U.S. patent application number 12/857772 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-23 for multifunctional rod for icemaker.
Invention is credited to Aaron Matthew McDANIEL.
Application Number | 20120042681 12/857772 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45592977 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120042681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDANIEL; Aaron Matthew |
February 23, 2012 |
MULTIFUNCTIONAL ROD FOR ICEMAKER
Abstract
An apparatus includes a mold body with at least one cavity
configured and dimensioned to receive water to be frozen into ice;
and a rod, the rod in turn comprising at least one of a heat source
and a heat sink. The mold body is mounted to the rod such that the
rod functions as an axis of rotation for the mold body. A
refrigerator using the apparatus is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
McDANIEL; Aaron Matthew;
(Louisville, KY) |
Family ID: |
45592977 |
Appl. No.: |
12/857772 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/353 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 23/006 20130101;
F25C 2305/022 20130101; F25C 1/24 20130101; F25C 5/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/353 |
International
Class: |
F25C 1/00 20060101
F25C001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a mold body with at least one cavity
configured and dimensioned to receive water to be frozen into ice;
and a rod, said rod in turn comprising at least one of a heat
source and a heat sink, said mold body being mounted to said rod
such that said rod functions as an axis of rotation for said mold
body.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said rod is hollow and
sealed; said mold body has first and second ends; said rod has an
evaporator portion in thermal communication with said mold body;
and said rod has a condenser portion, comprising said heat sink,
and extending past said second end of said mold body and above said
evaporator portion when said mold body is disposed to receive said
water; further comprising: a two-phase heat transfer fluid
contained within said hollow rod; and a heat transfer surface on
said condenser portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said heat transfer surface
comprises a plurality of fins.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an actuation
arrangement which causes said mold body to rotate about said axis
of rotation between a first position wherein said water can be
introduced into said at least one cavity and a second position
wherein said ice can be discharged from said at least one
cavity.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said rod further comprises a
heater in thermal communication with said evaporator portion, said
heater comprising said heat source.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said rod has a distal end,
extending past said first side of said mold body, said heater being
in thermal contact with said distal end of said rod.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a controller
configured to cause said actuation arrangement to rotate said mold
body about said axis of rotation and to activate said heater under
at least one of: a condition when said mold body is in said second
position; and a condition when said mold body is in said first
position and about to rotate to said second position.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said controller is configured
to activate said heater at least under said condition when said
mold body is in said first position and about to rotate to said
second position, further comprising a secondary rack located to
scoop said ice our of said mold body as said mold body rotates from
said first position to said second position.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said mold body and said rod
are fixed against relative rotation about said axis of rotation,
further comprising at least one bearing, wherein said rod and said
mold body rotate as a unit about said axis of rotation.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said rod is fixed and said
mold body rotates about said rod.
11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said mold body has a
plurality of cavities configured and dimensioned to receive said
water to be frozen into said ice.
12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: said mold body is hollow and
in fluid communication with said hollow rod, said two-phase heat
transfer fluid extending into said hollow mold body, said
evaporator portion of said rod being in said thermal communication
with said mold body via said fluid communication.
13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: said evaporator portion of
said rod is in said thermal communication with said mold body via
conduction.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rod further comprises a
heater, said heater comprising said heat source.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an actuation
arrangement which causes said mold body to rotate about said axis
of rotation between a first position wherein said water can be
introduced into said at least one cavity and a second position
wherein said ice can be discharged from said at least one
cavity.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a controller
configured to cause said actuation arrangement to rotate said mold
body about said axis of rotation and to activate said heater under
at least one of: a condition when said mold body is in said second
position; and a condition when said mold body is in said first
position and about to rotate to said second position.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said controller is
configured to activate said heater at least under said condition
when said mold body is in said first position and about to rotate
to said second position, further comprising a secondary rack
located to scoop said ice our of said mold body as said mold body
rotates from said first position to said second position.
18. A refrigerator comprising: a body defining at least one cooled
compartment; a door hinged to said body and permitting access to
said at least one cooled compartment; a mold body with at least one
cavity configured and dimensioned to receive water to be frozen
into ice; a rod, mounted to at least one of said body and said
door, said rod in turn comprising at least one of a heat source and
a heat sink, said mold body being mounted to said rod such that
said rod functions as an axis of rotation for said mold body, at
least one of said body and said door having a region for receiving
discharge of said ice from said mold body.
19. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein: said rod is hollow and
sealed; said mold body has first and second ends; said rod has an
evaporator portion in thermal communication with said mold body;
and said rod has a condenser portion, comprising said heat sink,
and extending past said second end of said mold body and above said
evaporator portion when said mold body is disposed to receive said
water, said condenser portion being in thermal communication with
said at least one cooled compartment; further comprising: a
two-phase heat transfer fluid contained within said hollow rod; and
a heat transfer surface on said condenser portion.
20. The refrigerator of claim 19, further comprising an actuation
arrangement which causes said mold body to rotate about said axis
of rotation between a first position wherein said water can be
introduced into said at least one cavity and a second position
wherein said ice can be discharged from said at least one
cavity.
21. The refrigerator of claim 20, wherein said rod further
comprises a heater in thermal communication with said evaporator
portion, said heater comprising said heat source.
22. The refrigerator of claim 21, further comprising a controller
configured to cause said actuation arrangement to rotate said mold
body about said axis of rotation and to activate said heater under
at least one of: a condition when said mold body is in said second
position; and a condition when said mold body is in said first
position and about to rotate to said second position.
23. The refrigerator of claim 22, wherein said controller is
configured to activate said heater at least under said condition
when said mold body is in said first position and about to rotate
to said second position, further comprising a secondary rack
located to scoop said ice our of said mold body as said mold body
rotates from said first position to said second position.
24. The refrigerator of claim 22, wherein said mold body has a
plurality of cavities configured and dimensioned to receive said
water to be frozen into said ice.
25. The refrigerator of claim 19, wherein: said mold body is hollow
and in fluid communication with said hollow rod, said two-phase
heat transfer fluid extending into said hollow mold body, said
evaporator portion of said rod being in said thermal communication
with said mold body via said fluid communication.
26. The refrigerator of claim 19, wherein: said evaporator portion
of said rod is in said thermal communication with said mold body
via conduction.
27. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein said rod further
comprises a heater, said heater comprising said heat source.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising an actuation
arrangement which causes said mold body to rotate about said axis
of rotation between a first position wherein said water can be
introduced into said at least one cavity and a second position
wherein said ice can be discharged from said at least one
cavity.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a controller
configured to cause said actuation arrangement to rotate said mold
body about said axis of rotation and to activate said heater under
at least one of: a condition when said mold body is in said second
position; and a condition when said mold body is in said first
position and about to rotate to said second position.
30. The refrigerator of claim 29, wherein said controller is
configured to activate said heater at least under said condition
when said mold body is in said first position and about to rotate
to said second position, further comprising a secondary rack
located to scoop said ice our of said mold body as said mold body
rotates from said first position to said second position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______, filed on ______, Attorney Docket Number 236952,
entitled ICEMAKER WITH REVERSIBLE THERMOSIPHON, the complete
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to
refrigeration, and more particularly to icemakers and the like.
[0003] It is now common practice in the art of refrigerators to
provide an automatic icemaker. The icemaker is often disposed in
the freezer compartment and ice is often dispensed through an
opening in the access door of the freezer compartment. In this
arrangement, ice is formed by freezing water with cold air in the
freezer compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] As described herein, the exemplary embodiments of the
present invention overcome one or more disadvantages known in the
art.
[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus
comprising: a mold body with at least one cavity configured and
dimensioned to receive water to be frozen into ice; and a rod, the
rod in turn comprising at least one of a heat source and a heat
sink, the mold body being mounted to the rod such that the rod
functions as an axis of rotation for the mold body.
[0006] Another aspect relates to a refrigerator comprising: a body
defining at least one cooled compartment; a door hinged to the body
and permitting access to the at least one cooled compartment; a
mold body with at least one cavity configured and dimensioned to
receive water to be frozen into ice; a rod, mounted to at least one
of the body and the door, the rod in turn comprising at least one
of a heat source and a heat sink, the mold body being mounted to
the rod such that the rod functions as an axis of rotation for the
mold body, at least one of the body and the door having a region
for receiving discharge of the ice from the mold body.
[0007] These and other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are
designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a
definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference
should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the drawings are
not necessarily drawn to scale and, unless otherwise indicated,
they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures
and procedures described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first exemplary icemaker location
in a side-by-side refrigerator, according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a second exemplary icemaker location
in a side-by-side refrigerator, according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV of FIG.
3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a third exemplary icemaker location
in a side-by-side refrigerator, according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of FIG.
5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a top view of an icemaker assembly with a
secondary rack, according to an aspect of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view along line VIIIA-VIIIA of
FIG. 7;
[0017] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view along line VIIIB-VIIIB of
FIG. 8A;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a first exemplary icemaker location
in a bottom mount refrigerator, according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line X-X of FIG.
9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a second exemplary icemaker location
in a bottom mount refrigerator, according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII-XII of FIG.
11;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a third exemplary icemaker location
in a bottom mount refrigerator, according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along line XIV-XIV of FIG.
13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a fourth exemplary icemaker location
in a bottom mount refrigerator, according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view along line XVI-XVI of FIG.
15;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a top view of an icemaker assembly with a first
exemplary multifunctional fixed rod, in a fill and freeze mode, in
accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a side view looking in direction shown in FIG.
17;
[0028] FIG. 19 is an end view along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a side view of the assembly of FIGS. 17-19 in
heat and dispense mode;
[0030] FIG. 21 is an end view along line XXI-XXI in FIG. 20;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a top view of an icemaker assembly with a second
exemplary multifunctional fixed rod, in a fill and freeze mode, in
accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a side view looking in direction XXIII-XXIII
shown in FIG. 22;
[0033] FIG. 24 is an end view along line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 23;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a side view of the assembly of FIGS. 22-24 in
heat and dispense mode;
[0035] FIG. 26 is an end view along line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 25;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 20 but of an alternative
embodiment with a fixed rod;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a top view of an icemaker assembly with a hollow
ice mold, in a fill and freeze mode, in accordance with an aspect
of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a side view looking in direction. XXIX-XXIX shown
in FIG. 28;
[0039] FIG. 30 is an end view along line XXX-XXX in FIG. 29;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a side view of the assembly of FIGS. 28-30 in
heat and dispense mode; and
[0041] FIG. 32 is an end view along line XXXII-XXXII in FIG.
31.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0042] Reference should initially be had to FIGS. 1-16. In one or
more embodiments, a multifunctional rod 102 provides an icemaker
mold body 104 with an axis of rotation, a heating path for
enhancing release of ice from the mold body, and optionally a
cooling path for rapid freezing of ice. Further details are
provided below.
[0043] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate different exemplary configurations of a
"side-by-side" refrigerator 100 which includes a fresh food
compartment 106 and a freezer compartment 108. The refrigerator 100
is cooled by a conventional vapor-compression mechanical
refrigeration cycle (although embodiments could also be used with
other types of refrigerators, such as those cooled using
thermoelectric cooling). The present invention is therefore not
intended to be limited to any particular type or configuration of a
refrigerator.
[0044] The freezer compartment 108 and the fresh food compartment
106 are arranged in a side-by-side configuration where the freezer
compartment 108 is disposed next to the fresh food compartment 106.
The doors closing the fresh food and freezer compartments are
omitted in FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, while the freezer door 110 is shown
in FIG. 5. The doors can be hinged to the body in a conventional
fashion.
[0045] The fresh food compartment 106 and the freezer compartment
108 are, in a well-known manner, contained within a main body
including an outer case, which can be formed by folding a sheet of
a suitable material, such as pre-painted steel, into a generally
inverted U-shape to form a top and two sidewalls of the outer case.
The outer case also has a bottom which connects the two sidewalls
to each other at the bottom edges thereof, and a back. A mullion or
divider 112 connects the top and bottom to each other and separates
the fresh food compartment 106 from the freezer compartment 108. As
is known in the art, a thermally insulating liner is affixed to the
outer case.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an ice making assembly including
rod 102 and mold body 104 is mounted adjacent to the interior
surface of the freezer door 110. The ice making assembly is
disposed near a thermally insulated hopper-like ice compartment 114
mounted or formed on the freezer door 110, and the mold body 104 of
the ice making assembly is adjacent the hopper 114. A bucket 115
collects ice discharged from mold body 104. Auger 113 conveys same
to crusher blades 117 which discharge ice to hopper 114. Hopper 114
can have different locations in different embodiments; for example,
freezer door, fresh food door, compartment in the freezer or fresh
food regions, and so on.
[0047] Water is provided to the mold body 104 through a water
supply conduit (not shown but per se familiar to the skilled
artisan), and then is frozen into ice cubes. Then the ice cubes are
usually discharged from the mold body 104 and stored in the ice
storage hopper 114 until needed by a user. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the
axis of rod 102 is generally perpendicular to the freezer door 110
and generally parallel to the sides of the freezer compartment
108.
[0048] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an embodiment similar to the embodiment
of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the axis of rod 102 is generally
parallel to the freezer door 110 and perpendicular to the mullion
or divider 112.
[0049] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an embodiment wherein the ice making
assembly including rod 102 and mold body 104 is mounted within a
cavity 116 of the freezer door 110. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the axis of
rod 102 is generally parallel to the freezer door 110 and generally
perpendicular to the sides of the freezer compartment 108.
[0050] FIGS. 9-16 illustrate different exemplary configurations of
a "bottom mount" refrigerator 100' which includes a fresh food
compartment 106 and a freezer compartment 108. The refrigerator
100' can be cooled in a manner similar to that described above, for
example.
[0051] The freezer compartment 108 and the fresh food compartment
106 are arranged in a configuration where the freezer compartment
108 is disposed beneath the fresh food compartment 106. The doors
closing the fresh food and freezer compartments are omitted in
FIGS. 9, 11, and 15, while the fresh food door 130 is shown in FIG.
13. The doors can be hinged to the body in a conventional
fashion.
[0052] The fresh food compartment 106 and the freezer compartment
108 are, in a well-known manner, contained within a main body
constructed in a well-known manner, similar to that described
above. A mullion or divider 112 connects the sides to each other
and separates the fresh food compartment 106 from the freezer
compartment 108. As is known in the art, a thermally insulating
liner is affixed to the outer case.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 9, an ice making assembly including
rod 102 and mold body 104 is mounted on the left side wall of the
freezer compartment 108. Ice is discharged via bucket 115 on a
pull-out freezer bin. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the axis of rod 102 is
generally parallel to the freezer door 110 and generally
perpendicular to the sides of the freezer compartment 108.
[0054] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an embodiment wherein an ice making
assembly including rod 102 and mold body 104 is mounted within a
cavity 132 of the fresh food door 130. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the axis
of rod 102 is generally parallel to the fresh food door 130 and
generally perpendicular to the sides of the fresh food door
compartment 106. Auxiliary cooling may be provided to compartment
132 to aid ice formation (for example, by ducting air from freezer
compartment 108, or a separate evaporator may be employed in the
mechanical refrigeration cycle (not to be confused with the
evaporator of a heat pipe, thermosiphon, or reflux boiler as
described below)).
[0055] FIGS. 15 and 16 show an embodiment wherein an ice making
assembly including rod 102 and mold body 104 is mounted within a
separate ice-making compartment 134 within the fresh food
compartment 106. In FIGS. 15 and 16, the axis of rod 102 is
generally perpendicular to the fresh food door 130 and generally
parallel to the sides of the fresh food door compartment 106.
Auxiliary cooling may be provided to compartment 134 to aid ice
formation (for example, by ducting air from freezer compartment
108, or a separate evaporator may be employed in the mechanical
refrigeration cycle (not to be confused with the evaporator of a
heat pipe, thermosiphon, or reflux boiler as described below)).
[0056] Reference should now be had to FIGS. 17-21. In one or more
embodiments, rod 102 is a thermosiphon, reflux boiler or heat pipe
(in some instances, as discussed below, mold body 104 is hollow and
also forms part of the thermosiphon, reflux boiler or heat pipe).
Rod 102 is a sealed hollow pipe or tube containing a refrigerant
which rapidly cools the mold body 104, thus greatly reducing the
freeze time for the ice. In a non-limiting example, ice may freeze
in about 1/5 to 1/10 the time as in a conventional system, such
that proportionately more ice can be generated per unit time. Rod
102 is a two-phase system containing liquid and vapor. Fins 140
augment cooling on one side (the condenser side 141). During
cooling, middle region 142 functions as an evaporator, absorbing
heat from mold body 104. Heater 144 is provided on the opposite
side from fins 140 to aid in harvesting. Fins 140 are depicted as
annular but any suitable configuration can be employed.
[0057] In some instances, mold body 104 is fixed to rod 102 and
rotates therewith when driven by motor 146 and suitable gearing 148
or the like. As best seen in FIGS. 18 and 20, rod 102 is bent such
that in "fill and freeze" mode, as seen in FIGS. 17-19, finned
condenser region 141 is elevated above the remainder of the rod.
Refrigerant in rod 102 absorbs heat from the water in mold body
104, and evaporates, then condenses in condenser region 141 where
it gives up heat to the ambient (e.g., freezer compartment) through
the fins 140. The condensate flows back to the evaporator region by
gravity. Because of this gravity action, a heat pipe with a wicking
structure is not necessary, although it could be employed if
desired. In the "release" mode in FIGS. 20 and 21, heater 144 is
activated and the mold body 104 attached to rod 102 is rotated
upside down to release the ice by a combination of heating and
gravity. Heat from heater 144 is conducted through rod 102. In some
instances, to assist with the ice falling out of the mold body, the
mold body can be twisted when in the inverted position; for
example, by having one side rotate while the other side resists the
rotating motion for a small time period or small distance. As seen
in FIGS. 20 and 21, a mold stop 201 can be provided on one side of
the mold body 104 opposite the side driven by the motor. The stop
can be located to cause a slight interference with the position the
mold body would otherwise assume, resulting in a twisting of the
mold body to assist in discharging the ice.
[0058] Thus, in one or more embodiments, ice mold 104 is made of a
conductive material, secured mechanically and thermally to rod 102
which functions as an axis of rotation. Rod 102 is a hollow sealed
pipe with refrigerant inside; it acts as thermosiphon or reflux
boiler; i.e., a heat pipe which can but need not have a wicking
structure because the evaporator is below the condenser. In
addition, one end of rod 102 has a heater 144 on it and the other
end is the condenser 141 of the heat pipe and has fins 140. The
condenser end is angled up in the fill and freeze mode as seen in
the view of FIG. 18.
[0059] Note that FIGS. 17-21 show an embodiment wherein the mold
body 104 and rod 102 are secured together and rotate together. In
one or more alternate embodiments, the mold body 104 rotates and
the rod 102 is fixed; i.e., the mold body 104 is secured to rod 102
in a way that conducts heat between the two but allows rotary
motion therebetween. FIGS. 17-19 and 21 are applicable to either
configuration. FIG. 27 shows the alternative configuration. As seen
therein, where the rod 102 is fixed, then condenser 141 is always
elevated above evaporator 142. If both rotate as in FIG. 20,
condenser 141 is elevated above evaporator 142 when mold body 104
is upright in the fill and freeze mode, as in FIG. 18, wherein it
is desired to draw heat away from mold body 104 to cause water
therein to freeze and turn to ice. In heat and dispense mode, in
the embodiment of FIG. 20 where the rod 102 rotates, the evaporator
141 is pointed down.
[0060] A conventional motor 146 has reduction gear 148 and a
controller 197 to cause it to actuate just enough to rotate the
mold body 104.
[0061] Any suitable heater 144 can be employed. The heater can also
be controlled by the controller 197. One non-limiting example of a
suitable heater is the CALROD.RTM. line of resistance heating
elements available from General Electric Company, Appliance Park,
Louisville, Ky. 40225 USA. Where the rod 102 is fixed, the heater
element 144 can be wrapped around the rod and heat is conducted
through a thermal contact interface (the same could be augmented,
for example, by soldering, brazing, use of thermally conductive
grease or Indium foil, or the like). Where rod 102 rotates, the
heater element 144 may, for example, be coiled around rod 102 with
good thermal contact but sufficiently free to rotate. In this
latter case, thermally conductive grease and/or a journal bearing
can be employed, for example. Where mold 104 rotates with rod 102,
the two can be brazed, soldered, or in tight mechanical contact, so
that heat is conducted easily through the mechanical fingers 150
seen in the drawings. Rod 102 may be mounted on bearings 199. Where
the mold 104 rotates about the rod 102, with rod 102 stationary,
journal bearings could be employed between the rod and mold body,
optionally with thermal grease, or fingers 150 can form bearing
surfaces against rod 102, again optionally with thermal grease.
[0062] From a purely thermal standpoint, a presently preferred
embodiment is one, to be discussed below, wherein mold 104 is
hollow and contains working fluid in communication with the cavity
of rod 102; the mold 104 thus itself forms the evaporator of the
thermosiphon. In a thermal sense, the next best approach is the
case where the mold body 104 is fixed to the rod 102 and both
rotate together, as in FIG. 20. Again, in a purely thermal sense, a
least preferred but still acceptable approach is as shown in FIG.
27, wherein rod 102 is fixed and mold body 104 rotates. Note that
this ranking is purely from a thermal standpoint, and when other
factors such as cost, ease of manufacture, or the like are taken
into account, a different ranking may result.
[0063] Note that when in heat and dispense mode, in the embodiment
of FIG. 27 the rod 102 still functions as a thermosiphon, reflux
boiler, or heat pipe, so that heat transfer from the heater 144 is
from both conduction through the metal and the effect of the
thermosiphon, reflux boiler, or heat pipe. However, in the
embodiments of FIG. 20, fluid will stay in condenser portion 141 so
for the heating effect, reliance is primarily on conduction through
the metal from heater 144. Of course, a wicking structure could be
provided if desired so that rod 102 would function as a heat pipe
in the heat and dispense mode of FIG. 20.
[0064] Reference should now be had to FIGS. 28-32 which depict an
alternative embodiment wherein mold body 104' is hollow and in
fluid communication with the hollow interior of rod 102', the two
forming a closed system containing the two-phase working fluid.
FIGS. 28-30 show the fill and freeze condition. The hollow interior
of the mold body 104' forms the evaporator of the heat pipe,
thermosiphon, or reflux boiler. FIGS. 31 and 32 show the heat and
dispense mode. The remainder of the elements are similar to those
in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-21, have received the same reference
characters, and will not be described again. Because of the fluid
communication between the hollow rod 102' and the hollow mold body
104', the rod and mold body rotate together on suitable bearings
199 or the like as described above.
[0065] It will thus be appreciated, with reference again to FIGS.
1-16, that ice making assemblies in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention can be positioned in a variety of
locations, which may be similar to the positions of ice making
assemblies on current refrigerators. These include, for example,
the top corner of the freezer compartment, within the fresh food or
freezer compartment doors, and so on. The footprint of ice making
assemblies in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
invention can, in at least some instances, be similar to those of
current ice makers. The condenser 141 of the rod should be in an
environment with a temperature sufficiently low to freeze water
into ice at ambient pressure, such as the ambient air in the
freezer compartment or separate ice making compartment.
[0066] FIGS. 22-26 depict an alternative embodiment wherein rod
2202 is not a thermosiphon, reflux boiler, or heat pipe, but rather
is simply a heater. This approach is lower in cost, but not as
advantageous with respect to freezing time. Element 2203 is an
electrical lead to a CALROD.RTM. heating element or other type of
heating element, which provides an axis of rotation and also heats
mold body 104 (and is one and the same as rod 2202 or is integrated
with rod 2202). This embodiment works in a similar manner to the
embodiments of FIGS. 17-21 and 27 except without enhanced cooling.
The mold body 104 may be secured to the rod 2202 as it is secured
to the rod 102 in FIG. 20 or may rotate with respect thereto as in
FIG. 27.
[0067] It should be noted that in some instances, the mold body is
filled and freezing occurs in an upright position, then the mold
body is inverted and heat is applied to aid discharge. However,
heat can be applied at different times. For example, in some cases,
the mold body is filled and freezing occurs in an upright position,
then heat is applied to aid discharge, and finally the mold body is
inverted. For example, consider FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B. As seen
therein, mold body 104 is upright, the ice freezes, the mold body
is heated up, melting a small layer of ice between the mold and the
body of the ice. The mold body then rotates while at the same time
secondary rack 203 engages ice 207 under the action of torsion
spring 205. Spring 205 keeps rack 203 down until it contacts the
mold body side wall; upon contact, the mold body side wall pushes
the secondary rack up as seen in phantom lines. Secondary rack 203
thus prevents ice 207 from rotating with mold body 104, effectively
scooping the ice out of the mold.
[0068] One advantage that may be realized in the practice of some
embodiments of the described systems and techniques is more rapid
ice production. Another advantage that may be realized in the
practice of some embodiments of the described systems and
techniques is a simple, robust, and low cost design (the components
needed to make ice include a fixed (or rotating) rod, mold body,
gear, and step motor.). Still another advantage that may be
realized in the practice of some embodiments of the described
systems and techniques is production of ice cubes with unique
shapes, such as hemispheres, three-dimensional trapezoids, hollow
cylinders, and the like. Yet another advantage that may be realized
in the practice of some embodiments of the described systems and
techniques is that less internal refrigerator volume is taken up by
the icemaker (since one or more embodiments allow more rapid
freezing of ice--say, on the order of ten times faster than
conventional techniques--more rapid dispensing can be achieved,
thus allowing production of a desired volume of ice per unit time
with a smaller mold volume; furthermore, in at least some
instances, rotation of the mold body overcomes the need for a large
rotating rack).
[0069] It will thus be appreciated that in one or more embodiments,
a fixed multifunctional rod provides the icemaker mold body with an
axis of rotation, as well as a heat source and/or heat extraction
for rapid chill of ice. Possible fixed rods includes a heat pipe,
thermosiphon, or reflux boiler with fins on one side (to extract
heat from the mold body) and a CALROD.RTM. or other heater looped
around or otherwise in thermal communication with the heat pipe,
thermosiphon, or reflux boiler on the other side (the same applies
heat to the mold body for ice release), or a CALROD.RTM. or other
heater (which only applies heat to mold body). The bottom of the
mold body is attached to and rotates around the fixed rod or with a
rotating rod. A large gear attached to one side of the mold body,
and a step motor, rotate the mold body.
[0070] Given the teachings herein, the skilled artisan will be able
to select working fluids and determine an appropriate charge of the
selected working fluid. Further useful details are provided in the
aforesaid U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on even
date herewith, attorney docket number 236952, entitled ICEMAKER
WITH REVERSIBLE THERMOSIPHON.
[0071] Given the discussion thus far, it will be appreciated that,
in general terms, an exemplary apparatus, according to one aspect
of the invention, includes a mold body 104, 104' with at least one
cavity configured and dimensioned to receive water to be frozen
into ice, as well as a rod 102, 102', 2202. The rod in turn
includes at least one of a heat source 144 and a heat sink 141. The
mold body is mounted to the rod such that the rod functions as an
axis of rotation for the mold body (i.e., rod is fixed and mold
body rotates about it or mold body and rod are fixed to each other
and rotate as a unit).
[0072] In some instances, the rod 102, 102' is hollow and sealed,
the mold body 104, 104' has first and second ends, and the rod has
an evaporator portion 142 in thermal communication with the mold
body 104, 104'. Further, the rod 102, 102' has a condenser portion
141, comprising the heat sink, and extending past the second end of
the mold body 104, 104' and above the evaporator portion 142 when
the mold body is disposed to receive the water. Furthermore, the
apparatus can also include a two-phase heat transfer fluid
contained within the hollow rod 102, 102' and a heat transfer
surface (e.g., fins 140) on the condenser portion 141.
[0073] In some instances, the apparatus further includes an
actuation arrangement (e.g., motor 146 with gearing arrangement
148) which causes the mold body to rotate about the axis of
rotation between a first position wherein the water can be
introduced into the at least one cavity and a second position
wherein the ice can be discharged from the at least one cavity.
[0074] In one or more embodiments, the rod further comprises a
heater 144 in thermal communication with the evaporator portion
142, the heater comprising the heat source. Heater 144 may be in
thermal communication with evaporator 142 by conduction from a
distal end extending past the first side of the mold body (left
side of rod in FIGS. 22, 27, and 28 with heater being in thermal
contact with the distal end of the rod) or could even extend into
the evaporator region.
[0075] In at least some instances, controller 197 is configured to
cause the actuation arrangement to rotate the mold body about the
axis of rotation/or to activate the heater (for example, when the
mold body is in the second position and/or when the mold body is in
the first position and about to rotate to the second position).
[0076] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, in some
instances, a secondary rack 203 is located so as to scoop the ice
out of the mold body as the mold body rotates from the first
position to the second position. This approach can be used, for
example, when the controller is configured to activate the heater
at least under the condition when the mold body is in the first
position and about to rotate to the second position.
[0077] As noted, in some cases, the mold body 104, 104' and the rod
102, 102' are fixed against relative rotation about the axis of
rotation, in which case one or more bearings 199 can be provided,
such that the rod and the mold body rotate as a unit about the axis
of rotation. In another aspect as in FIG. 27, the rod is fixed and
the mold body rotates about the rod.
[0078] In a preferred but non-limiting approach, mold body 104 has
a plurality of cavities 160 configured and dimensioned to receive
the water to be frozen into the ice.
[0079] In a thermally preferred approach of FIGS. 28-32, the mold
body 104' is hollow and in fluid communication with the hollow rod
102', the two-phase heat transfer fluid extends into the hollow
mold body, and the evaporator portion 142 of the rod is in thermal
communication with the mold body via fluid communication. In the
approach of FIGS. 17-20 and 27, the evaporator portion 142 of the
rod 102 is in thermal communication with the mold body 104 via
conduction.
[0080] In some instances, as in FIGS. 22-26, the rod further
comprises a heater 2202, the heater comprising the heat source.
[0081] An actuation arrangement as described above (optionally with
controller 197) can also be provided in this case.
[0082] Furthermore, given the discussion thus far, it will be
appreciated that, in general terms, an exemplary refrigerator 100,
100', according to still another aspect of the invention, includes
a body defining at least one cooled compartment (e.g., 108, 134); a
door such as 110 or 130 hinged to the body and permitting access to
the at least one cooled compartment; and an apparatus as described
above.
[0083] Software includes but is not limited to firmware, resident
software, microcode, etc. As is known in the art, part or all of
one or more aspects of the methods and apparatus discussed herein
may be distributed as an article of manufacture that itself
comprises a tangible computer readable recordable storage medium
having computer readable code means embodied thereon. The computer
readable program code means is operable, in conjunction with a
computer system or microprocessor, to carry out all or some of the
steps to perform the methods or create the apparatuses discussed
herein. A computer-usable medium may, in general, be a recordable
medium (e.g., floppy disks, hard drives, compact disks, EEPROMs, or
memory cards) or may be a transmission medium (e.g., a network
comprising fiber-optics, the world-wide web, cables, or a wireless
channel using time-division multiple access, code-division multiple
access, or other radio-frequency channel). Any medium known or
developed that can store information suitable for use with a
computer system may be used. The computer-readable code means is
any mechanism for allowing a computer or processor to read
instructions and data, such as magnetic variations on a magnetic
medium or height variations on the surface of a compact disk. The
medium can be distributed on multiple physical devices (or over
multiple networks). As used herein, a tangible computer-readable
recordable storage medium is intended to encompass a recordable
medium, examples of which are set forth above, but is not intended
to encompass a transmission medium or disembodied signal. A
processor may include and/or be coupled to a suitable memory. A
processor with suitable software and/or firmware instructions may
be used to implement controller 197. Other types of controls, such
as electromechanical controls, could also be used.
[0084] Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out
fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to exemplary
embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions
and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the
devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
invention. Moreover, it is expressly intended that all combinations
of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially
the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same
results are within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it
should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method
steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form
or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other
disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general
matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be
limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended
hereto.
* * * * *