WO2023078298A1 - 用于制造透明冰的方法和设备 - Google Patents

用于制造透明冰的方法和设备 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023078298A1
WO2023078298A1 PCT/CN2022/129269 CN2022129269W WO2023078298A1 WO 2023078298 A1 WO2023078298 A1 WO 2023078298A1 CN 2022129269 W CN2022129269 W CN 2022129269W WO 2023078298 A1 WO2023078298 A1 WO 2023078298A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
ice
storage container
flow
dissolved solids
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CN2022/129269
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
荣格·布伦特·阿尔登
米切尔·艾伦·约瑟夫
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd, Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc filed Critical Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Priority to CN202280068299.7A priority Critical patent/CN118119806A/zh
Publication of WO2023078298A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023078298A1/zh
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • F25C1/04—Producing ice by using stationary moulds
    • F25C1/045—Producing ice by using stationary moulds with the open end pointing downwards
    • 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
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/25—Filling devices for moulds
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to clear ice ice making machines, and more particularly to ice making machines capable of producing clear ice with no drain operation.
  • Ice makers generally include ice makers configured to produce ice.
  • the ice maker inside the ice maker is piped to the water supply and water from the water supply can flow to the ice maker inside the ice maker.
  • the ice maker is usually cooled by a sealed system, and the heat transfer between the liquid water in the ice maker and the refrigerant of the sealed system creates ice.
  • ice makers such as clear ice makers
  • water can be sprayed continuously onto cooled molds to form ice without the dissolved solids that cause cloudy ice.
  • the ice maker is piped to an external drain (eg, to a municipal water system) to dispose of excess water that does not freeze during the ice making process (eg, excess water containing dissolved solids).
  • an external drain eg, to a municipal water system
  • excess water e.g, excess water containing dissolved solids
  • external drains While effective for managing excess water, external drains have disadvantages. For example, installing external drains can be expensive. Also, external drain piping can be difficult to install in some locations. Additionally, cleaning such icemakers can be tedious and time consuming.
  • TDS total dissolved solids
  • an ice maker with the feature of operating without an external drain would be useful.
  • an ice maker that uses surplus water from a clear ice cycle would be useful.
  • an ice maker in an exemplary aspect of the present invention, includes a box forming an ice storage chamber. Set up storage containers in the ice storage compartment.
  • the liquid supply conduit is configured to supply liquid to the storage container.
  • the ice molds are configured to freeze the liquid at the ice molds.
  • the nozzle is configured to dispense liquid from the storage container into the ice molds.
  • the controller is configured to execute instructions, and the instructions perform operations.
  • the operations include: dispensing a flow of liquid from a body of liquid at the storage container toward the ice mold; freezing at the ice mold a first portion of the flow of liquid received from dispensing the flow of liquid to the ice mold; providing the storage container with a flow of liquid dispensed toward the ice mold. A second part; and providing a supply of liquid from the liquid supply conduit to the storage container after distributing the flow of liquid towards the ice mould.
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing clear ice.
  • the method includes: dispensing a flow of liquid from a body of liquid at a storage container toward an ice mold; freezing at the ice mold a first portion of the flow of liquid received from dispensing the flow of liquid to the ice mold; providing the flow of liquid dispensed toward the ice mold to the storage container and providing a supply of liquid from the liquid supply conduit to the storage container after distributing the flow of liquid towards the ice mould.
  • FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of an ice maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a front perspective view of the exemplary ice maker of FIG. 1 with the door of the ice maker shown in an open position.
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic side view of certain components of the exemplary ice maker of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 provides top and side schematic views of a plurality of ice molds of the exemplary ice maker of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 provides a schematic side view of a plurality of ice molds and first and second storage containers of the exemplary ice maker of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 provides a schematic side view of a plurality of ice molds and first and second storage containers of the exemplary ice maker of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 7 provides a flowchart outlining the steps of a method for producing transparent ice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 provides a flowchart outlining the steps of a method for producing transparent ice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Embodiments provided herein allow clear ice to be made without the need for plumbing to the drain of the ice making apparatus.
  • Embodiments provided herein may allow for recirculation of liquid and generation of clear ice without draining the liquid to a waste drain.
  • the apparatus and methods provided herein can be applied to clear ice ice makers in refrigeration appliances, freestanding countertop ice makers, or undercounter ice makers.
  • Apparatus and methods provided herein may generally include providing water to ice-making molds.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 provide front perspective views of an ice maker 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • ice maker 100 includes features for generating or producing clear ice.
  • a user of the ice maker 100 can consume the transparent ice stored in the ice maker 100 .
  • the ice maker 100 defines a vertical V. As shown in FIG.
  • the ice maker 100 includes a case 110 .
  • the case 110 may be insulated so as to limit heat transfer between the interior volume 111 (FIG. 2) of the case 110 and the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the box 110 extends between a top 112 and a bottom 114 , for example, along a vertical V. As shown in FIG. As such, the top 112 and bottom 114 of the box 110 are spaced apart from each other, for example, along the vertical V.
  • a door body 119 is installed to the front of the box body 110 .
  • Door 119 allows selective access to interior volume 111 of tank 110 .
  • door 119 is shown in a closed position in FIG. 1 and door 119 is shown in an open position in FIG. 2 .
  • a user may rotate the door between an open position and a closed position to gain access to the interior volume 111 of the cabinet 110 .
  • the ice maker 100 includes an ice maker 120 arranged within the inner volume 111 of the bin 110 , for example at the top 112 of the bin 110 .
  • the ice maker 120 is used to produce clear ice. Ice maker 120 may be used to make any suitable type of clear ice.
  • ice maker 120 may be a clear ice cube maker, for example.
  • the ice maker 100 may also include an ice storage compartment or bin 102 .
  • the ice storage compartment 102 may be disposed within the inner volume 111 of the case 110 .
  • the ice storage compartment 102 may be arranged along the vertical V, for example directly below the ice maker 120 .
  • the ice storage compartment 102 is configured to receive clear ice from the ice maker 120 and for storing clear ice therein.
  • ice storage compartment 102 may be maintained at a temperature above the freezing point of water.
  • the transparent ice in the ice storage compartment 102 may melt over time while being stored in the ice storage compartment 102 .
  • Ice maker 100 may include features for recirculating liquid meltwater from ice storage compartment 102 to ice maker 120 .
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic illustration of certain components of ice maker 100 .
  • ice maker 120 may include ice molds 124 and nozzles 126 .
  • ice molds 124 may include multiple ice molds for simultaneously forming multiple ice cubes. Liquid from nozzles 126 may be dispensed toward ice molds 124 .
  • nozzles 126 may be positioned below ice molds 124 within first storage container 128 and may dispense liquid water upwardly toward ice molds 124 .
  • the ice molds 124 are cooled by a refrigerant.
  • liquid water flowing through the ice molds 124 from the nozzles 126 may freeze on the ice molds 124 , for example, to form transparent ice cubes on the ice molds 124 .
  • the ice mold 124 may include a plurality of first ice molds 1241 and a plurality of second ice molds 1242 .
  • the ice making assembly 100 includes a sealing system 170 .
  • Sealing system 170 includes components for implementing a known vapor compression cycle for cooling ice maker 120 and/or air. These components include a compressor 172 connected in series and filled with refrigerant, a condenser 174 , an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator 176 .
  • the sealing system 170 may include other components, for example, at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. Additionally or alternatively, placement of components (eg, compressor 172, condenser 174, etc.) may be adjusted according to the particular implementation. As such, sealing system 170 is provided by way of example only. Other configurations using the sealing system are also within the scope of the invention.
  • refrigerant flows into a compressor 172, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through condenser 174 . In the condenser 174, heat exchange with ambient air is performed to cool the refrigerant. Fan 178 may be operated to blow air across condenser 174 to provide forced convection for faster and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within condenser 174 and ambient air.
  • An expansion device receives refrigerant from condenser 174 .
  • Refrigerant enters evaporator 176 from the expansion device.
  • the pressure of the refrigerant drops. Due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, the evaporator 176 is cold, eg, relative to ambient air and/or liquid water.
  • the evaporator 176 is disposed at and in thermal contact with the ice maker 120 , such as at the ice molds 124 of the ice maker 120 . As such, ice maker 120 may be cooled directly with refrigerant at evaporator 176 .
  • ice maker 120 may be an air cooled ice maker.
  • cooling air from evaporator 176 may cool various components of ice maker 100 , such as ice molds 124 of ice maker 120 .
  • evaporator 176 is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from air passing through evaporator 176 to refrigerant flowing through Evaporator 176 circulates to ice maker 120 .
  • the ice maker 100 may further include a cleaning pipe 162 .
  • the cleaning duct 162 may include an additional storage container (eg, a third storage container) that may collect meltwater from the ice storage compartment 102 .
  • the purge line 162 is directly connected to the ice storage compartment 102 . Therefore, the liquid in the ice storage chamber 102 can flow out of the ice storage chamber 102 through the cleaning pipe 162 .
  • a second end of the cleaning pipe 162 may be exposed to the outside of the ice maker 100 . Liquid flowing through the cleaning pipe 162 may be released from the ice maker 100 through the second end.
  • liquid flowing through the purge line 162 may be resupplied to the first storage container 128 .
  • the purge line 162 may be omitted entirely, leaving the ice maker 100 without a drain.
  • the ice maker 100 may also include a controller 190 that regulates or operates various components of the ice maker 100 .
  • Controller 190 may include memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as general or special purpose microprocessors, for executing programmed instructions or micro-control codes associated with the operation of ice maker 100 .
  • the memory may mean a random access memory such as DRAM or a read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
  • a processor executes programmed instructions stored in memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or it may be included on-board within the processor.
  • controller 190 may be implemented without the use of a microprocessor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc. ) are built to perform control functions rather than relying on software.
  • I/O Input/output
  • signals may be routed between controller 190 and the various operating components of ice maker 100 .
  • various operating components of ice maker 100 may communicate with controller 190 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
  • Ice maker 102 may also include heaters (not shown) disposed at or near ice molds 124 .
  • the heater may be activated to heat the ice molds 124 and subsequently release the ice cubes from the ice molds 124 .
  • the seal system 170 may be turned off (ie, no refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 176), and the heater may be turned on for a predetermined amount of time.
  • the ice mold 124 is temporarily heated by a heater to release or harvest ice cubes.
  • the heater may be an electric heater.
  • various types of heaters may be used to heat the ice molds 124, including reverse flow of refrigerant through the sealing system 170 or hot gas bypass, as another example, and that the invention is not limited to these examples provided herein.
  • FIG. 4 provides a top and side schematic view of ice maker 120
  • FIG. 5 provides a side schematic view of ice maker 120 including ice mold 124 and first storage container 128 and second storage container 138
  • first storage container 128 and second storage container 138 may be located within insert 300 of FIG. 3
  • the ice maker 120 may include ice molds 124 .
  • an evaporator 176 may be attached to the ice molds 124 .
  • the ice mold 124 may include a plurality of first ice molds 1241 and a plurality of second ice molds 1242 .
  • the plurality of first ice molds 1241 may be distinguished from the plurality of second ice molds 1242 along the transverse direction T.
  • a plurality of first ice molds 1241 may be located near the rear of the case 110
  • a plurality of second ice molds 1242 may be located near the front of the case 110 .
  • the positions of the plurality of first ice molds 1241 and the plurality of second ice molds 1242 are provided by way of example only, and the positions thereof may be changed according to specific embodiments.
  • the ice maker 100 may include a liquid supply pipe 130 and a supply valve 132 .
  • Liquid supply conduit 130 may be connected to an external pressurized liquid supply system, such as a municipal water system or a well.
  • Supply valve 132 may be coupled to liquid supply conduit 130 , and supply valve 132 may be operable (eg, openable and closable) to regulate the flow of liquid water into ice maker 100 through liquid supply conduit 130 .
  • a liquid supply conduit 130 is connected to the first storage container 128 .
  • the liquid supply pipe 130 is in fluid communication with the first storage container 128 to allow external water to be supplied into the first storage container 128 via the liquid supply pipe 130 .
  • the first storage container 128 can be filled with fresh liquid water from an external pressurized water supply via the liquid supply conduit 130.
  • a liquid supply pipe 130 may be connected at the bottom of the tank 110 .
  • the liquid supply pipe 130 is connected to the top of the tank 110 .
  • water introduced through the top of the bin may be released over the top of the ice maker 120 and may assist in the harvesting of ice formed on the ice molds 124 .
  • the ice maker 100 may include a first storage container 128 .
  • the first storage container 128 may be disposed within the ice storage compartment 102 .
  • the first storage container 128 may be located at or near the top 112 of the interior volume 111 of the ice storage compartment 102 .
  • the first storage container 128 may define a receiving space that holds a liquid (eg, water) to be formed into ice.
  • the inner volume of the first storage container 128 may be smaller than the inner volume 111 of the ice storage compartment 102 .
  • the first storage container 128 can hold other liquids, such as cleaning solutions.
  • the ice maker 120 may be disposed within the first storage container 128 .
  • the evaporator 176 and the ice mold 124 may be located within the first storage container 128 .
  • the ice maker 120 is positioned above the first storage container 128 (eg, along vertical V).
  • the first storage container 128 may extend along a vertical V from a bottom end 202 to a top end 204 .
  • the ice maker 120 may be mounted at the top end 204 of the first storage container 128 .
  • an evaporator 176 may be mounted to the top 204 and the ice molds 124 may be connected to the evaporator 176 .
  • the ice molds 124 may be defined by the evaporator 176 .
  • the evaporator 176 is integral with the ice mold 124 such that clear ice is formed directly on the evaporator 176 .
  • the ice maker 100 may include a first circulation system 139 .
  • the first circulation system 139 may include a first pump 142 , a first circulation pipe 140 and a first nozzle 126 .
  • a first pump 142 may be disposed within the first storage container 128 .
  • the first pump 142 may pump water or liquid stored in the first storage container 128 .
  • the first circulation pipe 140 may be connected to a first pump 142 such that water or liquid pumped by the first pump 142 circulates through the first circulation pipe 140 .
  • the first circulation conduit 140 may include a series of tubes or pipes capable of guiding water or liquid pumped by the first pump 142 .
  • the first nozzle 126 may be disposed at the downstream end of the first circulation pipe 140. The first nozzle 126 may dispense water or liquid stored in the first storage container 128 toward the ice maker 120 (ie, the ice molds 124 and/or the evaporator 176).
  • the first nozzle 126 may be located near the bottom end 202 of the first storage container 128 .
  • water or liquid may be sprayed from the first nozzle 126 in a generally upward direction toward the ice maker 120 .
  • clear ice may be formed on the ice maker 120 due to the continuous spraying of water onto the ice maker 120 .
  • the liquid dispensed from the first nozzle 126 may be directed to the ice mold 124, such as described in FIG. 5 .
  • the first nozzle 126 may direct liquid to the plurality of first ice molds 1241 .
  • first nozzles 126 may be provided.
  • Each of the plurality of first nozzles 126 may be independently connected to a first pump 142 (eg, each first nozzle 126 has a dedicated first circulation conduit 140 ). Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of first nozzles 126 may be connected to the first pump 142 via combined cycle piping.
  • the ice maker 100 can also be operated in a cleaning mode, or a cleaning operation can be performed to clean various pieces in the ice maker 100 that may be contaminated by foreign debris.
  • a cleaning solution or acid may be pumped through first circulation conduit 140 and dispensed by nozzle 126 toward ice maker 120 .
  • the cleaning solution or acid may remove foreign contaminants or debris from, for example, the ice molds 124 , nozzles 126 , first storage container 128 , and first circulation conduit 140 .
  • a first level sensor or switch 134 may be disposed in the first storage container 128 .
  • the first liquid level sensor 134 may sense a liquid level contained within the first storage container 128 .
  • the first level sensor 134 is in operative communication with the controller 190 .
  • first level sensor 134 may communicate with controller 190 via one or more signals.
  • the first level sensor 134 includes a predetermined threshold level (eg, to indicate a need for additional liquid to the first storage vessel 128 ).
  • the first liquid level sensor 134 may detect if or when the liquid in the first storage vessel 128 falls below a predetermined threshold level.
  • the first liquid level sensor 134 may be a dual position sensor. In other words, the first liquid level sensor 134 may be "on" or "off” depending on the liquid level.
  • the first liquid level sensor 134 when the liquid level is below a predetermined threshold level, the first liquid level sensor 134 is "off", which means that it does not send a signal via the controller 190 to the first pump 142 to pass through the first circulation line 140 from the first storage The container 128 pumps liquid towards the first nozzle 126 .
  • the first liquid level sensor 134 when the liquid level is above a predetermined threshold, the first liquid level sensor 134 is "on”, which means that it sends a signal to the first pump 142 via the controller 190 to operate the first pump 142 so that 140 pumps liquid towards first nozzle 126 .
  • the first liquid level sensor 134 may be any suitable sensor capable of determining the liquid level within the first storage container 128 and that the invention is not limited to the examples provided herein.
  • a filter (not shown) may be connected to the first circulation conduit 140 .
  • a filter may filter solid contaminants from the water in the first storage container 128 .
  • a filter may be provided downstream of the first pump 142 .
  • a filter may be provided upstream of nozzle 126 .
  • a filter is positioned along the flow path between first pump 142 and nozzle 126 such that water passes from first storage container 142 through the filter before being dispensed by nozzle 126 .
  • Filters may include filter media that perform the actual filtering.
  • the filter media can be a deionization filter. It should be understood, however, that various additional or alternative suitable filter media or devices may be incorporated as filter media, or that filters may be omitted entirely.
  • certain embodiments of the ice maker 100 may include a second storage container 138 .
  • the second storage container 138 may be disposed in the ice storage compartment 102 .
  • the second storage container 138 may be immediately adjacent to the first storage container 128 .
  • the second storage vessel 138 may define a receiving space that holds liquid having a higher total dissolved solids (TDS) relative to the body of liquid at the first storage vessel 128 .
  • TDS total dissolved solids
  • the inner volume of the second storage container 138 may be smaller than the inner volume 111 of the ice storage compartment 102 .
  • the second storage container 138 may be in fluid communication with the first storage container 128 .
  • first storage vessel 128 may be selectively transferred to second storage vessel 138 via second conduit 147, such as further described herein.
  • the second storage container 138 may be lower than the first storage container 128 (eg, along vertical V).
  • the bottom of the second storage container 138 may be lower than the bottom of the first storage container 128 along the vertical direction V.
  • the top of the second storage container 138 may be lower than the top of the first storage container 128 (eg, vertically).
  • the first storage container 128 and the second storage container 138 may be connected by a pipe 154 .
  • Conduit 154 may include a tube, tube, or conduit that allows liquid to flow from first storage vessel 128 to second storage vessel 138 .
  • Conduit 154 may be any suitable length, and the invention is not limited in size or materials used.
  • a valve 156 may be provided on conduit 154 .
  • valve 156 at conduit 154 may allow fluid between first storage vessel 128 and second storage vessel 138 to be selectively opened and closed.
  • Valve 156 may receive an input signal from controller 190 to selectively open and close to allow liquid from first storage vessel 128 to pass through valve assembly 156 into second storage vessel 138 , such as further described herein.
  • the valve 156 may be any suitable type of valve, such as a check valve, gate valve, flap valve, ball valve, electronic valve, or the like.
  • the valve is a mechanical valve (ie, the valve can be opened and closed based on fluid pressure from the first storage vessel 128 without electronic intervention from the controller 190).
  • the ice maker 100 may receive a certain level of liquid (eg, municipal water) provided from the liquid supply pipe 130 into the first storage container 128 . Ice maker 100 may then perform a plurality of ice making cycles or operations each forming clear ice. The remaining liquid remaining within the first storage container 128 may contain a level of total dissolved solids (TDS) higher than the TDS level of the liquid provided to the first storage container 128 from the liquid supply line 130 .
  • TDS total dissolved solids
  • the controller 190 may open the valve 156 to allow liquid in the first storage vessel 128 to flow into the second storage vessel 138 when the threshold TDS level is exceeded.
  • the liquid in the first storage vessel 128 is selectively transferred to the second storage vessel 138 based on the detected TDS level, such as described in further detail below.
  • Embodiments of ice maker 10 are configured to perform or carry out the steps of a method for making ice (hereinafter "method 1000"), such as those outlined in the flowcharts in FIGS. 7-8.
  • An ice maker such as the embodiment of ice maker 10 provided with respect to FIGS. 1-6 , may be configured to store or receive instructions and perform operations in accordance with the steps of an embodiment of method 1000 .
  • the instructions stored by the controller 190 when executed, cause the ice maker 10 to perform operations for making ice.
  • the methods or operations performed by controller 190 produce clear ice, such as having substantially less total dissolved solids (TDS), than ice formed from water generally received from liquid supply conduit 130 .
  • Embodiments of the method 1000 allow for the production of ice with substantially zero total dissolved solids, thereby producing clear ice that is substantially free of substances that may create turbidity in the ice.
  • Operations or steps of method 1000 include providing a supply of liquid (eg, water) from a liquid supply conduit (eg, liquid supply conduit 130 ) to a storage container (eg, storage container 128 ) at 1005 .
  • Liquid provided from a liquid supply line typically has a baseline level of total dissolved solids (TDS), such as may be received from a water source, or after one or more filters at the appliance or facility utilizing the appliance.
  • the initial body of liquid provided to the storage container has a TDS level substantially similar to the baseline level TDS of the liquid supply from the liquid supply conduit.
  • the baseline TDS of a liquid supply from a liquid supply line may be approximately 100 parts per million (ppm).
  • the baseline TDS can be any level below the TDS threshold level, such as further described herein.
  • Method 1000 includes dispensing at 1010 a flow of liquid from the body of liquid at the storage container toward ice molds (eg, ice molds 124 ).
  • step 1010 may include dispensing or spraying a stream of liquid through a nozzle (eg, nozzle 126 ) toward the ice mold.
  • Method 1000 includes freezing at 1020 a first portion of the stream of liquid received from 1010 at an ice mold.
  • Method 1000 includes providing, at 1030 , a second portion of the flow of liquid dispensed via step 1010 to a storage container (eg, storage container 128 ).
  • the first portion of the liquid flow that freezes at the ice mold is about 10% or less of the liquid flow dispensed toward the ice mold
  • the second portion of the liquid flow is that of the liquid flow dispensed toward the ice mold.
  • the remainder or difference eg, 90% or more.
  • the ratio of the first portion of the liquid flow to the second portion is approximately 10/90 or less. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the first portion to the second portion is about 5/95 or less, or specifically about 1/99.
  • the unfrozen portion (ie, the second portion) of the liquid stream dispensed from the nozzle is provided such as via gravity, dripping, or catchment of a storage container (eg, storage container 128 ).
  • Method 1000 may form an ice making cycle that iteratively performs steps 1010 and 1020 until clear ice is formed at the ice molds (e.g., ice molds 124).
  • a first portion of the liquid stream that freezes at the ice mold 124 has a first TDS level that is less than a second portion that is provided back to the storage container 128 .
  • the first TDS level may vary as the ice making cycle continues or as additional ice making cycles are performed, the first TDS level of the liquid stream received and frozen at the ice mold 124 is generally less than the accumulated dissolved solids from the first portion The second TDS level.
  • method 1000 may include accumulating dissolved solids from the first portion of the liquid stream at 1022 at the second portion of the liquid stream.
  • method 1000 includes, after distributing the flow of liquid towards the ice molds, at 1030 128) Provide fluid supply.
  • Step 1030 may be performed substantially similarly to step 1005 .
  • the liquid supply has a baseline TDS.
  • An initial ice making cycle (eg, steps 1010 and 1020 ) may include a first portion of the liquid stream having a first level of TDS approximately similar to the baseline TDS.
  • the storage vessel eg, storage vessel 128
  • the TDS at the bulk of the liquid increases.
  • the TDS of a first portion of the liquid flow from the body of liquid at the storage vessel increases, and the TDS of the second portion increases further above the TDS of the first portion.
  • the baseline TDS at the bulk of the liquid at the beginning of the initial or first ice making cycle is about 100 ppm.
  • the TDS of the liquid body at storage vessel 128 is approximately 200 ppm.
  • Step 1030 provides a supply of liquid having a baseline TDS to the remaining body of liquid at storage vessel 128 .
  • Step 1030 may accordingly comprise diluting the body of liquid at the storage container with the liquid supply from the liquid supply conduit to reduce the TDS level at the body of liquid at the storage container.
  • the TDS at the bulk of the liquid may be reduced to about 150 ppm.
  • a second ice making cycle may be performed after the first ice making cycle, wherein the initial TDS at the liquid body and the first portion of the liquid stream is about 150 ppm. After completion of the second ice making cycle, the TDS at the bulk of the liquid at storage vessel 128 is about 300 ppm. Step 1030 provides a supply of liquid and thus dilutes the TDS to a smaller amount (eg, from 300 ppm to 200 ppm).
  • embodiments of the method 1000 may include increasing dissolved solids at the body of liquid at the storage vessel at 1024 by providing a second portion of the liquid flow to the storage vessel, such as in steps 1020 or 1022 .
  • Method 1000 may include reducing dissolved solids at the body of liquid at 1032 by providing a supply of liquid to the storage vessel, such as at step 1030 .
  • Method 1000 discharges the body of liquid from the storage container (eg, first storage container 128 ) to a second storage container (eg, second storage container 138 ) at 1040 when the body of liquid exceeds the threshold value of total dissolved solids.
  • the threshold for total dissolved solids is 5 to 10 times the amount of dissolved solids provided to the liquid supply to the storage vessel 128, such as a baseline level of TDS.
  • the threshold TDS may be about 800 ppm.
  • An initial or first ice making cycle may start at about 100 ppm at step 1010, increase to about 200 ppm at step 1020, dilute to between 100 ppm and 200 ppm at step 1030, and provide a starting TDS level for the next ice making cycle.
  • the starting TDS level is at or exceeds the threshold TDS level.
  • method 1000 includes determining, at 1038, the TDS at the body of liquid at the storage container (eg, storage container 128). Determining the TDS may include detecting, calculating, obtaining, or otherwise detecting the TDS level at the body of liquid. Certain embodiments may configure the liquid level sensor 134 to determine the TDS level. In other embodiments, determining the TDS level may be a function of the baseline TDS, the number of ice making cycles, the threshold TDS limit, and an indication of when the body of liquid was previously drained or otherwise replaced. Determining the TDS level may correspond to a predetermined number of ice making cycles by which time the body of liquid at the storage vessel is at or above a threshold TDS limit.
  • method 1000 includes, at 1040 , draining at least a portion of the body of liquid from first storage container 128 to second storage container 138 after determining that the TDS level at the body of liquid exceeds a threshold TDS limit. Draining the body of liquid may include actuating a valve assembly 156 such as described herein to allow liquid to flow from the first storage container 128 to the second storage container 138 .
  • method 1000 also includes evaporating at 1042 the body of liquid at the second storage vessel (eg, an evaporation tank). Evaporating the body of liquid at the second storage vessel 138 may be performed by placing a heated portion of the condenser, depicted via 176a, in thermal communication with the body of liquid at the second storage vessel 138. Over time, the storage container can collect the solids left behind as the liquid evaporates.
  • the second storage container 138 can be configured to be disposable and replaceable.
  • the second storage container 138 may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled PET (RPET), or other suitable materials.
  • the storage container may be treated or incorporated with an antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, or other compound to inhibit bacterial, mold, or viral growth in the liquid body.
  • Treatment may include chlorine, Microban (R ) or other suitable solutions.
  • Other embodiments may also include treating the liquid with ultraviolet light.
  • Method 1000 may include condensing evaporated liquid at 1044 and providing the condensed liquid to first storage vessel 128 at 1046 .
  • the ice maker 10 may provide condensed liquid back to the first storage vessel 128 through a second circulation line 147 that provides fluid communication from the second storage vessel 138 to the first storage vessel 128 .
  • the condensed liquid has a lower TDS than the liquid provided from the first storage vessel 128 to the second storage vessel 138.
  • the condensed liquid may then be used in a body of liquid, such as described in steps 1010 and 1020 .
  • Embodiments of the appliance 10 and method 1000 provided herein allow for the production of clear ice without the need to discharge water to a waste drain.
  • Embodiments provided herein allow water to be recycled from a first storage vessel to a second storage vessel, and dissolved solids are removed from the high TDS water prior to recycling back to the first storage vessel.
  • Certain embodiments of the appliances 10 and methods 1000 provided herein can include approximately doubling the end-of-cycle TDS level relative to the start-of-cycle TDS level. For example, a starting TDS of 100 ppm at the bulk of the liquid can end the cycle at 200 ppm at the bulk of the liquid. Other embodiments may also include diluting the end-of-cycle TDS level to approximately midway or between the end-of-cycle TDS level (e.g., 100 ppm) and the end-of-cycle TDS level (e.g., 200 ppm) to provide a second cycle-on TDS level (e.g., 150 ppm) . The loop may iterate until a threshold level of TDS is met or exceeded (eg, 700ppm, or 800ppm, or 1000ppm, etc.).
  • a threshold level of TDS eg, 700ppm, or 800ppm, or 1000ppm, etc.
  • the appliance 10 and method 1000 may produce about six pounds of clear ice for every pound of water drained from the first storage container 128 . In another embodiment where the baseline TDS is about 150 ppm, the appliance 10 and method 1000 may produce about 3.5 pounds of clear ice for every pound of water drained from the first storage container 128 .
  • a particular implementation of method 1000 includes decreasing the rate of ice production as 1050 the TDS at the body of liquid increases. Reducing the rate of ice production as TDS increases may allow matching of evaporation time, liquid recirculation or disposal, or user's consumption rate.
  • appliance 10 may be configured generally as provided with respect to FIGS. 1-5 .
  • appliance 10 may include a second circulation system 146 .
  • a second circulation system 146 may be provided in the second storage container 138 .
  • the second circulation system 146 may include a second pump 144 , a second circulation pipe 147 and a second nozzle 148 .
  • the second circulation system 146 may operate on the same principle as the first circulation system 139 .
  • the second pump 144 may pump liquid from the second storage container 138 through the second conduit 147 towards the second nozzle 148 .
  • the second nozzle 148 may guide the liquid toward the plurality of second ice molds 1242 opposite to the plurality of first ice molds 1421 .
  • multiple second nozzles 148 may be provided.
  • Each of the plurality of second nozzles 148 may be independently connected to the second pump 144 (eg, each second nozzle 148 has a dedicated second circulation conduit 147). Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of second nozzles 148 may be connected to the second pump 144 via combined cycle piping.
  • the first storage container 128, the first ice mold 1241, and the first circulation system 139 may be collectively referred to as a first ice maker.
  • the second storage container 138, the second ice mold 1242, and the second circulation system 146 may collectively be referred to as a second ice maker.
  • the second ice maker may not include the second circulation system 146 .
  • a second liquid level sensor 136 may be disposed in the second storage container 138 .
  • the second liquid level sensor 136 may sense the liquid level contained within the second storage container 138 .
  • the second level sensor 136 is in operative communication with the controller 190 .
  • the second level sensor 136 may communicate with the controller 190 via one or more signals.
  • the second level sensor 136 includes a predetermined threshold level (eg, to indicate a need for additional liquid to the second storage vessel 138 ).
  • the second liquid level sensor 136 may detect if or when the liquid in the second storage container 138 falls below a predetermined threshold level.
  • the second liquid level sensor 136 may be a dual position sensor.
  • the second liquid level sensor 136 may be "on” or “off” depending on the liquid level. For example, when the liquid level is below a predetermined threshold level, the second liquid level sensor 136 is "OFF", meaning that it does not send a signal via the controller 190 to the second pump 144 to pass through the second circulation line 147 from the second storage The container 138 pumps liquid towards the second nozzle 148 . As another example, when the liquid level is above a predetermined threshold, the second liquid level sensor 136 is "on”, which means that it sends a signal to the second pump 144 via the controller 190 to operate the second pump 144, thereby passing 147 pumps liquid towards a second nozzle 148 . It should be understood that the second liquid level sensor 136 may be any suitable sensor capable of determining the liquid level within the second storage container 138 and that the invention is not limited to the examples provided herein.

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Abstract

提供了制冰器和用于制造透明冰的方法。该制冰设备包括形成储冰室的箱体。在储冰室内设置储存容器。液体供应管道被构造为将液体供应到储存容器。冰模具被构造为在冰模具处冻结液体。喷嘴被构造为将液体从储存容器分配到冰模具。控制器被配置为执行指令，指令执行操作。操作包括：从储存容器处的液体主体朝向冰模具分配液体流；在冰模具处冻结从将液体流分配到冰模具接收的液体流的第一部分；向储存容器提供朝向冰模具分配的液体流的第二部分；以及在朝向冰模具分配液体流之后，从液体供应管道向储存容器提供液体供应。

Description

用于制造透明冰的方法和设备 技术领域
本发明总体涉及透明冰制冰机，更具体地涉及能够无排水操作地制造透明冰的制冰机。
背景技术
制冰器通常包括构造为产生冰的制冰机。制冰器内的制冰机被管接到供水系统，并且来自供水系统的水可流到制冰器内的制冰机。制冰器通常由密封系统冷却，并且制冰机中的液态水与密封系统的制冷剂之间的热传递产生冰。
在某些制冰器(例如透明冰制冰机)中，水可以连续地喷射到冷却的模具上以形成冰，而没有导致混浊冰的溶解固体。通常，制冰器被管连到外部排水管(例如，连接到市政水系统)以处理在制冰过程期间未冻结的过量水(例如，含有溶解固体的过量水)。虽然对于管理过量水是有效的，但是外部排水管道具有缺点。例如，安装外部排水管道可能昂贵。另外，外部排水管道可能难以安装在某些位置。另外，清洁这种制冰器可能繁重且耗时。
进一步地，某些制冰机在制冰过程中利用可饮用的市政水。该市政水含有一定水平的总溶解固体(TDS)。在一些制冰过程期间，只有含有足够低水平的TDS的水才将冻结成透明的冰块。剩余的水于是含有较高浓度的TDS，其太高而不能形成透明冰。由此，剩余的水留在制冰机内，需要由用户去除以便继续制冰过程。
因此，具有无需外部排水管道而运行的特征的制冰器将是有用的。特别地，使用来自透明冰循环的剩余水的制冰器将是有用的。
发明内容
本发明的各个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。
在本发明的一个示例性方面，提供了一种制冰器。该制冰设备包括形成储冰室的箱体。在储冰室内设置储存容器。液体供应管道被构造为将液体供应到储存容器。冰模具被构造为在冰模具处冻结液体。喷嘴被构造为将液体从储存容器分配到冰模具。控制器被配置为执行指令，指令执行操作。操作包括：从储存容器处的液体主体朝向冰模具分配液体流；在冰模具处冻结从将液体流分配到冰模具接收的液体流 的第一部分；向储存容器提供朝向冰模具分配的液体流的第二部分；以及在朝向冰模具分配液体流之后，从液体供应管道向储存容器提供液体供应。
本发明的另一方面涉及一种用于产生透明冰的方法。该方法包括：从储存容器处的液体主体朝向冰模具分配液体流；在冰模具处冻结从将液体流分配到冰模具接收的液体流的第一部分；向储存容器提供朝向冰模具分配的液体流的第二部分；以及在朝向冰模具分配液体流之后，从液体供应管道向储存容器提供液体供应。
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。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冰器的前立体图。
图2提供了图1的示例性制冰器的前立体图，其中制冰器的门体被示出为处于打开位置。
图3提供了图1的示例性制冰器的某些部件的侧面示意图。
图4提供了根据图1的示例性制冰器的多个冰模具的顶部和侧面示意图。
图5提供了根据图1的示例性制冰器的多个冰模具以及第一储存容器和第二储存容器的侧面示意图。
图6提供了根据图1的示例性制冰器的多个冰模具以及第一储存容器和第二储存容器的侧面示意图。
图7提供了概述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的用于制造透明冰的方法的步骤的流程图。
图8提供了概述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的用于制造透明冰的方法的步骤的流程图。
附图标记在本说明书和附图中的重复使用旨在表示本发明的相同或相似的特征或元件。
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。
本文提供了用于产生透明冰的方法和设备。本文提供的实施方式允许在不需要管接到制冰设备的排水管的情况下制造透明冰。本文提供的实施方式可允许再循环液体和产生透明冰而不将液体排出到废水排出管。本文提供的设备和方法可应用于制冷电器、独立台面制冰器或台下制冰器处的透明冰制冰机。本文提供的设备和方法可通常包括将水提供到制冰模具。
图1和图2提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冰器100的前立体图。如下面更详细所述，制冰器100包括用于生成或产生透明冰的特征。由此，制冰器100的用户可以消耗在制冰器100内储存的透明冰。如在图1中可以看到的，制冰器100限定竖向V。
制冰器100包括箱体110。箱体110可以是隔热的，以便限制箱体110的内部容积111(图2)与周围大气之间的热传递。箱体110在顶部112与底部114之间延伸，例如，沿着竖向V延伸。由此，箱体110的顶部112和底部114彼此隔开，例如，沿着竖向V隔开。门体119安装到箱体110的前部。门体119允许选择性地进入箱体110的内部容积111。例如，门体119在图1中被示出为处于关闭位置，并且门体119在图2中被示出为处于打开位置。用户可以使门体在打开位置与关闭位置之间旋转，以进入箱体110的内部容积111。
如在图2中可以看到的，制冰器100的各种部件设置于在箱体110的内部容积111内。特别地，制冰器100包括布置在箱体110的内部容积111内的制冰机120，例如布置在箱体110的顶部112处。制冰机120用于产生透明冰。制冰机120可用于制造任何合适类型的透明冰。由此，如将理解的，例如，制冰机120可以是透明冰块制冰机。
制冰器100还可包括储冰室或储冰盒102。储冰室102可以设置在箱体110的内部容积111内。特别地，储冰室102可以沿着竖向V设置在例如制冰机120的正下方。由此，储冰室102被设置为从制冰机120接收透明冰，并且用于在其中储存透明冰。可以理解，储冰室102可以保持在高于水的冰点的温度。由此，储冰室102内的透明冰可能在储存在储冰室102内的同时随着时间的推移而融化。制冰器100 可包括用于使液态融水从储冰室102再循环到制冰机120的特征。
图3提供了制冰器100的某些部件的示意图。如在图3中可以看到的，制冰机120可以包括冰模具124和喷嘴126。例如，冰模具124可以包括用于同时形成多个冰块的多个冰模具。来自喷嘴126的液体可以朝向冰模具124分配。例如，喷嘴126可以设置在第一储存容器128内的冰模具124下方，并且可以朝向冰模具124向上分配液态水。如以下更详细所述，冰模具124由制冷剂冷却。由此，来自喷嘴126的流经冰模具124的液态水可以在冰模具124上冻结，例如，以便在冰模具124上形成透明冰块。进一步地，如下所述，冰模具124可包括多个第一冰模具1241和多个第二冰模具1242。
为了冷却冰模具124，制冰组件100包括密封系统170。密封系统170包括用于执行已知的用于冷却制冰机120和/或空气的蒸汽压缩循环的部件。这些部件包括串联连接并填充有制冷剂的压缩机172、冷凝器174、膨胀装置(未示出)以及蒸发器176。如本领域技术人员将理解的，密封系统170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。另外或可选地，可以根据特定实施方式来调节部件(例如，压缩机172、冷凝器174等)的放置。由此，密封系统170仅以示例的方式来提供。使用密封系统的其他构造也在本发明的范围内。
在密封系统170内，制冷剂流入压缩机172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174来降低。在冷凝器174内，进行与周围空气的热交换，以便冷却制冷剂。风扇178可以运行为将空气吹过冷凝器174，以便提供强制对流，用于冷凝器174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174的制冷剂。制冷剂从膨胀装置进入蒸发器176。在离开膨胀装置并进入蒸发器176时，制冷剂的压力下降。由于制冷剂的压降和/或相变，蒸发器176是冷的，例如，相对于环境空气和/或液态水。蒸发器176设置在制冰机120处并与其热接触，例如设置在制冰机120的冰模具124处。由此，制冰机120可在蒸发器176处用制冷剂直接冷却。
应当理解，在可选示例性实施方式中，制冰机120可以是空气冷却制冰机。由此，例如，来自蒸发器176的冷却空气可对制冰器100的各种部件进行制冷，例如对制冰机120的冰模具124进行制冷。在这种示例性实施方式中，蒸发器176是一种热交换器，该热交换器将热量从经过蒸发器176的空气传递到流经蒸发器176的制冷剂，并且风扇可使冷空气从蒸发器176循环到制冰机120。
在一些实施方式中，制冰器100还可包括清洗管道162。清洗管道162可包括可从储冰室102收集融水的额外储存容器(例如，第三储存容器)。在一个示例中，清洗管道162直接连接到储冰室102。因此，储冰室102内的液体可通过清洗管道162流出储冰室102。清洗管道162的第二端可以暴露在制冰器100的外部。流经清洗管道162的液体可经由第二端从制冰器100释放。在其它实施方式中，流经清洗管道162的液体可被重新供应到第一储存容器128。在另一些实施方式中，可完全省略清洗管道162，使得制冰器100无排水管。
制冰器100还可包括控制器190，该控制器调节或操作制冰器100的各种部件。控制器190可以包括存储器和一个或多个微处理器、CPU等，诸如通用或专用微处理器，该微处理器用于执行与制冰器100的运行关联的编程指令或微控制代码。存储器可以表示诸如DRAM的随机存取存储器或诸如ROM或FLASH的只读存储器。在一个实施方式中，处理器执行存储在存储器中的编程指令。存储器可以是与处理器分开的部件，或者可以包含在处理器内的板上。可选地，控制器190可以在不使用微处理器的情况下，例如，使用离散的模拟或/或数字逻辑电路的组合(诸如开关、放大器、积分器、比较器、触发器、与门等)构建为执行控制功能，而不是依靠软件。输入/输出(“I/O”)信号可以在控制器190与制冰器100的各种操作部件之间路由。作为示例，制冰器100的各种操作部件可以经由一条或多条信号线或共享的通信总线与控制器190通信。
制冰机102还可包括设置在冰模具124处或附近的加热器(未示出)。在收获形成在冰模具124上的冰块期间，可以启动加热器以加热冰模具124，随后从冰模具124释放冰块。在一个实施方式中，可以关闭密封系统170(即，没有制冷剂被供应到蒸发器176)，并且可以将加热器打开预定的时间量。然后，通过加热器临时加热冰模具124以释放或收获冰块。例如，加热器可以是电加热器。然而，应当理解，再如，各种类型的加热器可用于加热冰模具124，包括通过密封系统170的制冷剂的反向流动或热气旁路，并且本发明不限于本文提供的这些示例。
图4提供了制冰机120的顶部和侧面示意图，图5提供了包括冰模具124以及第一储存容器128和第二储存容器138的制冰机120的侧面示意图。例如，第一储存容器128和第二储存容器138可位于图3的嵌入物300内。参见图4，制冰机120可包括冰模具124。另外或可选地，蒸发器176可以附接到冰模具124。冰模具124可以包括多个第一冰模具1241和多个第二冰模具1242。在一个示例中，多个第一冰模具1241可沿着横向T与多个第二冰模具1242区分开。例如，多个第一冰模具1241 可定位为接近箱体110的后部，并且多个第二冰模具1242可定位为接近箱体110的前部。应当注意，多个第一冰模具1241和多个第二冰模具1242的位置仅以示例的方式提供，并且其位置可根据具体实施方式改变。
制冰器100可包括液体供应管道130和供应阀132。液体供应管道130可连接到外部加压液体供应系统，诸如市政供水系统或井。供应阀132可以联接到液体供应管道130，并且供应阀132可以是可操作(例如，可打开和可关闭)的，以调节通过液体供应管道130进入制冰器100的液态水流。在一个实施方式中，液体供应管道130连接到第一储存容器128。详细地，液体供应管道130与第一储存容器128流体连通，以允许外部水经由液体供应管道130被供应到第一储存容器128中。由此，例如，通过打开供应阀132，第一储存容器128可通过液体供应管道130被填充有来自外部加压供水系统的新鲜液态水。液体供应管道130可以连接在箱体110的底部。在一些实施方式中，液体供应管道130连接在箱体110的顶部。根据该实施方式，通过箱体的顶部引入的水可在制冰机120的顶部上方释放，并且可辅助形成在冰模具124上的冰的收获操作。
现在参见图5，制冰器100可以包括第一储存容器128。第一储存容器128可设置在储冰室102内。例如，第一储存容器128可位于储冰室102的内部容积111的顶部112处或附近。第一储存容器128可限定保持待形成为冰的液体(例如水)的接收空间。例如，第一储存容器128的内部容积可小于储冰室102的内部容积111。在一些实施方式中，第一储存容器128可保持其它液体，例如清洁溶液。
制冰机120可设置在第一储存容器128内。详细地，蒸发器176和冰模具124可以位于第一储存容器128内。在一些实施方式中，制冰机120设置在第一储存容器128上方(例如，沿着竖向V)。第一储存容器128可沿着竖向V从底端202延伸到顶端204。制冰机120可安装在第一储存容器128的顶端204处。例如，蒸发器176可以安装到顶端204，并且冰模具124可以连接到蒸发器176。在一些实施方式中，冰模具124可由蒸发器176限定。换言之，蒸发器176与冰模具124成一体，使得透明冰直接形成在蒸发器176上。
制冰器100可包括第一循环系统139。第一循环系统139可包括第一泵142、第一循环管道140和第一喷嘴126。第一泵142可设置在第一储存容器128内。第一泵142可以泵送储存在第一储存容器128中的水或液体。第一循环管道140可连接到第一泵142，使得由第一泵142泵送的水或液体循环通过第一循环管道140。第一循环管道140可包括一系列能够引导由第一泵142泵送的水或液体的管或管道。第一喷 嘴126可设置在第一循环管道140的下游端。第一喷嘴126可将储存在第一储存容器128中的水或液体朝向制冰机120(即，冰模具124和/或蒸发器176)分配。
在一个实施方式中，第一喷嘴126可以位于第一储存容器128的底端202附近。由此可见，水或液体可从第一喷嘴126沿大体向上的方向朝向制冰机120喷射。因此，在制冰机由通过密封系统170的制冷剂的循环冷却的同时，由于水持续地喷射到制冰机120上，因此可在制冰机120上形成透明冰。详细地，从第一喷嘴126分配的液体可被引向冰模具124，诸如图5中描述的。在其他实施方式中，第一喷嘴126可将液体引导到多个第一冰模具1241。在一些实施方式中，可以提供多个第一喷嘴126。多个第一喷嘴126中的每一个可独立地连接到第一泵142(例如，各个第一喷嘴126具有专用的第一循环管道140)。另外或可选地，多个第一喷嘴126中的每一个可经由联合循环管道连接到第一泵142。
制冰器100也可以清洁模式操作，或者可以执行清洁操作，以清洁制冰器100中可能被外来碎屑污染的各种件。例如，在一些实施方式中，清洁溶液或酸可被泵送通过第一循环管道140并由喷嘴126朝向制冰机120分配。因此，清洁溶液或酸可以从例如冰模具124、喷嘴126、第一储存容器128和第一循环管道140去除外来污染物或碎屑。
第一液位传感器或开关134可设置在第一储存容器128中。通常，第一液位传感器134可感测容纳在第一储存容器128内的液位。在一些实施方式中，第一液位传感器134与控制器190可操作地通信。比如，第一液位传感器134可经由一个或多个信号与控制器190通信。在某些实施方式中，第一液位传感器134包括预定阈值料位(例如，以指示对第一储存容器128的额外液体的需要)。特别地，第一液位传感器134可检测第一储存容器128的液体是否或何时低于预定阈值料位。可选地，第一液位传感器134可以是双位置传感器。换言之，第一液位传感器134可以是“开”或“关”，这取决于液位。
例如，当液位低于预定阈值料位时，第一液位传感器134“关闭”，这意味着其不经由控制器190向第一泵142发送信号以通过第一循环管道140从第一储存容器128朝向第一喷嘴126泵送液体。再如，当液位高于预定阈值时，第一液位传感器134“开启”，这意味着其经由控制器190向第一泵142发送信号以操作第一泵142，从而通过第一循环管道140朝向第一喷嘴126泵送液体。应当理解，第一液位传感器134可以是能够确定第一储存容器128内的液位的任何合适的传感器，并且本发明不限于本文提供的这些示例。
在一些实施方式中，过滤器(未示出)可连接到第一循环管道140。过滤器可从第一储存容器128中的水中滤除固体污染物。过滤器可以设置在第一泵142的下游。另外或可选地，过滤器可设置在喷嘴126的上游。在一些这样的实施方式中，过滤器沿着第一泵142与喷嘴126之间的流路设置，使得水在被喷嘴126分配之前从第一储存容器142穿过过滤器。过滤器可以包括执行实际过滤的过滤介质。例如，过滤介质可以是去离子过滤器。然而，应当理解，可以并入各种另外的或可选的合适过滤介质或装置作为过滤介质，或者可以完全省略过滤器。
简要参见图5，制冰器100的某些实施方式可以包括第二储存容器138。第二储存容器138可设置在储冰室102内。例如，第二储存容器138可紧邻第一储存容器128。第二储存容器138可限定接收空间，该接收空间保持相对于第一储存容器128处的液体主体具有更高总溶解固体(TDS)的液体。例如，第二储存容器138的内部容积可小于储冰室102的内部容积111。第二储存容器138可与第一储存容器128流体连通。例如，容纳在第一储存容器128内的液体可经由第二管道147选择性地转移到第二储存容器138，诸如本文进一步描述的。第二储存容器138可以低于第一储存容器128(例如，沿着竖向V)。详细地，第二储存容器138的底部可沿着竖向V低于第一储存容器128的底部。另外或可选地，第二储存容器138的顶部可低于第一储存容器128的顶部(例如，沿着竖向)。
第一储存容器128和第二储存容器138可通过管道154连接。管道154可以包括允许液体从第一储存容器128流入第二储存容器138的管、管子或管道。管道154可以是任何合适的长度，并且本发明在尺寸或所使用的材料方面不受限制。另外或可选地，阀156可设置在管道154上。例如，在管道154处的阀156可以允许选择性地打开和关闭第一储存容器128与第二储存容器138之间的流体。阀156可接收来自控制器190的输入信号以选择性地打开和关闭，从而允许来自第一储存容器128的液体穿过阀组件156进入第二储存容器138，诸如本文进一步描述的。在各种实施方式中，阀156可以是任何合适类型的阀，诸如止回阀、闸阀、瓣阀、球阀、电子阀等。在一些实施方式中，阀是机械阀(即，阀可以根据来自第一储存容器128的液体压力打开和关闭，而无需来自控制器190的电子干预)。
详细地，制冰器100可将从液体供应管道130提供的一定料位的液体(例如，市政水)接收到第一储存容器128中。制冰器100然后可执行各自形成透明冰的多个制冰循环或操作。剩余在第一储存容器128内的剩余液体可包含的总溶解固体(TDS)的水平高于从液体供应管道130提供至第一储存容器128的液体的TDS的水 平。
因此，当超过阈值TDS水平时，控制器190可打开阀156，以允许第一储存容器128中的液体流入第二储存容器138中。在各个实施方式中，第一储存容器128中的液体根据检测到的TDS水平选择性地转移到第二储存容器138，诸如下面进一步详细描述的。
制冰器10的实施方式被配置为执行或实行用于制冰的方法(下文中为“方法1000”)的步骤，诸如图7至图8中的流程图中概述的步骤。制冰器(诸如关于图1至图6提供的制冰器10的实施方式)可被配置为存储或接收指令并执行根据方法1000的实施方式的步骤的操作。由控制器190存储的指令在被执行时使得制冰器10执行用于制冰的操作。特别地，由控制器190执行的方法或操作产生透明冰，诸如具有比由大致从液体供应管道130接收的水形成的冰少得多的总溶解固体(TDS)。方法1000的实施方式允许产生具有大致为零的总溶解固体的冰，从而产生大致不含可能在冰中产生混浊度的物质的透明冰。
操作或方法1000的步骤包括在1005从液体供应管道(例如，液体供应管道130)向储存容器(例如，储存容器128)提供液体(例如，水)供应。从液体供应管道提供的液体通常具有基线水平的总溶解固体(TDS)，诸如可从水源接收，或在电器或利用电器的设施处的一个或多个过滤器之后接收。提供给储存容器的初始液体主体具有与来自液体供应管道的液体供应的基线水平TDS大致类似的TDS水平。例如，来自液体供应管道的液体供应的基线TDS可以是大约百万分之(ppm)100。然而，应当理解，基线TDS可以是TDS阈值水平以下的任何水平，诸如本文进一步描述的。
方法1000包括在1010从储存容器处的液体主体朝向冰模具(例如，冰模具124)分配液体流。特别地，步骤1010可以包括通过喷嘴(例如，喷嘴126)朝向冰模具分配或喷射液体流。方法1000包括在1020在冰模具处冻结从1010接收的液体流的第一部分。方法1000包括在1030向储存容器(例如，储存容器128)提供经由步骤1010分配的液体流的第二部分。在各种实施方式中，在冰模具处冻结的液体流的第一部分是朝向冰模具分配的液体流的大约10％或更少，并且液体流的第二部分是朝向冰模具分配的液体流的剩余部分或差额(例如，90％或更多)。由此可见，液体流的第一部分与第二部分的比例大约为10/90或更小。在某些实施方式中，第一部分与第二部分的比例为大约5/95或更小，或特别地为大约1/99。从喷嘴分配的液体流的未冻结部分(即，第二部分)诸如经由储存容器(例如，储存容器128)的重力、滴落或集水来提供。方法1000可形成迭代执行步骤1010和1020直到在冰模具(例如 冰模具124)处形成透明冰的制冰循环。
在冰模具124处冻结的液体流的第一部分具有比被提供回到储存容器128的第二部分小的第一TDS水平。第一TDS水平可随着制冰循环的继续或者随着另外的制冰循环的执行而变化，在冰模具124处接收和冻结的液体流的第一TDS水平通常小于累积来自第一部分的溶解固体的第二TDS水平。由此可见，方法1000可以包括在1022在液体流的第二部分处累积来自液体流的第一部分的溶解固体。
在关于1010和1020或此外关于1022描述的制冰循环期间或之后，方法1000包括在朝向冰模具分配液体流之后，在1030从液体供应管道向储存容器(例如，从液体供应管道130向储存容器128)提供液体供应。步骤1030可以与步骤1005大致类似地执行。由此，液体供应具有基线TDS。初始制冰循环(例如步骤1010和1020)可以包括具有与基线TDS大致类似的第一水平的TDS的液体流的第一部分。随着TDS在进入储存容器(例如储存容器128)的液体流的第二部分处累积，液体主体处的TDS增加。因此，来自储存容器处的液体主体的液体流的第一部分的TDS增加，并且第二部分的TDS进一步增加到第一部分的TDS以上。
在示例性实施方式中，在初始或第一制冰循环开始时的液体主体处的基线TDS为大约100ppm。在完成第一制冰循环之后，储存容器128处的液体主体的TDS为大约200ppm。步骤1030向储存容器128处剩余的液体主体提供具有基线TDS的液体供应。步骤1030可以相应地包括用来自液体供应管道的液体供应稀释储存容器处的液体主体，以降低储存容器处的液体主体处的TDS水平。参见示例性实施方式，在完成步骤1030之后，液体主体处的TDS可以降低到大约150ppm。在第一制冰循环之后可以执行第二制冰循环，其中，在液体主体和液体流的第一部分处的起始TDS为大约150ppm。在完成第二制冰循环之后，储存容器128处的液体主体处的TDS为大约300ppm。步骤1030提供液体的供应，并因此将TDS稀释到较小的量(例如，从300ppm稀释到200ppm)。
因此，方法1000的实施方式可以包括在1024通过诸如在步骤1020或1022中向储存容器提供液体流的第二部分来增加储存容器处的液体主体处的溶解固体。方法1000可包括在1032通过诸如在步骤1030中向储存容器提供液体供应来减少液体主体处的溶解固体。
方法1000在1040在液体主体超过总溶解固体的阈值时将液体主体从储存容器(例如，第一储存容器128)排出到第二储存容器(例如，第二储存容器138)。在各种实施方式中，总溶解固体的阈值为提供给储存容器128的液体供应的溶解固体 量(诸如TDS的基线水平)的5倍至10倍。在示例性实施方式中，阈值TDS可以是大约800ppm。可以执行制冰循环的若干次迭代，其中，各个随后的起始TDS水平增加超过先前的TDS水平。初始或第一制冰循环可以在步骤1010以大约100ppm开始，在步骤1020增加到大约200ppm，在步骤1030稀释到100ppm至200ppm之间，并且为下一制冰循环提供起始TDS水平。在某些实施方式中，在制冰循环的若干次迭代之后，起始TDS水平处于或超过阈值TDS水平。
在某些实施方式中，方法1000包括在1038确定储存容器(例如，储存容器128)处的液体主体处的TDS。确定TDS可以包括检测、计算、获得或者以其他方式检测液体主体处的TDS水平。某些实施方式可配置液位传感器134来确定TDS水平。在其它实施方式中，确定TDS水平可以是基线TDS、制冰循环的数量、阈值TDS极限以及液体主体先前何时被排出或以其它方式替换的指示的函数。确定TDS水平可以对应于预定数量的制冰循环，到该预定数量的制冰循环时，储存容器处的液体主体处于或高于阈值TDS极限。
在特定实施方式中，方法1000包括在1040在确定液体主体处的TDS水平超过阈值TDS极限之后将液体主体的至少一部分从第一储存容器128排出到第二储存容器138。排出液体主体可包括致动诸如本文所述的阀组件156以允许液体从第一储存容器128流到第二储存容器138。
在某些实施方式中，方法1000还包括在1042蒸发第二储存容器(例如，蒸发箱)处的液体主体。蒸发第二储存容器138处的液体主体可以通过将冷凝器的受热部分设置为与第二储存容器138处的液体主体热连通来执行，该受热部分经由176a描述。随着时间的推移，储存容器可以收集随着液体蒸发而留下的固体。在一些实施方式中，第二储存容器138可构造为一次性的和可更换的。在某些实施方式中，第二储存容器138可由聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯(PET)、回收PET(RPET)或其它适当材料形成。
在另一些实施方式中，储存容器可以用抗微生物剂、抗真菌剂、抗病毒剂或其它化合物处理或整合，以抑制液体主体处的细菌、霉菌或病毒生长。处理可以包括氯、美克邦(Microban (R))或其它合适的溶液。另一些实施方式还可以包括用紫外光处理液体。
方法1000可包括在1044冷凝蒸发的液体和在1046将冷凝液体提供到第一储存容器128。制冰器10可通过第二循环管道147将冷凝液体提供回第一储存容器128，该第二循环管道提供从第二储存容器138至第一储存容器128的流体连通。冷凝液 体具有比从第一储存容器128提供到第二储存容器138的液体低的TDS。然后，冷凝液体可用于液体主体中，诸如在步骤1010和1020所描述的。
本文提供的电器10和方法1000的实施方式允许在不需要将水排出到废水排出管的情况下产生透明冰。本文提供的实施方式允许将水从第一储存容器再循环至第二储存容器，并且在再循环回第一储存容器之前从高TDS水中去除溶解固体。
本文提供的电器10和方法1000的某些实施方式可包括使循环结束TDS水平相对于循环开始TDS水平大致加倍。例如，液体主体处的100ppm的起始TDS可以以液体主体处的200ppm结束循环。另一些实施方式还可包括将循环结束TDS水平稀释到大约循环开始TDS水平(例如100ppm)和循环结束TDS水平(例如200ppm)的中间或之间，以便提供第二循环开始TDS水平(例如150ppm)。循环可以迭代，直到TDS的阈值水平被满足或超过(例如700ppm、或800ppm、或1000ppm等)。
在基线TDS为大约100ppm的某些实施方式中，对于从第一储存容器128排出的每磅水，电器10和方法1000可产生大约六磅的透明冰。在基线TDS为大约150ppm的另一实施方式中，对于从第一储存容器128排出的每磅水，电器10和方法1000可产生大约3.5磅的透明冰。
方法1000的特定实施方式包括在1050在液体主体处的TDS增加时降低制冰速率。在TDS增加时降低制冰速率可以允许匹配蒸发时间、液体再循环或处理、或用户的消耗速率。
简要地参见图6，电器10可以大致如关于图1至图5提供的那样配置。在图6中，电器10可包括第二循环系统146。第二循环系统146可设置在第二储存容器138中。例如，第二循环系统146可包括第二泵144、第二循环管道147和第二喷嘴148。第二循环系统146可按照与第一循环系统139相同的原理操作。例如，第二泵144可以将液体从第二储存容器138通过第二管道147朝向第二喷嘴148泵送。然而，第二喷嘴148可将液体引向与多个第一冰模具1421相对的多个第二冰模具1242。在一些实施方式中，可以提供多个第二喷嘴148。多个第二喷嘴148中的每一个可独立地连接到第二泵144(例如，各个第二喷嘴148具有专用的第二循环管道147)。另外或可选地，多个第二喷嘴148中的每一个可经由联合循环管道连接到第二泵144。
在一些实施方式中，第一储存容器128、第一冰模具1241和第一循环系统139可统称为第一制冰机。类似地，第二储存容器138、第二冰模具1242和第二循环系统146可统称为第二制冰机。如以下将更详细地描述的，第二制冰机可以不包括第二循环系统146。
第二液位传感器136可设置在第二储存容器138中。通常，第二液位传感器136可感测容纳在第二储存容器138内的液位。在一些实施方式中，第二液位传感器136与控制器190可操作地通信。比如，第二液位传感器136可经由一个或多个信号与控制器190通信。在某些实施方式中，第二液位传感器136包括预定阈值料位(例如，以指示对第二储存容器138的额外液体的需要)。特别地，第二液位传感器136可检测第二储存容器138中的液体是否或何时低于预定阈值料位。可选地，第二液位传感器136可以是双位置传感器。换言之，第二液位传感器136可以是“开”或“关”，这取决于液位。例如，当液位低于预定阈值料位时，第二液位传感器136“关闭”，这意味着其不经由控制器190向第二泵144发送信号以通过第二循环管道147从第二储存容器138朝向第二喷嘴148泵送液体。再如，当液位高于预定阈值时，第二液位传感器136“开启”，这意味着其经由控制器190向第二泵144发送信号以操作第二泵144，从而通过第二循环管道147朝向第二喷嘴148泵送液体。应当理解，第二液位传感器136可以是能够确定第二储存容器138内的液位的任何合适的传感器，并且本发明不限于本文提供的这些示例。
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 (20)

  1. 一种制冰器，其特征在于，包括：
    箱体，该箱体形成储冰室；
    储存容器，该储存容器设置在所述储冰室内；
    液体供应管道，该液体供应管道被构造为将液体供应到所述储存容器；
    冰模具，该冰模具被构造为在所述冰模具处冻结液体；
    喷嘴，该喷嘴被构造为将所述液体从所述储存容器分配到所述冰模具；以及
    控制器，该控制器被配置为执行指令，所述指令执行操作，所述操作包括：
    从所述储存容器处的液体主体朝向所述冰模具分配液体流；
    在所述冰模具处冻结从将所述液体流分配到所述冰模具接收的所述液体流的第一部分；
    向所述储存容器提供朝向所述冰模具分配的所述液体流的第二部分；以及
    在朝向所述冰模具分配所述液体流之后，从所述液体供应管道向所述储存容器提供液体供应。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述液体流的所述第一部分的总溶解固体的第一水平低于具有第二水平的总溶解固体的所述液体流的所述第二部分。
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述操作包括：
    在所述液体流的所述第二部分处累积来自所述液体流的所述第一部分的溶解固体。
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述操作包括：
    通过向所述储存容器提供所述液体流的所述第二部分来增加所述储存容器处的所述液体主体处的所述溶解固体。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述操作包括：
    通过向所述储存容器提供所述液体供应来减少所述液体主体处的所述溶解固体。
  6. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述电器包括：
    蒸发箱，该蒸发箱与所述储存容器流体连通。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述操作包括：
    当所述液体主体超过总溶解固体的阈值时，将所述液体主体从所述储存容器排 出到所述蒸发箱。
  8. 根据权利要求7所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述操作包括：
    确定所述储存容器处的所述液体主体处的所述总溶解固体。
  9. 根据权利要求7所述的制冰器，其特征在于，总溶解固体的所述阈值为提供到所述储存容器的所述液体供应的溶解固体量的5倍至10倍。
  10. 根据权利要求6所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述操作包括：
    蒸发所述蒸发箱处的所述液体主体；
    冷凝所述蒸发的液体；以及
    将所述冷凝液体提供到所述储存容器。
  11. 根据权利要求10所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述电器包括：
    冷凝器，该冷凝器与所述蒸发箱热连通，其中，蒸发所述蒸发箱处的所述液体主体包括将所述液体主体设置为与冷凝器热连通。
  12. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器，其特征在于，朝向所述冰模具分配所述液体流包括通过所述喷嘴朝向所述冰模具喷射所述液体流。
  13. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器，其特征在于，在所述冰模具处冻结的所述液体流的所述第一部分是朝向所述冰模具分配的所述液体流的大约10％或更少，并且其中，所述液体流的所述第二部分是朝向所述冰模具分配的所述液体流的剩余部分。
  14. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器，其特征在于，所述控制器被配置为迭代分配所述液体流、冻结所述液体流的所述第一部分、提供所述液体流的所述第二部分和提供所述液体供应，直到超过所述液体主体处的总溶解固体的阈值为止。
  15. 一种用于制冰的方法，其特征在于，所述方法包括：
    从储存容器处的液体主体朝向冰模具分配液体流；
    在所述冰模具处冻结从将所述液体流分配到所述冰模具接收的所述液体流的第一部分；
    向所述储存容器提供朝向所述冰模具分配的所述液体流的第二部分；以及
    在朝向所述冰模具分配所述液体流之后，从液体供应管道向所述储存容器提供液体供应。
  16. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其特征在于，所述液体流的所述第一部分的总溶解固体的第一水平低于具有第二水平的总溶解固体的所述液体流的所述第二部分。
  17. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法包括：
    迭代分配所述液体流、冻结所述液体流的所述第一部分、提供所述液体流的所述第二部分和提供所述液体供应，直到超过所述液体主体处的总溶解固体的阈值为止。
  18. 根据权利要求17所述的方法，其特征在于，所述液体主体处的所述总溶解固体的阈值在大约650至1000之间。
  19. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其特征在于，所述液体流的所述第一部分的总溶解固体的第一水平低于具有第二水平的总溶解固体的所述液体流的所述第二部分。
  20. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法包括：
    通过在将所述液体流的所述第二部分提供至所述储存容器时在所述液体流的所述第二部分处累积来自所述液体流的所述第一部分的溶解固体来增加所述储存容器处的所述液体主体处的所述溶解固体；以及
    通过向所述储存容器提供所述液体供应来减少所述液体主体处的所述溶解固体。
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