WO2022111413A1 - 制冰机的过滤器组件 - Google Patents

制冰机的过滤器组件 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022111413A1
WO2022111413A1 PCT/CN2021/132116 CN2021132116W WO2022111413A1 WO 2022111413 A1 WO2022111413 A1 WO 2022111413A1 CN 2021132116 W CN2021132116 W CN 2021132116W WO 2022111413 A1 WO2022111413 A1 WO 2022111413A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
filter
water
cartridge
ice maker
ice
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/132116
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
米切尔·艾伦·约瑟夫
基里亚科·斯特法诺斯
荣格·布伦特·阿尔登
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 CN202180078593.1A priority Critical patent/CN116490471A/zh
Publication of WO2022111413A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022111413A1/zh

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D24/00—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof
    • B01D24/02—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration
    • B01D24/10—Filters comprising loose filtering material, i.e. filtering material without any binder between the individual particles or fibres thereof with the filter bed stationary during the filtration the filtering material being held in a closed container
    • B01D24/18—Combined upward and downward filtration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D15/00—Separating processes involving the treatment of liquids with solid sorbents; Apparatus therefor
    • B01D15/08—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography
    • B01D15/10—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography characterised by constructional or operational features
    • B01D15/22—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography characterised by constructional or operational features relating to the construction of the column
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D15/00—Separating processes involving the treatment of liquids with solid sorbents; Apparatus therefor
    • B01D15/08—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography
    • B01D15/26—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography characterised by the separation mechanism
    • B01D15/36—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography characterised by the separation mechanism involving ionic interaction
    • B01D15/361—Ion-exchange
    • B01D15/362—Cation-exchange
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D15/00—Separating processes involving the treatment of liquids with solid sorbents; Apparatus therefor
    • B01D15/08—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography
    • B01D15/26—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography characterised by the separation mechanism
    • B01D15/36—Selective adsorption, e.g. chromatography characterised by the separation mechanism involving ionic interaction
    • B01D15/361—Ion-exchange
    • B01D15/363—Anion-exchange
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/30—Filter housing constructions
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C02F1/003—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance using household-type filters for producing potable water, e.g. pitchers, bottles, faucet mounted devices
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • 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
    • F25C5/18—Storing ice
    • F25C5/182—Ice bins therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/24—Tools used for the removal of filters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/29—Filter cartridge constructions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/29—Filter cartridge constructions
    • B01D2201/291—End caps
    • B01D2201/296—Other than having a circular shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/34—Seals or gaskets for filtering elements
    • B01D2201/342—Axial sealings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/40—Special measures for connecting different parts of the filter
    • B01D2201/4046—Means for avoiding false mounting of different parts
    • B01D2201/4061—Means for avoiding false mounting of different parts between a cartridge and a filter head or manifold
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • C02F2001/422—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange using anionic exchangers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • C02F2001/425—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange using cation exchangers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
    • C02F2201/004—Seals, connections
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
    • C02F2201/006—Cartridges
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
    • C02F2301/02—Fluid flow conditions
    • C02F2301/028—Tortuous
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2307/00—Location of water treatment or water treatment device
    • C02F2307/12—Location of water treatment or water treatment device as part of household appliances such as dishwashers, laundry washing machines or vacuum cleaners
    • 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
    • F25C1/18—Producing ice of a particular transparency or translucency, e.g. by injecting air
    • 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
    • F25C2400/14—Water supply
    • 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
    • F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2323/121—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass the refrigerator is characterised by a water filter for the water/ice dispenser

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a deionization filter for an ice maker including a clear ice ice maker.
  • Ice can be used for liquid refreshments as well as food preparation and storage. Having an appliance that can supply water to make and store ice ensures that ice is always available when needed, avoiding the need to transport and store ice.
  • the ice maker may be a stand-alone appliance, or may be incorporated into another appliance, such as a refrigerator, that includes a freezer compartment and/or an additional compartment dedicated to making ice.
  • “Clear ice” may be highly desirable to some consumers, especially for liquid refreshments.
  • “transparent ice” refers to ice formed by electrical appliances through processes that reduce or eliminate air bubbles, particulates, and dissolved solids in the ice, which is more resistant to the passage of light than ice formed by conventional or conventional processes.
  • transparent or clear For example, ice can be formed by freezing water poured into a container. Entrained air and any particulates and dissolved solids in the resulting ice will increase the opacity of the ice.
  • the creation of clear ice can involve filtering the water to remove particulates and dissolved solids, and then freezing the water in a way that avoids entrapment of air in the ice as it forms.
  • the resulting ice can be clearer or more transparent than ice made without these steps, and it can also melt more slowly. For at least these reasons, some consumers desire appliances that can provide such clear ice.
  • Making ice can consume a lot of water.
  • an ice maker may circulate water over an evaporator to cool the water into ice.
  • dissolved solids in the water will accumulate with each cycle.
  • the water can be filtered.
  • particulate filters cannot remove dissolved solids.
  • conventional filters can consume valuable space that is best used to store ice and/or other components of the ice maker. Available space constraints can be especially severe for stand-alone ice makers that are designed to be conveniently placed in cabinets and/or in small spaces under countertops. Such appliances are already more compact than eg refrigerators, and adding filters may not be practical due to space constraints.
  • an apparatus for filtering ice-making water is desired. More particularly, devices that filter water and remove dissolved solids in appliances that make clear ice would be particularly useful. Such a device that can provide the desired amount of filtration while reducing the space consumed by the filter in the appliance would also be particularly useful. An ice maker incorporating such a device would be useful. Such an appliance that reduces or eliminates water usage during ice making would be particularly desirable.
  • the present invention provides a filter assembly for an ice maker.
  • the cartridge of the filter assembly may define an interior chamber, the cartridge having a pair of generally parallel main walls separated by the interior chamber and connected by a first pair of end walls and a second pair of side walls.
  • the fluid inlet is connected to the filter element and provides the inflow of water into the interior chamber.
  • the fluid outlet is connected to the filter element and provides for the outflow of filtered water from the interior chamber.
  • a plurality of baffles may be disposed within the interior chamber extending between the parallel main walls to form a plurality of sub-chambers, each baffle defining a closed end and an open end, the baffles being spaced in a direction between the end walls to form A first set and a second set, in the first set the closed end is attached to one side wall and in the second set the closed end is attached to the other side wall.
  • the baffle may define a non-linear path for water to flow through the filter element between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.
  • the filter media is disposed in the sub-chambers of the filter element. The filter media may be configured to remove dissolved solids from water traveling through the filter element.
  • the present invention provides an ice maker that includes a case defining an interior.
  • a door is supported by the box and serves to allow selective access to the interior.
  • An ice bank may be located within the interior of the bin and arranged to collect ice produced by the ice maker.
  • a filter assembly is provided for removing dissolved solids from the water.
  • the filter assembly may include a cartridge having a linear shape and defining an interior chamber, the cartridge having a pair of generally parallel main walls separated by the interior chamber and separated by a first pair of end walls and a second pair of side walls connect.
  • the fluid inlet is connected to the filter element and provides an inflow of fluid to the interior chamber.
  • a fluid outlet is connected to the filter element and provides for outflow of fluid from the interior chamber.
  • a plurality of baffles may be disposed within the interior chamber and extend between the parallel main walls to form a plurality of sub-chambers.
  • the baffle is configured to form a serpentine path for water to flow through the cartridge between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.
  • the filter media is disposed in the sub-chambers of the filter element. The filter media is configured to remove dissolved solids from the water traveling through the filter element.
  • FIG. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an ice maker of the present invention installed in a cabinet.
  • FIG. 2 is another front view of the exemplary embodiment of the ice maker shown in FIG. 1 with the door shown in an open position to reveal the interior of the appliance.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary ice making system that may be used in the ice making machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an exemplary filter assembly of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary filter cartridge that may be used in the exemplary assembly of FIG. 4 .
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the filter element of FIGS. 4 and 5 .
  • the filter media is not shown in FIG. 6 and the top wall has been removed in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
  • FIG 8 is another perspective view of the exemplary filter cartridge of the previous figures with the sidewalls removed and the filter media not shown for illustration purposes.
  • FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary filter assembly of the previous figures.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 1 and 2 provide front views of an exemplary embodiment of an ice maker 100 of the present invention.
  • the ice maker 100 is mounted in a cabinet 110 below a countertop 112, as may be found in residential or commercial applications.
  • the ice maker 100 with the deionization filter assembly 300 for making clear ice will be described.
  • the present invention may provide water filtration for an ice maker in another appliance that stores food, such as a refrigerator, and may also be used to make regular ice as well as clear ice.
  • the ice maker 100 includes a case 104 that defines an interior 126 in which ice 130 is produced and stored in an ice storage bin 120 for easy access by a user.
  • the ice storage bin 120 may include a hinged front door for easy access to the ice 130 .
  • the box 104 extends between the top 106 and the bottom 108 in the vertical direction V, and between the left side 105 and the right side 107 in the lateral direction L, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the transverse direction T (eg, FIG. 4 ) is orthogonal to both the vertical V and the lateral L, and together these three define an orthogonal coordinate system.
  • the ice maker 100 includes a front door 102 that may be supported by the case 104 and that serves to allow a user to open the door 102 and selectively access the interior 126 while also insulating the interior 126 to conserve energy when closed.
  • the door body 102 is pivotally supported on hinges 116 and 118 .
  • Other configurations and shapes for the box 104 and door 102 may also be used.
  • a control panel 128 ( FIG. 2 ) is included in the top 106 of the ice maker 100 .
  • Control panel 128 may include control pads, buttons, or other features whereby a user may select various options for operating ice maker 100 .
  • the filter assembly 300 is also conveniently located in the top 106, adjacent to the control panel 128, and will be described further herein.
  • the assembly 300 includes a handle 352 that allows a user to easily access and replace the cartridge 302 and/or filter media located therein (FIG. 4). Other positions and orientations of filter assembly 300 may also be used.
  • a mechanical compartment 122 is located in the bottom 108 of the ice maker 100 , behind the grill 124 .
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary clear ice ice making system 200 for producing ice that may be used with ice maker 100 .
  • the operation of the exemplary ice making system 200 will now be described. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other ice making systems may be used within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.
  • Water is provided to the ice making system 200 from a water source 204 external to the ice maker 100 and may be, for example, a municipal or well water source associated with a commercial or residential application in which the ice maker 100 is installed.
  • the water may be sent to a storage container 206 located in the ice maker 100 from which the main pump 202 draws and supplies the water to the filter assembly 300 .
  • the pressure of the water supply from the main pump 202 to the filter assembly 300 may be relatively low.
  • the non-zero pressure of the water provided by the main pump 202 at the filter assembly 300 may be 10 psi or less, 5 psi or less , or in the range x, where 0 ⁇ x ⁇ 10psi. This may provide advantages in the design of filter assembly 300, as will be further described.
  • the content of water from water source 204 may vary significantly depending on geographic location, the amount and type of water from water source 204 that is treated prior to use in ice maker 100, and other variables. For example, pH, alkalinity, turbidity and other properties may vary significantly. In the production of clear ice as previously described, the presence of dissolved solids in the water source 204 may be detrimental to the production of clear ice with the desired clarity or transparency. Such dissolved solids may be present even if the water provided from the water source 204 to the storage vessel 206 was previously filtered or otherwise treated. Accordingly, the filter assembly 300 provides for the reduction and/or removal of dissolved solids from the water provided by the water source 204 . As used herein, the term "water” includes drinking water, which may not be pure H2O, but may include other drinking substances, including particulates and dissolved solids.
  • refrigeration system 218 may be a sealed system that includes components for implementing a known vapor compression cycle to provide cooling in ice maker 100 .
  • Components may include evaporator 208, expansion device 210, compressor 212, and condenser 214, all connected in a circuit charged with refrigerant.
  • a sealing system 218 may include other components, such as at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser.
  • the cooling or refrigeration system 218 is provided by way of example only. Other configurations using refrigeration or cooling systems are also within the scope of the present invention.
  • the refrigerant flows into compressor 212, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant increases its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through the condenser 214 .
  • a fan may be operated to move air through the grill 124 and through the condenser 214 to provide forced convection for faster and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within the condenser 214 and the ambient air.
  • An expansion device eg, a valve, capillary, or other restriction device receives refrigerant from condenser 214 .
  • the refrigerant enters the evaporator 208 from the expansion device. As it leaves the expansion device and enters the evaporator 208, the pressure of the refrigerant drops. Evaporator 208 is cold due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, eg, relative to ambient air and/or liquid water.
  • the evaporator 208 is placed in thermal contact with the water from the filter assembly 300 . For example, water can be sprayed onto the evaporator 208 or caused to flow through the evaporator. The water is cooled and undergoes a phase change to become ice 130 , which is stored in the ice storage bin 120 .
  • ice storage bin 120 clear ice 130 may melt and the resulting water/condensate collected by secondary pump 216 and returned to water storage container 206 . From there, the water/condensate can be mixed with water from water source 204 and the cycle just described is repeated to produce clear ice.
  • An exemplary advantage of the cartridge system 300 of the present invention is that it allows for a significant reduction or removal of dissolved solids in the water source 204 . Because of this high efficiency, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ice making system 200 is a non-drainage ice making system.
  • a "non-drained ice making system” means that no water is drained from the system 200 .
  • a certain amount of water sent from water source 204 to system 200 would be discharged into a waste water line rather than being consumed as ice. This is necessary to prevent precipitation of dissolved solids on evaporator 208, for example.
  • the water will drain so that additional water can be added to not only replace the water removed by ice consumption, but also dilute the water in the appliance and prevent the precipitation of dissolved solids, especially on the evaporator 208 .
  • the ice making system 200 is drainless because water does not have to be removed due to the level of filtration of dissolved solids provided by the filter assembly 300 .
  • the ice making system 200 is provided by way of example only. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, other ice making systems may be used with the filter assembly 300 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of filter assembly 300 with cartridge 302 removed from filter manifold 304 for illustrative purposes.
  • the filter manifold 304 defines a slot 306 for inserting (arrow I) and removing (arrow R) the cartridge 302 therefrom.
  • the user can easily replace the filter element 302 by entering the interior 126 of the case 104 and using the handle 352 to pull the filter element 302 out.
  • a new cartridge 302 can be inserted similarly.
  • the cartridge 302 can slide back and forth in the transverse direction T along a pair of opposing guides 384, 386 that are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction L.
  • the filter manifold 304 includes a latch mechanism 344 for releasably securing the cartridge 302 within the filter manifold 304 .
  • the latch mechanism 344 includes a resilient latch arm 346 that is supported on the top wall 361 of the manifold 304 and extends away from the manifold 304 as shown.
  • the latch arm 346 includes a stop 348 that extends orthogonally from the latch arm 346 and is configured to selectively block removal of the cartridge 302 from the filter manifold 304 . The user can lift the latch arm 346 to provide easy removal and replacement of the filter element 302 when needed.
  • the cartridge 302 is linear and defines an interior chamber 330 that is divided into a plurality of sub-chambers 332, 334, 336, 340 and 342 (FIG. 6), filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 (FIG. 7) are placed into these subchambers, respectively. As shown, the subchambers are also rectilinear.
  • cartridge 302 includes a pair of generally parallel and opposing main walls 312 and 314 separated from each other in vertical direction V by chamber 330 .
  • substantially parallel means forming an angle of 2 degrees or less with each other.
  • the main walls 312 and 314 are separated by i) a first pair of opposing end walls 320 and 322 separated by the chamber 330 along the lateral direction L and ii) a second pair of opposing side walls 316 and 318 separated by the chamber 330 along the lateral direction T connect.
  • Side wall 316 includes handle 352 .
  • the low pressure of the unfiltered water UW (FIG. 6) provided to the cartridge 302 allows for a straight shape. This shape in turn allows for more efficient filtration (compared to the higher pressure required for cylindrical filters) as increased contact between the water and filter media in a more compact space can be provided.
  • the filter assembly 300 includes a fluid inlet 308 connected to the cartridge 302 and a fluid outlet 310 also connected to the cartridge. As shown in FIG. 6 , fluid inlet 308 provides a connection for unfiltered water (arrow UW) to flow into interior chamber 330 and fluid outlet 310 provides a connection for filtered water (arrow FW) to flow out of interior chamber 330 . Fluid inlet 308 and fluid outlet 310 are each provided with O-ring seals 396 and 398, respectively (FIG. 5). Other types of seals may also be used.
  • filter manifold 304 includes fluid inlet sockets 380 and also includes similar fluid outlet sockets 382 ( FIG. 4 ).
  • fluid inlet socket 380 when cartridge 302 is inserted into filter manifold 304 and sealed by O-ring 396 , fluid inlet socket 380 releasably receives fluid inlet 308 into socket 380 .
  • fluid outlet socket 382 releasably receives fluid outlet 310 into socket 382 when cartridge 302 is inserted into filter manifold 304 and sealed by O-ring 398 .
  • Other types of connections may also be used within the scope of the present invention.
  • the fluid inlet socket 380 and the fluid outlet socket 382 may be connected to the water inlet conduit 392 and the water outlet conduit 394 (FIG. 3).
  • a plurality of baffles 324 , 325 , 326 , 327 and 328 are disposed within the interior chamber 300 and divide it into sub-chambers 332 , 334 , 336 , 338 , 340 and 342 .
  • Each baffle is orthogonal to and extends between main walls 312 and 314 .
  • the baffles are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the side walls 316 and 318 .
  • each baffle defines a closed end B that prevents the passage of fluid and an open end D that allows fluid to pass therethrough.
  • the arrangement of the baffles including closed and open ends creates a non-linear, more particularly serpentine path for fluid (arrow F) through the chamber 330 between the fluid inlet 308 and the fluid outlet 310 .
  • the baffles include a first set of baffles 324 , 326 and 328 , each of which has a closed end B connected to the side wall 318 of the cartridge 302 .
  • the other end D of each of the first set of baffles 324 , 326 and 328 is not connected to the side wall 316 . Instead, there is a small gap between the open end D and the side wall 316 in which the porous media portions 412, 414 and 416 are disposed.
  • the porous media portion may be composed of a nonwoven fibrous mat that allows water (arrow F) to pass between adjacent sub-chambers while preventing placement in the sub-chambers 332, 334, 336, 338, 340 and 340, respectively Filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 in 342 pass or move (FIG. 7).
  • water can bypass the open ends D of the baffles 324, 326 and 328, but prevent water from flowing around the closed ends B.
  • Other types of porous media sections can also be used.
  • the baffles include a second set of baffles 325 and 327 having closed ends B connected to the sidewall 316 of the cartridge 302 .
  • the other end D of each of the second set of baffles 325 and 327 is connected to the side wall 318 .
  • the second ends D of the partitions 325 and 327 respectively include apertures 418 and 420 defined by the partitions 325 and 327, respectively, through which water can flow between adjacent subchambers while restricting the filter media in the adjacent subchambers. move between subchambers.
  • the baffles 325 and 327 are also removable from the filter element 302 , while the baffles 324 , 326 and 328 are integrally formed with the filter element 302 . Different numbers of baffles and subchambers may be used in other embodiments of the invention.
  • the filter media contained in the cartridge 302 includes one or more deionized resins that are removed from the cartridge 302 as water flows (arrow F) through the cartridge 302 between the fluid inlet 308 and the fluid outlet 310 . Dissolved solids are removed from the water so that clear ice can be produced.
  • the filter media can be composed of both anionic and cationic resins in the form of beads.
  • filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 may alternate between cationic resins and anionic resins along side L direction.
  • each such medium may comprise a mixed bed medium of both cationic and anionic resins.
  • the resin may be composed of polymer beads that remove various mineral ions from the water as the water flows through the filter element 302 .
  • Other filter media for removing dissolved solids, particulates and/or other contaminants may also be used.
  • the linear shape and compartmentalized configuration of the filter element 302 desirably provides high efficiency filtration of, eg, dissolved solids, while also providing a filter that can be easily fitted within the limited space of the ice maker 100 .
  • filter assembly 300 can be conveniently positioned so that when, for example, filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 are consumed or depleted, the user can easily remove and replace cartridge 302 and/or filter media as desired .
  • main walls 314 and 314 is shown in FIG. 2, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that ice maker 100 may also be used within the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims. other orientations and positions.
  • the present invention includes other embodiments, examples of which are shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the filter assembly does not include manifold 304 . Instead, fluid inlets 308 and 310 connect directly to water conduits 392 and 394 .
  • the side wall 316 is configured as a door with a handle 352 for removing the wall 316 from the front of the cartridge 302 (compare Figures 10 and 11).
  • a seal may be provided between the sidewall 316 and the front surface 372 (FIG. 11) of the cartridge 302 to prevent water leakage.
  • the user can remove wall 316 and individually reposition filter media 400, 402, 404, 406, 408 and 410 in subchambers 332, 334, 336, 338, 340 and 342 as indicated by arrow M for filter media 400 express.
  • the internal configuration and flow of water through the filter element 302 is the same as described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 .
  • One or more latching mechanisms 344, 354, 364 and 374 may also be used having latching arms 346, 356, 366 and 378 fitted with stops 348, 358, 368 and 378 operating as previously described. 376.

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Abstract

一种用于制冰机(100)的过滤器组件(300)，该过滤器组件(300)具有直线形滤芯(302)，该直线形滤芯(302)具有多个隔板(324、325、326、327、328)，这些隔板(324、325、326、327、328)设置在内部腔室(330)中，形成多个子腔室(332、334、336、340、342)，并产生用于使水流过滤芯(302)的非线性路径。设置在滤芯(302)的子腔室(332、334、336、340、342)中的过滤介质(400、402、404、406、408、410)被构造为从行进通过滤芯(302)的水中去除溶解固体，并且被制冰机(100)用来产生冰。

Description

制冰机的过滤器组件 技术领域
本发明总体涉及一种用于制冰机的去离子过滤器，该制冰机包括透明冰制冰机。
背景技术
产生冰的电器在商业和住宅应用中都提供了便利。冰可以用于液体茶点以及食物制备和储存。拥有可以供水来制造和储存冰的电器，可以确保在需要可随时提供冰，从而避免运输和储存冰。制冰机可以是独立的电器，或者可以并入到包括冷冻室和/或专用于制冰的额外间室的另一电器(诸如冰箱)中。
“透明冰”对于某些消费者来说可能是非常期望的，特别是用于液体茶点。如本文所用的，“透明冰”是指电器通过减少或消除冰中的气泡、微粒和溶解固体的过程形成的冰，与通过传统或常规过程形成的冰相比，该冰对于光的通过更透明或清澈的。例如，冰可以通过将倒入容器中的水冷冻来形成。所得冰中夹带的空气以及任何微粒和溶解的固体将增加冰的不透明性。相比之下，透明冰的制造可以包括过滤水以移除微粒和溶解的固体，然后以一种避免在冰形成时在冰中夹带空气的方式使水冻结。所得到的冰可以比没有采取这些步骤制造的冰更清澈或更透明，并且还可以更缓慢地融化。至少由于这些原因，某些消费者期望可以提供这种透明冰的电器。
制造冰、特别是透明冰，可能消耗大量的水。例如，制冰机可以使水在蒸发器上流动循环来将水冷却成冰。随着冰的形成和移除，水中的溶解固体将在每次循环中累积。为了防止固体沉淀和沉积在蒸发器上，将水从电器中排出并用具有较低溶解固体浓度的清水代替。这个过程不断重复，这导致大量的水被消耗，而这些水并未转化成冰。
为了减少溶解固体的量，可以对水进行过滤。然而，微粒过滤器无法去除溶解的固体。另外，传统的过滤器可能消耗宝贵的空间，这些空间最好是用于储存冰和/或制冰机的其它部件。对于旨在方便地放置在橱柜中和/或工作台面下的小空间内的独立制冰机，可用空间的限制可能特别严重。这种电器相对于例如冰箱来说已经更加紧凑，由于空间的限制，增加过滤器可能是不现实的。
因此，期望一种用于过滤制造冰的水的装置。更特别地，在制造透明冰的电器中过滤水并去除溶解固体的装置将是特别有用的。这种可以在减少过滤器在电器中消耗的空间的同时提供期望的过滤量的装置也将是特别有用的。一种包含有这种装置的制冰机将是有用的。这样一种可以减少或消除制冰过程中的用水量的电器将是特别期望的。
发明内容
本发明的另外方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述，或者是通过描述可以显而易见的，或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在一个示例性实施方式中，本发明提供了一种用于制冰机的过滤器组件。该过滤器组件的滤芯可限定内部腔室，滤芯具有一对大体平行的主壁，该对主壁由内部腔室分开并由第一对端壁和第二对侧壁连接。流体入口与滤芯连接，并且提供水到内部腔室的流入。流体出口与滤芯连接，并且提供过滤后的水从内部腔室的流出。
多个隔板可以设置在内部腔室内，在平行的主壁之间延伸以形成多个子腔室，各个隔板限定封闭端和开口端，隔板沿着端壁之间的方向间隔开以形成第一组和第二组，在第一组中，封闭端连接到一个侧壁，在第二组中，封闭端与另一个侧壁连接。隔板可限定非线性路径，该非线性路径用于使水流过流体入口与流体出口之间的滤芯。过滤介质设置在滤芯的子腔室中。过滤介质可以被构造为从行进通过滤芯的水中去除溶解固体。
在另一示例性实施方式中，本发明提供了一种制冰机，该制冰机包括限定内部的箱体。门体由箱体支撑并且用于允许选择性地进入内部。储冰盒可以位于箱体的内部内并且设置为收集由制冰机产生的冰。设置用于将水从液体转化为冰的冷却系统。设置用于从水中去除溶解的固体的过滤器组件。过滤器组件可以包括滤芯，该滤芯具有直线形状并限定内部腔室，滤芯具有一对大体平行的主壁，该对主壁由内部腔室分开并由第一对端壁和第二对侧壁连接。流体入口与滤芯连接，并且提供流体到内部腔室的流入。流体出口与滤芯连接，并且提供流体从内部腔室的流出。
多个隔板可以设置在内部腔室内，并且在平行的主壁之间延伸以形成多个子腔室。隔板被构造为形成蛇形路径，该路径用于使水流过流体入口与流体出口之间的滤芯。过滤介质设置在滤芯的子腔室中。过滤介质被构造为从行进通过滤芯的水中去除溶解固体。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优 点将变得更容易理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
附图说明
参照附图，说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开，这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明，包括本发明的最佳实施例，附图中：
图1提供了安装在橱柜中的本发明的制冰机的示例性实施方式的前视图。
图2是图1所示的制冰机的示例性实施方式的另一前视图，其中门体被示出为处于打开位置以露出电器的内部。
图3是示例了可以在图1和图2的制冰机中使用的示例性制冰系统的示意图。
图4是本发明的示例性过滤器组件的分解图。
图5是可用于图4的示例性组件中的示例性滤芯的立体图。
图6和图7是图4和图5的滤芯的立体图。为了说明的目的，图6中未示出过滤介质，并且在图6和图7中移除了顶壁。
图8是前图的示例性滤芯的另一立体图，其中为了说明的目的，移除侧壁，并且未示出过滤介质。
图9是前图的示例性过滤器组件的局部剖视图。
图10是本发明的另一示例性实施方式的立体图。
图11是图10的示例性实施方式的立体局部剖视图。
除非另有说明，使用相同或类似的附图标记表示相同或类似的特征。
具体实施方式
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式，其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出，并不对本发明构成限制。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是，能够在不偏离本发明的范围或者精神的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如，作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式，从而产生又一个实施方式。因此，期望的是，本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
图1和图2提供了本发明的制冰机100的示例性实施方式的前视图。如图1所示，制冰机100安装在工作台面112下方的橱柜110中，如在住宅或商业应用中可 能发现的。对于该示例性实施方式，将描述具有用于制造透明冰的去离子过滤器组件300的制冰机100。然而，在其它示例性实施方式中，本发明可为储存食品的另一电器(诸如冰箱)内的制冰机提供水过滤，并且还可用于制造普通冰以及透明冰。
制冰机100包括限定内部126的箱体104，在该内部中，冰130产生并储存在储冰盒120中以供用户容易地获取。储冰盒120可包括铰接的前门，以便容易地接近冰130。箱体104沿着竖向V在顶部106与底部108之间延伸，并且沿着侧向L在左侧105与右侧107之间延伸，如图1所示。横向T(例如图4)与竖向V和侧向L两者正交，并且这三者一起限定正交坐标系。
制冰机100包括前门体102，该前门体可由箱体104支撑，并且用于允许用户打开门体102并选择性地进入内部126，同时还在关闭时使内部126隔热以保存能量。对于该实施方式，门体102可枢转地支撑在铰链116和118上。也可以使用用于箱体104和门体102的其它构造和形状。
控制面板128(图2)包括在制冰机100的顶部106中。控制面板128可以包括控制盘、按钮或其它特征，由此，用户可以选择用于操作制冰机100的各种选项。过滤器组件300也方便地位于顶部106中，与控制面板128相邻，并且将在本文中进一步描述。组件300包括手柄352，该手柄允许用户方便地接近和更换位于其中的滤芯302和/或过滤介质(图4)。也可使用过滤器组件300的其它位置和取向。机械室122位于制冰机100的底部108中，在格栅124后面。
图3提供了可以与制冰机100一起使用的用于产生冰的示例性透明冰制冰系统200的示意图。现在将描述示例性制冰系统200的操作。使用本文公开的示教，本领域普通技术人员将理解，在本发明和所附权利要求的范围内可以使用其它制冰系统。
水从制冰机100外部的水源204提供给制冰系统200，并且可以是例如与安装有制冰机100的商业或住宅应用相关联的市政或井水水源。水可被送到位于制冰机100中的储存容器206中，主泵202从该储存容器206抽水并将水供应到过滤器组件300。从主泵202向过滤器组件300供水的压力可以相对较低。例如，当外部水源的压力范围可以为35磅/平方英寸(psi)至120psi时，由主泵202在过滤器组件300处提供的水的非零压力可以为10psi或更小、5psi或更小，或者在范围x内，其中，0≤x≤10psi。这可在过滤器组件300的设计中提供优势，如将进一步描述的。
来自水源204的水的内容物可能有显著的变化，取决于地理位置、在用于制冰 机100使用前对水源204的水进行处理的量和类型、以及其它变量。例如，pH、碱度、浊度和其它特性可能显著变化。在如前所述的透明冰的生产中，存在于水源204中的溶解固体可能不利于产生具有所需的清澈度或透明度的透明冰。即使从水源204提供到储存容器206的水先前被过滤或以其它方式处理，也可能存在这种溶解的固体。因此，过滤器组件300提供了从水源204提供的水中减少和/或去除溶解的固体。如本文所用的，术语“水”包括饮用水，其可以不是纯H2O，而是可以包括其它饮用物质，包括微粒和溶解固体。
继续参照图3，在过滤以去除例如溶解的固体之后，使用蒸发器208通过制冷或冷却系统218将过滤后的水冷却到水的冻结温度(0℃或32℉)或以下。以示例的方式，制冷系统218可以是密封系统，该密封系统包括用于执行已知的蒸汽压缩循环以在制冰机100中提供冷却的部件。部件可以包括蒸发器208、膨胀装置210、压缩机212和冷凝器214，所有这些部件都连接在充有制冷剂的回路中。如本领域技术人员将理解的，这种密封系统218可以包括其他部件，例如，至少一个额外的蒸发器、压缩机、膨胀装置和/或冷凝器。由此，冷却或制冷系统218仅以示例的方式来提供。使用制冷或冷却系统的其他构造也在本发明的范围内。
在冷却系统218内，制冷剂流入压缩机212中，该压缩机运行为增大制冷剂的压力。制冷剂的该压缩升高其温度，该温度通过使制冷剂穿过冷凝器214来降低。在冷凝器214内，进行与周围空气的热交换，以便冷却制冷剂。风扇可以运行以使空气移动通过格栅124并穿过冷凝器214，以便提供强制对流，用于冷凝器214内的制冷剂与周围空气之间进行更快且高效的热交换。膨胀装置(例如，阀、毛细管或其他限制装置)接收来自冷凝器214的制冷剂。制冷剂从膨胀装置进入蒸发器208。在离开膨胀装置并进入蒸发器208时，制冷剂的压力下降。由于制冷剂的压降和/或相变，蒸发器208是冷的，例如，相对于环境空气和/或液态水。蒸发器208设置成与来自过滤器组件300的水热接触。例如，水可以喷洒到蒸发器208上或者使得流过蒸发器。水被冷却并经历相变而成为冰130，冰储存在储冰盒120中。
在储冰盒120内，透明冰130可能融化，并且所产生的水/冷凝物由次级泵216收集并返回到储水容器206。从那里，水/冷凝物可以与来自水源204的水混合，并且重复刚刚描述的循环，以便产生透明冰。本发明的滤芯系统300的一个示例性优点是它允许显著减少或去除水源204中的溶解固体。由于这种高效率，在本发明的一个示例性实施方式中，制冰系统200是无排水的制冰系统。
如本文所用的，“无排水的制冰系统”意味着不从系统200排出水。在现有的 已知系统中，从水源204送到系统200的一定量的水将被排到废水管道中，而不是作为冰被消耗。这对于防止溶解的固体在例如蒸发器208上沉淀是必要的。水将排出，使得可以添加额外的水，以不仅替换通过冰消耗而去除的水，而且稀释电器中的水，并且防止溶解的固体沉淀，特别是沉淀到蒸发器208上。如上所述，在如图3所示的一个示例性实施方式中，制冰系统200是无排水的，因为由于过滤器组件300所提供的溶解固体的过滤水平而不必去除水。制冰系统200仅以示例的方式来提供。本领域的普通技术人员将理解，在本发明的其它实施方式中，其它制冰系统可与本发明的过滤器组件300一起使用。
图4示例了过滤器组件300的示例性实施方式，其中为了说明的目的，滤芯302从过滤器歧管304拆卸。过滤器歧管304限定用于插入(箭头I)滤芯302和从其拆卸(箭头R)滤芯302的插槽306。由此可见，对于该示例性实施方式，用户可通过进入箱体104的内部126并使用手柄352拉出滤芯302而容易地更换滤芯302。可以类似地插入新的滤芯302。在插入和拆卸期间，滤芯302可沿着一对相对的引导件384、386在横向T上来回滑动，该对相对的引导件沿着侧向L彼此隔开。
过滤器歧管304包括闩锁机构344，该闩锁机构用于将滤芯302可释放地固定在过滤器歧管304内。闩锁机构344包括弹性闩锁臂346，该弹性闩锁臂346如图所示地支撑在歧管304的顶壁361上并朝向远离歧管304而延伸。闩锁臂346包括止挡件348，该止挡件348从闩锁臂346正交延伸，并设置成选择性地阻挡滤芯302从过滤器歧管304上拆卸。用户可提升闩锁臂346，以在需要时提供方便地拆卸和更换滤芯302。
现在参照图4至图9，滤芯302为直线形并限定内部腔室330，该内部腔室被分成多个子腔室332、334、336、340和342(图6)，过滤介质400、402、404、406、408和410(图7)分别放置到这些子腔室中。如图所示，子腔室也是直线形的。对于该示例性实施方式，滤芯302包括一对大体平行且相对的主壁312和314，该对主壁312和314沿着竖向V由腔室330彼此分开。如本文所用的，“大体平行”是指彼此形成2度或更小的角度。主壁312和314通过i)沿着侧向L由腔室330分开的第一对相对端壁320和322以及ii)沿着横向T由腔室330分开的第二对相对侧壁316和318连接。侧壁316包括手柄352。在一个示例性实施方式中，提供给滤芯302的未过滤水UW(图6)的低压允许直线形状。这种形状又允许更有效的过滤(与更高压力所需的圆柱形过滤器相比)，因为可以提供在更紧凑的空间中的水与过滤介质之间的增加的接触。
过滤器组件300包括与滤芯302连接的流体入口308和也与滤芯连接的流体出口310。如图6所示，流体入口308提供了未过滤的水(箭头UW)流入内部腔室330的连接，流体出口310提供了过滤后的水(箭头FW)流出内部腔室330的连接。流体入口308和流体出口310各自分别设置有O形环密封件396和398(图5)。也可使用其它类型的密封件。
在后壁390上(图9中的剖视图)，过滤器歧管304包括流体入口插口380，并且还包括类似的流体出口插口382(图4)。如图9中的示例所示，当滤芯302插入过滤器歧管304并由O形环396密封时，流体入口插口380将流体入口308可释放地接收到插口380中。类似地，当滤芯302插入过滤器歧管304并由O形环398密封时，流体出口插口382将流体出口310可释放地接收到插口382中。在本发明的范围内也可以使用其它类型的连接。流体入口插口380和流体出口插口382可以与进水管道392和出水管道394(图3)连接。
继续参照图6、图7和图8，多个隔板324、325、326、327和328设置在内部腔室300内并将其分成子腔室332、334、336、338、340和342。各个隔板正交于主壁312和314并在它们之间延伸。对于该实施方式，隔板彼此平行并且与侧壁316和318正交。关于水通过滤芯302，各个隔板限定阻止流体通过的封闭端B和允许流体通过的开口端D。包括封闭端和开口端的隔板的布置产生了非线性的、更特别地蛇形的路径，该路径用于流体(箭头F)通过流体入口308与流体出口310之间的腔室330。
具体地，隔板包括第一组隔板324、326和328，这些隔板各自具有连接到滤芯302的侧壁318的封闭端B。第一组隔板324、326和328中的每一个隔板的另一端D不连接到侧壁316。相反，在开口端D与侧壁316之间存在小间隙，多孔介质部分412、414和416设置在该间隙中。例如，多孔介质部分可以由非织造纤维垫构成，该垫允许水(箭头F)在相邻的子腔室之间通过，同时防止分别设置在子腔室332、334、336、338、340和342中的过滤介质400、402、404、406、408和410通过或移动(图7)。因此，水可以绕过隔板324、326和328的开口端D，但阻止水绕封闭端B流动。也可以使用其他类型的多孔介质部分。
隔板包括第二组隔板325和327，该第二组隔板具有连接到滤芯302的侧壁316的封闭端B。第二组隔板325和327中的每一个隔板的另一端D连接到侧壁318。隔板325和327的第二端D分别包括由隔板325和327限定的孔口418和420，水可通过这些孔口在相邻的子腔室之间流动，同时限制过滤介质在相邻子腔室之间移动。 在一个示例性实施方式中，隔板325和327也可从滤芯302上移除，而隔板324、326和328与滤芯302一体形成。在本发明的其它实施方式中可以使用不同数量的隔板和子腔室。
在一个示例性实施方式中，包含在滤芯302中的过滤介质包括一种或多种去离子树脂，当水流过(箭头F)流体入口308与流体出口310之间的滤芯302时，该树脂从水中去除溶解的固体，以便能够产生透明冰。过滤介质可以由珠粒形式的阴离子树脂和阳离子树脂两者构成。例如，过滤介质400、402、404、406、408和410可以沿着侧向L在阳离子树脂与阴离子树脂之间交替。可选地，各个这种介质可以包括阳离子树脂与阴离子树脂两者的混合床介质。以示例的方式，树脂可以由聚合物珠粒构成，当水流过滤芯302时，聚合物珠粒从水中去除各种矿物离子。也可使用用于去除溶解的固体、微粒和/或其它污染物的其它过滤介质。
如上所述，滤芯302的直线形状和分隔构造期望地提供了例如溶解固体的高效过滤，同时还提供了可容易地装配在制冰机100的有限空间内的过滤器。另外，过滤器组件300可以方便地定位，使得当例如过滤介质400、402、404、406、408和410被消耗或用尽时，用户可以根据需要容易地拆卸和更换滤芯302和/或过滤介质。尽管在图2中示出了主壁314和314水平定向的取向，但本领域的普通技术人员将理解，在本发明和所附权利要求的精神和范围内，也可以使用制冰机100内的其它取向和位置。
另外，本发明包括其它实施方式，其示例在图10中示出。对于该示例性实施方式，过滤器组件不包括歧管304。相反，流体入口308和310直接与水管道392和394连接。对于该实施方式，侧壁316被构造为具有手柄352的门，该手柄用于从滤芯302的前部移除壁316(比较图10和图11)。可在侧壁316与滤芯302的前表面372(图11)之间设置密封件，以防止水泄漏。用户可以移除壁316并单独地将过滤介质400、402、404、406、408和410重新放置在子腔室332、334、336、338、340和342中，如针对过滤介质400用箭头M表示。水通过滤芯302的内部构造和流动与参照图4至图8的实施方式所述的相同。也可使用一个或多个闩锁机构344、354、364和374，这些闩锁机构具有装配有如前所述操作的止挡件348、358、368和378的闩锁臂346、356、366和376。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例)，并且还使本领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任意装置或系统并且执行所包含的任意方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定，并且可以包括本 领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件，或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件，则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。

Claims (15)

  1. 一种用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，所述过滤器组件包括：
    滤芯，限定内部腔室，所述滤芯具有一对平行的主壁，所述主壁由所述内部腔室分开并由第一对端壁和第二对侧壁连接；
    流体入口，与所述滤芯连接，并且提供水到所述内部腔室的流入；
    流体出口，与所述滤芯连接，并且提供水从所述内部腔室的流出；
    多个隔板，设置在所述内部腔室内，在所述平行的主壁之间延伸以形成多个子腔室，各个隔板限定封闭端和开口端，所述隔板沿着所述端壁之间的方向隔开以形成第一组和第二组，在所述第一组中，所述封闭端连接到其中一个所述侧壁，在所述第二组中，所述封闭端与另一个侧壁连接，并且其中，所述隔板限定非线性路径，所述非线性路径用于使水流过所述流体入口与所述流体出口之间的所述滤芯；以及
    过滤介质，设置在所述滤芯的所述子腔室中，所述过滤介质被构造为从行进通过所述滤芯的水中去除溶解固体。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，还包括过滤器歧管，所述过滤器歧管限定用于可拆卸地插入所述滤芯的插槽。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，所述过滤器歧管还包括用于将所述滤芯可释放地固定在所述过滤器歧管内的闩锁机构。
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，所述闩锁机构包括弹性闩锁臂，所述弹性闩锁臂支撑在所述过滤器歧管的壁上并远离所述过滤器歧管延伸，所述弹性闩锁臂包括止挡件，所述止挡件从所述弹性闩锁臂正交延伸，并且设置成选择性地阻挡所述滤芯从所述过滤器歧管拆卸。
  5. 根据权利要求3所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，所述闩锁机构包括一对弹性闩锁臂，每个弹性闩锁臂支撑在一个所述主壁上并远离所述过滤器歧管延伸，每个弹性闩锁臂包括止挡件，所述止挡件从所述弹性闩锁臂正交延伸，并且设置成选择性地阻挡所述滤芯从所述过滤器歧管拆卸。
  6. 根据权利要求2所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，还包括过滤器歧管，所述过滤器歧管限定：
    插槽，用于可拆卸地插入所述滤芯；
    流体入口插口，用于可释放地接收所述滤芯的所述流体入口；以及
    流体出口插口，用于可释放地接收所述滤芯的所述流体出口。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，所述滤芯的所述流体入口和所述流体出口各自包括O形环密封件，所述密封件用于分别与所述流体入口插口和所述流体出口插口配合，以防止水泄漏。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，还包括多个多孔介质部分，各个多孔介质部分设置在所述第一组隔板的一个所述开口端处，以允许水沿着所述非线性路径流过所述滤芯的所述子腔室，同时在相邻子腔室之间分离过滤介质；所述多孔介质部分包括非织造纤维垫。
  9. 根据权利要求1所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，所述第一组隔板仅连接到一个所述侧壁，所述第二组隔板连接到两个所述侧壁；所述第二组隔板中的每个隔板在所述隔板内限定至少一个用于水流动的孔。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的用于制冰机的过滤器组件，其特征在于，所述过滤介质包括从所述水中去除溶解固体的阳离子树脂和阴离子树脂。
  11. 一种制冰机，其特征在于，该制冰机包括：
    箱体，限定内部；
    门体，由所述箱体支撑并且用于允许选择性地进入所述内部；
    储冰盒，位于所述箱体的所述内部内并且设置为收集由所述制冰机产生的冰；
    冷却系统，用于将水从液体转化为冰；
    过滤器组件，用于从水中去除溶解固体，所述过滤器组件包括：
    滤芯，具有直线形状并限定内部腔室，所述滤芯具有一对平行的主壁，所述主壁由所述内部腔室分开并由第一对端壁和第二对侧壁连接；
    流体入口，与所述滤芯连接，并且提供水到所述内部腔室的流入；
    流体出口，与所述滤芯连接，并且提供水从所述内部腔室的流出；
    多个隔板，设置在所述内部腔室内，并且在所述平行的主壁之间延伸以形成多个子腔室，所述隔板被构造为形成蛇形路径，所述路径用于使水流过所述流体入口与流体出口之间的滤芯；以及
    过滤介质，设置在所述滤芯的子腔室中，所述过滤介质被构造为从行进通过所述滤芯的水中去除溶解固体。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述的制冰机，其特征在于，还包括过滤器歧管，所述过滤器歧管限定用于可拆卸地插入所述滤芯的插槽。
  13. 根据权利要求12所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述过滤器歧管还包括用于 将所述滤芯可释放地固定在所述过滤器歧管内的闩锁机构；所述闩锁机构包括弹性闩锁臂，所述弹性闩锁臂支撑在一个所述主壁上并远离所述过滤器歧管延伸，所述弹性闩锁臂包括止挡件，所述止挡件从所述弹性闩锁臂正交延伸，并且设置成选择性地阻挡所述滤芯从所述过滤器歧管拆卸。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述闩锁机构包括一对弹性闩锁臂，每个所述弹性闩锁臂支撑在一个所述主壁上并远离所述过滤器歧管延伸，每个所述弹性闩锁臂包括止挡件，所述止挡件从所述弹性闩锁臂正交延伸，并且设置成选择性地阻挡所述滤芯从所述过滤器歧管拆卸。
  15. 根据权利要求14所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述过滤器歧管还包括：
    流体入口插口，用于可释放地接收所述滤芯的所述流体入口；以及
    流体出口插口，用于可释放地接收所述滤芯的所述流体出口；
    所述滤芯的所述流体入口和所述流体出口各自包括O形环密封件，所述密封件用于分别与所述流体入口插口和所述流体出口插口配合，以防止水泄漏。
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