• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    ice maker for a refrigeration appliance. a refrigeration apparatus includes a fresh food compartment 14, a freezer compartment 12, and an ice maker 20 within the fresh food compartment 14 for freezing water into pieces of ice. in one example, a rotating auger 70 drives ice chunks out of a removable ice container through a propulsion force applied in a first direction. a closure 80 is configured to apply a resistive force to the ice container along a second direction. in another example, an air motor 52 is arranged within the ice maker 20 to supply cooled air from an ice maker evaporator 50 to a region adjacent to the ice container. at least one air channel is formed in an interior surface of the ice maker chamber 60. In another example, a method of making ice in the refrigeration apparatus is provided. the method includes the steps of operating the air motor 52 and an ice maker evaporator defrost heating 50.
    公开号:BR112014018770B1
    申请号:R112014018770-3
    申请日:2013-01-31
    公开日:2022-01-04
    发明作者:Thomas W. Mccollough；Nilton Carlos Bertolini；Justin Morgan；Dennis Carl Hansen
    申请人:Electrolux Home Products, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS
    [001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Interim Application No. 61/592,913, filed January 31, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [002] This application generally relates to an ice maker by a refrigeration apparatus, and more particularly to a refrigeration apparatus which includes an ice maker disposed within a food storage compartment of a refrigerator, which is maintained at a temperature above the freezing temperature of water under atmospheric conditions, and a method for controlling the ice maker to produce the ice. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [003] Conventional refrigeration appliances, such as household refrigerators, typically have both a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment or section. The fresh food compartment is where foods such as fruits, vegetables, and beverages are stored and the freezer compartment is where foods that must be kept in a frozen condition are stored. The refrigerators are equipped with a refrigeration system that keeps the food compartment fresh at temperatures above 0°C and the freezer compartments at temperatures below 0°C.
    [004] The arrangements of the fresh food compartments and the freezer in relation to each other in such refrigerators vary. For example, in some cases the freezer compartment is located above the fresh food compartment and in other cases the freezer compartment is located below the fresh food compartment. In addition, many modern refrigerators have their freezer compartments and fresh food compartments arranged in a side-by-side relationship. Whichever freezer compartment and fresh food compartment layout is employed, typically separate access doors are provided for the compartments so that one compartment can be accessed without exposing the other compartment to ambient air.
    [005] Such conventional coolers are often provided with a unit for making ice chunks, commonly referred to as "ice cubes", despite the non-cubic shape of many of these ice chunks. These ice making units are typically located in the freezer compartments of refrigerators and make ice by convection, that is, by circulating cold air over water in an ice tray to freeze the water into ice cubes. Storage compartments for storing frozen chunks of ice are also often provided adjacent to the ice maker units. Ice chips can be dispensed from the storage compartments through a dispensing hole in the door that closes the freezer to ambient air. Ice dispensing generally occurs via an ice dispensing mechanism that extends between the storage compartment and the dispensing port in the freezer compartment door.
    [006] However, for refrigerators, such as the so-called "bottom mount" refrigerator, which includes a freezer compartment arranged vertically beneath a fresh food compartment, placing the ice maker inside the freezer compartment is impractical. . Users would be required to retrieve the frozen chunks of ice from a location close to the ground where the cooler is resting. And providing an ice dispenser located at a convenient height, such as in a fresh food compartment access door, would require an elaborate conveyor system to transport the frozen chunks of ice from the freezer compartment to the dispenser in the door. access to the fresh food compartment. Thus, ice makers are usually included in the fresh food compartment of bottom mount refrigerators, which creates many challenges in making and storing ice within a compartment that is normally kept above freezing water temperature. Operation of such ice makers can be affected by temperature variations and other events that occur within the fresh food compartments that house the ice makers, and prolonged exposure of ice to the fresh food compartment environment can result in partial melting of pieces of ice. In addition, the assembly of these coolers can be complex and laborious, due in part to the measures that must be taken to store the pieces of ice inside the fresh food compartment.
    [007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a refrigerator, including an ice maker disposed within a compartment of the refrigerator, wherein a temperature is maintained above 0°C for a substantial period of time during which the refrigerator it is operational. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [008] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some exemplary aspects of the invention. This summary is not a broad overview of the invention. Furthermore, this summary is not intended to identify the critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
    [009] According to one aspect, a refrigeration apparatus comprises a fresh food compartment for storing food in a refrigerated environment with a target temperature above zero degrees centigrade, and a freezer compartment for storing food in a refrigerated environment. subfreezing having a target temperature below zero degrees centigrade. An ice maker is arranged inside the fresh food compartment for ice water in ice chunks, and the ice maker comprises a removable ice compartment for storing the ice chunks produced by the ice maker. A rotating auger is positioned within the ice compartment and configured to drive the ice chunks out of the ice compartment by means of a propulsion force applied in a first direction. A lock is configured to apply a drag force to the ice bin along a second direction generally opposite to the first direction sufficient to counterbalance the thrust force. The drag force is less than the removal force applied by a user to remove the ice bin from the ice maker.
    [010] According to another aspect, a refrigeration apparatus comprises a fresh food compartment for storing food in a refrigerated environment with a target temperature above zero degrees centigrade, and a freezer compartment for storing food in a subfreezing having a target temperature below zero degrees centigrade. An ice maker is arranged inside the fresh food compartment to freeze water into pieces of ice. The ice maker comprises an ice maker chamber having a first end and a second end and containing an ice compartment for storing the pieces of ice produced by the ice maker. A refrigeration system comprises an evaporator system for providing a cooling effect for at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments, and an ice maker evaporator is arranged in the ice maker chamber which is dedicated to supply the cooled air to a temperature below zero degrees centigrade to the ice maker. An air motor is arranged within the ice maker and adjacent the second end of the ice maker chamber to supply the cooled air from the ice maker evaporator to a region adjacent to the ice compartment. At least one air channel is formed in an interior surface of the ice maker chamber adjacent the first end and extending vertically between an upper surface of the ice compartment towards a lower surface of the ice compartment.
    [011] According to another aspect, a method of producing ice in a refrigeration apparatus, comprises the step of introducing water into a water tray of an ice machine arranged inside a compartment for fresh food configured to store food at a temperature above zero degrees centigrade. The method further comprises the step of operating an ice machine evaporator which is dedicated to supplying cooled air to a temperature below zero degrees centigrade to achieve a cooling effect for the water in the water tray sufficient to freeze the water to pieces. of ice. The ice maker further comprises an ice compartment for storing the pieces of ice produced by the ice maker, and the ice maker evaporator comprises a defrost heating element which is operable to melt ice accumulated on the surface. of the ice maker evaporator. The method further comprises the step of operating an air motor disposed within the ice maker for a predetermined period of time to supply the air cooled by the ice maker evaporator from at least one water tray and the ice compartment. The method further comprises the step of subsequently stopping the operation of the air motor and the operation of the defrost heating element to thereby melt the ice accumulated on the surface of the ice maker evaporator.
    [012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present example and explanatory embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the invention, as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a better understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate several examples of embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [013] The foregoing and other aspects of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art, to which the present application relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a refrigerator, including an ice maker arranged in a fresh food compartment; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a refrigerator including an ice maker arranged in a fresh food compartment with French doors providing access to the fresh food compartment; FIG. 3 is a perspective, partially cut away view of an example ice maker; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example ice maker compartment with an example closure; FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the lock of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a front part of the ice compartment with another example of closure; FIG. 7 is a side view of the ice bin example; FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the ice bin example; FIG. 9 is a rear view of the ice bin example; FIG. 10 is a front right perspective view of an example ice maker chamber; and FIG. 11 is a front left perspective view of an example ice maker chamber. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
    [014] Examples of embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present application are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present application. For example, one or more aspects of the present application may be used in other embodiments and even in other types of devices. Furthermore, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and should not be taken as a limitation on the present application. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements.
    [015] With reference to FIG. 1, a refrigeration apparatus in the form of a domestic refrigerator is illustrated, generally indicated by 10. Although the following detailed description relates to a domestic refrigerator 10, the invention may be embodied by refrigeration apparatus other than a domestic refrigerator 10. Furthermore, one embodiment is described in detail below, and shown in the figures as a bottom mounting configuration of a refrigerator 10, including a fresh food compartment 14 arranged vertically above a freezer compartment 12. However, the cooler 10 can have any desired configuration including at least a fresh food compartment 14 and an ice maker 20 (FIG. 2). Several examples of a domestic refrigerator are described in Applications Serial No. 11/331,732, filed January 13, 2006, and Serial No. 12/713,725, filed February 26, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. by reference.
    [016] One or more ports 16 shown in FIG. 1 are pivotally coupled to a cabinet 19 of the refrigerator 10 to restrict and allow access to the fresh food compartment 14. The door 16 may include a single door that extends the full lateral distance along the entrance to the fresh food compartment 14. , or it may include a pair of French-style ports 16, as shown in FIG. 1, which collectively spans the entire lateral distance from the entrance to the fresh food compartment 14 to place the fresh food compartment 14. For this latter configuration, a stop center 21 (FIG. 2) is pivotally coupled with at least , one of the doors 16 for establishing a surface against which a seal provided to the other in one of the doors 16 can seal the entrance to the fresh food compartment 14 at a location between the opposing side surfaces 17 (FIG. 2) of the doors 16. The stop may be pivotally coupled to door 16 to pivot between a first orientation that is substantially parallel to a planar surface of door 16 when door 16 is closed, and a different orientation when door 16 is open. The externally exposed surface of the center stop 21 is substantially parallel to the door 16 when the center stop 21 is in the first orientation, and which forms an angle other than parallel relative to the door 16 when the center stop 21 is in the second orientation. The seal and the externally exposed surface of the stop 21 cooperate approximately midway between the side walls of the fresh food compartment 14.
    [017] A dispenser 18 for dispensing at least the pieces of ice, and optionally water, can be provided to one of the doors 16 that restrict access to the fresh food compartment 14 shown in FIG. 1. Dispenser 18 includes a lever, switch, proximity sensor, or other device that a user can interact with to cause frozen chunks of ice to be dispensed from an ice bin 35 (FIG. 2) provided to an ice maker 20 arranged inside the fresh food compartment 14 through the door 16. Ice chunks from the ice compartment 35 can be delivered to the dispenser by means of an ice chute 25 extending at least partially, through port 16 between dispenser 18 and ice compartment 35.
    [018] Referring once again to FIG. 1, the freezer compartment 12 is arranged vertically below the fresh food compartment 14. A drawer assembly (not shown), including one or more freezer baskets (not shown) can be removed from the freezer compartment 12 to provide access for a user to food stored in the freezer compartment 12. The drawer assembly may be coupled to a freezer door 11 that includes a handle 15. When a user grasps the handle 15 and pulls the freezer door 11 open, at least , one or more of the freezer baskets are at least partially removed from the freezer compartment 12.
    [019] Freezer compartment 12 is used to freeze and/or keep food items stored in freezer compartment 12 in a frozen state. For this purpose, the freezer compartment 12 is in thermal communication with an ice maker evaporator (FIG. 2) which removes thermal energy from the freezer compartment 12 to maintain the temperature therein at a temperature of 0°C. or less during operation of the cooler 10 in a manner described below.
    [020] The fresh food compartment 14 located at the top of the refrigerator 10 in this example serves to minimize the deterioration of food items stored therein by maintaining the temperature in the fresh food compartment 14 during operation at a cold temperature that is typically lower than an ambient temperature of the refrigerator 10, but just above 0°C, so as not to freeze the food items in the fresh food compartment 14. In some embodiments, the cold air from which the heat energy removed by the ice maker evaporator can also be blown into the fresh food compartment 14 to keep the temperature in it at a cold temperature which is greater than 0°C. For alternative embodiments, a separate evaporator may optionally be dedicated to separately maintaining the temperature within the fresh food compartment 14 independent of the freezer compartment 12. According to one embodiment, the temperature in the fresh food compartment may be maintained at a cold temperature within a narrow tolerance of a range between 0°C and 4.5°C, including any sub-ranges and any individual temperatures that fall within this range. For example, other embodiments may optionally maintain the cold temperature within the fresh food compartment 14 within a reasonably close tolerance of a temperature between 0.25°C and 4°C.
    [021] The refrigerator 10 further includes a refrigeration system comprising an evaporator system 27 to provide a cooling effect to at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments. An embodiment of the evaporator system 27 for cooling air for both the freezer compartment 12 and the fresh food compartment 14 is shown in FIG. 2. The system evaporator 27 is supported within the freezer compartment 12, and an electric fan 29 is located adjacent to the system evaporator 27. In one example, the operation of the electric fan 29 obtains airflow upwards over the evaporator fins and coils of system 27, and then in a forward direction, generally parallel to the liner portion of freezer compartment 12 and toward freezer compartment 12. A cover (not shown) positioned in front of the horizontally oriented electric fan 29 redirects at least a part of the horizontal air flow, generally upwards, through a cold air duct to be reintroduced into the fresh food compartment 14.
    [022] The system evaporator 27 is included as part of a refrigeration circuit provided to the cooler 10 to remove thermal energy from the air to be used to control temperatures in at least one fresh food compartment 14 and the of the freezer 12, and also to reduce a temperature of an ice maker evaporator 50 (FIG. 3) for freezing water for the ice chips and for maintaining a temperature in the ice compartment 35 supplied to the ice maker. ice making 20. In one example, the refrigeration circuit includes a variable speed compressor for compressing refrigerated gases into a high pressure refrigerant gas. The compressor may optionally be infinitely variable, or it may be varied among a plurality of distinct, predetermined operating speeds depending on the demand for cooling. The high pressure refrigerated gas from the compressor may be transported through a suitable tube, such as a copper tube to a condenser, which cools the high pressure refrigerated gas and causes it to at least partially condense. into liquid cooling. From the condenser, the liquid cooling can optionally be transported through a scavenging tube which is incorporated within a part of the central stop 21 (FIG. 2). Liquid cooling flowing through the scavenging tube raises the temperature of the outer surface of the center stop 21 to minimize condensation of moisture from an environment of the cooler 10 therein. Alternatively, an AC or DC electric flap heater can be used to control condensation on the central flap 21. According to alternative embodiments, the cooler 10 includes a humidity sensor to detect a humidity of an environment in which the cooler 10 is located. in use, and control the operation of the eliminator tube or stop heater.
    [023] In operation, the compressor compresses the substantially gaseous refrigeration at a high pressure, high temperature refrigerated gas. As this refrigeration travels through the condenser, it cools and condenses into high pressure liquid refrigeration. The refrigeration then enters the system evaporator 27, where the refrigeration expands and at least partially evaporates into a gas. During this phase change, the latent heat of vaporization is extracted from the air to be directed over the fins and coils of the evaporator of the system 27, thus cooling the air to be directed by the electric fan 29 into at least one of the freezer compartment. 12 and the fresh food compartment 14. This cooled air brings the temperature inside the respective compartment within an acceptable tolerance of a target temperature. From the system evaporator 27, the cooler flows to the ice maker evaporator 50. In one example, the ice maker evaporator 50 is arranged in series with the system evaporator 27. Thus, the operation of the evaporator of the system 27 to cool the freezer compartment 12 and the fresh food compartment 14 also causes the ice maker evaporator 50 to supply cold air at a temperature below zero degrees centigrade to the ice maker 20. A Air motor 52, such as a fan, can direct the flow of air over the evaporator of ice maker 50 to achieve a cooling effect for the water in the water tray sufficient to freeze the water into pieces of ice, and also for the pieces of ice stored in the ice compartment 35 to minimize the melting of these pieces of ice. From the ice maker evaporator 50, refrigeration returns to the compressor. It is contemplated that the various control valves, pressure regulators, dryers, accumulators, etc. may be provided between the system evaporator and the ice maker evaporator 50, and/or the ice maker evaporator 50 and the compressor.
    [024] An illustrative embodiment of the ice maker 20, arranged inside the fresh food compartment 14 of the refrigerator 10 is shown in FIG. 2. The ice maker 20 may be secured within the fresh food compartment using any suitable fastener, and includes a removable or non-removable cover 40 to provide thermal insulation between the fresh food compartment 14 and the interior of the maker. ice maker 20. In addition, cover 40 may include a substantially flat partition that may be removable or non-removable coupled to a side side of ice maker 20, may have a generally "L" shaped appearance when viewed. at the end, so as to enclose a bottom and side side of the ice maker 20, when installed, may have a generally "U"-shaped appearance when viewed at the end, so as to encircle both the side sides and the underside of the ice maker 20 when installed, or any other desired shape. Such embodiments of the insulating cover 40 may include the bottom and sides monolithically formed as a single unit. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the insulating cover 40 may include a plurality of insulating panels that are spaced apart to establish a passageway between the individual insulating panels through which ice chips can be distributed from the ice maker. ice 20. Such embodiments can eliminate the need to form the complex panels that define the entire perimeter of an ice distribution opening through which ice can be distributed from the ice maker 20. For example, an insulating panel bottom for insulating a bottom part of the ice maker 20 can be spaced back in the fresh food compartment from a front insulating panel which opposes a restriction door to the fresh food compartment and insulates a front of the ice maker 20. The resulting space between the lower and front insulating panels forms an opening through which, the ice chunks can be distributed.
    [025] Several perspective and side views of the ice maker 20, removed from the inside of the fresh food compartment 14 are illustrated in the drawings. The ice maker 20 includes a generally rectangular frame defining an ice maker chamber, in which an ice maker assembly is disposed. The frame is equipped with a plurality of receivers compatible with the fasteners used to secure the ice maker 20 within the fresh food compartment 14 of the refrigerator 10. The ice compartment and lid 40 can be selectively removed from and secured in place. in the structure as desired. Although the lid 40 provides a degree of insulation between the ice maker chamber of the ice maker 20 and the fresh food compartment 14, its construction may inhibit an airtight seal being formed between the ice maker chamber and the fresh food compartment 14. In other words, the lid 40 may optionally allow minimal amounts of heat energy transfer to occur between the ice maker chamber of the ice maker 20 and the fresh food compartment 14 The cover 40 may optionally be removable, secured in place on the releasable ice maker 20 by mechanical fasteners which may be removed using a suitable tool, examples of which include screws, nuts and bolts; or any suitable friction assembly possibly including a tab system which allows removal of the lid 40 from the ice maker 20 by hand and without tools. Alternatively, the cover 40 may optionally be non-removable, secured in place on the ice maker 20, such as by means of adhesives, welding, non-removable fasteners, etc. In several other examples, a hidden clasp is desirable for cosmetic and ergonomic reasons. The appearance of the ice bin 35 on the front can be cleaned with just a supporting hand on the side. There may be little or no discontinuity in the surface for the purpose of exposed latches or levers.
    [026] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an ice maker assembly 56 for freezing water into pieces of ice. The ice maker assembly 56 is shown supported adjacent to the liner within the ice maker chamber 20. The ice maker assembly 56 includes a water tray 58 or mold for storing water to be frozen into pieces of ice. . In one example, the ice maker assembly 56 may comprise a type of tray twist, wherein the water tray 58 is rotated downwardly and twisted along its longitudinal axis to thereby break up the frozen pieces of ice. free from the ice bins of the water tray 58, where they fall into the ice compartment 35 located below the water tray 58. Still, a conventional metal water tray with a plurality of broom arms and a heater harvester to partially melt the ice chips, or even other types of ice making sets, such as the finger-evaporator type, could also be used. The ice maker assembly 56 includes a strap arm for detecting the presence of ice chips within the ice compartment 35, and an actuator, which includes an electric motor, for example, for driving the water tray 58 between an ice making position and an ice harvesting position. A thermistor or other suitable temperature sensor operatively connected to the controller may be coupled to the water tray 58, such as inserted into a recess formed in the water tray 58, to determine the freezing state of the water contained in the water tray 58 to in order to facilitate the collection of ice. One or more switches may also be provided for the ice maker assembly to determine when the mold has reached a travel limit. The strap arm can trigger a switch to signify an upper limit and/or no ice chips in the ice bin.
    [027] The ice bin 35 can optionally be removablely installed on the ice maker 20 to grant access to ice chips stored therein. An opening 42 formed along a lower surface of the ice compartment 35 is aligned with the opening 30 leading to the ice chute 25, when the door 16, including the dispenser 18, is closed and allows for frozen pieces of ice to be stored. therein be transported to the ice chute 25 and delivered by the dispenser 18. A rotating auger can extend along a length of the ice bin 35 can optionally be provided to be rotated and push the ice towards the opening 42 formed along the adjacent bottom surface of a front part of the ice bin 35 to be conveyed to the ice chute 25 and distributor 18. The auger may optionally be automatically activated and rotated by an electric motor in response to a request for the pieces user-initiated ice packs in dispenser 18.
    [028] Referring now to FIGURES 3-6, several examples of the ice maker 20 are illustrated. FIG. 3 is a perspective, partially cut away view of the ice maker 20, with at least a portion of the cover 40 removed to show internal details. The ice maker 20 generally includes an ice maker chamber 60 with a first end 62 located toward the front (i.e., a front side generally accessible by a user) and a second end 64 located toward the front. rear. The ice maker chamber 60 may be defined by the lid 40 and/or other similar sides, and may be insulated or non-insulated. Generally, the ice maker chamber 60 includes the ice maker evaporator 50, air motor 52, ice maker assembly 56, and ice compartment 35 for storing the pieces of ice produced by the ice maker 20. The ice compartment 35 may include a front cover 66 located towards the first end 62 of the ice maker chamber 60 which is configured to match the ice maker chamber 60 to provide a front closure for the ice maker. ice 20. Preferably, the ice compartment 35 is removable from the ice maker chamber 60 to provide a user with access to ice stored therein. Front cover 66 may include a hand grip recess 68 or the like to allow a user to remove ice bin 35 from ice maker chamber 60. In one example, ice bin 35 may be received slider within the ice maker chamber 60, and may be selectively removed therefrom by a user pulling out through the hand grip recess 68 to slide the ice compartment 35 out of the ice maker chamber 60. The ice compartment 35 can be partially or completely removed.
    [029] A rotating auger 70 is positioned inside the ice compartment 35 and is configured to drive the pieces of ice out of the ice compartment 53 by means of a propulsion force F applied in a first direction. The rotating auger 70 is driven by a motor 71 or the like, either directly or indirectly, through a transmission and through a removable mechanical coupling 73 which allows the removal of the ice compartment 35 from the ice maker chamber 60 without removing the motor 71. As part of the ice distribution function, the auger 70 inside the ice compartment 35 is rotated and pushes the ice towards the front of the ice compartment 35 (for example, towards the first end 62 of the ice maker chamber 60) through the propulsion force F, so that it can be distributed through the opening 42 formed along the bottom surface of the ice compartment 35 and transported to the ice chute 25 and distributor 18. In order to properly distribute the ice, the auger 70 pushes the ice towards the opening 42 at a slightly higher rate than the ice actually passes through the opening 42. In doing so , at least a part of the propulsion force F is applied against an inner wall 72 towards the forward direction of the ice bin 35. This force, together with any vibration created during dispensing, tends to push the ice bin 35 out of the way. ice maker chamber 60.
    [030] Thus, the ice maker 20 may further include a lock 80 configured to apply a resistive force R to the ice compartment 35 along a second direction generally opposite to the first direction sufficient to counterbalance the propulsion force F. The purpose of the lock 80 is to resist the forces and vibrations resulting from the operation of the auger 70 and to hold the ice compartment 35 in place. It is contemplated that the drag force R to be at least sufficient to counterbalance that part of the propulsion force F applied against the inner wall 72 of the ice compartment 35, such that the ice compartment 35 is not pushed out. of the ice maker chamber 60. However, the drag force R can be substantially equal to or even greater than the propulsion force F. In one example, the propulsion force F and the resisting force R can each one, be a single force. However, it is contemplated that one or both of the propulsion force F and drag force R can be an effective force that results from two or more force vectors with different directions and/or magnitudes. In such a case, the drag force R represents a resultant force magnitude that is applied to the ice compartment 35 along a second resultant direction generally opposite to the resultant force magnitude of the propulsion force F applied in the first resultant direction, to a degree sufficient to counterbalance the propulsion force F and maintain the ice compartment 35 within the ice maker chamber 60.
    [031] In one example, a locking pin 82 can be used. FIG. 4 illustrates the relative positions of ice bin 35 and latch pin 82 as ice bin 35 is inserted into ice maker chamber 60. Latch pin 82 is relatively fixed in place, such as toward the second end. 64 of the ice maker chamber 60. For example, a main body 81 of the lock pin 82 can be attached to an interior surface of the ice maker chamber 60. During insertion, the ice compartment 35 is pushed into place. lock pin 82 until lock pin 82 at least partially engages a recess that extends at least partially into the ice compartment 35. In one example, the recess may include a through hole 84 that extends through a rear wall 86 of the ice compartment 35. The locking pin 82 is configured to engage the recess to apply the drag force R to the ice compartment 35, in opposition to the thrust force F of the auger 70.
    [032] In one example, the locking pin 82 comprises at least one elastic finger 88 configured to engage the recess in the ice compartment 35. In another example, the locking pin 82 comprises a plurality of elastic fingers 88 configured to engaging the recess in the ice compartment 35. Although four elastic fingers 88 are shown, various numbers of fingers can be used and arranged in various ways. Fingers can be made to be elastic in a number of ways. For example, the fingers may be attached to or formed together with the main body 81 of the latch pin 82 in a cantilever manner. Elastic fingers 88 are shown formed with main body 81 using a material that will exhibit natural flexibility and resilience, such as metal or plastic, although springs or other resilient structure may be disposed between fingers and main body 81.
    [033] Elastic fingers 88 are inserted through hole 84 in rear wall 86 of ice compartment 35. Flexible and elastic fingers 88 create a cross-sectional diameter that is slightly larger than hole 84. 82 is pushed through hole 84, fingers 88 flex inwardly to fit through hole 84. After traversing, elastic fingers 88 return to their normal shape to "lock" ice bin 35 in place. To remove the ice bin 35 from the ice maker chamber 60, the user pulls the ice bin 35 (e.g., through the grip recess 68) with sufficient removal force to flex the fingers 88 inward so that that they fit through hole 84. The resisting force R is intended to be less than the removal force applied by a user, so that the user can overcome the resisting force R to easily remove the storage compartment. ice 35 from ice maker 20 when desired.
    [034] It is considered that the angles of inclination on the fingers 88 for removing the ice compartment 35 may be different from the angles for inserting the ice compartment 35, so that the force to remove the ice compartment 35 is greater than that the strength to enter it. For example, at least one elastic finger 88 may include a first sloping geometry 83 configured to facilitate insertion of the elastic finger 88 into the hole 84 of the ice bin 35, and a second sloping geometry 85 configured to inhibit removal of the finger. elastic 88 from hole 84. The first sloping geometry 83 may be relatively more gradual, compared to the second steeper sloping geometry 85, so that the force to remove the ice bin 35 is greater than the force to enter it. For example, the second sloped geometry 85 of the elastic finger 88 may provide sufficient drag force R to counterbalance the propulsion force F of the auger 70. In addition or alternatively, the second sloped geometry 85 may be located relatively close together. of the main body 81 compared to the first sloping geometry 83, so as to provide the relatively minor mechanical advantage by means of a shorter moment arm, so that the force to remove the ice bin 35 is greater than the strength to insert it. The first sloping geometry 83 may be generally continuous with the second sloping geometry 85 along an outer surface of the elastic finger 88, such that the ice bin 35 will be "locked" into place within the machine chamber. making ice 60 once the elastic finger 88 is inserted far enough into the hole 84 of the ice compartment 35 so that the back wall 86 passes beyond an inflection point separating the first and second sloping geometries 83 , 85. While all elastic fingers 88 are illustrated as having the sloping geometries, it is contemplated that any or all of the fingers may have one or both of the first and second sloping geometries 83, 85, or even additional or other geometries. retention features such as retainers, projections, clamps, hooks, etc. For example, such additional geometries or other retention features may be positioned over the inflection point of the elastic fingers 88, or even at or over the hole 84.
    [035] An additional advantage of the locking pin 82 is that it provides an anti-twist function for the ice compartment 35. During crushing ice using an ice crushing device 74 which can be driven by the auger 70, the compartment ice cube 35 experiences a twisting force T along its length, which is related to, as well as equal to, the force required to crush the ice. The ice bin 35 may not have the twisting force to resist this force without excessive twisting. Accordingly, ice bins typically have a rigid pin inserted through their rear wall in a position to counteract the twisted twisting force T. The locking pin 82 of the present application can similarly provide the functionality of the conventional anti-twist pin, while at the same time time holding the ice bin 35 within the ice maker chamber 60. For example, while the auger 70 may be located generally centrally within the ice bin 35, the latch pin 82 may be laterally displaced from a central longitudinal axis of the ice compartment 35 to thereby provide an increased mechanical advantage to the lock pin 82 to resist torsional forces applied to the ice compartment 35. The lateral and/or vertical displacement of the lock pin 82 with respect to the axis helical 70 and/or the central longitudinal axis of the ice compartment 35 can be defined by the mechanical strength of resistance. ia due to torsional force T and/or due to strength considerations of hole 84 and/or locking pin 82, etc.
    [036] In addition or alternatively, the lock 80 may include at least a pair of magnets 90 to hold the ice compartment 35 in a closed position. A magnetic lock may provide some or all of the advantages, as described with respect to the lock pin 82, although it may provide additional benefits, such as wear resistance. The magnetic lock 90 can be installed in various locations on the ice compartment 35, such as the front, front sides, or even rear sides thereof. In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic lock 90 can be installed to the front of the ice bin 35 on or near the front cover 66. FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the front cover 66 of the ice compartment 35, without the remaining part of the ice compartment 35, for clarity, as well as the structure of the corresponding front wall 61 of the ice maker chamber 60. For example, the front wall 72 of the ice compartment 35 can be connected to the front cover 66.
    [037] At least one pair of magnets 90 may include a first magnet 92 attached to the ice compartment 35 that has a first pole, and a second magnet 94 spaced a distance from the ice compartment 35 that has an opposite second pole. to the first pole. For example, the first magnet 92 may be attached to the front cover 66 of the ice compartment 35, while the second magnet 94 may be attached to the front wall frame 61 of the ice maker chamber 60. Pockets or recesses 96 may be be provided when the first and second magnets 92, 94 would be installed such that at least two magnets are positioned within the magnetic force range of the other when the ice compartment 35 is located in the closed position (e.g. substantially fully inserted). Furthermore, the use of such recesses 96 can facilitate reproducible fabrication, as well as ensure continuous alignment of the magnets 92, 94. The magnets 92, 94 may be mechanically held in the recesses 96 or other mounting structure, such as by means of clips, snaps, mechanical fasteners, etc., or can be held in place with adhesives, etc. The magnets 92, 94 would be placed with the first and second opposite poles facing each other so that when the ice compartment 35 was inserted, the magnets would attract and hold them in place. Thus, a magnetic interaction between the first pole of the first magnet 92 and the second pole of the second magnet 94 can provide sufficient resistive force R to counterbalance the propulsion force F of the auger 70 described herein. In addition, one or more pairs of magnets can also be used to counterbalance the twisting force T described herein.
    [038] Although a pair of magnets is illustrated, it is understood that various numbers of magnets may be used. It is further contemplated that at least one pair of magnets could be located towards the rear of the ice compartment 35, such as the rear wall 86 thereof and the rear of the ice maker chamber 60. For example, such pair of magnets may be located approximately where hole 84 is illustrated. Additionally or alternatively, the two pairs of magnets may be used with each pair being located on different walls of the ice compartment 35, such as opposite side walls, etc. Various types of permanent magnets can be used, such as rare earth magnets or the like, although other types of magnets, such as electromagnets, will also be used. Multiple pairs of magnets can be used to provide increased anti-twist function. Furthermore, it is contemplated that both magnetic and snap-on closures may be used together to provide increased functionality or other design advantages.
    [039] The closures 80 described here may provide additional capabilities. In addition to the 35" ice bin retention functionality, both the magnetic and snap-on closures provided the benefit of a hidden clasp, so the front of the ice bin has a clean look. Furthermore, it does not require the user to press or push any of the buttons, levers, or the like to release the ice compartment 35 so that it can be removed. Instead, the user only has to pull the ice bin 35 with enough removal force to overcome the latch 80 to be able to remove the ice bin 35.
    [040] As described herein, generally, the ice maker 20 includes an ice maker assembly 56 with a water tray 58 or ice molds for storing the water to be frozen into pieces of ice. Referring now to FIGURES 3 and 07-11, the water tray 58 of the ice maker assembly 56 is located above the ice compartment 35 which stores the frozen pieces of ice. The dedicated ice maker evaporator 50 is located towards the front of the second end 64 (e.g. rear) of the ice maker chamber 60 and removes heat energy from the water in the ice mold to create the ice cubes. ice. The ice maker evaporator 50 may be configured to be a part of the same refrigeration circuit as the system evaporator 27 that provides cooling for the fresh food and/or freezer compartments of the refrigerator. In various examples, the ice maker evaporator 50 may be provided in series or parallel configurations with the system evaporator 27. In yet another example, the ice maker evaporator 50 may be configured as a refrigeration system. completely independent.
    [041] At least one air motor 52, such as a fan, can direct the flow of air over the ice maker evaporator 50 to achieve a cooling effect for the water in the water tray 58 sufficient to freeze the water. water into ice chunks, and also to ice chunks stored in the ice compartment 35 to minimize melting of these ice chunks. For example, the air motor 52 is located adjacent the second end 64 of the ice maker chamber 60 and is configured to distribute cold air from the ice maker evaporator 50 to a region adjacent to the ice compartment 35. and water tray 58. However, although cold air for the ice maker is created towards the second end 64 (e.g. rear) of the ice maker chamber 60, the ice delivery opening 42 it is located towards the first end 62 (e.g. front) of the ice maker chamber 60 and is exposed to above freezing fresh food compartment temperatures. Thus, it can be beneficial to control the flow of air within the compartment so that cold air from the ice maker evaporator 50 is circulated all the way to the first end 62 (e.g. front) of the ice compartment 35 to keep ice located towards the front in a freezing condition.
    [042] In operation, cold air from the ice maker evaporator 50 is circulated from the second end 64 of the ice maker chamber towards the first end 62 of the ice compartment 35, generally along the side top of the ice maker chamber 60 so that the ice in both the water tray 58 and the ice compartment 35 is kept cold, preferably at or below zero. An example of the airflow path A is illustrated in FIG. 7. Once cold air arrives at the front of the ice compartment, the air is then transferred to a space below the ice compartment 35 and returned to the ice-making evaporator. For example, the airflow pattern A as shown may generally have a U-shaped path in which the apex of the "U" occurs towards the first end 62 (e.g. front) of the machine chamber. making ice 60. This airflow pattern A allows the front of the ice compartment 35 (eg towards the first end 62) to experience relatively higher heat load (eg adjacent to the front exposed to above freezing temperatures), to be kept cool enough for all the ice in the mold and ice compartment 35. Still, various other airflow patterns could be used.
    [043] Cold air travels along an upper part of the ice maker chamber 60 and ice compartment 35 largely without transferring to a lower part before reaching the front of the ice maker chamber 60 , as the sides of the ice compartment 35 fit relatively tightly with the side walls of the ice maker chamber 60. In order to stimulate this airflow pattern, at least one air channel 100 can be provided over a inner surface 102 of ice maker chamber 60, adjacent to first end 62 and extending vertically between an upper surface of ice chamber 35 towards a lower surface of ice chamber 35. Inner surface 102 may be a inner wall surface of ice maker chamber 60. Air channel 100 may be formed within inner surface 102, as molded into inner surface 102 or supplied by the air deflection body inserted into a recess in the interior surface 102. While the air channel 100 is illustrated extending in a straight line extending from a top to a bottom of the machine chamber making ice 60, it is contemplated that the air channel 100 may have various geometries that generally extend from a top to a bottom part of the ice maker chamber 60. Furthermore, numerous air channels may be used to create an effective air channel that extends from a top to a bottom of the ice maker chamber 60.
    [044] Preferably, two or more channels 100, 104 are formed on the sides of the ice compartment 35, with at least one airflow channel on each opposite side. For example, another air channel 104 may be provided on another inner surface 106 of the ice maker chamber 60, adjacent to the first end 62 and extending vertically between an upper surface of the ice compartment 35 towards a lower surface. of the ice compartment 35. Each of the airflow channels 100, 104 may be arranged on opposite sides of the ice compartment 35, such as positioned on opposite sides of the ice maker chamber 60, as shown in FIGURES 10- 11. However, any of the channels can be located in various other places, such as on the front, top, bottom, or back walls. As illustrated by an airflow pattern A, cold air is stimulated to transition from the top to the bottom by flowing downwards through these air channels 100, 104 around the sides of the ice compartment 35 , and towards the space below the ice compartment 35. From there, the air travels along the length of the ice compartment 35 and returns to the ice-making evaporator 50 located towards the second end 64 (e.g. part rear) of the ice maker chamber 60, through holes or a grate in the lower rear wall of the ice maker chamber 60 and is recycled through the ice maker evaporator 50 by the air motor 52. As a result, the ice maker assembly 56, as well as the top and bottom parts of the ice compartment 35, including the front, are cooled by the circulating cold air, so that the pieces of ice remain frozen.
    [045] In order to further encourage cold air to flow along the length of the ice compartment 35, a wall 110 of the ice compartment 35 may further include a recessed channel 112 disposed generally adjacent to at least an air channel 100, 104 to thereby stimulate the flow of air from at least one air channel 100, 104 to flow under the ice compartment 35. As shown in FIGURES 7-8, the wall 110 may be a of the side walls of the ice compartment 35, or it may even be one of the front or rear walls of the ice compartment 35. The recessed channel 112 provides an air flow path that encourages cold air to flow from the ice flow channel. adjacent air 104 to flow along the ice compartment 35. The recessed channel 112 can be of various geometries and can be shaped to encourage airflow along a desired portion of the ice compartment. For example, recessed channel 112 may extend generally from first end 62 of ice maker chamber 60 towards second end 64 of ice maker chamber 60. As shown in FIG. 7, the recessed channel 112 can stimulate at least a part of the cold air to flow along the air flow path B. In this way, a part of the cold air can flow along the air flow path A along the along the bottom of the ice compartment 35, while another part of the cold air may flow along the air flow path B along the side of the ice compartment 35.
    [046] In addition, at least a portion of the recessed channel 112, such as an end 113, can be positioned to overlap at least one air channel 100, 104 so as to provide fluid communication therebetween. (see FIG. 7). Likewise, the size and placement of at least one air channel 100, 104 can be configured to correspond to the associated recessed channel 112. For example, the air channel 104 shown in FIG. 11 can be positioned and/or along the length of the wall 106 a sufficient distance to accommodate the ice crushing mechanism disposed at the front of the ice compartment 35 and to provide fluid communication with the end 113 of the recessed channel 112. It is contemplated that one or both of the side walls of the ice compartment 35 may include a recessed channel 112. In the drawings shown, such as in FIG. 9, one side wall 110 of the ice bin 35 may include a recessed channel 12 that extends partially into the side wall 110 (e.g., in steps), while the other side wall 114 of the ice bin 35 may provide a natural air flow path 116 due to the geometry of the existing ice compartment wall 35. For example, the side wall 114 can be angled inwardly to naturally provide an increased air flow path 116 that would encourage cold air to flow through. from adjacent airflow channel 100 to travel around ice compartment 35. Air channel 100 may be positioned and/or extended along the length of wall 102 a sufficient distance to accommodate, to provide for communication of fluid with sidewall 114 and natural air flow path 116.
    [047] An example method of operation of the ice maker 20 will now be discussed. While some steps of the method will be discussed, it is understood that any of the steps of the method discussed directly or indirectly in this document can also be used, as well as yet other steps of the method. In one example, the method may include the step of introducing water into the water tray 58 of an ice maker assembly 56 disposed within a fresh food compartment 14 of the refrigerator 10 which is configured to store the food at a temperature above zero degrees centigrade. The method may further include the step of operating the dedicated ice maker evaporator 50 to supply cold air to a temperature below zero degrees centigrade to achieve a cooling effect for the water in the water tray 58 sufficient to freeze the water into pieces of ice. When determined to collect the ice chips from the water tray 58 (e.g., by a timer, temperature sensor, etc.), the method may further include the step of removing the ice chips from the water tray. water 58 and pouring the ice chips into the ice compartment 35 located below the ice maker assembly 56.
    [048] Occasionally, during operation of the cooler 10, the ice maker evaporator 50 will accumulate ice in it and require defrosting. Moisture from the return airflow can condense and freeze parts of the ice maker evaporator 50 and/or the air motor 52, causing ice to accumulate therein. For example, the ends of the coils supplied to the ice maker evaporator 50, which is generally exposed, may be between the parts of the ice maker evaporator 50 that accumulate in the ice. In addition, or alternatively, condensation may occur on some of the fan blades of the air motor 52, which may later freeze and unbalance the fan or cause unwanted noise. A defrost heating element 54 may be provided at least partially over the ice maker evaporator 50, and may be activated as appropriate by the central controller provided to the cooler 10, to melt the ice in response to a particular condition. . The defrost heating element 54 may extend along some or all of the perimeter of the ice maker evaporator 50, and may optionally extend over a substantial part of the height of the ice maker evaporator 50. and even exceed the height of the ice maker evaporator 50.
    [049] The operation of the defrost heating element of the ice maker 54 can be triggered to work in a number of ways. In one example, the defrost heating element 54 may be triggered based on a timer, a humidity sensor, the ice maker's operating history, the opening/closing of refrigerator doors, and/or other conditions. In another example, a temperature sensor may optionally be positioned differently within the cooler 10 to detect a threshold temperature indicative of ice buildup. In response to the detection of such a threshold temperature, the sensor temperature sends a signal to the central controller which, in turn, activates the defrost heating element 54, until the temperature sensor no longer detects the threshold temperature. In accordance with various embodiments, the defrost heating element 54 may optionally be activated for a predetermined period of time, and the predetermined period of time may vary based on various factors.
    [050] During ice maker 50 evaporator defrost, the compressor can be turned off (or locked in the off state, if already off when a defrost cycle starts) or even operated at a low operating setting (e.g., a variable speed compressor) to stop or substantially reduce the supply of refrigeration to the ice maker evaporator 50. The controller also activates the defrost heating element 54 in thermal communication with the ice maker evaporator 50 to generate heat and melt the ice accumulated in the ice maker's evaporator. However, during the defrost cycle, the temperature of the ice maker evaporator 50 and adjacent structure increases due to heat that is added by the defrost heating element 54 to remove accumulated ice. Because the ice maker 50 is located near the water tray 58 and/or the ice compartment 35, the temperature of the ice chips contained therein will also, possibly, rise to the thawing point. If this occurs, then ice will aggregate after the defrost cycle is complete and the ice maker evaporator 50 refreezes the ice surface.
    [051] To reduce this possibility, the air motor 52 can be energized by the controller substantially continuously for a period of time before the defrost cycle begins, so that the ice surface will be cooled to a sufficient amount so that than not reaching its melting temperature during the defrost cycle. In addition or alternatively, energizing the air motor 52 can cause any condensate on the fan blades to be blown off. In one example, the method may further include the step of operating the air motor 52 for a predetermined period of time to supply air cooled by the ice maker evaporator to at least one water tray 58 and the compartment. 35. The method may further include the step of subsequently stopping the operation of the air motor 52 and the operation of the de-icing heating element 54, to melt the ice thus accumulated on the surface of the evaporator of an ice maker. ice.
    [052] For example, the ice maker fan may run substantially continuously for a period of 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or other shorter or longer predetermined period of time before operating the defrost heating element 54 The air motor 52 can be operated at about 100% duty cycle for the predetermined period of time, or it can even be pulsed and turned off as desired. In addition, or alternatively, after the defrost cycle is complete, the ice maker fan can be energized substantially continuously (e.g. about 100% duty cycle or even pulsing) for a period of time. (e.g. 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or other period) to quickly reduce the ice surface temperature again to reduce the possibility of ice aggregation. The time period for one or both of the pre-defrost or post-defrost fan operations can be similar or different, and/or fixed or dynamic. In one example, pre-defrost and post-defrost fan operations can be fixed at 30 minutes each. In another example, one or both of the pre-defrost and post-defrost fan operations can be operated to change time periods based on predetermined conditions or even dynamically calculated values based on sensing conditions in the refrigerator compartment or ice maker, such as timers, humidity, temperatures, door-open cycles, ice-ice bin open cycles, ice maker cycles, etc.
    [053] Thus, an example method of operation may include the steps of operating the air motor 52 for a predetermined period of time, subsequently stopping the operation of the air motor 52 to supply the cooled air to at least one of the water tray 58 and the ice compartment 35, and then operating the defrost heating element 54, to thereby melt the ice accumulated on the surface of the ice maker evaporator. After the defrost cycle is complete, the method may include the steps of stopping the defrost heating element 54, then restarting the ice maker evaporator 50 to supply the cold air to the ice maker. ice 20, and then subsequently restarting the air motor 52 for a second predetermined period of time to distribute the cooled air to at least one of the water tray 58 and the ice compartment 35. It is contemplated that, when the ice maker evaporator 50 is arranged in series with the system evaporator 27, stopping and starting either evaporator will also stop/start the other. However, where the ice maker evaporator 50 is arranged in parallel with the system evaporator 27, stopping and starting the ice maker evaporator 50 can be achieved by opening or closing a valve or the like. Where the ice maker evaporator 50 is independent of the system evaporator 27, stopping and starting the ice maker evaporator 50 can be achieved by valves or even by controlling the operation of the associated refrigeration compressor. Finally, where a variable speed refrigeration compressor is used, it is understood that "stopping" operation of the compressor can be achieved by operating the compressor at a low, such as a lower, operating setting above shutdown to substantially reduce the cooling flow. However, the compressor can also be turned off completely.
    [054] The invention has been described with reference to the examples of embodiments described above. Modifications and changes will occur to others after reading and understanding this descriptive report. Examples of embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations, provided they are within the scope of the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (3)
    [0001]
    1. REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE comprising: a fresh food compartment (14) for storing the food in a refrigerated environment with a target temperature above zero degrees centigrade; a freezer compartment (12) for storing foods in a subfreezing environment with a target temperature below zero degrees centigrade; an ice maker (20) arranged within the fresh food compartment (14) for freezing the water into pieces of ice, the ice maker (20) comprising a removable ice compartment (35) for storing the pieces of ice produced by the ice maker (20); a rotating auger (70) positioned within the ice compartment (35) and configured to drive the pieces of ice out of the ice compartment (35) by means of a propulsion force applied in a first direction; and a lock (80) configured to apply a drag force to the ice compartment (35) along a second direction generally opposite the first direction sufficient to counterbalance the propulsion force, wherein the drag force is less than the removal force applied by a user to remove the ice compartment (35) from the ice maker (20), characterized in that the latch (80) comprises a latch pin (82), wherein the latch pin ( 82) comprises at least one flexible finger configured to engage a recess in the ice compartment, the recess in the ice compartment (35) comprising a hole extending through a wall of the ice compartment (35), wherein the at least one flexible finger comprises a first sloping geometry configured to facilitate the insertion of at least one flexible finger into the recess of the ice container, and a second sloping geometry configured to inhibit the removal of at least one flexible finger. accessible from the recess in the ice bin, wherein the second sloping geometry of at least one flexible finger provides sufficient resistive force to counterbalance the thrust force of the auger.
    [0002]
    2. REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE comprising: a fresh food compartment (14) for storing the food in a refrigerated environment with a target temperature above zero degrees centigrade; a freezer compartment (12) for storing foods in a subfreezing environment with a target temperature below zero degrees centigrade; an ice maker (20) arranged within the fresh food compartment (14) for freezing the water into pieces of ice, the ice maker (20) comprising a removable ice compartment (35) for storing the pieces of ice produced by the ice maker (20); a rotating auger (70) positioned within the ice compartment (35) and configured to drive the pieces of ice out of the ice compartment (35) by means of a propulsion force applied in a first direction; and a lock (80) configured to apply a resisting force to the ice compartment (35) along a second direction opposite the first direction sufficient to counterbalance the propulsion force, wherein the resisting force is less than the removal force applied by a user to remove the ice compartment (35) from the ice maker (20), characterized in that the lock (80) comprises at least a pair of magnets (90), wherein the hair at least one pair of magnets (90) comprises a first magnet (92) connected to the ice container (35) having a first pole and a second magnet (94) a distance away from the ice container (35) having an opposite second pole to the first pole, wherein a magnetic interaction between the first pole of the first magnet (92) and the second pole of the second magnet (94) provides sufficient resistive force to counterbalance the thrust force of the auger.
    [0003]
    REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the freezer compartment (12) is arranged at a vertical height, below the fresh food compartment (14).
    类似技术:
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20180328642A1|2018-11-15|
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    WO2013116453A2|2013-08-08|
    US20130192279A1|2013-08-01|
    EP2810002B1|2020-07-22|
    US9234690B2|2016-01-12|
    WO2013116453A3|2013-12-19|
    CN104220826B|2016-08-24|
    US20160084561A1|2016-03-24|
    BR112014018770A2|2017-06-20|
    US10036585B2|2018-07-31|
    KR20140137354A|2014-12-02|
    CN104220826A|2014-12-17|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-03-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-11-23| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2022-01-04| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 31/01/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201261592913P| true| 2012-01-31|2012-01-31|
    US61/592,913|2012-01-31|
    US13/755,216|2013-01-31|
    US13/755,216|US9234690B2|2012-01-31|2013-01-31|Ice maker for a refrigeration appliance|
    PCT/US2013/024034|WO2013116453A2|2012-01-31|2013-01-31|Ice maker for a refrigeration appliance|
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