U.S. patent application number 13/739276 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for refrigerator appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to Alan Joseph Mitchell.
Application Number | 20140196493 13/739276 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51164122 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140196493 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mitchell; Alan Joseph |
July 17, 2014 |
REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE
Abstract
A refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance
includes an ice maker and a container. The ice maker directs ice
into a storage volume of the container. The container is removably
positioned within a fresh food chamber of the refrigerator
appliance. A valve is mounted to the container and configured for
regulating a flow of liquid out of the storage volume of the
container.
Inventors: |
Mitchell; Alan Joseph;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
51164122 |
Appl. No.: |
13/739276 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 5/182 20130101;
F25C 2500/06 20130101; F25D 23/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/344 |
International
Class: |
F25C 5/18 20060101
F25C005/18 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining a fresh
food chamber and a freezer chamber; an ice maker disposed within
the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber of said cabinet; a
container defining a storage volume for receipt of ice produced by
said ice maker, said container removably positioned within the
fresh food chamber of said cabinet; a valve mounted to said
container, said valve configured for selective adjustment between
an open configuration in which said valve permits a flow of liquid
out the storage volume of said container and a closed configuration
in which said valve hinders the flow of liquid out of the storage
volume of said container, said valve configured for shifting
between the open and closed configurations when said container is
removed from and inserted into the fresh food chamber of said
cabinet.
2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said valve is in
the open configuration when said container is positioned within the
fresh food chamber of said cabinet and said valve is in the closed
configuration when said container is positioned outside of the
fresh food chamber of said cabinet.
3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said cabinet
defines a vertical direction, said container extending between a
top portion and a bottom portion along the vertical direction, said
valve mounted to said container at the bottom portion of said
container.
4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 3, further comprising a
screen positioned within the storage volume of said container and
above said valve along the vertical direction.
5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said container
defines an opening for directing the flow of liquid out of the
storage volume of said container, said valve comprising: a stem
mounted to said container; a seal mounted to said stem; and a
spring urging said seal against said container at the opening of
said container.
6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said cabinet
defines a vertical direction, said ice maker positioned within the
fresh food chamber of said cabinet and above said container along
the vertical direction.
7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein ice within the
storage volume of said container is maintained at a temperature
greater than about thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a door
rotatably mounted to said cabinet for permitting selective access
to the fresh food chamber of said cabinet, said container and said
ice maker mounted to said door.
9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a
reservoir, said cabinet defining a vertical direction, said
reservoir disposed below said container along the vertical
direction and receiving the flow of liquid from the storage volume
of said container when said valve is in the open configuration.
10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 9, further comprising a
drain line extending between an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of
said drain line positioned adjacent said reservoir and configured
for directing liquid out of said reservoir to the outlet of said
drain line.
11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, further comprising an
evaporator pan positioned within said cabinet, the outlet of said
drain line positioned adjacent said evaporator pan and configured
for directing liquid into said evaporator pan.
12. A refrigerator appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining a
fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber; a door rotatably mounted
to said cabinet for permitting selective access to the fresh food
chamber of said cabinet; an ice maker disposed on said door within
the fresh food chamber of said cabinet; a container removably
positioned on said door, said container defining a storage volume
and an opening, the storage volume of said container configured for
receipt of ice produced by said ice maker, the opening of said
container configured for directing a flow of liquid out of the
storage volume of said container; and a valve mounted to said
container at the opening of said container, said valve configured
for regulating a flow of liquid out the storage volume of said
container such that said valve permits the flow of liquid out of
the storage volume of said container through the opening of said
container when said container is positioned on said door and said
valve hinders the flow of liquid out of the storage volume of said
container through the opening of said container when said container
is removed from said door.
13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein said cabinet
defines a vertical direction, said container extending between a
top portion and a bottom portion along the vertical direction, said
valve mounted to said container at the bottom portion of said
container.
14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, further comprising a
screen positioned within the storage volume of said container and
above said valve along the vertical direction.
15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein said valve
comprises: a stem mounted to said container; a seal mounted to said
stem; and a spring urging said seal against said container at the
opening of said container.
16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein said cabinet
defines a vertical direction, said ice maker positioned above said
container along the vertical direction.
17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein ice within the
storage volume of said container is maintained at a temperature
greater than about thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, further comprising a
reservoir mounted to said door, said cabinet defining a vertical
direction, said reservoir disposed below said container along the
vertical direction and receiving the flow of liquid from the
storage volume of said container when said valve directs the flow
of liquid out of the storage volume of said container.
19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 18, further comprising a
drain line extending between an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of
said drain line positioned adjacent said reservoir and configured
for directing liquid out of said reservoir to the outlet of said
drain line.
20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 19, further comprising an
evaporator pan positioned within said cabinet, the outlet of said
drain line positioned adjacent said evaporator pan and configured
for directing liquid into said evaporator pan.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator
appliances and ice-making assemblies for the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that
defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food items for storage. In
particular, the cabinet can define a fresh food chamber and a
freezer chamber. The fresh food chamber can be maintained at a
temperature greater than the freezing point of water. Conversely,
the freezer chamber can be maintained at a temperature equal to or
less than the freezing point of water.
[0003] Certain refrigerator appliances also include an ice maker
for producing ice. The ice maker can be positioned within the
appliances' freezer chamber and direct ice into an ice bucket where
it can be stored within the freezer chamber. Such refrigerator
appliances can also include a dispensing system for assisting a
user with accessing ice produced by the refrigerator appliances'
ice maker.
[0004] Storing ice within a refrigerator appliance's freezer
chamber can have certain drawbacks. In particular, certain
refrigerator appliances maintain their freezer chambers at
temperatures well below the freezing point of water. Ice stored in
such conditions can become cloudy and/or hard relative to ice
stored at warmer temperatures. Consumers can find such cloudy
and/or hard ice undesirable.
[0005] Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for
storing ice at or greater than about the freezing point of water
would be useful. Further, a refrigerator appliance with features
for hindering ice from clouding and/or hardening would be
useful.
[0006] Ice stored at or greater than about the freezing point of
water can melt over time, and melting can generate liquid runoff.
In refrigerator appliances, such liquid runoff can fill or collect
within an ice bucket storing ice therein and negatively affect
storage of such ice. Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with
features for assisting removal of liquid from a container having
ice stored therein would be useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present subject matter provides a refrigerator
appliance. The refrigerator appliance includes an ice maker and a
container. The ice maker directs ice into a storage volume of the
container. The container is removably positioned within a fresh
food chamber of the refrigerator appliance. A valve is mounted to
the container and configured for regulating a flow of liquid out of
the storage volume of the container. Additional aspects and
advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
following description, or may be apparent from the description, or
may be learned through practice of the invention.
[0008] In a first exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is
provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that
defines a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber. An ice maker is
disposed within the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber of
the cabinet. A container defines a storage volume for receipt of
ice produced by the ice maker. The container is removably
positioned within the fresh food chamber of the cabinet. A valve is
mounted to the container. The valve is configured for selective
adjustment between an open configuration in which the valve permits
a flow of liquid out the storage volume of the container and a
closed configuration in which the valve hinders the flow of liquid
out of the storage volume of the container. The valve shifts
between the open and closed configurations when the container is
removed from and inserted into the fresh food chamber of the
cabinet.
[0009] In a second exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance
is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that
defines a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber. A door is
rotatably mounted to the cabinet for permitting selective access to
the fresh food chamber of the cabinet. An ice maker is disposed on
the door within the fresh food chamber of the cabinet. A container
is removably positioned on the door. The container defines a
storage volume and an opening. The storage volume of the container
is configured for receipt of ice produced by the ice maker. The
opening of the container is configured for directing a flow of
liquid out of the storage volume of the container. A valve is
mounted to the container at the opening of the container. The valve
is configured for regulating a flow of liquid out the storage
volume of the container such that the valve permits the flow of
liquid out of the storage volume of the container through the
opening of the container when the container is positioned on the
door and the valve hinders the flow of liquid out of the storage
volume of the container through the opening of the container when
the container is removed from the door.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator
appliance according to an exemplary body of the present subject
matter.
[0013] FIG. 2 provides a front, elevation view of the refrigerator
appliance of FIG. 1 with doors of the refrigerator appliance shown
in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber of the
refrigerator appliance and an ice-making assembly according to an
exemplary body of the present subject matter positioned
therein.
[0014] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of the ice-making assembly
of the refrigerator appliance of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of a container of the
ice-making assembly of FIG. 3 removed from the refrigerator
appliance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0017] FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator
appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter with refrigerator doors 128 of the refrigerator
appliance 100 shown in a closed position. FIG. 2 provides a front,
elevation view of refrigerator appliance 100 with refrigerator
doors 128 shown in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber
122 of refrigerator appliance 100. As discussed in greater detail
below, refrigerator appliance 100 includes an ice-making assembly
200, e.g., positioned within fresh food chamber 122 of refrigerator
appliance 100.
[0018] Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120
that extends between a top portion 101 and a bottom portion 102
along a vertical direction V. Housing 120 defines chilled chambers
for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 120
defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top
portion 101 of housing 120 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or
adjacent bottom portion 102 of housing 120. As such, refrigerator
appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount
refrigerator appliance. It is recognized, however, that the
benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles
of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator
appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance.
Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative
purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to
any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.
[0019] Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably mounted or hinged to an
edge of housing 120 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber
122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator
doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer
door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably
mounted within freezer chamber 124. As discussed above,
refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed
configuration in FIG. 1, and refrigerator doors 128 are shown in
the open position in FIG. 2.
[0020] Turning now to FIG. 2, various storage components are
mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food
items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In
particular, the storage components include bins 140, drawers 142,
and shelves 144 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122.
Bins 140, drawers 142, and shelves 144 are configured for receipt
of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may
assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 142
can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or
cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items.
[0021] As may be seen in FIG. 2, an ice-making assembly 200
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter
is mounted to refrigerator appliance 100. In particular, ice-making
assembly 200 is mounted to one of refrigerator doors 128. Thus,
ice-making assembly 200 can be positioned within fresh-food chamber
122, e.g., when refrigerator doors 128 are closed. Ice-making 200
is configured for producing ice and is discussed in greater detail
below.
[0022] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of ice-making assembly 200.
FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of a container 220 of ice-making
assembly 200. Ice-making assembly 200 includes an ice maker 210.
Although shown mounted to or disposed on refrigerator door 128 in
FIG. 2, ice maker 210 may be mounted to any other suitable
component of refrigerator appliance 100 in alternative exemplary
embodiments. For example, ice maker 210 may be mounted to housing
120, e.g., within fresh food chamber 122.
[0023] Ice maker 210 is configured for producing ice. As an
example, ice maker 210 can be a nugget or auger style ice maker. In
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, ice maker 210 is
positioned within fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator doors
128 are closed. Ambient air within fresh food chamber 122 is not
maintained at a sufficiently low temperature to permit formation of
ice by ice maker 210. Thus, ice maker 210 includes a chilled air
inlet 214 and a chilled air outlet 216. Chilled air inlet 214 can
direct chilled air from freezer chamber 124 to ice maker 210.
Because chilled air within freezer chamber 124 can have a
sufficiently low temperature to permit formation of ice, chilled
air therefrom can assist or permit ice maker 210 to produce ice
despite the position of ice maker 210 within fresh food chamber
122. To facilitate the flow of chilled air from freezer chamber 124
to ice maker 210, chilled air outlet 216 can direct air away from
ice maker 210, e.g., back to freezer chamber 124.
[0024] Ice maker 210 also includes an ice chute 212. Ice chute 212
directs ice produced by ice maker 210, e.g., into a storage volume
222 of container 220. Storage volume 222 is defined by container
220 and is configured for receipt of ice produced by ice maker 210.
As may be seen in FIG. 2, ice maker 210 is positioned above
container 220 along the vertical direction V. In particular, ice
chute 212 of ice maker 210 is positioned above container 220 along
the vertical direction V. Thus, ice can slide off of ice chute 212
and drop into storage volume 222 of container 220.
[0025] Container 220 is removably positioned or mounted within
fresh food chamber 122 of housing 120. In particular, container 220
can be removably positioned on or mounted to refrigerator door 128.
As an example, a user can grasp a handle 236 (FIG. 2) of container
220 in order to lift container 220 off of refrigerator door 128
and, e.g., place container 220 on a countertop or table such that
the user can more easily access ice within storage volume 222 of
container 220.
[0026] Container 220 extends between a top portion 226 and a bottom
portion 228 along the vertical direction V. Ice from ice maker 210
can enter storage volume 222 of container 220 at top portion 226 of
container 220 and rest within storage volume 222 of container 220
at bottom portion 228 of container 220. In particular, container
220 includes a bottom wall 232 positioned at bottom portion 228 of
container 220. Ice within storage volume 222 of container 220 can
rest on bottom wall 232. Container 220 also includes a sidewall 230
connected to bottom wall 232 and extending along the vertical
direction V, e.g., between top and bottom portions 226 and 228 of
container 220.
[0027] Because container 220 is positioned or stored within fresh
food chamber 122, ice within storage volume 222 of container 220 is
maintained or stored at a temperature greater than the melting
point of water or greater than about thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
Thus, ice within storage volume 222 of container 220 melts over
time. Such melting generates liquid run off within storage volume
222 of container 220. Ice-making assembly 200 includes features for
directing such liquid out of storage volume 222 of container 220 as
discussed in greater detail below.
[0028] A valve 240 is mounted to container 220, e.g., at bottom
portion 228 of container 220. In particular, container 220 defines
an opening 224 for permitting a flow of liquid out of storage
volume 222 of container 220. Valve 240 is mounted at opening 224
and is configured for regulating the flow of water out of storage
volume 222 of container 220 through opening 224.
[0029] Container 220 also includes a screen 250 positioned within
storage volume 222 of container 220. Screen 250 can be mounted to
bottom wall 232 of container 220, e.g., above valve 240 and opening
224 along the vertical direction V. Screen 250 defines a plurality
of holes 252 that permit a flow of liquid therethrough. However,
holes 252 are sized to hinder ice within storage volume 222 of
container 220 from passing therethrough. Thus, screen 250 can
support ice thereon while permitting liquid runoff to pass through
holes 252 to opening 224 and out of storage volume 222 of container
220. In such a manner, screen 250 can hinder ice from clogging or
obstructing opening 224 and/or valve 240.
[0030] Valve 240 includes a stem 242 mounted to container 220,
e.g., to screen 250. Stem 242 can be a rod or other linear
component that extends along the vertical direction V. A seal 244
is mounted to stem 242. Seal 244 can be constructed of any suitable
material, such as an elastomeric material. Valve 240 also includes
a biasing mechanism or spring 246. Spring 246 extends between
container 220, e.g., screen 250 of container 220, and seal 244.
Spring 246 urges seal 244, e.g., downwardly along the vertical
direction V, against container 220 at opening 224 of container 220.
In particular, spring 246 urges seal 244 into opening 224 of
container 220 in order to clog or obstruct opening 224 and hinder
the flow of liquid out of storage volume 222 of container 220
through opening 224.
[0031] As discussed above, valve 240 is configured for regulating
the flow of liquid out storage volume 222 of container 220. In
particular, valve 240 permits the flow of liquid out of storage
volume 222 of container 220 through opening 224 when container 220
is positioned within fresh food chamber 122, e.g., on refrigerator
door 128. Conversely, valve 240 hinders the flow of liquid out of
storage volume 222 of container 220 through opening 224 when
container 220 is removed from fresh food chamber 122, e.g., from
refrigerator door 128. Thus, valve 240 is configured for selective
adjustment between an open configuration in which valve 240 permits
the flow of liquid out storage volume 222 of container 220 and a
closed configuration in which valve 240 hinders the flow of liquid
out of storage volume 222 of container 220.
[0032] As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, valve 240 shifts between
the open and closed configurations when container 220 is removed
from and inserted into fresh food chamber 122 of housing 120. In
particular, valve 240 is in the open configuration when container
220 is positioned on refrigerator door 128. Refrigerator door 128
includes an actuator 248, e.g., that extends upwardly along the
vertical direction V. A distal end 247 of stem 242 can engage
actuator 248 to slide stem 242 and seal 244 upwardly along the
vertical direction V away from opening 224 when container 220 rests
on refrigerator door 128.
[0033] From the position shown in FIG. 3, a user can utilize handle
236 (FIG. 2) of container 220 to lift container 220 off
refrigerator door 128. When container 220 is removed from
refrigerator door 128 and/or positioned outside of fresh food
chamber 122, distal end 247 of stem 242 does not engage actuator
248, and spring 246 urges stem 242 and seal 244 downwardly along
the vertical direction V towards opening 224 such that seal 244
obstructs opening 224 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0034] In such a manner, valve 240 can assist within regulating the
flow of liquid through opening 224. In particular, valve 240 can
permit runoff from melted ice to exit storage volume 222 of
container 220 when container 220 is positioned on door 128, and
valve 240 can obstruct opening 224 and hinder such runoff from
spilling or leaking when container 220 is removed from door
128.
[0035] Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a reservoir 260.
Reservoir 260 is disposed below container 220 along the vertical
direction V. In particular, support legs 234 of container 220 can
rest within reservoir 260 when container 220 is positioned on
refrigerator door 128. Reservoir 260 receives the flow of liquid
from storage volume 222 of container 220, e.g., when valve 240 is
in the open configuration and container 220 is mounted to
refrigerator door 128.
[0036] Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a drain line 270.
Drain line 270 extends between an inlet 272 and an outlet 274 (FIG.
2). Inlet 272 of drain line 270 is positioned adjacent reservoir
260 and is configured for directing liquid out of reservoir 260.
Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes an evaporator pan 280
(FIG. 2), e.g., positioned within housing 120. Outlet 274 of drain
line 270 is positioned adjacent evaporator pan 280 and is
configured for directing liquid from drain line 270 into evaporator
pan 280. Thus, drain line 270 extends between and fluidly connects
reservoir 260 and evaporator pan 280. In particular, drain line 270
directs liquid runoff from container 220 within reservoir 260 to
evaporator pan 280. Within evaporator pan 280, such liquid can
evaporate.
[0037] As will be understood by those skilled in the art,
evaporator pan 280 can also receive liquid runoff from an
evaporator (not shown) of refrigerator appliance 100, e.g., during
a defrost cycle of refrigerator appliance 100. However, in
alternative exemplary embodiments, evaporator pan 280 can be a
separate component such that runoff from reservoir 260 and the
evaporator of refrigerator appliance 100 are directed to separate
pans. In additional exemplary embodiments, outlet 274 of drain line
270 can be directed to a drain of a plumbing system (not shown),
e.g., within a residence housing refrigerator appliance 100, such
that run off is directed into the plumbing system rather than
evaporating within refrigerator appliance 100.
[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *