US20100095692A1 - Refrigerator and/or freezer - Google Patents

Refrigerator and/or freezer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100095692A1
US20100095692A1 US12/523,787 US52378708A US2010095692A1 US 20100095692 A1 US20100095692 A1 US 20100095692A1 US 52378708 A US52378708 A US 52378708A US 2010095692 A1 US2010095692 A1 US 2010095692A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
ice maker
refrigerator
fan associated
freezer according
operating condition
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/523,787
Inventor
Holger Jendrusch
Matthias Wiest
Manfred Gradl
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Liebherr Hausgeraete Ochsenhausen GmbH
Original Assignee
Liebherr Hausgeraete Ochsenhausen GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Liebherr Hausgeraete Ochsenhausen GmbH filed Critical Liebherr Hausgeraete Ochsenhausen GmbH
Assigned to LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE OCHSENHAUSEN GMBH reassignment LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE OCHSENHAUSEN GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GRADL, MANFRED, WIEST, MATTHIAS, JENDRUSCH, HOLGER
Publication of US20100095692A1 publication Critical patent/US20100095692A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
    • F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
    • F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/18—Storing ice
    • F25C5/182—Ice bins therefor
    • F25C5/187—Ice bins therefor with ice level sensing means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/11—Fan speed control
    • F25B2600/112—Fan speed control of evaporator fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/10—Refrigerator units
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with an ice maker.
  • Refrigerators and/or freezers with an ice maker are known from the prior art in different configurations.
  • these appliances include an air duct especially provided for this purpose or a static air conduit in the appliance, which supplies part of the air, which actually serves for cooling the interior of the appliance and the goods stored therein, to the ice maker.
  • a further disadvantage of appliances known from the prior art consists in that the ice maker possibly also is cooled when cooling thereof is not necessary. For instance, if the fan associated to the cooling air circuit is in operation, the ice maker of known appliances also is cooled at the same time. This involves the disadvantage that in this case not the full air power is available for cooling the stored goods, which is undesirable.
  • this object is solved in that the appliance includes at least one fan associated to the ice maker, which is arranged such that cold air is supplied to the ice maker by means of the fan.
  • the present invention is based on the idea that a separate fan directly associated to the ice maker is used for cooling the same.
  • the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the refrigerator and/or freezer.
  • the dynamic ventilation or cooling of the ice maker hence is independent of the operating condition of the appliance (compressor switched on or off, fan of the cooling circuit switched on or off, etc.).
  • the fan associated to the ice maker is running permanently or only when there is a demand for cooling air or a demand for ice.
  • the appliance includes a dynamically cooled evaporator for cooling the interior of the appliance or at least a compartment of the appliance, that a fan associated to the cooling air circuit is provided, and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the fan associated to the cooling air circuit.
  • a dynamically cooled evaporator for cooling the interior of the appliance or at least a compartment of the appliance, that a fan associated to the cooling air circuit is provided, and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the fan associated to the cooling air circuit.
  • the appliance includes a compressor and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the compressor.
  • the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it is in operation as long as the desired or the maximum filling level in the ice cube collecting tray is not reached.
  • the ice maker is dynamically cooled with cold air by the fan separately associated to the same. This leads to a substantial increase in ice output.
  • the appliance has no air duct associated to the ice maker.
  • an air guiding duct can be provided, through which cold air is supplied to the ice maker. Since in accordance with the present invention a separate fan associated to the ice maker is provided, such separate air duct can be omitted, which correspondingly simplifies the construction of the appliance.
  • the ice maker has a housing and that the fan associated to the ice maker is arranged on the housing or at least partly forms an integral part of the housing. It is conceivable, for instance, that certain parts of the fan, for instance air inlets or air outlets, form integral parts of the housing, whereby a comparatively simple construction of the arrangement is obtained.
  • the appliance includes means for detecting the filling level of the ice maker or an ice container, which are arranged such that they measure the filling level in the ice maker or in the ice container, and that the rotational speed and/or the relative on-period of the fan depends on the measured filling level.
  • Relative on-period is understood to be the ratio of switch-on time to switch-off time of the fan associated to the ice maker.
  • the ice cube maker and the fan associated to the same form a constructional unit, whereby a comparatively compact arrangement is obtained.
  • the invention also comprises appliances which include more than one ice maker.
  • appliances which include more than one ice maker.
  • the word “one” should not be understood to be a restriction to embodiments in which the respective component only is provided exactly once.
  • an actuating element for instance a key, can be provided, upon whose actuation the fan associated to the ice maker is put in operation and remains in operation, until a certain filling level, which can be adjustable, is reached in the ice maker or in an ice container.
  • the refrigerator and/or freezer in accordance with the present invention includes an ice cube maker, by means of which a rather fast cooling of the water in the ice cube maker should be achieved. Due to the faster cooling, the ejection interval can be reduced and thus the output per time can be increased.
  • a separate fan only associated to the ice cube maker is provided, which dynamically cools the same with cold air, until the desired quantity of ice cubes or the desired filling level in the ice cube collecting tray is reached. This leads to a substantially increased ice output.
  • the dynamic ventilation by means of the fan associated to the ice cube maker does not depend on the operating condition of the freezer/freezing component.
  • the dynamic ventilation thus is effected both in the running time and in the standing time of the appliance.
  • a dynamic evaporator is provided for cooling the freezing component or freezer, and that the operation of the fan associated to the ice cube maker is effected independent of the operation of the fan associated to the cooling air circuit.
  • no additional static air duct is provided for dynamically cooling the ice cube maker.
  • Such duct can be provided, but this is not absolutely necessary.
  • the entire air power of the appliance is exclusively available for cooling the goods present in the interior of the appliance.
  • a sensor which determines the filling level in the ice cube maker or ice cube compartment. It is possible to only operate the fan associated to the ice maker when the filling level of the ice cube collecting tray is below a desired value. If the desired filling level is not reached, it can be provided that the fan associated to the ice cube maker is put in operation and remains switched on, until the desired filling level is reached.
  • a comparatively simple construction of the appliance of the invention is obtained when the fan is arranged on a housing in which the ice cube maker is arranged or which forms part of the ice cube maker. It can be provided that certain stationary parts of the fan, such as air inlets or air outlets, form integral parts of this housing.
  • a suitable fixture for the fan associated to the ice cube maker is provided in the housing, wherein the fan is for instance latched or otherwise connected with the housing, far instance by an adhesive or screw connection.
  • a comparatively compact arrangement is obtained, which as such can be incorporated in the appliance.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with an ice maker, wherein the appliance includes at least one fan associated to the ice maker, which is arranged such that cold air is supplied to the ice maker by means of the fan.

Description

  • The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with an ice maker.
  • Refrigerators and/or freezers with an ice maker are known from the prior art in different configurations. For cooling the ice maker, these appliances include an air duct especially provided for this purpose or a static air conduit in the appliance, which supplies part of the air, which actually serves for cooling the interior of the appliance and the goods stored therein, to the ice maker.
  • In appliances known from the prior art, it is disadvantageous that the dynamic cooling of the ice maker only is available when the appliance just operates in the cooling mode. It is conceivable, for instance, that the appliance includes a dynamic evaporator and that a fan is provided, which is associated to a cooling air circuit and effects the desired air movement, if necessary. When the fan associated to the cooling air circuit is not in operation, there is no dynamic cooling of the ice maker, even if the same actually is necessary. Thus, during the standing time of prior art appliances cooling of the ice maker only is effected via natural convection, which is substantially slower and hence less effective than a dynamic cooling.
  • A further disadvantage of appliances known from the prior art consists in that the ice maker possibly also is cooled when cooling thereof is not necessary. For instance, if the fan associated to the cooling air circuit is in operation, the ice maker of known appliances also is cooled at the same time. This involves the disadvantage that in this case not the full air power is available for cooling the stored goods, which is undesirable.
  • Therefore, it is the object underlying the present invention to develop a refrigerator and/or freezer as mentioned above such that ice making largely is effected independent of the operating condition of the appliance.
  • In accordance with claim 1, this object is solved in that the appliance includes at least one fan associated to the ice maker, which is arranged such that cold air is supplied to the ice maker by means of the fan. Thus, the present invention is based on the idea that a separate fan directly associated to the ice maker is used for cooling the same.
  • In a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention it is provided that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the refrigerator and/or freezer. The dynamic ventilation or cooling of the ice maker hence is independent of the operating condition of the appliance (compressor switched on or off, fan of the cooling circuit switched on or off, etc.).
  • It is conceivable that the fan associated to the ice maker is running permanently or only when there is a demand for cooling air or a demand for ice.
  • In a further aspect of the invention it is provided that the appliance includes a dynamically cooled evaporator for cooling the interior of the appliance or at least a compartment of the appliance, that a fan associated to the cooling air circuit is provided, and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the fan associated to the cooling air circuit. In this way, it is possible to make the cooling of the goods disposed in the appliance independent of whether or not cold air must be supplied to the ice maker. Furthermore, it is possible to supply the ice maker with cooling air independent of whether or not the fan associated to the cooling air circuit now is in operation.
  • In a further aspect of the invention it is provided that the appliance includes a compressor and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the compressor.
  • In a further aspect of the invention it is provided that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it is in operation as long as the desired or the maximum filling level in the ice cube collecting tray is not reached. In this embodiment of the invention, the ice maker is dynamically cooled with cold air by the fan separately associated to the same. This leads to a substantial increase in ice output.
  • In a further aspect of the invention it can be provided that in contrast to the appliances known from the prior art, the appliance has no air duct associated to the ice maker. As stated above, in appliances known from the prior art, an air guiding duct can be provided, through which cold air is supplied to the ice maker. Since in accordance with the present invention a separate fan associated to the ice maker is provided, such separate air duct can be omitted, which correspondingly simplifies the construction of the appliance.
  • In a further aspect of the invention it is provided that the ice maker has a housing and that the fan associated to the ice maker is arranged on the housing or at least partly forms an integral part of the housing. It is conceivable, for instance, that certain parts of the fan, for instance air inlets or air outlets, form integral parts of the housing, whereby a comparatively simple construction of the arrangement is obtained.
  • In a further aspect of the invention it finally is provided that the appliance includes means for detecting the filling level of the ice maker or an ice container, which are arranged such that they measure the filling level in the ice maker or in the ice container, and that the rotational speed and/or the relative on-period of the fan depends on the measured filling level. Relative on-period is understood to be the ratio of switch-on time to switch-off time of the fan associated to the ice maker.
  • Furthermore, it can be provided that the ice cube maker and the fan associated to the same form a constructional unit, whereby a comparatively compact arrangement is obtained.
  • Of course, the invention also comprises appliances which include more than one ice maker. In accordance with the invention, the word “one” should not be understood to be a restriction to embodiments in which the respective component only is provided exactly once.
  • In a further aspect of the invention, an actuating element, for instance a key, can be provided, upon whose actuation the fan associated to the ice maker is put in operation and remains in operation, until a certain filling level, which can be adjustable, is reached in the ice maker or in an ice container.
  • Further details and advantages of the invention will be described in detail with reference to an embodiment explained below.
  • The refrigerator and/or freezer in accordance with the present invention includes an ice cube maker, by means of which a rather fast cooling of the water in the ice cube maker should be achieved. Due to the faster cooling, the ejection interval can be reduced and thus the output per time can be increased.
  • For this purpose, it is provided in accordance with this embodiment that a separate fan only associated to the ice cube maker is provided, which dynamically cools the same with cold air, until the desired quantity of ice cubes or the desired filling level in the ice cube collecting tray is reached. This leads to a substantially increased ice output.
  • Furthermore, it can be provided that the dynamic ventilation by means of the fan associated to the ice cube maker does not depend on the operating condition of the freezer/freezing component. In accordance with this embodiment, the dynamic ventilation thus is effected both in the running time and in the standing time of the appliance. For instance, it can be provided that a dynamic evaporator is provided for cooling the freezing component or freezer, and that the operation of the fan associated to the ice cube maker is effected independent of the operation of the fan associated to the cooling air circuit.
  • In accordance with the embodiment described here, no additional static air duct is provided for dynamically cooling the ice cube maker. Such duct can be provided, but this is not absolutely necessary.
  • Thus, preferably the entire air power of the appliance is exclusively available for cooling the goods present in the interior of the appliance.
  • In accordance with the embodiment described here, a sensor is provided, which determines the filling level in the ice cube maker or ice cube compartment. It is possible to only operate the fan associated to the ice maker when the filling level of the ice cube collecting tray is below a desired value. If the desired filling level is not reached, it can be provided that the fan associated to the ice cube maker is put in operation and remains switched on, until the desired filling level is reached.
  • It is also conceivable to correspondingly change not only the absolute or relative switch-on period, but also the rotational speed of the fan.
  • A comparatively simple construction of the appliance of the invention is obtained when the fan is arranged on a housing in which the ice cube maker is arranged or which forms part of the ice cube maker. It can be provided that certain stationary parts of the fan, such as air inlets or air outlets, form integral parts of this housing.
  • It can be provided that a suitable fixture for the fan associated to the ice cube maker is provided in the housing, wherein the fan is for instance latched or otherwise connected with the housing, far instance by an adhesive or screw connection. In general, a comparatively compact arrangement is obtained, which as such can be incorporated in the appliance.

Claims (20)

1. A refrigerator and/or freezer with an ice maker, wherein the appliance includes at least one fan associated to the ice maker, which is arranged such that cold air is supplied to the ice maker by the fan.
2. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the refrigerator and/or freezer.
3. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein the appliance includes a dynamic evaporator for cooling the interior of the appliance or at least one compartment of the appliance, that an evaporator associated to the cooling air circuit is provided, and the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the fan associated to the cooling air circuit.
4. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein the appliance includes a compressor and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the compressor.
5. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it only is in operation if necessary.
6. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein the appliance has no air duct exclusively associated to the ice maker.
7. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein the ice maker has a housing and that the fan associated to the ice maker is arranged on the housing or at least partly forms an integral part of the housing.
8. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein means are provided, by which the filling level in the ice maker or in an ice container can be detected, and that the rotational speed and/or the relative switch-on period of the fan associated to the ice maker depends on the filling level measured.
9. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein the ice maker and the fan associated to the same form a constructional unit.
10. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, wherein an operating element, in particular a key is provided, which is configured such that upon actuating the same the fan associated to the ice maker is in operation, until a certain filling level in the ice maker or in an ice container is reached.
11. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 2, wherein the appliance includes a dynamic evaporator for cooling the interior of the appliance or at least one compartment of the appliance, that an evaporator associated to the cooling air circuit is provided, and the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the fan associated to the cooling air circuit.
12. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 10, wherein the appliance includes a compressor and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the compressor.
13. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 2, wherein the appliance includes a compressor and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the compressor.
14. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 3, wherein the appliance includes a compressor and that the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that its operating condition is independent of the operating condition of the compressor.
15. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 14, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it only is in operation if necessary.
16. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 13, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it only is in operation if necessary.
17. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 12, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it only is in operation if necessary.
18. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 11, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it only is in operation if necessary.
19. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 4, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it only is in operation if necessary.
20. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 3, wherein the fan associated to the ice maker is configured such that it only is in operation if necessary.
US12/523,787 2007-01-26 2008-01-25 Refrigerator and/or freezer Abandoned US20100095692A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202007001202 2007-01-26
DE202007001202.0 2007-01-26
DE202007006732.1 2007-05-10
DE202007006732U DE202007006732U1 (en) 2007-01-26 2007-05-10 Fridge and / or freezer
PCT/EP2008/000600 WO2008090002A2 (en) 2007-01-26 2008-01-25 Refrigerator and/or freezer

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100095692A1 true US20100095692A1 (en) 2010-04-22

Family

ID=39478004

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/523,787 Abandoned US20100095692A1 (en) 2007-01-26 2008-01-25 Refrigerator and/or freezer

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20100095692A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2111523B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101583835B (en)
DE (1) DE202007006732U1 (en)
ES (1) ES2791951T3 (en)
RU (1) RU2453778C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2008090002A2 (en)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9303903B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-04-05 Whirlpool Corporation Cooling system for ice maker
US9310115B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-04-12 Whirlpool Corporation Layering of low thermal conductive material on metal tray
US9410723B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-08-09 Whirlpool Corporation Ice maker with rocking cold plate
US9476629B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-10-25 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker and method for forming clear ice
US9500398B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-11-22 Whirlpool Corporation Twist harvest ice geometry
US9518773B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-12-13 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker
US9557087B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-01-31 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice making apparatus having an oscillation frequency and angle
US9599385B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-03-21 Whirlpool Corporation Weirless ice tray
US9599388B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-03-21 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker with varied thermal conductivity
US9759472B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-09-12 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker with warm air flow
US10030902B2 (en) 2012-05-03 2018-07-24 Whirlpool Corporation Twistable tray for heater-less ice maker
US10047996B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2018-08-14 Whirlpool Corporation Multi-sheet spherical ice making
US10066861B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2018-09-04 Whirlpool Corporation Ice cube release and rapid freeze using fluid exchange apparatus
US10605512B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-03-31 Whirlpool Corporation Method of warming a mold apparatus
US10690388B2 (en) 2014-10-23 2020-06-23 Whirlpool Corporation Method and apparatus for increasing rate of ice production in an automatic ice maker
US10739053B2 (en) 2017-11-13 2020-08-11 Whirlpool Corporation Ice-making appliance
US10907874B2 (en) 2018-10-22 2021-02-02 Whirlpool Corporation Ice maker downspout

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3359751A (en) * 1966-10-14 1967-12-26 Admiral Corp Two temperature refrigerator
US3659429A (en) * 1970-03-25 1972-05-02 Westinghouse Electric Corp Refrigerator-freezer with fast chill arrangement
US4368322A (en) * 1978-06-14 1983-01-11 Anic, S.P.A. Chitosan-glucan complex, method for its production and end uses
US4843831A (en) * 1987-02-27 1989-07-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Refrigerator control system
US6041607A (en) * 1998-10-31 2000-03-28 Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator having a liquid supplying device for an ice tray
US6438988B1 (en) * 2001-10-30 2002-08-27 Dennis J. Paskey Kit to increase refrigerator ice product
US20030202325A1 (en) * 2000-10-25 2003-10-30 Dai Sasaki Control method of cooling fan, and information processing device
US20050172665A1 (en) * 2002-12-04 2005-08-11 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Time division multi-cycle type cooling apparatus and method for controlling the same
US20060086130A1 (en) * 2004-10-26 2006-04-27 Anselmino Jeffery J Ice and water dispenser on refrigerator compartment door
US7076967B2 (en) * 2003-09-19 2006-07-18 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator with icemaker
US20060218961A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2006-10-05 Il-Shin Kim Refrigerator
US20060260344A1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2006-11-23 Maytag Corporation Refrigerator air control damper for ice compartment
US20060266068A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-11-30 Maytag Corporation Insulated ice compartment for bottom mount refrigerator with controlled heater
USRE44132E1 (en) * 2003-03-20 2013-04-09 General Electric Company Thermoelectric icemaker and control

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SU1707459A1 (en) * 1990-09-20 1992-01-23 Киевское научно-производственное объединение "Веста" Cube ice generator
JP3519592B2 (en) * 1998-02-04 2004-04-19 株式会社東芝 Refrigerator control method
JP2002340455A (en) * 2001-05-18 2002-11-27 Fujitsu General Ltd Refrigerator equipped with automatic ice machine and its control method
US6964177B2 (en) * 2003-05-28 2005-11-15 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator with icemaker
KR101106644B1 (en) * 2006-12-01 2012-01-18 삼성전자주식회사 Refrigerator

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3359751A (en) * 1966-10-14 1967-12-26 Admiral Corp Two temperature refrigerator
US3659429A (en) * 1970-03-25 1972-05-02 Westinghouse Electric Corp Refrigerator-freezer with fast chill arrangement
US4368322A (en) * 1978-06-14 1983-01-11 Anic, S.P.A. Chitosan-glucan complex, method for its production and end uses
US4843831A (en) * 1987-02-27 1989-07-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Refrigerator control system
US6041607A (en) * 1998-10-31 2000-03-28 Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator having a liquid supplying device for an ice tray
US20030202325A1 (en) * 2000-10-25 2003-10-30 Dai Sasaki Control method of cooling fan, and information processing device
US6438988B1 (en) * 2001-10-30 2002-08-27 Dennis J. Paskey Kit to increase refrigerator ice product
US20050172665A1 (en) * 2002-12-04 2005-08-11 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Time division multi-cycle type cooling apparatus and method for controlling the same
USRE44132E1 (en) * 2003-03-20 2013-04-09 General Electric Company Thermoelectric icemaker and control
US20060218961A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2006-10-05 Il-Shin Kim Refrigerator
US7076967B2 (en) * 2003-09-19 2006-07-18 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator with icemaker
US20060086130A1 (en) * 2004-10-26 2006-04-27 Anselmino Jeffery J Ice and water dispenser on refrigerator compartment door
US20060260344A1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2006-11-23 Maytag Corporation Refrigerator air control damper for ice compartment
US20060266068A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-11-30 Maytag Corporation Insulated ice compartment for bottom mount refrigerator with controlled heater

Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10030902B2 (en) 2012-05-03 2018-07-24 Whirlpool Corporation Twistable tray for heater-less ice maker
US10030901B2 (en) 2012-05-03 2018-07-24 Whirlpool Corporation Heater-less ice maker assembly with a twistable tray
US10066861B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2018-09-04 Whirlpool Corporation Ice cube release and rapid freeze using fluid exchange apparatus
US10047996B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2018-08-14 Whirlpool Corporation Multi-sheet spherical ice making
US11598567B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2023-03-07 Whirlpool Corporation Twist harvest ice geometry
US9518773B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-12-13 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker
US9557087B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-01-31 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice making apparatus having an oscillation frequency and angle
US9581363B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-02-28 Whirlpool Corporation Cooling system for ice maker
US9599385B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-03-21 Whirlpool Corporation Weirless ice tray
US10174982B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2019-01-08 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker
US9599387B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-03-21 Whirlpool Corporation Layering of low thermal conductive material on metal tray
US9759472B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-09-12 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker with warm air flow
US9816744B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-11-14 Whirlpool Corporation Twist harvest ice geometry
US9890986B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2018-02-13 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker and method for forming clear ice
US9476629B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-10-25 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker and method for forming clear ice
US9410723B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-08-09 Whirlpool Corporation Ice maker with rocking cold plate
US9303903B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-04-05 Whirlpool Corporation Cooling system for ice maker
US9310115B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-04-12 Whirlpool Corporation Layering of low thermal conductive material on metal tray
US9500398B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-11-22 Whirlpool Corporation Twist harvest ice geometry
US9599388B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-03-21 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker with varied thermal conductivity
US10215467B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2019-02-26 Whirlpool Corporation Layering of low thermal conductive material on metal tray
US10378806B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2019-08-13 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker
US10605512B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-03-31 Whirlpool Corporation Method of warming a mold apparatus
US11725862B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2023-08-15 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker with warm air flow
US10161663B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2018-12-25 Whirlpool Corporation Ice maker with rocking cold plate
US10788251B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-09-29 Whirlpool Corporation Twist harvest ice geometry
US10816253B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-10-27 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker with warm air flow
US10845111B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-11-24 Whirlpool Corporation Layering of low thermal conductive material on metal tray
US11486622B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2022-11-01 Whirlpool Corporation Layering of low thermal conductive material on metal tray
US11131493B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2021-09-28 Whirlpool Corporation Clear ice maker with warm air flow
US11441829B2 (en) 2014-10-23 2022-09-13 Whirlpool Corporation Method and apparatus for increasing rate of ice production in an automatic ice maker
US10690388B2 (en) 2014-10-23 2020-06-23 Whirlpool Corporation Method and apparatus for increasing rate of ice production in an automatic ice maker
US11808507B2 (en) 2014-10-23 2023-11-07 Whirlpool Corporation Method and apparatus for increasing rate of ice production in an automatic ice maker
US10739053B2 (en) 2017-11-13 2020-08-11 Whirlpool Corporation Ice-making appliance
US10907874B2 (en) 2018-10-22 2021-02-02 Whirlpool Corporation Ice maker downspout

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2791951T3 (en) 2020-11-06
CN101583835A (en) 2009-11-18
EP2111523A2 (en) 2009-10-28
CN101583835B (en) 2012-08-15
WO2008090002A2 (en) 2008-07-31
RU2453778C2 (en) 2012-06-20
WO2008090002A3 (en) 2008-09-12
RU2009127822A (en) 2011-01-27
EP2111523B1 (en) 2020-03-04
DE202007006732U1 (en) 2008-06-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20100095692A1 (en) Refrigerator and/or freezer
CN103033013B (en) Refrigerator and ice locker
US8266923B2 (en) Refrigerating device comprising two storage compartments with selective cooling modes
US8186173B2 (en) Refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit
KR20080070511A (en) Refrigerator and operation control method therof
CN108020000B (en) Defrosting control method of refrigerator and refrigerator
US6405548B1 (en) Method and apparatus for adjusting temperature using air flow
US20080196428A1 (en) Device and Method For Controlling the Temperature Inside a Refrigerating Unit of a Combined Refrigerator-Freezer
US20140245758A1 (en) Cooling appliance and operation method thereof
JP2009085503A (en) Refrigerator
US20090120123A1 (en) Refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit
AU2014303819B2 (en) Refrigerator
US20080202136A1 (en) Refrigerator Unit and/or Freezer Unit
JP4367564B2 (en) refrigerator
KR20080003660A (en) Refrigerator with temperature changing room
RU2578055C2 (en) Single-circuit refrigerating apparatus
US20110219806A1 (en) Refrigeration appliance comprising a plurality of shelves
AU2004282442B2 (en) Cooling storage chamber and cooling equipment
EP1927817A1 (en) System for fast localized cooling of food in a refrigeration appliance
JP4489057B2 (en) refrigerator
JP2012241920A (en) Refrigerator
KR100281838B1 (en) Home Barr Temperature Controller of Refrigerator
US20160033189A1 (en) System and method for establishing a relative humidity with a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance
JP6060380B2 (en) Fan motor drive device and refrigerator equipped with fan motor drive device
US20230243565A1 (en) Refrigerator

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE OCHSENHAUSEN GMBH,GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JENDRUSCH, HOLGER;WIEST, MATTHIAS;GRADL, MANFRED;SIGNING DATES FROM 20090922 TO 20090928;REEL/FRAME:023844/0925

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION