U.S. patent application number 15/202651 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-11 for stand-alone ice making appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Samuel Vincent DuPlessis, Tomas Garces, Charles Benjamin Miller, Alan Joseph Mitchell, Bart Andrew Nuss, Ronald Scott Tarr.
Application Number | 20180010837 15/202651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60892761 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180010837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Charles Benjamin ;
et al. |
January 11, 2018 |
Stand-Alone Ice Making Appliance
Abstract
A stand-alone ice making appliance is provided. The stand-alone
ice making appliance may include a container, a water tank, a pump,
a reservoir, an ice maker, and a primary drain line. The container
may define a first storage volume to receive ice. The water tank
may define a second storage volume to receive water. The pump may
be in fluid communication with the second storage volume to
actively flow water from the water tank. The reservoir may define a
third storage volume that is in fluid communication with the pump
to receive water that is actively flowed from the water tank. The
ice maker may be in fluid communication with the third storage
volume to receive water from the reservoir. The primary drain line
may be in downstream fluid communication with the second storage
volume and bypass the reservoir to selectively drain water from the
second storage volume.
Inventors: |
Miller; Charles Benjamin;
(Louisville, KY) ; DuPlessis; Samuel Vincent;
(Louisville, KY) ; Tarr; Ronald Scott;
(Louisville, KY) ; Mitchell; Alan Joseph;
(Louisville, KY) ; Nuss; Bart Andrew;
(Fisherville, KY) ; Garces; Tomas; (Louisville,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60892761 |
Appl. No.: |
15/202651 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 2400/14 20130101;
F25C 2400/12 20130101; F25C 5/182 20130101; F25D 21/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25C 1/00 20060101
F25C001/00; F25C 5/18 20060101 F25C005/18 |
Claims
1. A stand-alone ice making appliance, comprising: a container
defining a first storage volume to receive ice; a water tank, the
water tank defining a second storage volume to receive water; a
pump in fluid communication with the second storage volume to
actively flow water from the water tank; a reservoir defining a
third storage volume, the third storage volume in fluid
communication with the pump to receive water that is actively
flowed from the water tank; an ice maker, the ice maker in fluid
communication with the third storage volume to receive water from
the reservoir; and a primary drain line extending in downstream
fluid communication with the second storage volume, the primary
drain line bypassing the reservoir to selectively drain water from
the second storage volume.
2. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 1, wherein the
water tank extends in a vertical direction between a top portion
and a base wall, and wherein the pump is a positive displacement
pump positioned above the base wall of the water tank.
3. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 2, wherein the
reservoir extends in the vertical direction between a top portion
and a base wall, and wherein a reservoir water passage is defined
through the base wall of the reservoir, the reservoir water passage
being in fluid communication between the pump and the third storage
volume.
4. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 3, further
comprising: a branched fluid joint in fluid communication with the
pump, the branched fluid joint defining a first path from the pump
to the reservoir water passage and a second path from the pump to
the icemaker.
5. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 1, wherein the
primary drain line is positioned between the water tank and the
pump to selectively drain water upstream from the pump.
6. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 1, further
comprising: an outlet valve attached in fluid communication with
the primary drain line and in selective fluid communication with an
ambient environment.
7. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 1, further
comprising: a secondary drain line extending in downstream fluid
communication with the pump, wherein the secondary drain line
bypasses the icemaker to selectively drain water from the third
storage volume.
8. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 7, wherein the
secondary drain line is positioned downstream from the
reservoir.
9. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 7, wherein the
secondary drain line extends in fluid communication between the
reservoir and the water tank.
10. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 7, further
comprising: an outlet valve attached to the secondary drain line
attached in fluid communication with the secondary drain line and
in selective fluid communication with an ambient environment.
11. A stand-alone ice making appliance extending along a vertical
direction, the stand-alone ice making appliance, comprising: a
container defining a first storage volume to receive ice; a water
tank disposed below the container, the water tank extending in the
vertical direction from a top portion to a base wall and defining a
second storage volume to receive water; a positive displacement
pump in fluid communication with the second storage volume to
actively flow water from the water tank; a reservoir disposed above
the lower portion of the water tank, the reservoir defining a third
storage volume in fluid communication with the positive
displacement pump to receive water that is actively flowed from the
water tank; an ice maker, the ice maker in fluid communication with
the third storage volume to receive water from the reservoir; and a
primary drain line extending in downstream fluid communication with
the second storage volume, the primary drain line bypassing the
reservoir to selectively drain water from the second storage
volume.
12. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 11, wherein the
positive displacement pump is positioned above the base wall of the
water tank.
13. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 12, wherein the
reservoir extends in the vertical direction between a top portion
and a base wall, and wherein a reservoir water passage is defined
through the base wall of the reservoir, the reservoir water passage
being in fluid communication between the positive displacement pump
and the third storage volume.
14. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 13, further
comprising: a branched fluid joint in fluid communication with the
positive displacement pump, wherein the branched fluid joint
defines a first path to the reservoir water passage and a second
path to the icemaker.
15. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 11, wherein the
primary drain line is positioned between the water tank and the
positive displacement pump to selectively drain water upstream from
the positive displacement pump.
16. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 11, further
comprising: an outlet valve attached in fluid communication with
the primary drain line and in selective fluid communication with an
ambient environment.
17. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 11, further
comprising: a secondary drain line extending in downstream fluid
communication with the positive displacement pump, wherein the
secondary drain line bypasses the icemaker to selectively drain
water from the third storage volume.
18. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 17, wherein the
secondary drain line is positioned downstream from the
reservoir.
19. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 17, wherein the
secondary drain line extends in fluid communication between the
reservoir and the water tank.
20. The stand-alone ice making appliance of claim 17, further
comprising: an outlet valve attached to the secondary drain line
attached in fluid communication with the secondary drain line and
in selective fluid communication with an ambient environment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to ice making
appliances, and more particularly to ice making appliances that
produce nugget ice.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ice makers generally produce ice for the use of consumers,
such as in drinks being consumed, for cooling foods or drinks to be
consumed and/or for other various purposes. Certain refrigerator
appliances include ice makers for producing ice. The ice maker can
be positioned within the appliance's 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 appliance's ice maker. However, the incorporation of
ice makers into refrigerator appliances can have drawbacks, such as
limits on the amount of ice that can be produced and the reliance
on the refrigeration system of the refrigerator appliance to form
the ice.
[0003] Recently, stand-alone ice makers have been developed. These
ice makers are separate from refrigerator appliances and provide
independent ice supplies. However, many stand-alone ice makers
require a connection to the plumbing of the dwelling where the ice
maker resides, in order to have access to a water supply. A
connection to the plumbing of a dwelling may also be required to
drain the ice maker, e.g., when a user wishes to turn off the ice
maker for an extended period of time. Removing excess ice or water
may be exceedingly difficult. Additionally, existing systems may be
difficult to clean, especially with regards to the internal ice
making elements. Further, typical stand-alone ice makers are
expensive, to the point of being cost-prohibitive to the typical
consumer.
[0004] Accordingly, improved stand-alone ice makers are desired in
the art. In particular, cost-effective stand-alone ice makers which
address several of the above issues would be advantageous.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure a stand-alone ice
making appliance is provided. The stand-alone ice making appliance
may include a container, a water tank, a pump, a reservoir, an ice
maker, and a primary drain line. The container may define a first
storage volume to receive ice. The water tank may define a second
storage volume to receive water. The pump may be in fluid
communication with the second storage volume to actively flow water
from the water tank. The reservoir may define a third storage
volume that is in fluid communication with the pump to receive
water that is actively flowed from the water tank. The ice maker
may be in fluid communication with the third storage volume to
receive water from the reservoir. The primary drain line may be in
downstream fluid communication with the second storage volume and
bypass the reservoir to selectively drain water from the second
storage volume.
[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a stand-alone
ice making appliance is provided. The stand-alone ice making
appliance may extend along a vertical direction and include a
container, a water tank, a positive displacement pump, a reservoir,
an ice maker, and a primary drain line. The container may define a
first storage volume to receive ice. The water tank may be disposed
below the container and extend in the vertical direction from a top
portion to a base wall. The water tank may also define a second
storage volume to receive water. The positive displacement pump may
be in fluid communication with the second storage volume to
actively flow water from the water tank. The reservoir may be
disposed above the lower portion of the water tank and define a
third storage volume that is in fluid communication with the
positive displacement pump to receive water that is actively flowed
from the water tank. The ice maker may be in fluid communication
with the third storage volume to receive water from the reservoir.
The primary drain line may be in downstream fluid communication
with the second storage volume and bypass the reservoir to
selectively drain water from the second storage volume.
[0008] 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
[0009] 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.
[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a stand-alone ice
maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 provides a perspective sectional view of a
stand-alone ice maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective rear view of a partially
assembled stand-alone ice maker according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 provides a magnified perspective view of a portion of
the exemplary stand-alone ice maker of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary
stand-alone ice maker of FIG. 3 when assembled.
[0015] FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of a stand-alone ice maker
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of a stand-alone ice maker
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 provides a schematic view of a stand-alone ice maker
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 provides a schematic view of a stand-alone ice maker
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 10 provides a schematic view of a stand-alone ice maker
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 11 provides a schematic view of a stand-alone ice maker
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 12 provides a magnified perspective view of a rear
external portion of a stand-alone ice maker, including an
attachment bracket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 13 provides a magnified perspective view of a rear
internal portion of the exemplary stand-alone ice maker of FIG.
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] 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.
[0024] In some aspects of the present disclosure, an ice maker
appliance is provided. For instance, a stand-alone ice maker
appliance may be provided with multiple storage volumes configured
to receive ice and/or water. Each of the storage volumes may be
connected in fluid series. Although the storage volumes are
connected in series, one or more drain lines may be connected to
one or more of the storage volumes at a predetermined position. The
drain lines may be configured to selectively drain all or some of
the appliance without requiring disassembly of the ice maker.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a stand-alone ice
making appliance 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is
illustrated. As shown, appliance 10 includes an outer casing 12
which generally at least partially houses various other components
of the appliance therein 10. A container 14 is also illustrated.
Container 14 defines a first storage volume 16 for the receipt and
storage of ice 18 therein. A user of the appliance 10 may access
ice 18 within the container 14 for consumption or other uses.
Container 14 may include one or more sidewalls 20 and a base wall
22 (see FIG. 2), which may together define the first storage volume
16. In exemplary embodiments, at least one sidewall 20 may be
formed from a clear, see-through (i.e., transparent or translucent)
material, such as a clear glass or plastic, such that a user can
see into the first storage volume 16 and thus view ice 18 therein.
Further, in exemplary embodiments, container 14 may be removable,
such as from the outer casing 12, by a user. This facilitates easy
access by the user to ice within the container 14 and further, for
example, may provide access to a water tank 24 (see FIG. 2) of the
appliance 10.
[0026] Appliances 10 in accordance with the present disclosure are
advantageously stand-alone appliances, and thus are not connected
to refrigerators or other appliances. Additionally, in exemplary
embodiments, such appliances are not connected to plumbing or
another water source that is external to the appliance 10, such as
a refrigerator water source. Rather, in exemplary embodiments,
water is initially supplied to the appliance 10 manually by a user,
such as by pouring water into water tank 24 and/or a reservoir.
[0027] Notably, appliances 10 as discussed herein include various
features which allow the appliances 10 to be affordable and
desirable to typical consumers. For example, the stand-alone
feature reduces the cost associated with the appliance 10 and
allows the consumer to position the appliance 10 at any suitable
desired location, with the only requirement in some embodiments
being access to an electrical source. Furthermore, portability and
suitable draining features may advantageously allow for easier
cleaning and storage of the appliance 10. The removable container
14 allows easy access to ice and allows the container 14 to be
moved to a different position from the remainder of the appliance
10 for ice usage purposes. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments
as discussed herein, appliance 10 is configured to make nugget ice
(as discussed herein) which is becoming increasingly popular with
consumers.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, various other components of
appliances 10 in accordance with the present disclosure are
illustrated. For example, as mentioned, appliance 10 includes a
water tank 24. The water tank 24 extends in the vertical direction
V to define a second storage volume 26 for the receipt and holding
of water. Water tank 24 may include one or more sidewalls 28
extending between a top portion 29 and a base wall 30 which may
together define the second storage volume 26. In exemplary
embodiments, the water tank 24 may be disposed below the container
14 along a vertical direction V defined for the appliance 10, as
shown.
[0029] As discussed, in exemplary embodiments, water is provided to
the water tank 24 for use in forming ice. Accordingly, appliance 10
may further include a pump 32. Generally, pump 32 is disposed in
fluid communication with the second storage volume 26. In some
embodiments, water is flowable from the second storage volume 26
through one or more opening 31 defined in the water tank 24, such
as in a sidewall 28 thereof. Additionally or alternative, opening
31 may be defined in another portion of water tank 24, such as base
wall 30. When activated, pump 32 may actively flow water from the
second storage volume 26 therethrough and from the pump 32.
[0030] In optional embodiments, pump 32 is embodied as a positive
displacement pump, such as a diaphragm or rotary vane positive
displacement pump. Pump 32 may be positioned above the base wall
30, e.g., in the vertical direction V. One or more pump conduits,
e.g., upstream pump conduits 33 and downstream pump conduits 35,
may define a fluid path to and through pump 32. From pump 32,
downstream pump conduit(s) 35 may continue the fluid path to one or
more branched fluid joints 37.
[0031] During ice making operation, water actively flowed from the
pump 32 may be selectively flowed to a reservoir 34. Reservoir 34
includes one or more sidewalls 38 that extend between a top portion
39 and a base wall 40 to define a third storage volume 36. In some
embodiments, third storage volume 36 is in fluid communication with
pump 32, e.g., through downstream pump conduit 35 and one or more
branched fluid joints 37. At least one branched fluid joint 37 may
be in fluid communication with both the downstream pump conduit 35
and a reservoir conduit 41. A water passage 42 may extend through
reservoir 34, e.g., through base wall 40 of reservoir 34, and
connect to reservoir conduit 41. In other words, water passage 42
is configured in fluid communication between pump 32 and third
storage volume 36. Thus, when pump is activated, third storage
volume 36 may receive water that is actively flowed from the water
tank 24 through the pump 32.
[0032] As shown, reservoir 34 and third storage volume 36 thereof
may receive and contain water to be provided to an ice maker 50 for
the production of ice. Accordingly, third storage volume 36 may be
in fluid communication with ice maker 50, e.g., through an icemaker
conduit 51. In some embodiments, branched fluid joint 37 defines a
first flow path (indicated at arrow P1) from pump 32 to reservoir
34, e.g., through reservoir water passage 42, and a second flow
path (indicated at arrow P2) from pump 32 to ice maker 50. Ice
maker 50 generally receives water, such as from reservoir 34 and/or
pump 32. In some embodiments, icemaker conduit 51 extends in fluid
communication between reservoir 34 and ice maker 50. For instance,
icemaker conduit 51 may be connected to branched fluid joints 37 to
receive water directed to the second flow path P2, e.g., from pump
conduit 35 or reservoir conduit 41. After water is received by ice
maker 50, ice maker 50 generally freezes the water to form ice 18.
In exemplary embodiments, ice maker 50 is a nugget ice maker, and
in particular is an auger-style ice maker, although other suitable
styles of ice makers and/or appliances are within the scope and
spirit of the present disclosure.
[0033] As shown, ice maker 50 may include a casing 52 into which
water from third storage volume 36 is flowed. Casing 52 is thus in
fluid communication with third storage volume 36. For example,
casing 52 may include one or more sidewalls 54 which may define an
interior volume 56, and an opening may be defined in a sidewall 54.
Water may be flowed from third storage volume 36 through the
opening (such as via icemaker conduit 51) into the interior volume
56.
[0034] As illustrated, an auger 60 may be disposed at least
partially within the casing 52. During operation, the auger 60 may
rotate. Water within the casing 52 may at least partially freeze
due to heat exchange, such as with a refrigeration system as
discussed herein. The at least partially frozen water may be lifted
by the auger 60 from casing 52. Further, in exemplary embodiments,
the at least partially frozen water may be directed by auger 60 to
and through an extruder 62. The extruder 62 may extrude the at
least partially frozen water to form ice, such as nuggets of ice
18.
[0035] Formed ice 18 may be provided by the ice maker 50 to
container 14, and may be received in the first storage volume 16
thereof. For example, ice 18 formed by auger 60 and/or extruder 62
may be provided to the container 14. In exemplary embodiments,
appliance 10 may include a chute 70 for directing ice 18 produced
by the ice maker 50 towards the first storage volume 16. For
example, as shown, chute 70 is generally positioned above container
14 along the vertical direction V. Thus, ice can slide off of chute
70 and drop into storage volume 16 of container 14. Chute 70 may,
as shown, extend between ice maker 50 and container 14, and may
include a body 72 which defines a passage 74 therethrough. Ice 18
may be directed from the ice maker 50 (such as from the auger 60
and/or extruder 62) through the passage 74 to the container 14. In
some embodiments, for example, a sweep 64, which may for example be
connected to and rotate with the auger 60, may contact the ice 18
emerging through the extruder 62 from the auger 60 and direct the
ice 18 through the passage 74 to the container 14.
[0036] As discussed, water within the casing 52 may at least
partially freeze due to heat exchange, such as with a refrigeration
system. In exemplary embodiments, ice maker 50 may include a sealed
refrigeration system 80. The sealed refrigeration system 80 may be
in thermal communication with the casing 52 to remove heat from the
casing 52 and interior volume 56 thereof, thus facilitating
freezing of water therein to form ice. Sealed refrigeration system
80 may, for example, include a compressor 82, a condenser 84, a
throttling device 86, and an evaporator 88. Evaporator 88 may, for
example, be in thermal communication with the casing 52 in order to
remove heat from the interior volume 56 and water therein during
operation of sealed system 80. For example, evaporator 88 may at
least partially surround the casing 52. In particular, evaporator
88 may be a conduit coiled around and in contact with casing 52,
such as the sidewall(s) 54 thereof.
[0037] During operation of sealed system 80, refrigerant exits
evaporator 88 as a fluid in the form of a superheated vapor and/or
vapor mixture. Upon exiting evaporator 88, the refrigerant enters
compressor 82 wherein the pressure and temperature of the
refrigerant are increased such that the refrigerant becomes a
superheated vapor. The superheated vapor from compressor 82 enters
condenser 84 wherein energy is transferred therefrom and condenses
into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture. This fluid
exits condenser 84 and travels through throttling device 86 that is
configured for regulating a flow rate of refrigerant therethrough.
Upon exiting throttling device 86, the pressure and temperature of
the refrigerant drop at which time the refrigerant enters
evaporator 88 and the cycle repeats itself. In certain exemplary
embodiments, throttling device 86 may be a capillary tube. Notably,
in some embodiments, sealed system 80 may additionally include fans
(not shown) for facilitating heat transfer to/from the condenser
84.
[0038] It should additionally be noted that, in exemplary
embodiments, controller may be in operative communication with the
sealed system 80, such as with the compressor 82 thereof, and may
activate the sealed system 80 as desired or required for ice making
purposes.
[0039] In exemplary embodiments, controller (not pictured) may be
in operative communication with the pump 32. Such operative
communication may be via a wired or wireless connection, and may
facilitate the transmittal and/or receipt of signals by the
controller and pump 32. Controller may be configured to activate
the pump 32 to actively flow water. For example, controller may
activate the pump 32 to actively flow water therethrough when, for
example, reservoir 34 requires water. A suitable sensor(s), for
example, may be provided in the third storage volume 36. The
sensor(s) may be in operative communication with the controller may
be transmit signals to the controller which indicate whether or not
additional water is desired in the reservoir 34. When controller
receives a signal that water is desired, controller may send a
signal to pump 32 to activate pump 32.
[0040] As discussed, in exemplary embodiments, ice 18 may be nugget
ice. Nugget ice is ice that that is maintained or stored (i.e., in
first storage volume 16 of container 14) at a temperature greater
than the melting point of water or greater than about thirty-two
degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, the ambient temperature of the
environment surrounding the container 14 may be at a temperature
greater than the melting point of water or greater than about
thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, such
temperature may be greater than forty degrees Fahrenheit, greater
than fifty degrees Fahrenheit, or greater than sixty degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0041] Ice 18 held within the first storage volume 16 may gradually
melt. The melting speed is increased for nugget ice due to the
increased maintenance/storage temperature. Accordingly, drain
features, such as a drain aperture, may advantageously be provided
in the container for draining such melt water. Additionally, and
advantageously, the melt water may in exemplary embodiments be
reused by appliance 10 to form ice.
[0042] In exemplary embodiments, a primary drain line 102 is
provided in fluid communication with second storage volume 26.
Primary drain line 102 may be connected to at least one opening 31,
and thus, downstream from second storage volume 26. Moreover,
primary drain line 102 may extend through appliance 10 and outer
casing 12, bypassing reservoir 34 to selectively drain water to an
ambient environment. Optionally, an outlet valve 104 is attached to
primary drain line 102 to selectively restrict or permit flowing
water from second storage volume 26 to the ambient environment. For
instance, a flexible tubing segment 112 may include outlet valve
104. Flexible tubing segment 112 may be formed as a hollow conduit
of a suitable resilient material, e.g., rubber (natural or
synthetic), plastic, etc.
[0043] In some such embodiments, the flexible tubing segment 112
may be selectively moved between a closed position and an opened
position. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the closed position,
flexible tubing segment 112 is bent, substantially closing its
diameter and limiting the flow of fluid therethrough. An outlet tip
114 is optionally blocked by a plug 116. By contrast, in the opened
position, illustrated in FIG. 5, flexible tubing segment 112 is
substantially extended or unbent and outlet tip 114 is unplugged,
permitting the flow of water therethrough. In the closed position,
flexible tubing segment 112 may be manually bent by a user. Valve
104 may be embodied by the bent portion of flexible tubing segment
112. In the closed position, flexible tubing segment 112 may be
positioned upright, such that a portion of flexible tubing segment
112 is directed in the vertical direction V and outlet tip 114 is
blocked by plug 116. One or more hooks may be provided to hold
flexible tubing segment 112 upright in the closed position. In
order to bring flexible tubing segment 112 into the open position,
a user may manually remove outlet tip 114 from plug 116 and unfurl
flexible tubing segment 112.
[0044] In additional or alternative embodiments, a secondary drain
line 106 is provided in fluid communication with pump 32. Secondary
drain line 106 may be connected with at least one branched conduit
(e.g., 35, 41, 51) downstream from pump 32. In exemplary
embodiments, secondary drain line 106 is connected to a branched
fluid joint 37 that is in fluid communication with one or more
downstream pump conduits 35. In some such embodiments, branched
fluid joint 37 defines a flow path (indicated at arrow P3) from
branched fluid joint 37 to downstream pump conduit 35, and a drain
flow path (indicated at arrow P4) from branched fluid joint 37 to
secondary drain line 106.
[0045] Secondary drain line 106 may extend through appliance 10 and
outer casing 12 to selectively drain water to an ambient
environment. Optionally, an outlet valve 108 is attached to
secondary drain line 106 to selectively restrict or permit flowing
water from pump 32 and/or reservoir 34 to the ambient environment.
For instance, a flexible tubing segment 122 may include outlet
valve 108. Flexible tubing segment 122 may be formed as a hollow
conduit of a suitable resilient material, e.g., rubber (natural or
synthetic), plastic, etc.
[0046] In some such embodiments, the flexible tubing segment 122
may be selectively moved between a closed position and an opened
position. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the closed position,
flexible tubing segment 122 is bent, substantially closing its
diameter and limiting the flow of fluid therethrough. An outlet tip
124 is optionally blocked by a plug 126. By contrast, in the opened
position, illustrated in FIG. 5, flexible tubing segment 122 is
substantially extended or unbent and outlet tip 124 is unplugged,
permitting the flow of water therethrough. In the closed position,
flexible tubing segment 122 may be manually bent by a user. Valve
108 may be embodied by the bent portion of flexible tubing segment
122. In the closed position, flexible tubing segment 122 may be
positioned upright, such that a portion of flexible tubing segment
122 is crimped and outlet tip 124 is blocked by plug 126. One or
more hooks may be provided to hold flexible tubing segment 112
upright in the closed position. In order to bring flexible tubing
segment 122 into the open position, a user may manually remove
outlet tip 124 from plug 126 and unfurl flexible tubing segment
122.
[0047] In certain exemplary embodiments, such as those shown in
FIGS. 3 and 5, the one or more plug(s) 116, 126 are formed as an
attached bracket 118. The attached bracket 118 of one or more
plug(s) 116, 126 may be connected to outer casing 12 to selectively
receive outlet tip 114, 124. In embodiments wherein multiple
flexible tubing segments 112, 122 are provided. Attached bracket
118 includes multiple corresponding plugs 116, 126. When outlet
valves 104, 108 are disposed in the opened position, each plug 116,
126 may simultaneously receive a discrete outlet tip 114, 124.
[0048] Optionally, attached bracket 118 may be selectively
connected to outer casing 12, allowing attached bracket 118 to be
removably positioned on outer casing 12. One or more removable
attachment members (e.g., hooks, clips, snaps, etc.) may connect
attached bracket and outer casing 12. Accordingly, attachment
bracket 118 may be attached or removed from outer casing without
removing the plug(s) 116, 126 from the tip(s) 114, 124. For
instance, in the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, one or more bracket
holes 119 are defined through outer casing 12. Attachment bracket
118 includes one or more matched bracket hooks 121, each bracket
hook 121 being matched to complement a bracket hole 119. Bracket
hooks 121 may be selectively disposed through bracket holes 119 to
connect attachment bracket 118 to outer casing 12. Bracket hooks
121 may also be selectively removed from holes 119 (e.g., from a
vertical motion followed by a transverse motion) when removal of
attachment bracket 118 is desired, such as when flexible tubing
segments 112, 122 are being positioned away from outer casing 12 in
preparation for draining operations.
[0049] Turning to FIGS. 6 through 11, a variety of exemplary
embodiments are provided to illustrate the flow of water through
appliance 10. Generally, an intermediate line 130 may be disposed
through base wall 22, e.g., as a drain aperture, in fluid
communication between first storage volume 16 and second storage
volume 26. Intermediate line 130 may allow water to flow from the
first storage volume 16 and container 14. Furthermore, water
flowing from the first storage volume 16 and container 14 may, due
to gravity and the vertical alignment of the container 14 of water
tank 24, flow into the second storage volume 26. In some such
embodiments, appliance 10 may provide a flow loop of water that may
be selectively drained via one or more drain line 102, 106.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, some exemplary embodiments include a
primary drain line 102 and a secondary drain line 106. Primary
drain line 102 is in fluid communication with second storage volume
26 (via opening 31--see FIG. 2), and extends downstream from second
storage volume 26. In the illustrated embodiment, primary drain
line 102 is positioned between base wall 30 of water tank 24 and
pump 32 in the direction of fluid flow, e.g., the direction of
fluid flow during ice making operations. When water is flowed
through primary drain line 102 during operation, it may be directed
upstream from pump 32. Optionally, primary line 102 may be position
below pump 32, e.g., in the vertical direction V (see FIG. 2). An
outlet valve 104 is attached in fluid communication with primary
drain line 102, e.g., downstream from primary drain line 102 and
upstream from the ambient environment. As described above, outlet
valve 104 may be moved between a closed position and an opened
position to selectively communicate with the ambient environment.
When outlet valve 104 is opened, water may be drained, e.g., via
gravity, from second storage volume 26 and/or first storage volume
16. Additionally or alternatively, water within upstream pump
conduit 33, which is disposed above primary drain line 102 along
the vertical direction V (see FIG. 3), may be directed in reverse
from pump 32 to primary drain line 102.
[0051] As shown, a reservoir conduit 41 is disposed in fluid
communication with reservoir 34. Secondary drain line 106 extends
in downstream fluid communication with pump 32 (via a branched
connection with downstream pump conduit 35), upstream from
reservoir 34. Secondary drain line 106 bypasses ice maker 50 in
fluid communication between pump 32 and third storage volume 36. An
outlet valve 108 is attached, e.g., in fluid communication with,
secondary drain line 106. As described above, outlet valve 108 may
be moved between a closed position and an opened position to
selectively communicate with the ambient environment. When outlet
valve 108 is opened, water upstream from pump 32 may be actively
drained through secondary drain line 106 by activating pump 32. For
example, pump 32 may be activated to actively motivate or pump
water from a position upstream of pump 32, through pump 32 and a
portion of downstream pump conduit 35, then through secondary drain
line 106 and valve 108 to the ambient environment.
[0052] Additionally or alternatively, water within third storage
volume 36 and/or ice maker 50 may be drained, e.g., via gravity.
For instance, third storage volume 36 may be drained by allowing
water therein to flow downstream through reservoir conduit 41 and a
portion of downstream pump conduit 35. Similarly, ice maker 50 may
be drained by allowing water therein to flow in reverse through
icemaker conduit 51 and a portion of upstream pump conduit. From
downstream pump conduit 35, water may be directed through secondary
drain line 106 to the ambient environment.
[0053] Turning to FIG. 7, the illustrated embodiment may be
considered substantially identical to the embodiment of FIG. 6,
except as otherwise indicated. For example, secondary drain line
106 is disposed between reservoir 34 and ice maker 50. Secondary
drain line 106 is positioned downstream from reservoir 34, between
reservoir conduit 41 and icemaker conduit 51. In some embodiments,
secondary drain line 106 extends from icemaker conduit 51 to the
ambient environment. In optional embodiments, secondary drain line
106 is positioned in selective fluid communication between
reservoir 34 and the ambient environment. Optionally, although
shown schematically, drain line 106 may be positioned below pump 32
(e.g., in a vertical direction). When outlet valve 108 is opened,
pump 32 may be activated to actively drain water upstream from pump
32. For example, pump 32 may be activated to actively motivate or
pump water from a position upstream of pump 32, through pump 32 and
downstream pump conduit 35, through a portion of icemaker conduit
51, and then through secondary drain line 106 and valve 108 to the
ambient environment. When pump 32 is activated, water within third
storage volume 36 may be additionally or alternatively drained
through a portion of icemaker conduit 51 before being directed
through secondary drain line 106 and valve 108.
[0054] In some embodiments, water within third storage volume 36
and/or ice maker 50 may be drained, e.g., via gravity such that
water flows through reservoir conduit 41, secondary drain line 106,
and valve 108. For instance, third storage volume 36 may be drained
by allowing water therein to flow downstream through reservoir
conduit 41. Similarly, ice maker 50 may be drained by allowing
water therein to flow in reverse through at least a portion of
icemaker conduit 51. From icemaker conduit 51, water may be
directed through secondary drain line 106 to the ambient
environment.
[0055] Turning to FIG. 8, the illustrated embodiment may be
considered substantially identical to the embodiment of FIG. 6,
except as otherwise indicated. For example, secondary drain line
106 is disposed between reservoir 34 and ice maker 50. Secondary
drain line 106 is positioned downstream from reservoir 34, between
reservoir conduit 41 and icemaker conduit 51. As illustrated,
secondary drain line 106 extends through a portion of water tank
24, such as in a sidewall 28 thereof. Optionally, although shown
schematically, drain line 106 may be positioned below pump 32
(e.g., in a vertical direction). When outlet valve 108 is opened,
water upstream from pump 32 and/or water within third storage
volume 36 may be actively drained through secondary drain line 106
by activating pump 32. For example, pump 32 may be activated to
actively motivate or pump water from a position upstream of pump
32, through pump 32 and downstream pump conduit 35, through a
portion of icemaker conduit 51, and then through secondary drain
line 106 to second storage volume 26.
[0056] Additionally or alternatively, water within third storage
volume 36 and/or ice maker 50 may be drained, e.g., via gravity.
For instance, third storage volume 36 may be drained by allowing
water therein to flow downstream through reservoir conduit 41.
Similarly, ice maker 50 may be drained by allowing water therein to
flow in reverse through at least a portion of icemaker conduit 51.
From icemaker conduit 51, water may be directed through secondary
drain line 106 to water tank 24. As described above, water within
water tank 24 may be drained through primary drain line 102 and
valve 104.
[0057] Turning to FIG. 9, the illustrated embodiment may be
considered substantially identical to the embodiment of FIG. 6,
except as otherwise indicated. For example, downstream pump conduit
35 directs water to top portion 39 of reservoir 34. Icemaker
conduit 51 extends directly from base wall 40 of reservoir 34.
Icemaker conduit 51 is positioned in fluid communication between
reservoir 34 and ice maker 50. Pump 32 is positioned vertically
below base wall 30 of water tank 24.
[0058] As shown, secondary drain line 106 is disposed in fluid
communication between reservoir 34 and ice maker 50. Secondary
drain line 106 branches from icemaker conduit 51 to the ambient
environment. In some embodiments, secondary drain line 106 is
positioned to bypass icemaker 50. Optionally, although shown
schematically, drain line 106 may be positioned below pump 32
(e.g., in a vertical direction). When outlet valve 108 is opened,
water within third storage volume 36 and/or upstream from pump 32
may be actively drained through secondary drain line 106 by
activating pump 32. For example, pump 32 may be activated to
actively motivate or pump water from a position upstream of pump
32, through pump 32 and downstream pump conduit 35, through
reservoir 34, through a portion of icemaker conduit 51, and then
through secondary drain line 106 and valve 108 to the ambient
environment.
[0059] Additionally or alternatively, water within third storage
volume 36 and/or ice maker 50 may be drained, e.g., via gravity.
For instance, third storage volume 36 may be drained by allowing
water therein to flow downstream through icemaker conduit 51. Ice
maker 50 may be drained by allowing water therein to flow in
reverse through at least a portion of icemaker conduit 51. From
icemaker conduit 51, water may be directed through secondary drain
line 106 to the ambient environment.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 10, the illustrated embodiment may be
considered substantially identical to the embodiment of FIG. 6,
except as otherwise indicated. For example, downstream pump conduit
35 directs water to top portion 39 of reservoir 34. Icemaker
conduit 51 extends directly from base wall 40 of reservoir 34.
Icemaker conduit 51 is positioned in fluid communication between
reservoir 34 and ice maker 50. Moreover, multiple independent
secondary drain lines 106A, 106B are provided.
[0061] A first secondary drain line 106A extends in downstream
fluid communication with pump 32, upstream from reservoir 34 (via a
branched connection with downstream pump conduit 35). Secondary
drain line 106A bypasses ice maker 50 in fluid communication
between pump 32 and third storage volume 36. An outlet valve 108A
of secondary drain line 106A is attached in fluid communication
thereto. As described above, outlet valve 108A may be moved between
a closed position and an opened position to selectively communicate
with the ambient environment. When outlet valve 108A is opened,
water upstream from pump 32 may be actively drained through
secondary drain line 106A by activating pump 32. For example, pump
32 may be activated to actively motivate or pump water from a
position upstream of pump 32, through pump 32 and a portion of
downstream pump conduit 35, and then through secondary drain line
106A and valve 108A to the ambient environment.
[0062] Additionally or alternatively, water within upstream pump 35
conduit may be drained, e.g., via gravity. For instance, downstream
pump conduit 35 may be drained by allowing water therein to flow in
reverse through secondary drain line 106A and outlet valve 108A to
the ambient environment.
[0063] Another secondary drain line 106B extends from icemaker
conduit 51 and is disposed in fluid communication between reservoir
34 and ice maker 50. As shown, secondary drain line 106B is
positioned downstream from reservoir 34 to drain water from
icemaker conduit 51 to the ambient environment. An outlet valve
108B of secondary drain line 106B is attached in fluid
communication thereto. As described above, outlet valve 108B may be
moved between a closed position and an opened position to
selectively communicate with the ambient environment. Optionally,
although shown schematically, secondary drain line 106B may be
positioned below pump 32 (e.g., in a vertical direction). When
outlet valve 108B is opened, water upstream from pump 32 and/or
water within third storage volume 36 may be actively drained
through secondary drain line 106B by activating pump 32. For
example, pump 32 may be activated to actively motivate or pump
water from a position upstream of pump 32, through pump 32 and
downstream pump conduit 35, through reservoir 34, through a portion
of icemaker conduit 51, and then through secondary drain line 106B
and valve 108B to the ambient environment.
[0064] Additionally or alternatively, water within third storage
volume 36 and/or ice maker 50 may be drained, e.g., via gravity.
For instance, third storage volume 36 may be drained by allowing
water therein to flow downstream through icemaker conduit 51. Ice
maker 50 may be drained by allowing water therein to flow in
reverse through at least a portion of icemaker conduit 51. From
icemaker conduit 51, water may be directed through secondary drain
line 106B and outlet valve 108B to the ambient environment.
[0065] Turning to FIG. 11, the illustrated embodiment may be
considered substantially identical to the FIG. 6, except as
otherwise indicated. For instance, only a single primary drain line
102 is provided. As shown, primary drain line 102 extends in
downstream fluid communication with pump 32, upstream from
reservoir 34. Primary drain line 102 bypasses ice maker 50 in fluid
communication between pump 32 and third storage volume 36. A
uni-directional line 132 may be branched from upstream pump conduit
33. Uni-directional line 132 extends in fluid communication with
primary drain line 102 and directs water from upstream pump conduit
33 to primary drain line 102 while bypassing pump 32. Optionally, a
check valve 134 may be disposed within uni-directional line 132 to
permit downstream water flow from second storage volume 26, while
restricting reverse water flow.
[0066] An outlet valve 104 is attached in fluid communication with
primary drain line 102. As described above, outlet valve 104 may be
moved between a closed position and an opened position to
selectively communicate with the ambient environment. When outlet
valve 104 is opened, water upstream from pump 32 may be actively
drained through primary drain line 102 by activating pump 32. For
example, pump 32 may be activated to actively motivate or pump
water from a position upstream of pump 32, through pump 32 and a
portion of downstream pump conduit 35, and then through primary
drain line 102 and valve 104 to the ambient environment.
[0067] Additionally or alternatively, water within second storage
volume 26 and/or first storage volume 16 may be drained, e.g., via
gravity, by directing water through uni-directional line 132 and to
primary drain line 102. Water within upstream pump conduit 33,
which is disposed above primary drain line 102 in the vertical
direction V, may be directed in reverse from pump 32 towards
uni-directional line 132. Moreover, water within third storage
volume 36 and/or ice maker 50 may be drained, e.g., via gravity. In
some embodiments, water within third storage volume 36 may be
drained via gravity by flowing water in reverse through reservoir
conduit 41 toward pump conduit 35. Water within icemaker 50 may be
drained via gravity by flowing water in reverse through icemaker
conduit 51 toward downstream pump conduit 35. From downstream pump
conduit 35, water may be drained through primary drain line 102 and
outlet valve 104 to the ambient environment.
[0068] 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.
* * * * *