec la machine à glaçons ; une cartouche de filtre de nettoyage, la cartouche de filtre de nettoyage étant disposée de manière sélective le long du trajet de fluide entre la machine à glaçons et la capacité de stockage de fluide ; et un tuyau de vidange, le tuyau de vidange étant disposé entre la capacité de stockage de fluide et la machine à glaçons. Le dispositif de commande est en communication fonctionnelle avec l'ensemble de fabrication de glace et est configuré pour initier une opération de nettoyage, l'opération de nettoyage comprenant : le démarrage d'un écoulement d'eau du tuyau d'alimentation en eau à la capacité de stockage de fluide, le guidage de l'eau de trop-plein vers la machine à glaçons, le guidage de l'eau de la machine à glaçons vers la cartouche de filtre de nettoyage, la poussée d'une solution de nettoyage vers la machine à glaçons et l'ouverture du tuyau de vidange.
PCT/CN2021/105018 2020-07-09 2021-07-07 Appareil de réfrigération présentant un ensemble de fabrication de glace et procédé de nettoyage WO2022007849A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21838736.3A EP4180745A4 (fr) 2020-07-09 2021-07-07 Appareil de réfrigération présentant un ensemble de fabrication de glace et procédé de nettoyage
CN202180048113.7A CN116018488A (zh) 2020-07-09 2021-07-07 具有制冰组件的制冷电器及清洁方法
AU2021306388A AU2021306388B2 (en) 2020-07-09 2021-07-07 Refrigeration appliance having ice-making assembly, and cleaning method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202016924593A 2020-07-09 2020-07-09
US16/924,593 2020-07-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022007849A1 true WO2022007849A1 (fr) 2022-01-13

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CN (1) CN116018488A (fr)
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Citations (5)

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US20030010054A1 (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-01-16 Esch Willy Van Ice maker cooler
US20120118001A1 (en) * 2010-11-17 2012-05-17 General Electric Company Ice maker for dispensing soft ice and related refrigeration appliance
CN104075533A (zh) * 2014-07-22 2014-10-01 合肥晶弘电器有限公司 一种冰箱供水系统控制方法
US20150108886A1 (en) * 2013-10-22 2015-04-23 General Electric Company Refrigerator appliance
CN111207544A (zh) * 2020-01-16 2020-05-29 六安索伊电器制造有限公司 一种节水式制冰机的水路系统

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US10317122B2 (en) * 2015-04-06 2019-06-11 True Manufacturing Co., Inc. Ice maker with automatic descale and sanitize feature

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030010054A1 (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-01-16 Esch Willy Van Ice maker cooler
US20120118001A1 (en) * 2010-11-17 2012-05-17 General Electric Company Ice maker for dispensing soft ice and related refrigeration appliance
US20150108886A1 (en) * 2013-10-22 2015-04-23 General Electric Company Refrigerator appliance
CN104075533A (zh) * 2014-07-22 2014-10-01 合肥晶弘电器有限公司 一种冰箱供水系统控制方法
CN111207544A (zh) * 2020-01-16 2020-05-29 六安索伊电器制造有限公司 一种节水式制冰机的水路系统

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2021306388A1 (en) 2023-02-16
EP4180745A1 (fr) 2023-05-17
CN116018488A (zh) 2023-04-25
EP4180745A4 (fr) 2023-12-06

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