U.S. patent application number 14/996414 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-20 for ice making assembly and mounting system.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Alan Joseph Mitchell, Bart Andrew Nuss.
Application Number | 20170205132 14/996414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59314453 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170205132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nuss; Bart Andrew ; et
al. |
July 20, 2017 |
Ice Making Assembly and Mounting System
Abstract
An ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided.
The refrigerator appliance includes an icebox compartment which
receives cooling air from a sealed system through a supply duct and
a return duct. The ice making assembly has an inlet duct and an
outlet duct that are connected with these cooling air ducts to
receive cooling air to assist in the formation of ice. Each of the
inlet duct and outlet duct may include a flange that may be
received by a corresponding flange on the icebox compartment. The
resulting ice making assembly requires fewer parts and space, and
installation and removal is simplified.
Inventors: |
Nuss; Bart Andrew;
(Fisherville, NY) ; Mitchell; Alan Joseph;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59314453 |
Appl. No.: |
14/996414 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2317/0672 20130101;
F25C 1/00 20130101; F25C 2400/10 20130101; F25D 2317/0671 20130101;
F25D 17/065 20130101; F25D 2317/061 20130101; F25D 23/067
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/06 20060101
F25D017/06; F25D 23/06 20060101 F25D023/06; F25C 1/00 20060101
F25C001/00 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a
transverse direction, the refrigerator appliance comprising: a
cabinet including a liner; a sealed cooling system for circulating
cooling air within the refrigerator appliance; an icebox
compartment defined at least in part by the liner, the icebox
compartment comprising: a cooling air supply duct; and a cooling
air return duct; a supply duct flange mounted to the liner
proximate to the cooling air supply duct; a return duct flange
mounted to the liner proximate to the cooling air return duct; and
an ice making assembly comprising: an inlet duct flange defining an
inlet duct for receiving cooling air from the sealed cooling system
through the cooling air supply duct, the inlet duct flange being
configured for receipt in the supply duct flange; and an outlet
duct flange defining an outlet duct for returning cooling air to
the sealed cooling system through the cooling air return duct, the
outlet duct flange being configured for receipt in the return duct
flange, wherein the ice making assembly is mounted to the icebox
compartment by sliding the inlet duct flange and the outlet duct
flange into the supply duct flange and the return duct flange,
respectively.
2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice making
assembly further comprises an inlet gasket disposed on an end of
the inlet duct flange and an outlet gasket disposed on an end of
the outlet duct flange, the inlet gasket and the outlet gasket
configured to form a seal between the inlet and outlet duct flanges
and the supply and return ducts, respectively, when the ice making
assembly is mounted in the icebox compartment.
3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the ice making
assembly and the icebox compartment are assembled by sliding the
inlet duct flange and the outlet duct flange into the supply duct
flange and the return duct flange, respectively, such that friction
resists disassembly.
4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 3, wherein the supply duct
flange and the return duct flange are tapered such that the inlet
gasket and the outlet gasket are compressed as the ice making
assembly slides into an installed position.
5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice making
assembly is secured within the icebox compartment by installing at
least one mechanical fastener through one of the inlet duct flange
and the outlet duct flange after the ice making assembly has been
mounted in the icebox compartment.
6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice making
assembly is secured within the icebox compartment by sliding the
inlet duct flange and the outlet duct flange into the supply duct
flange and the return duct flange, respectively, past a tab or clip
configured to prevent the ice making assembly from sliding in an
opposite direction.
7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice making
assembly comprises a housing, wherein the inlet duct flange, the
outlet duct flange, and the housing are integrally formed from a
single, continuous piece of material.
8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the icebox
compartment comprises a back wall and a plurality of sidewalls, the
cooling air supply duct and the cooling air return duct being
disposed on one of the plurality of sidewalls.
9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein the cooling air
supply duct is positioned above and in the same vertical plane as
the cooling air return duct.
10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the supply duct
flange and the return duct flange are attached to the icebox
compartment using one or more mechanical fasteners.
11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the supply duct
flange, the return duct flange, and the icebox compartment are
injection molded as a single, integral piece.
12. An ice making assembly for a refrigerator appliance, the
refrigerator appliance comprising an icebox compartment defining a
supply duct, a return duct, and a flange assembly positioned over
the supply duct and the return duct, the ice making assembly
comprising: an inlet duct flange defining an inlet duct for
receiving cooling air from a sealed cooling system through the
supply duct; and an outlet duct flange defining an outlet duct for
returning cooling air to the sealed cooling system through the
return duct, wherein the ice making assembly is mounted to the
icebox compartment by sliding the inlet duct flange and the outlet
duct flange into the flange assembly.
13. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the ice making
assembly further comprises an inlet gasket disposed on an end of
the inlet duct flange and an outlet gasket disposed on an end of
the outlet duct flange, the inlet gasket and the outlet gasket
configured to form a seal between the inlet and outlet duct flanges
and the supply and return ducts, respectively, when the ice making
assembly is mounted in the icebox compartment.
14. The ice making assembly of claim 13, wherein the ice making
assembly and the icebox compartment are assembled by sliding the
inlet duct flange and the outlet duct flange into the flange
assembly such that friction resists disassembly.
15. The ice making assembly of claim 14, wherein the flange
assembly tapered such that the inlet gasket and the outlet gasket
are compressed as the ice making assembly slides into an installed
position.
16. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the ice making
assembly is secured within the icebox compartment by installing at
least one mechanical fastener through one of the inlet duct flange
and the outlet duct flange after the ice making assembly has been
mounted in the icebox compartment.
17. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the ice making
assembly is secured within the icebox compartment by sliding the
inlet duct flange and the outlet duct flange into the flange
assembly past a tab or clip configured to prevent the ice making
assembly from sliding in an opposite direction.
18. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the ice making
assembly comprises a housing, wherein the inlet duct flange, the
outlet duct flange, and the housing are integrally formed from a
single, continuous piece of material.
19. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the flange
assembly is attached to the icebox compartment using one or more
mechanical fasteners.
20. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the flange
assembly and the icebox compartment are injection molded as a
single, integral piece.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to ice makers,
such as nugget style ice makers, and mounting systems for the
same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Certain refrigerator appliances include an ice maker. To
produce ice, liquid water is directed to the ice maker and frozen.
A variety of ice types can be produced depending upon the
particular ice maker used. For example, certain ice makers include
a mold body for receiving liquid water. An auger within the mold
body can rotate, scrape ice off an inner surface of the mold body,
and force it through an extruder to form ice nuggets. Such ice
makers are generally referred to as nugget style ice makers.
Certain consumers prefer nugget style ice makers and their
associated ice nuggets.
[0003] Ice making assemblies are typically mounted in an icebox
compartment and receive cooling air from a sealed system to assist
with the formation of ice. The cooling air is supplied into the
icebox compartment through a supply duct and a return duct formed
in the side of the icebox compartment. The ice making assemblies
include an inlet which must be positioned over the supply duct and
an outlet which must be positioned over the return duct.
[0004] Certain ice making assemblies require a plurality of
fasteners to secure an ice making assembly to an icebox
compartment. In addition, structural components such as slides,
clips, protrusion, etc. are also used to position and secure the
ice making assembly. However, these ice making assemblies may
require additional parts to ensure proper alignment of cooling
ducts with the icemaker inlet and outlet, may take up more space
within an icebox compartment, and may require additional fasteners
to secure. This makes removing and reinstalling such ice making
assemblies for service and replacement a complicated, cumbersome,
and inefficient process.
[0005] Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance having improved means
of installation would be useful. More particularly, a refrigerator
appliance having a removable ice making assembly with features for
simplifying installation and removal while requiring fewer parts
would be particularly beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present subject matter provides an ice making assembly
for a refrigerator appliance. The refrigerator appliance includes
an icebox compartment which receives cooling air from a sealed
system through a supply duct and a return duct. The ice making
assembly has an inlet duct and an outlet duct that are connected
with these cooling air ducts to receive cooling air to assist in
the formation of ice. Each of the inlet duct and outlet duct may
include a flange that may be received by a corresponding flange on
the icebox compartment. The resulting ice making assembly requires
fewer parts and space, and installation and removal is simplified.
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.
[0007] In a first exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance
defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is
provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet including a
liner; a sealed cooling system for circulating cooling air within
the refrigerator appliance; and an icebox compartment defined at
least in part by the liner. The icebox compartment includes a
cooling air supply duct and a cooling air return duct. The
refrigerator appliance further includes a supply duct flange
mounted to the liner proximate to the cooling air supply duct, a
return duct flange mounted to the liner proximate to the cooling
air return duct, and an ice making assembly. The ice making
assembly includes an inlet duct flange defining an inlet duct for
receiving cooling air from the sealed cooling system through the
cooling air supply duct, the inlet duct flange being configured for
receipt in the supply duct flange; and an outlet duct flange
defining an outlet duct for returning cooling air to the sealed
cooling system through the cooling air return duct, the outlet duct
flange being configured for receipt in the return duct flange. The
ice making assembly is mounted to the icebox compartment by sliding
the inlet duct flange and the outlet duct flange into the supply
duct flange and the return duct flange, respectively.
[0008] In a second exemplary embodiment, an ice making assembly for
a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance
includes an icebox compartment defining a supply duct, a return
duct, and a flange assembly positioned over the supply duct and the
return duct. The ice making assembly includes an inlet duct flange
defining an inlet duct for receiving cooling air from a sealed
cooling system through the supply duct; and an outlet duct flange
defining an outlet duct for returning cooling air to the sealed
cooling system through the return duct. The ice making assembly is
mounted to the icebox compartment by sliding the inlet duct flange
and the outlet duct flange into the flange assembly.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a door of the
exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 provides an elevation view of the door of the
exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 2 with an access door of
the door shown in an open position.
[0014] FIG. 4 provides a section view of the exemplary ice making
assembly of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice
making assembly of FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a cooling air supply
duct flange and a cooling air return duct flange according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0017] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice
making assembly of FIG. 3 prior to being installed in the
refrigerator appliance using the exemplary duct flanges of FIG.
6.
[0018] FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice
making assembly of FIG. 3 after being installed in the refrigerator
appliance using the exemplary duct flanges of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator
appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. 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. 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.
[0021] Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably 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. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130
are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1.
[0022] Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a dispensing
assembly 140 for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Dispensing
assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 positioned on or mounted to
an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100, e.g., on one of
refrigerator doors 128. Dispenser 142 includes a discharging outlet
144 for accessing ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism 146,
shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 144 for
operating dispenser 142. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any
suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser 142.
For example, dispenser 142 can include a sensor (such as an
ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. A user
interface panel 148 is provided for controlling the mode of
operation. For example, user interface panel 148 includes a
plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing
button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode
of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
[0023] Discharging outlet 144 and actuating mechanism 146 are an
external part of dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser
recess 150. Dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined
elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling
the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without
the need to open doors 128. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser
recess 150 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest
level of a user.
[0024] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a door of refrigerator
doors 128. FIG. 3 provides an elevation view of refrigerator door
128 with an access door 166 shown in an open position. Refrigerator
appliance 100 includes a freezer sub-compartment 162, often
referred to as an "icebox compartment," defined on refrigerator
door 128. Icebox compartment 162 extends into fresh food chamber
122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position.
[0025] Icebox compartment 162 may be constructed of or with a
suitable plastic material. According to the exemplary embodiment,
icebox compartment 162 may be formed of injection molded plastic.
For example, icebox compartment 162 may be injection-molded plastic
such as HIPS (high impact polystyrene--injection molding grade) or
ABS (injection molding grade). Accordingly, icebox compartment 162
provides a rigid frame on which various elements can be mounted,
such as an ice making assembly and storage bins.
[0026] As may be seen in FIG. 3, an ice maker or ice making
assembly 160 and an ice storage bin or ice bucket 164 are
positioned or disposed within icebox compartment 162. Thus, ice is
supplied to dispenser recess 150 (FIG. 1) from the ice making
assembly 160 and/or ice bucket 164 in icebox compartment 162 on a
back side of refrigerator door 128.
[0027] Access door 166 is hinged to refrigerator door 128. Access
door 166 permits selective access to icebox compartment 162 and ice
making assembly 160, e.g., for servicing or repairing ice making
assembly 160. Any manner of suitable latch 168 is configured with
icebox compartment 162 to maintain access door 166 in a closed
position. As an example, latch 168 may be actuated by a consumer in
order to open access door 166 for providing access into freezer
sub-compartment 162. Access door 166 can also assist with
insulating icebox compartment 162.
[0028] As will be described in more detail below, chilled air from
a sealed system (not shown) of refrigerator appliance 100 may be
directed into ice making assembly 160 in order to cool ice making
assembly 160. During operation of ice making assembly 160, chilled
air from the sealed system cools components of ice making assembly
160, such as a casing or mold body of ice making assembly 160, to
or below a freezing temperature of liquid water. Thus, ice making
assembly 160 is an air cooled ice making assembly.
[0029] Chilled air from the sealed system also cools ice bucket
164. In particular, air around ice bucket 164 can be chilled to a
temperature suitable for storing ice within icebox compartment 162.
For example, cooling air may reduce the temperature within icebox
compartment 162 below the freezing temperature of water.
Alternatively, the temperature within icebox compartment 162 may be
maintained above the freezing temperature of water, e.g., to about
the temperature of fresh food chamber 122. By maintaining icebox
compartment 162 at a temperature greater than the freezing
temperature of water, ice nuggets stored ice bucket 164 have a
reduced tendency to clump or freeze together. However, due to the
temperature of ice bucket 164, ice nuggets therein can melt over
time and generate liquid water in ice bucket 164.
[0030] Therefore, ice bucket 164 also includes a drain (not shown)
that directs water out of ice bucket 164. In this manner, water is
prevented or hindered from collecting within ice bucket 164. In
addition, water generated during melting of ice nuggets may be
recirculated to produce more ice or used for other purposes in
refrigerator appliance 100. For example, drained water can flow out
of ice bucket 164 and may be directed to an evaporation pan 172
(FIG. 1). Evaporation pan 172 is positioned within a mechanical
compartment 170 defined by housing 120, e.g., at bottom portion 102
of housing 120. A condenser 174 of the sealed system can be
positioned, e.g., directly, above and adjacent evaporation pan 172.
Heat from condenser 174 can assist with evaporation of water in
evaporation pan 172. A fan 176 configured for cooling condenser 174
can also direct a flow of air across or into evaporation pan 172.
Evaporation pan 172 is sized and shaped for facilitating
evaporation of liquid water therein. For example, evaporation pan
172 may be open topped and extend across about a width and/or a
depth of housing 120.
[0031] Now referring generally to FIGS. 4 and 5, an ice making
assembly 200 constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present subject matter will be described. FIG. 4 provides a
section view of ice making assembly 200 installed in an icebox and
FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of ice making assembly 200. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that ice making assembly 200 can
be used in any suitable refrigerator appliance. For example, ice
making assembly 200 may be used in refrigerator appliance 100 as
ice making assembly 160 (FIG. 3). In addition, ice making assembly
200 is only used for the purpose of explaining certain aspects of
the present subject matter. The features and configurations
described may be used for other ice making assemblies as well.
Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment
described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated
as within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 4, ice making assembly 200 includes a
mold body or casing 202. Casing 202 may define a cylindrical
reservoir 204 configured for receiving water. An ice making auger
210 is rotatably mounted within casing 202. In particular, auger
210 may include an auger shaft 212 and an auger head 214. Water may
be supplied into reservoir 204 for the purpose of ice production
through a water inlet (not shown).
[0033] An ice making motor 240 is mounted to casing 202 and is in
mechanical communication with (e.g., coupled to) auger 210. Ice
making motor 240 is configured for selectively rotating auger 210
within casing 202. Ice making motor 240 may be configured at any
location and may directly engage auger 210 or may drive auger 210
through a gear assembly. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, ice
making motor 240 is positioned directly above auger 210 and engages
auger shaft 212. According to alternative embodiments, ice making
motor 240 may engage auger shaft 212 through a gear assembly. Other
suitable drive mechanisms for auger 210 are possible and within the
scope of the present subject matter.
[0034] An outer surface 226 of auger head 214 may define a
continuous helical screw 230 that acts as a screw conveyor to urge
ice toward an extruder 232 during operation of ice making assembly
200. Therefore, during rotation of auger 210 within casing 202,
auger head 214 scrapes or removes ice off an inner surface 244 of
casing 202 and directs such ice to extruder 232 to form ice
nuggets. More particularly, as best shown in FIG. 4, auger 210
rotates to force ice, or a slurry of ice and water, upward through
extruder 232. As the ice is compressed and forced upward through
extruder 232, ice cylinders (not shown) are formed. The ice
cylinders enter a sweep housing 250 and contact an angled wall 252.
Angled wall 252 may assist in breaking the ice cylinders into ice
nuggets. The ice nuggets then sit on top of extruder 232 within
housing 250.
[0035] In addition, a sweeper (not shown) may be rotatably mounted
within housing 250 and may be configured to rotate at a very low
speed, e.g., one revolution per minute (RPM). More specifically,
sweeper may be in mechanical communication with ice making motor
240, e.g., via a gear assembly. The ice making motor 240 can
selectively rotate the sweeper within sweep housing 250, and
thereby assist with dispensing or removing ice nuggets from sweep
housing 250. More specifically, rotation of the sweeper within
sweep housing 250 moves the ice nuggets through an opening in
housing 250 that is adjacent an ice chute 256. As best shown in
FIG. 4, ice chute 256 is sized for directing ice nuggets out of
sweep housing 250. In this manner, the ice nuggets exit sweep
housing 250, slide down ice chute 256, and are dispensed into ice
bucket 164. According to alternative embodiments, ice making
assembly 200 may further include an ice nugget conduit instead of,
or in addition to, ice chute 256. Moreover, other suitable means
for collecting and storing extruded ice are contemplated and within
the scope of the present subject matter. From ice bucket 164, the
ice nuggets can enter dispensing assembly 140 (FIG. 1) and be
accessed by a user as discussed above. In such a manner, ice making
assembly 200 can produce or generate ice nuggets.
[0036] Operation of ice making assembly 200 is controlled by a
processing device or controller 264, e.g., that may be operatively
coupled to control panel 148 for user manipulation to select
features and operations of ice making assembly 200. Controller 264
can operate various components of ice making assembly 200 to
execute selected system cycles and features. For example,
controller 264 is in operative communication with ice making motor
240 and other components of ice making assembly 200. Thus,
controller 264 can selectively activate and operate ice making
motor 240 during the ice making process.
[0037] Controller 264 may include a memory and microprocessor, such
as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute
programming instructions or micro-control code associated with
operation of ice making assembly 200. The memory may represent
random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM
or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming
instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate
component from the processor or may be included onboard within the
processor. Alternatively, controller 264 may be constructed without
using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete
analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,
amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and
the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon
software. Ice making motor 240 may be in communication with
controller 264 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses.
[0038] Ice making assembly 200 may also include one or more
temperature sensors (not shown). For example, temperature sensors
may be configured for measuring a temperature of casing 202 and/or
liquids, such as liquid water, within casing 202. Such temperature
sensors may be any suitable device for measuring the temperature of
components of ice making assembly 200 or liquids therein. For
example, the temperature sensors may be thermistors or
thermocouples. Controller 264 can receive a signal, such as a
voltage or a current, from the temperature sensors that correspond
to the temperature of the temperature of casing 202 and/or liquids
therein. In such a manner, the temperature of casing 202 and/or
liquids therein can be monitored and/or recorded with controller
264.
[0039] Ice making assembly 200 and its components may be
constructed in any suitable manner and from any suitably rigid
material or materials. For example, ice bucket 164 may be
constructed with a single molded material, e.g., plastic. In
addition, ice bucket 164 may be constructed of multiple components
including a window that permits a user of ice bucket 164 to view
its storage volume. Casing 202, extruder 232, and the sweeper are
typically constructed from a suitable metal, such as steel. Auger
210 may be constructed from any suitably rigid material, such as
plastic or steel. In addition, auger 210 may be constructed as a
single, unitary component, or may be an assembly of multiple parts.
Sweep housing 250 may be constructed of plastic. However, according
to alternative embodiments, each component may be constructed of
any suitably rigid material.
[0040] Referring now generally to FIGS. 4 through 8, a duct and
mounting system constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present subject matter will be described. One skilled in the
art will appreciate that the duct and mounting system can be used
on any suitable ice maker in any suitable refrigerator appliance.
For example, the duct and mounting system may be used on ice making
assemblies 160, 200 of refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 3). The
duct and mounting system is described with respect to ice making
assembly 200 only for the purpose of explaining certain aspects of
the present subject matter. The features and configurations
described may be used for other ice making assemblies as well.
Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment
described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated
as within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0041] As mentioned above, ice making assembly 200 is an air cooled
ice making assembly. In this regard, cooling air is provided into
ice making assembly 200 from a sealed system (not shown) of
refrigerator appliance 100 in order to cool ice making assembly
200. During operation of ice making assembly 200, chilled air from
the sealed system cools components of ice making assembly 200, such
as a casing 202 to a temperature at or below the freezing
temperature of water to assist in the production of ice. To achieve
this, refrigerator appliance 100 and ice making assembly 200
include a duct system for directing cooling air from the sealed
system, as described in detail below.
[0042] To facilitate the formation of ice within ice making
assembly 200, icebox compartment 162 includes a chilled air supply
duct 302 and a chilled air return duct 304. Chilled air ducts 302,
304 may be defined by icebox compartment 162 and be in flow
communication with the sealed system of refrigerator appliance 100.
In this manner, chilled air ducts 302, 304 are configured to
circulate chilled air throughout icebox compartment 162. Chilled
air can assist within formation of ice by ice making assembly 200
and/or storage of ice within ice bucket 164.
[0043] Ice making assembly 200 may include a housing 310 for
receiving and directing chilled air as needed throughout ice making
assembly 200. More particularly, housing 310 may define an inlet
duct 312, a primary duct 314, and an outlet duct 316. As best shown
in FIG. 4, when ice making assembly is installed, inlet duct 312 is
adjacent to and in direct flow communication with supply duct 302
of icebox compartment 162. Similarly, outlet duct 316 is adjacent
to and in direct flow communication with return duct 304 of icebox
compartment 162. Primary duct 314 extends in a generally vertical
direction between inlet duct 312 and outlet duct 316 and casing 202
may be positioned in primary duct 314.
[0044] Refrigerator appliance 100 may include an air handler (not
shown) that is configured for urging a flow of chilled air from the
sealed system into icebox compartment 162, e.g., via supply and
return ducts 302, 304. The air handler can be positioned at any
location within refrigerator appliance 100 in suitable flow
communication with the sealed system, e.g., within supply and
return ducts 302, 304. The air handler may be any suitable device
for moving air, e.g., an axial fan or a centrifugal fan.
[0045] During operation, the air handler may provide a flow of
chilled air from the sealed system of refrigerator appliance 100 to
icebox compartment 162. More particularly, chilled air flows
through supply duct 302 into ice making assembly 200 through inlet
duct 310. The chilled air passes through primary duct 314 and
lowers the temperature in ice making assembly 200 before passing
through outlet duct 316 out of ice making assembly 200. The chilled
air is then recirculated back to the sealed system through return
duct 304 to be chilled again before being recirculated. In this
manner, chilled air is circulated through ice making assembly 200
and may be used to maintain the temperature of casing 202 at or
below the freezing temperature of water.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, a system for mounting
ice making assembly 200 to icebox compartment 162 will be
described. Ice making assembly 200 may include an inlet duct flange
320 and an outlet duct flange 322. For example, according to the
illustrated embodiment, inlet duct flange 320 and outlet duct
flange 322 are substantially rectangular and extend from inlet duct
312 and outlet duct 316, respectively. Although illustrated as
rectangular flanges 320, 322, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that duct flanges 320, 322 may be any other suitable
shape. For example, duct flanges 320, 322 could have a trapezoidal
shape or could be tapered. In addition, the flange thickness may
vary depending on the application. Moreover, the thickness of
flanges 320, 322 may vary along a length of the flanges 320, to
assist in ensuring a compression fit, as described below.
[0047] Duct flanges 320, 322 may be defined by housing 310 or may
be separately attached to housing 310. For example, housing 310 may
be injection molded to form a single, continuous piece of material
that has integral duct flanges 320, 322. Alternatively, duct
flanges 320, 322 may be separately formed and attached to ducts
312, 316 using any suitable mechanical fasteners, such as screws,
bolts, rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, snap-fit mechanisms,
interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof
may secure duct flanges 320, 322 to ducts 312, 316.
[0048] Refrigerator appliance 100 may further include one or more
receiving flanges that are configured to receive duct flanges 320,
322. For example, according to the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, a flange assembly 330 may be mounted on icebox
compartment 162. Flange assembly 330 may be attached to icebox
compartment 162 using any suitable mechanical fasteners, such as
screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, snap-fit mechanisms,
interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof
may secure flange assembly 330 to icebox compartment 162. According
to alternative embodiments, flange assembly 330 may be integrally
formed with icebox compartment 162.
[0049] As best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, flange assembly 330
may define a supply duct flange 332 and a return duct flange 334.
Supply and return duct flanges 332, 334 are configured to receive
inlet and outlet duct flanges 320, 322 to secure ice making
assembly 200 to icebox compartment 162. In this regard, each of
supply and return duct flanges 332, 334 defines a receiving slot
340 that is approximately the same size and shape as inlet and
outlet duct flanges 320, 322. For example, supply and return duct
flanges 332, 334 define receiving slots 340 that are both
rectangular and have a thickness approximately the same thickness
as inlet and outlet duct flanges 320, 322. As illustrated,
receiving slots 340 are bounded on three sides by flange assembly
330 and have a single open end that may receive inlet and outlet
duct flanges 320, 322. However, according to alternative
embodiments, receiving slots 340 may have any other suitable shape
or configuration for receiving inlet and outlet duct flanges 320,
322.
[0050] Although inlet and outlet duct flanges 320, 322 and
receiving slots 340 are illustrated as having a uniform thickness,
one skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness may vary
as needed to ensure a tight fit between the inlet and outlet duct
flanges 320, 322 and icebox compartment 162. For example, receiving
slots 340 may be tapered, i.e., the thickness of receiving slots
340 may decrease toward the deepest portion of receiving slots 340.
In this manner, as ice making assembly 200 is installed by sliding
inlet and outlet duct flanges 320, 322 into receiving slots 340, an
airtight duct system may be achieved will little or no leaks.
[0051] Although flange assembly 330 is illustrated as a single
piece, one skilled in the art will appreciate this is only one
exemplary embodiment used to describe aspects of the present
subject matter. Flange assembly 330 may be multiple pieces that are
separately attached to icebox compartment 162. In addition,
according to alternative embodiments, flange assembly 330 may
define one large flange configured, e.g., to receive both duct
flanges 320, 322.
[0052] To ensure an airtight seal between inlet and outlet duct
flanges 320, 322 and icebox compartment 162, a sealing means may be
placed between them. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, inlet
and outlet duct flanges 320, 322 may be configured to receive a
duct gasket 342. As shown, duct gasket 342 protrudes from inlet and
outlet duct flanges 320, 322 and is typically made from a resilient
material, e.g., rubber. In this manner, duct gasket 342 may be
compressed to form a seal with icebox compartment 162 when ice
making assembly 200 is installed. Inlet and outlet duct flanges
320, 322 may define a profile that is configured to securely
receive duct gasket 342. Alternatively, duct gasket 342 may be
attached to inlet and outlet duct flanges 320, 322 using a suitable
adhesive. According to another embodiment, duct gasket 342 may be
disposed on icebox compartment 162 instead.
[0053] To install ice making assembly 200, inlet and outlet duct
flanges 320, 322 are slid into receiving slots 340 of supply and
return duct flanges 332, 334, respectively. When installed, supply
and return ducts 302, 304 are placed in fluid communication with
inlet and outlet ducts 312, 316 and cooling air may be circulated
through the duct system to cool ice making assembly 200.
[0054] According to the illustrated embodiment, inlet and outlet
duct flanges 320, 322 and gasket 342 form a tight compression fit
with flange assembly 330 such that friction prevents ice making
assembly 200 from sliding out of flange assembly 330 when such
movement is not desired. According to alternative embodiments,
other means for securing ice making assembly 200 to flange assembly
330 may be used. For example, one or more fasteners may be used,
e.g., installed through one of the inlet or outlet duct flanges
320, 322, to fix inlet and outlet duct flanges 320, 322 in flange
assembly 330. Alternatively, a bump, protrusion, tab, or clip may
be positioned on icebox compartment 162 or on flange assembly 330
to prevent unintentional sliding or removal of ice making assembly
200 once it has been installed.
[0055] Notably, the mounting system described above provides a
simple, quick method of installing or removing ice making assembly
200 for service or replacement. Integral duct flanges and flange
assemblies minimize the number of necessary parts and reduce the
number of fasteners required for assembly. By contrast, prior
methods of installing an ice making assembly have required multiple
parts and a complicated assembly process. More specifically, an ice
making assembly would typically require that the cooling air ducts
be carefully aligned before fixing each of the inlet and outlet
ducts to the icebox compartment using multiple fasteners, such as
screws. In addition to requiring more parts to properly secure an
ice making assembly, the risk of improper alignment and leaks is
increased.
[0056] 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.
* * * * *