WO2023083219A1 - 包括用于冰模具外部的副供水***的自动制冰机 - Google Patents

包括用于冰模具外部的副供水***的自动制冰机 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023083219A1
WO2023083219A1 PCT/CN2022/130920 CN2022130920W WO2023083219A1 WO 2023083219 A1 WO2023083219 A1 WO 2023083219A1 CN 2022130920 W CN2022130920 W CN 2022130920W WO 2023083219 A1 WO2023083219 A1 WO 2023083219A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ice
water
conductive
mold
water supply
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2022/130920
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
阿尔登 荣格布伦特
安德鲁 努斯巴特
墨菲斯图亚特
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
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.)
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Publication date
Application filed by 海尔智家股份有限公司, 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司 filed Critical 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority to CN202280068569.4A priority Critical patent/CN118119804A/zh
Publication of WO2023083219A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023083219A1/zh

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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00Producing ice
    • F25C1/04Producing ice by using stationary moulds
    • F25C1/045Producing ice by using stationary moulds with the open end pointing downwards
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00Producing ice
    • F25C1/22Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/25Filling devices for moulds
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00Producing ice
    • F25C1/22Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/24Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B21/00Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B21/02Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25CPRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/14Water supply

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to refrigerated appliances, and more particularly to improving ice harvesting from ice molds of ice makers within refrigerated appliances.
  • ice In domestic and commercial applications, ice is typically formed into solid cubes, such as crescent-shaped cubes or generally rectangular cubes.
  • the shape of this block is usually determined by the container that holds the water during the freezing process.
  • an ice maker may receive liquid water, and this liquid water may freeze within the ice maker to form ice cubes.
  • some ice makers include freezing molds that define multiple cavities. While typical solid blocks or blocks can be useful in a variety of situations, they have certain disadvantages. Such typical cubes or blocks are quite cloudy due to impurities found in frozen mold or water, for example. Therefore, some consumers consider clear ice to be preferable to cloudy ice.
  • dissolved solids normally found in water eg, tap water
  • an ice maker may include: a plurality of walls forming a receiving space; a conductive ice mold disposed within the receiving space, the conductive ice mold defining an inner cavity and an outer surface; a main water supply system, the main water supply The system is arranged under the conductive ice mold to guide the ice-making jet of water to the inner cavity of the conductive ice mold; the heat exchanger is arranged on the conductive ice mold to absorb heat therefrom; and the auxiliary water supply system, the A secondary water supply system is disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the conductive ice mold, wherein the secondary water supply system distributes melting water on the outer surface of the conductive ice mold.
  • a refrigeration appliance in another exemplary aspect of the present invention, may include: a box body defining one or more refrigerating compartments; a refrigerating system installed in the box body to selectively cool one or more refrigerating compartments, the refrigerating system including a compressor and an evaporator in fluid communication with the compressor; and an ice maker mounted in one of the one or more refrigerated compartments.
  • the ice maker may include: a plurality of walls forming a receiving space; a conductive ice mold disposed within the receiving space, the conductive ice mold defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface; a main water supply system, the main water supply system arranged under the conduction ice mold to guide the ice-making jet of water to the conduction ice mold; a heat exchanger arranged on the conduction ice mold to absorb heat therefrom; and an auxiliary water supply system connected with the conduction ice mold
  • the outer surfaces of the conductive ice molds are arranged adjacently, wherein the auxiliary water supply system distributes the ice-melting water on the outer surfaces of the conductive ice molds.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a front view of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 , with the refrigerator and freezer doors shown in open positions.
  • FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the freezer compartment of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 with the freezer door and storage box removed for clarity.
  • FIG. 4 provides a front elevation view of the exemplary freezer of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram of a sealed cooling system for the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 provides a front elevational view of an ice making assembly within an ice bin compartment of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 7 provides a schematic illustration of an ice making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of an ice mold including a secondary water supply system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of an ice maker including a groove according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 provides a close-up cross-sectional view of the exemplary trench of FIG. 9 .
  • FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of the example channel of FIG. 9 detached from an ice mold.
  • Figure 12 provides a perspective view of a perforated tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 13 provides a perspective view of a perforated tube according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • upstream refers to relative directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to where the fluid flow is coming from, while “downstream” refers to the direction the fluid flow is going.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a box or housing 102 extending in a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106 and in a lateral direction L between a first side 108 and a second side 110. , and extends along the transverse direction T between the front side 112 and the rear side 114 .
  • Each of the vertical V, the lateral L, and the lateral T are perpendicular to each other.
  • Housing 102 defines a refrigerated compartment for receiving food for storage.
  • the housing 102 defines a fresh food compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent the top 104 of the housing 102 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent the bottom 106 of the housing 102 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 is generally called a bottom-mounted refrigerator.
  • the benefits of the present invention apply to other types and styles of cooling appliances, for example, top-mounted cooling appliances or side-by-side cooling appliances. Accordingly, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way to any particular refrigeration chamber configuration.
  • Refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of housing 102 for selective access to fresh food compartment 122 .
  • freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 to provide selective access to freezer compartment 124 .
  • the refrigerator door 128, the freezer door 130, or the housing 102 may define one or more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber seals, not shown) at the interface where the doors 128, 130 and the housing 102 meet. ).
  • Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in a closed configuration in FIG. 1 and in an open configuration in FIG. 2 . It should be understood that doors of different styles, locations or configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 132 for dispensing liquid water or ice.
  • the dispensing assembly 132 includes a dispenser 134 disposed on or mounted to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100 , for example, on one of the refrigeration doors 128 .
  • Dispenser 134 includes a drain 136 for capturing ice and liquid water.
  • An actuation mechanism 138 shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharge opening 136 to operate dispenser 134 .
  • dispenser 134 may be operated using any suitable actuation mechanism.
  • dispenser 134 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle.
  • a control panel 140 is provided to control the mode of operation.
  • the control panel 140 includes a number of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispense button and an ice dispense button, for selecting a desired mode of operation, such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
  • Discharge port 136 and actuation mechanism 138 are external parts of dispenser 134 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142 .
  • the dispenser recess 142 is provided at a predetermined height, which is convenient for a user to take ice or water, and enables the user to take ice without bending over and without opening the refrigeration door 128 .
  • the dispenser recess 142 is disposed at approximately the level of the user's chest.
  • dispensing assembly 132 may receive ice from an ice maker or ice making assembly 300 disposed in a sub-compartment (eg, IB compartment 180 ) of refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a controller 144 . Operation of refrigeration appliance 100 is regulated by controller 144 , which is operatively coupled to or in operative communication with control panel 140 .
  • control panel 140 may represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO") device or functional block.
  • the control panel 140 may include input components such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical or electromechanical input devices including rotary dials, buttons, touch pads or touch screens.
  • Control panel 140 may communicate with controller 144 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
  • the control panel 140 provides options for user operation of the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 . In response to a user's manipulation of the control panel 140 , the controller 144 operates various components of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • controller 144 is operably coupled or in communication with various components of the sealing system. Controller 144 may also communicate with various sensors, such as a room temperature sensor or an ambient temperature sensor. Controller 144 may receive signals from these temperature sensors that correspond to the temperature of the atmosphere or air within the respective locations of the sensors.
  • the controller 144 includes memory and one or more processing devices, such as a microprocessor, CPU, etc., such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, operable to perform operations associated with the refrigeration appliance 100. programming instructions or microcontroller code.
  • the memory may mean a random access memory such as DRAM or a read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
  • a processor executes programmed instructions stored in memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or it may be included on-board within the processor.
  • controller 144 may perform control functions without the use of a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc. , rather than relying on software) to build.
  • FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigeration appliance 100 with refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 shown in an open position.
  • various storage components are installed within the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezer compartment 124 to facilitate storage of food products therein, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
  • the storage components include boxes 146 , drawers 148 , and shelves 150 installed in the fresh food compartment 122 or the freezer compartment 124 . Boxes 146, drawers 148, and shelves 150 are used to receive food (eg, beverages or solid food) and can help organize such food.
  • drawer 148 may receive fresh food (eg, vegetables, fruit, or cheese) and increase the useful life of such fresh food.
  • the box or housing 102 includes a liner 160 that defines a freezer compartment 124 .
  • inner bladder 160 may be an injection molded door bladder attached to the interior of housing 102 .
  • insulating material such as expandable foam, between the housing 102 and the liner 160 to assist in insulating the freezer compartment 124 .
  • sprayed urethane foam may be injected into a cavity defined between the case 102 and the inner liner 160 .
  • Freezer door 130 may be similarly configured to assist in insulating freezer compartment 124 .
  • the freezer compartment 124 generally extends in a lateral direction L between a left wall 162 and a right wall 164, in a vertical direction V between a bottom wall 166 and a top wall 168, and in a transverse direction T between a compartment opening 170 and a rear wall. 172 between stretches.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a center beam 176 disposed within the freezer compartment 124 to divide the freezer compartment 124 into a pair of independent sub-compartments, such as an ice bin (IB) compartment 180 and a dedicated freezer compartment 180 . (Fz) Compartment 182.
  • the center beam 176 generally extends along a transverse direction T between the chamber opening 170 and the rear wall 172 , and along a vertical direction V between the bottom wall 166 and the top wall 168 .
  • the center beam 176 is generally vertically oriented and can divide the freezer compartment 124 into two equally sized compartments 180,182.
  • the center rail 176 may be sized, positioned, and configured in any suitable manner to form separate freezer sub-compartments within the freezer compartment 124 .
  • an alternative embodiment without any such center beam may be provided.
  • the center beam 176 may generally be formed of an insulating material such as foam. Alternatively, to provide structural support, a rigid injection molded liner or metal frame can surround the insulating foam. According to another exemplary embodiment, the center beam 176 may be, or may contain, a vacuum insulation panel to minimize heat transfer between the IB compartment 180 and the Fz compartment 182 .
  • inner bladder 160 and/or center beam 176 may include features such as guides or slides to ensure proper placement, fit and sealing of inner bladder 176 within inner bladder 160 .
  • Sealing system 190 is typically used to perform a vapor compression cycle that is used to cool the air within refrigeration appliance 100 (eg, within food preservation compartment 122 or freezer compartment 124 ).
  • Sealed cooling system 190 includes compressor 192 , condenser 194 , expansion device 196 , and evaporator 198 connected in fluid communication (eg, in series) and filled with refrigerant.
  • gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 192 , which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant and push the refrigerant through sealed system 190 .
  • This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through the condenser 194 .
  • the condenser 194 heat exchange with ambient air takes place in order to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant to condense into a liquid state.
  • An expansion device (eg, expansion valve, capillary, or other restrictive device) 196 receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 194 .
  • Liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 198 from expansion device 196 .
  • the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and at least partially evaporates. Due to the phase change of the liquid refrigerant, the evaporator 198 is cool relative to the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezer compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • cooling air is generated and cools the fresh food compartment 122 and the freezing compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • the evaporator 198 is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the air passing through the evaporator 198 to the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 198 .
  • seal system 190 is merely one exemplary configuration of a seal system 190 that may include additional components (eg, one or more additional evaporators, compressors, expansion devices, or condensers).
  • sealed cooling system 190 may include two evaporators.
  • sealing system 190 may also include a reservoir 199 .
  • An accumulator 199 may be disposed downstream of the evaporator 198 and may be configured to collect condensed refrigerant from the refrigerant flow prior to passing it to the compressor 192 .
  • the evaporator 198 is disposed adjacent the rear wall 172 of the liner 160 .
  • the remaining components of the sealing system 190 may be located within the mechanical compartment 200 of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • Conduit 202 may carry refrigerant into freezer compartment 124 through a liquid-tight inlet to evaporator 198 and may transfer refrigerant from evaporator 198 out of freezer compartment 124 through a liquid-tight outlet.
  • the evaporator 198 includes a first evaporator portion 204 and a second evaporator portion 206 .
  • the first evaporator section 204 and the second evaporator section 206 are connected in series such that the refrigerant first passes through the first evaporator section 204 before passing through the second evaporator section 206 .
  • the first evaporator portion 204 and the second evaporator portion 206 are coupled by a transition tube 208 .
  • Transition pipe 208 may be a separate connecting pipe or part of the same pipe forming evaporator 198 .
  • the first evaporator portion 204 is disposed within the IB compartment 180 and the second evaporator portion 206 is disposed within the Fz compartment 182.
  • the transition tube 208 may pass through an aperture in the center beam 176 .
  • An evaporator cover may be placed over evaporator 198 to form an evaporator chamber with liner 160 .
  • a first evaporator cover 220 is disposed within the IB compartment 180 above the evaporator 198 , or more specifically, above the first evaporator portion 204 .
  • the liner 160 , the center beam 176 and the first evaporator cover 220 define a first evaporation chamber 222 that houses the first evaporator portion 204 .
  • a second evaporator cover 224 is disposed within the Fz compartment 182 over the evaporator 198 , or more specifically, over the second evaporator portion 206 .
  • the liner 160 , the center beam 176 and the second evaporator cover 224 define a second evaporation chamber 226 that houses the second evaporator portion 206 .
  • the evaporation chambers 222, 226 may include one or more return air ducts and supply air ducts to allow circulation of air to and from the IB compartment 180 and the Fz compartment 182 (eg, along one or more air paths).
  • the first evaporator cover 220 defines one or more first return air ducts 230 for admitting air into the first evaporator chamber 222 and for exhausting air from the first evaporator chamber 222 to the IB.
  • One or more first air delivery ducts 230 in compartment 180 (eg, along first air path 250).
  • the second evaporator cover 224 may define one or more second return air ducts 234 for admitting air into the second evaporator chamber 226 and for exhausting air from the second evaporator chamber 226 to Fz One or more second air delivery ducts 236 in compartment 182 (eg, along second air path 252 ).
  • the first air return duct 230 and the second air return duct 234 are disposed close to the bottom of the freezer compartment 224 (eg, close to the bottom wall 166 ), and the first air supply duct 232 and the second air supply duct 236 Located proximate to the top of freezer compartment 224 (eg, proximate to top wall 168).
  • any other suitable means for providing fluid communication between the evaporation chamber and the freezing compartment are possible and within the scope of the present invention according to alternative embodiments.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 may include one or more fans to help circulate air across the evaporator 198 and cool the freezer compartments 180 , 182 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a first fan 240 in fluid communication with the first evaporation chamber 222 for pushing air through the first evaporation chamber 222 .
  • the first fan 240 may be an axial fan, which is arranged in the first air supply duct 232, and is used to push cold air from the first evaporation chamber 222 into the IB compartment 180 through the first air supply duct 232, At the same time, the air is recirculated back into the first evaporation chamber 222 through the first return air duct 230 to be recooled.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 may include a second fan 242 in fluid communication with the second evaporation chamber 226 for pushing air through the second evaporation chamber 226 .
  • the second fan 242 may be an axial fan, which is disposed in the second air supply duct 236 for circulating air between the second evaporation chamber 226 and the Fz compartment 182, as described above.
  • an ice making assembly (or ice maker) 300 may be installed within the IB compartment 180 . It should be noted that although ice maker 300 is described herein as being installed within a refrigeration appliance, the invention and accompanying description may in some cases be applied to a stand-alone ice maker.
  • ice making assembly 300 includes mold assembly 310 .
  • Mold assembly 310 may include conductive ice mold 340 that defines mold cavity 318 in which ice blank 320 may be formed.
  • conductive ice mold 340 may define an outer surface or outer surface 319 opposite mold cavity 318 .
  • the outer surface 319 may include or be defined by a plastic cover surrounding the ice mold 340 .
  • the outer surface may be referred to as a plastic cover 319 .
  • a plurality of mold cavities 318 may be defined by mold assembly 310 (eg, as separate or connected ice-making units 312 ) and spaced from one another (eg, perpendicular to vertical V, such as along lateral direction L).
  • the mold assembly 310 may be disposed between the supply air duct 232 and the return air duct 230 along the air path within the IB compartment 180 .
  • the mold assembly 310 is disposed vertically between the supply air duct 232 and the return air duct 230 .
  • the mold assembly 310 may also include a heat exchanger 348 mounted thereon (eg, in thermal communication with each individual icemaking unit 312 ).
  • heat exchanger 348 may be any suitable solid state electrically driven heat exchanger, such as a thermoelectric device (eg, a Peltier cell).
  • Heat exchanger 348 may include a first heat exchange end or side and a second heat exchange end or side. When activated, heat can be selectively directed between the ends. In particular, heat flux generated between the junction of the ends can draw heat from one end to the other (eg, driven by an electrical current).
  • heat exchanger 348 is operatively coupled (eg, electrically coupled) to controller 144 , which can thereby control the flow of electrical current to heat exchanger 348 .
  • heat exchanger 348 may selectively draw heat from mold cavity 318, as will be described further below.
  • a water distributor 314 disposed below the mold assembly 310 may generally be used to selectively direct a flow of water into the mold cavity 318 .
  • water distributor 314 includes a water pump 322 and at least one nozzle 324 directed (eg, vertically) at mold cavity 318 .
  • water distributor 314 may include multiple nozzles 324 or fluid pumps that are vertically aligned with multiple mold cavities 318 .
  • individual mold cavities 318 may be vertically aligned with individual nozzles 324 .
  • water basin 316 is positioned below ice mold 340 (eg, directly below mold cavity 318 along vertical V).
  • Basin 316 includes a solid impermeable body and may define a vertical opening in fluid communication with mold cavity 318 and an interior volume 328 .
  • fluid such as excess water falling from the mold cavity 318
  • a drain line may be connected to the water basin 316 to draw collected water from the water basin 316 and drain it out of the IB compartment.
  • the guide ramp 330 is disposed along the vertical V between the mold assembly 310 and the basin 316 .
  • guide ramp 330 may include a ramp surface extending at a negative angle (eg, relative to horizontal, such as laterally) from a location below mold cavity 318 to another location spaced (eg, horizontally) from water basin 316 . a location.
  • the guide ramp 330 extends to or terminates above the ice bank 332 (eg, within the IB compartment 180 ).
  • the guide ramp 330 may define a perforated portion 152 that is vertically aligned, for example, between the mold cavity 318 and the nozzle 324 or between the mold cavity 318 and the interior volume 328 (described in further detail below).
  • One or more apertures are generally defined through guide ramp 330 at the perforated portion.
  • a fluid such as water, may generally pass through the perforated portion of guide ramp 330 (eg, along vertical V between mold cavity 318 and interior volume 328 ).
  • ice bank 332 generally defines a storage volume 336 and may be disposed below mold assembly 310 and mold cavity 318 . Ice cubes 320 formed within mold cavity 318 may be ejected from mold assembly 310 and subsequently stored within storage volume 336 of ice bank 332 (eg, within compartment 180 ). In some such embodiments, ice bank 332 is disposed within IB compartment 180 and is spaced horizontally from water dispenser 314 or mold assembly 310 . The guide ramp 330 may span a horizontal distance above or to the ice bank 332 (eg, from the mold assembly). As such, ice cubes 138 may be pushed (eg, by gravity) toward ice storage bin 150 as ice cubes 320 descend or fall from mold cavity 318 .
  • controller 144 may be in communication (eg, electrical communication) with one or more portions of ice making assembly 300 .
  • controller 144 is in communication with one or more fluid pumps (eg, water pump 322 ), heat exchanger 348 , and fan 240 .
  • Controller 144 may be configured to initiate independent ice making and ice releasing operations. For example, controller 144 may alternate fluid source injection and release to mold cavity 318 or an ice harvesting process, which will be described in more detail below.
  • controller 144 may activate or direct water dispenser 314 to push an ice-making jet (e.g., as indicated by arrow 346) through nozzle 324 and into cavity 318 (e.g., through the bottom of cavity 318). die opening at the end). Controller 144 may also direct fan 240 to force cooling airflow (eg, from evaporator 190 or portion 204 along air path 250 ) to convectively draw heat from within mold cavity 318 during icemaking jet 346 . As water from icemaking jet 346 strikes mold assembly 310 within mold cavity 318 , a portion of the water may freeze in progressive layers from the top to the bottom of mold cavity 318 .
  • an ice-making jet e.g., as indicated by arrow 346
  • Controller 144 may also direct fan 240 to force cooling airflow (eg, from evaporator 190 or portion 204 along air path 250 ) to convectively draw heat from within mold cavity 318 during icemaking jet 346 .
  • cooling airflow e
  • Excess water e.g., water within mold cavity 318 that was not frozen when in contact with mold assembly 310 or a frozen volume herein
  • impurities within icemaking jet 346 may fall from mold cavity 318 and, for example, into water basin 316 .
  • controller 144 may activate heat exchanger 348 to further draw heat from ice mold cavity 318 to accelerate freezing of ice cube 320, particularly without requiring significant power draw.
  • an ice release or harvesting process may be performed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
  • fan 240 may be limited or stopped to slow/stop active cooling airflow.
  • controller 144 may first stop or prevent icemaking jet 346 by de-energizing water pump 322 .
  • the electrical current to heat exchanger 348 may be reversed so that heat is delivered from heat exchanger 348 to mold cavity 318. As such, the controller 144 may slowly increase the temperature of the heat exchanger 348 and the ice mold 340 to facilitate partial melting or release of the ice cube 320 from the mold cavity 318 .
  • main water supply 314 may be disposed within receiving space 338 formed by a plurality of walls 344 .
  • dispenser base 342 and spray cap 326 may serve as (or be part of) guide ramp 330 and nozzle 324 , respectively.
  • a water distributor may be positioned below (eg, directly below) ice mold 342 to direct the icemaking jet of water to mold cavity 318 .
  • any suitable number of spray caps (and thus corresponding icemaking units 312 ) may be provided, as will be understood in light of the present invention.
  • the secondary water supply system 350 may be disposed adjacent to the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • secondary water supply 350 may surround outer surface 319 of conductive ice mold 340 .
  • a secondary water supply system 350 may selectively dispense, supply or otherwise distribute water to the outer surface (or plastic cover) 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • the secondary water supply system 350 may generate a curtain of water that flows downward (eg, along the vertical V) along the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 . Accordingly, the secondary water supply system 350 may assist or assist in the formation of a specific ice sheet 320 and reduce harvest time by preventing ice from accumulating along the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • Ice making assembly 300 may include cooling pocket 360 attached to heat exchanger 348 .
  • the heat exchanger 348 may be a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a hot side and a cold side across which heat is transferred.
  • the cold side of the heat exchanger 348 may be attached to the top surface of the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • the hot side of heat exchanger 348 may be attached to cooling pocket 360 .
  • cooling pocket 360 may be disposed above heat exchanger 348 (eg, along vertical V).
  • cooling pouch 360 is a computer processing unit (CPU) cooler. Accordingly, water, such as cooling water, may flow through cooling pocket 360 and absorb heat transferred from the hot side of heat exchanger 348 .
  • CPU computer processing unit
  • Cooling pocket 360 may define an inlet 362 and an outlet 364 .
  • water eg, secondary water
  • the secondary water may be a different water stream (eg, from a different water source) than the icemaking water jet. Therefore, secondary water can be called melting ice water.
  • the melted ice water may circulate through cooling pocket 360 and absorb heat from heat exchanger 348 .
  • a flow path may be formed in the cooling pouch 360, however the present invention is not limited thereto. Melted ice water may then flow out of cooling pocket 360 via outlet 364 .
  • the secondary water supply system 350 may include a pipe 352 .
  • Conduit 352 may be fluidly connected to outlet 364 of cooling pocket 360 .
  • the melted ice water may be introduced into conduit 352 after having absorbed heat within cooling pocket 360 .
  • the ice-melting water may have, for example, a relatively higher temperature than ice-making water (eg, water injected into the mold cavity 318 ).
  • the icemaking water may be between about 32° and about 34°
  • the melting water may be between about 34° and about 37°.
  • melting ice water may be pumped through cooling pocket 360 and secondary water supply 350 .
  • supply pump 370 FIG.
  • ice-melting water may be supplied to cooling pockets 360 via secondary water supply system 350 and dispensed throughout the ice making operation.
  • the ice-melting water may also be distributed on the outer surface 319 via the auxiliary water supply system 350 .
  • the secondary water supply system 350 may include a perforated pipe 372 .
  • a perforated tube 372 may be coupled to the distal end of the tubing 352 .
  • melted ice water from cooling pocket 360 may be supplied to perforated tube 372 via conduit 352 .
  • perforated tube 372 may include an open end 374 connected to conduit 352 .
  • Perforated tube 372 may also include a closed end 376 opposite open end 374 .
  • the ice-melting water supplied to the perforated pipe 372 may not leave or flow out of the perforated pipe 372 via the closed end 374 .
  • perforated tube 372 may include a plurality of perforations 378 formed or defined therein.
  • a plurality of perforated holes 378 may be formed through the circumferential surface of the perforated tube 372 .
  • Perforations 378 may generally face inward (eg, toward conductive ice mold 340 ).
  • a plurality of perforations 378 may be sequentially disposed from the open end 374 toward the closed end 376 . Therefore, the ice melting water supplied to the perforated tube 372 can be evenly distributed on the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold (or plastic cover) 340 .
  • the perforated tube 372 may be formed as an annular ring. According to this embodiment, the perforated tube 372 defines a 360° path through which the melting water flows.
  • the perforated tube 372 may thus include an inlet 379 to receive melting ice water. Inlet 379 may be fluidly connected to conduit 352 to receive deicing water therefrom.
  • a plurality of perforations 378 may be formed through the surface of the annular ring (eg, perforated tube 372 ).
  • the deicing water supplied to the perforated pipe 372 via the inlet 379 is distributed through the plurality of perforations 378 .
  • the secondary water supply system 350 may include a gutter 380 .
  • groove 380 (and conductive ice mold 340 ) may define axial A, radial R, and circumferential C directions.
  • grooves 380 may be disposed circumferentially around conductive ice mold 340 (eg, around outer surface 319 ).
  • grooves 380 may be provided at or near the base or bottom of conductive ice mold 340 .
  • the location and placement of grooves 380 may vary depending on the particular implementation.
  • Grooves 380 may form paths for water to be received (eg, melting ice water).
  • ice melting water may be supplied to the gutter 380 via the open top of the gutter 380 .
  • melting ice water is supplied to gutter 380 via perforated tube 372 (eg, along vertical V).
  • the melt water may be supplied to the gutter 380 via other means, such as through a separate line from the supply pump 370, directly from the cooling pocket 360, from a municipal water supply, from a food freezer, and the like.
  • melting ice water may be supplied to perforated pipe 372 via other means, such as through a separate pipe from supply pump 370 , directly from cooling pouch 360 , from a municipal water supply, from a food freezer, or the like.
  • the deicing water may be supplied to the secondary water supply system 350 via any suitable means.
  • the groove 380 may include an inner radial wall 382 and an outer radial wall 384 .
  • Outer radial wall 384 may be taller (eg, along vertical V) than inner radial wall 382 . Accordingly, the cross-section of the trench 380 may form a "J" shape.
  • a basin wall 386 may connect the inner radial wall 382 with the outer radial wall 384 such that water (eg, melting ice water) collects along the basin wall 386 . Because the inner radial wall 382 is shorter than the outer radial wall 384 , melting ice water may overflow the inner radial wall 382 upon reaching a predetermined height (or predetermined volume) in the inner radial wall 382 . As such, the melted ice water may trickle down the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 as it overflows the inner radial wall 382 .
  • the groove 380 may have a circumferential shape similar to the circumferential shape or cross-section of the conductive ice mold 340 . As seen particularly in FIG. 11 , groove 380 may have an octagonal shape. According to this embodiment, the groove 380 mates with the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • the groove 380 may include one or more tabs 388 extending radially inward to contact the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • tab 388 may extend from inner radial wall 382 (eg, at the top thereof) toward conductive ice mold 340 .
  • the plurality of tabs 388 may be spaced apart from each other (eg, along a circumferential direction). As such, a plurality of gaps 389 may be formed between each of the plurality of tabs 388 . As melted ice water overflows the inner radial wall 382 , the water may fall through each of the plurality of gaps along the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • ice making assembly 300 includes both grooves 380 and perforated tubes 372 . Accordingly, melting ice water may be circulated through cooling pocket 360 to absorb heat from heat exchanger 348 . Melting water may then be pushed into perforated tube 372 , eg, via conduit 352 . Melting water may then flow, drip, or otherwise exit perforated tube 372 through perforations 378 . At least a portion of the melting water from the perforations 378 may immediately contact the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 and begin to flow downward. At least another portion of the meltwater from perforations 378 may fall into groove 380 . Once a predetermined volume of melted ice water is reached within the groove 380 , the melted ice water seeps from the inner radial wall 382 and onto the outer surface 319 of the conductive ice mold 340 .
  • the meltwater may fall onto the guide ramp 330 .
  • the guide ramp 330 may include one or more slots 354 or through holes defined through the guide ramp 330 in the vertical direction V.
  • the ice-melting water may flow toward the slot 354 along the guide ramp 330 .
  • a slot may be provided above a water basin (storage container) 316 . Accordingly, melted ice water may collect within the interior volume 328 of the storage container 316 . Thereby, the ice-melting water can be mixed with the ice-making water.
  • supply pump 370 may optionally pump some of the water stored in storage container 316 back into cooling pocket 360 , while water pump 322 may pump some of the water stored in storage container 316 toward conductive ice molds 340 .
  • the auxiliary water supply system may be fixed to, for example, an automatic ice maker within a refrigeration appliance.
  • the secondary water supply system may selectively supply or distribute water, such as melt water, to the exterior surface or surfaces of the ice molds within the ice maker.
  • the secondary water supply system may include a cooling pouch, such as a CPU cooler, attached to the heat exchanger to absorb heat from the heat exchanger into water supplied to the pouch. Relatively heated water can be circulated through pipes to the point of distribution.
  • Dispensing points may include, for example, perforated tubes, gutters, both, or modifications to either or both. Water can then be dispensed onto the outer surfaces of the ice molds.
  • water from the secondary water supply (melt water) can assist in the formation of ice cubes within the cavity of the ice mold and reduce harvest time by preventing ice from accumulating along the outer surface of the ice mold.

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Abstract

一种制冷电器(100)包括:制冰机(300),制冰机(300)设置在制冷电器(100)的箱体(102)内,制冰机(300)包括:多个壁(344),多个壁(344)形成接收空间(338);传导冰模具(340),传导冰模具(340)设置在接收空间(338)内,传导冰模具(340)限定内腔和外表面(319);主供水***(314),主供水***(314)设置在传导冰模具(340)下方,以将水的造冰射流(346)引导到传导冰模具(340);热交换器(348),热交换器(348)布置在传导冰模具(340)上以从其吸取热量;以及副供水***(350),副供水***(350)与传导冰模具(340)的外表面(319)相邻设置。副供水***(350)将融冰水分配在传导冰模具(340)的外表面(319)上。

Description

包括用于冰模具外部的副供水***的自动制冰机 技术领域
本发明总体涉及制冷电器,更具体地涉及改善从制冷电器内的制冰器的冰模具收获冰。
背景技术
在家庭和商业应用中,冰通常形成为固体方块,诸如月牙形方块或大体矩形块。这种方块的形状通常由在冻结过程期间盛水的容器来决定。例如,制冰机可以接收液态水,并且这种液态水可以在制冰机内冻结,以形成冰块。特别地,某些制冰机包括限定多个腔的冻结模具。尽管典型的固体方块或块在各种情况下都可以是有用的,但是它们具有某些缺点。例如,由于在冻结模具或水内发现的杂质,这种典型的方块或块相当混浊。因此,某些消费者认为透明的冰优于混浊的冰。在形成透明冰的过程中,分离出通常在水(例如自来水)内发现的溶解固体,并且基本上纯净的水冻结,以形成透明冰。
然而,需要进一步的改进来改进透明冰块的产生和收获。例如,在喷附制冰机中,过量的水可能沿着冰模具的外表面冻结。该冻结的外表面可能抑制所形成的冰块的收获,因为在从模具中排出冰之前必须去除外表面上的冰层。因此,消除一个或多个上述缺点的制冰机将是有益的。特别地,消除沿着冰模具的外表面的冰的形成的制冰机将是有用的。
发明内容
本发明的各个方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述,或者是通过描述可以显而易见的,或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在本发明的一个示例性方面,提供了一种制冰器。该制冰器可以包括:多个壁,该多个壁形成接收空间;传导冰模具,该传导冰模具设置在接收空间内,传导冰模具限定内腔和外表面;主供水***,该主供水***设置在传导冰模具下方,以将水的造冰射流引导到传导冰模具的内腔;热交换器,该热交换器布置在传导冰模具上以从其吸取热量;以及副供水***,该副供水***与传导冰模具的外表面相邻设置,其中,副供水***将融冰水分配在传导冰模具的外表面上。
在本发明的另一个示例性方面,公开了一种制冷电器。该制冷电器可以包括: 箱体,该箱体限定一个或多个制冷间室;制冷***,该制冷***安装在箱体内以选择性地冷却一个或多个制冷间室,制冷***包括压缩机和与压缩机流体连通的蒸发器;以及制冰机,该制冰机安装在一个或多个制冷间室中的一个内。制冰机可以包括:多个壁,该多个壁形成接收空间;传导冰模具,该传导冰模具设置在接收空间内,传导冰模具限定内腔和外表面;主供水***,该主供水***设置在传导冰模具下方,以将水的造冰射流引导到传导冰模具;热交换器,该热交换器布置在传导冰模具上以从其吸取热量;以及副供水***,该副供水***与传导冰模具的外表面相邻设置,其中,副供水***将融冰水分配在传导冰模具的外表面上。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求,本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优点将变得更容易理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
附图说明
参照附图,说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开,这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明,包括本发明的最佳实施例。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的立体图。
图2提供了图1的示例性制冷电器的前视图,其中冷藏门体和冷冻门体被示出为处于打开位置。
图3提供了图1的示例性制冷电器的冷冻室的立体图,其中为了清楚起见而去除冷冻门体和储存盒。
图4提供了图3的示例性冷冻室的前立面图。
图5提供了图1的示例性制冷电器的密封冷却***的示意图。
图6提供了图2的示例性制冷电器的冰盒间室内的制冰组件的前立面图。
图7提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冰组件的示意图。
图8提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的包括副供水***的冰模具的立体图。
图9提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的包括沟槽的制冰器的立体图。
图10提供了图9的示例性沟槽的特写剖视图。
图11提供了从冰模具分离的图9的示例性沟槽的立体图。
图12提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的穿孔管的立体图。
图13提供了根据本发明的另一示例性实施方式的穿孔管的立体图。
附图标记在本说明书和附图中的重复使用旨在表示本发明的相同或相似的特征 或元件。
具体实施方式
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式,其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出,并不对本发明构成限制。实际上,对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是,能够在不偏离本发明的范围的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如,作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式,从而产生又一个实施方式。因此,期望的是,本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
如本文所用的,术语“或”通常旨在是包括的(即,“A或B”旨在意指“A或B或两者”)。短语“在一个实施方式中”不一定是指同一实施方式,但可以是同一实施方式。
术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开,并且这些术语并不旨在表示各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”是指相对于流体通路中的流体流动的相对方向。例如,“上游”是指流体流动的来向,而“下游”是指流体流动的去向。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器100的立体图。制冷电器100包括箱体或壳体102,该箱体或壳体沿着竖向V在顶部104与底部106之间延伸,沿着侧向L在第一侧108与第二侧110之间延伸,并且沿着横向T在前侧112与后侧114之间延伸。竖向V、侧向L以及横向T中的每一个彼此互相垂直。
壳体102限定用于接收食品以便储存的制冷间室。特别地,壳体102限定设置在壳体102的顶部104处或与其相邻设置的食物保鲜室122和布置在壳体102的底部106处或与其相邻布置的冷冻室124。由此可见,制冷电器100通常被称为底置式冰箱。然而,认识到,本发明的益处适用于其他类型和样式的制冷电器,例如,顶置式制冷电器或对开门式制冷电器。因此,本文阐述的描述仅出于说明性目的,而无意于在任何方面限制任何特定的制冷室构造。
冷藏门体128可旋转地铰接到壳体102的边缘,以便选择性地进入食物保鲜室122。类似地,冷冻门体130可旋转地铰接到壳体102的边缘,以便选择性地接近冷冻室124。为了防止冷空气泄漏,冷藏门体128、冷冻门体130或壳体102可以在门体128、130与壳体102相遇的界面处限定一个或多个密封机构(例如,橡胶封条,未示出)。冷藏门体128和冷冻门体130在图1中被示出为处于关闭构造,并且在图 2中被示出为处于打开构造。应当理解,具有不同样式、位置或构造的门体是可能的,并且在本发明的范围内。
制冷电器100还包括用于分配液态水或冰的分配组件132。分配组件132包括分配器134,该分配器设置在制冷电器100的外部上或安装到该外部,例如,在冷藏门体128中的一个上。分配器134包括用于获取冰和液态水的排放口136。被示出为拨片的致动机构138安装在排放口136下方,以便操作分配器134。在可选示例性实施方式中,可以使用任意合适的致动机构来操作分配器134。例如,分配器134可以包括传感器(诸如超声传感器)或按钮,而不是拨片。设置控制面板140,以便控制操作模式。例如,控制面板140包括多个用户输入(未标记),诸如水分配按钮和冰分配按钮,这些用户输入用于选择期望的操作模式,诸如碎冰或非碎冰。
排放口136和致动机构138是分配器134的外部零件,并且安装在分配器凹部142中。分配器凹部142设置在预定高度处,该预定高度方便用户取冰或水,并且使得用户能够在不需要弯腰的情况下且在不需要打开冷藏门体128的情况下取冰。在示例性实施方式中,分配器凹部142设置在接近用户的胸部水平的位置处。根据示例性实施方式,分配组件132可以从布置在制冷电器100的子间室(例如,IB间室180)中的制冰机或制冰组件300接收冰。
制冷电器100还包括控制器144。制冷电器100的操作由控制器144来调节,该控制器可操作地联接到控制面板140或与其可操作地通信。在一个示例性实施方式中,控制面板140可以表示通用I/O(“GPIO”)装置或功能块。在另一示例性实施方式中,控制面板140可以包括输入部件,诸如包括旋转控制盘、按钮、触摸板或触摸屏的各种电气、机械或机电输入装置中的一个或多个。控制面板140可以经由一条或多条信号线或共享的通信总线与控制器144通信。控制面板140提供用于用户对制冷电器100的运行的操作的选择。响应于用户对控制面板140的操作,控制器144操作制冷电器100的各个部件。例如,如下面讨论的,控制器144与密封***的各个部件可操作地联接或通信。控制器144还可以与各种传感器(例如室温度传感器或环境温度传感器)通信。控制器144可以从这些温度传感器接收信号,这些信号对应于传感器各自位置内的大气或空气的温度。
在一些实施方式中,控制器144包括存储器和一个或多个处理装置,诸如微处理器、CPU等,诸如通用或专用微处理器,该微处理器可操作为执行与制冷电器100的操作关联的编程指令或微控制代码。存储器可以表示诸如DRAM的随机存取存储器或诸如ROM或FLASH的只读存储器。处理器执行存储在存储器中的编程指令。存储 器可以是与处理器分开的部件,或者可以包括在处理器内的板上。另选地,控制器144可以在不使用微处理器(例如,使用离散的模拟或数字逻辑电路的组合,诸如开关、放大器、积分器、比较器、触发器、与门等,来执行控制功能,而不是依靠软件)的情况下来构建。
图2提供了制冷电器100的前视图,其中冷藏门体128和冷冻门体130被示出为处于打开位置。根据所示例的实施方式,如本领域技术人员将理解的,各种储存部件安装在食物保鲜室122和冷冻室124内,以促进食品在其中的储存。特别地,储存部件包括安装在食物保鲜室122或冷冻室124内的盒146、抽屉148以及层架150。盒146、抽屉148以及层架150用于接收食品(例如,饮料或固体食品),并且可以帮助组织这种食品。作为示例,抽屉148可以接收新鲜食品(例如,蔬菜、水果或奶酪),并且增加这种新鲜食品的使用寿命。
现在参见图3和图4,将描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的冷冻室124。如图示例,箱体或壳体102包括限定冷冻室124的内胆160。例如,内胆160可以是附接到壳体102内部的注塑的门胆。在壳体102与内胆160之间可以存在诸如可膨胀泡沫的隔热材料(未示出),以便辅助使冷冻室124隔热。例如,在组装壳体102和内胆160之后,可以将喷射的聚氨酯泡沫注入限定在壳体102与内胆160之间的腔中。冷冻门体130可以类似方式构造,以辅助使冷冻室124隔热。
冷冻室124通常沿着侧向L在左壁162与右壁164之间延伸,沿着竖向V在底壁166与顶壁168之间延伸,并且沿着横向T在室开口170与后壁172之间延伸。在一些实施方式中,制冷电器100还包括中梁176,该中梁设置在冷冻室124内以将冷冻室124分成一对独立的子间室,诸如冰盒(IB)间室180和专用冷冻(Fz)间室182。根据所示例的实施方式,中梁176通常沿着横向T在室开口170与后壁172之间延伸,并且沿着竖向V在底壁166与顶壁168之间延伸。这样,中梁176通常是竖直定向的,并可以将冷冻室124分成两个尺寸相等的间室180、182。然而,应当理解,中梁176可以以任何合适的方式来定尺、设置和构造,以在冷冻室124内形成分离的冷冻子间室。而且,可以设置没有任何这种中梁的可选实施方式。
为了限制IB间室180与Fz间室182之间的热传递,中梁176通常可以由诸如泡沫的隔热材料形成。另外,为了提供结构支撑,刚性注塑内胆或金属框架可以围绕隔热泡沫。根据另一示例性实施方式,中梁176可以是真空隔热板,或者可以包含真空隔热板,以使IB间室180与Fz间室182之间的热传递最小化。可选地,内胆160和/或中梁176可以包括诸如引导件或滑动件的特征,以确保中梁176在内胆 160内的适当设置、安装和密封。
现在参见图5,将描述可用于冷却冷冻室124的示例性密封***190的示意图。密封***190通常用于执行蒸气压缩循环,该蒸汽压缩循环用于冷却制冷电器100内(例如,食物保鲜室122或冷冻室124内)的空气。密封冷却***190包括流体连通(例如串联)连接并填充有制冷剂的压缩机192、冷凝器194、膨胀装置196以及蒸发器198。
在密封***190的操作期间,气态制冷剂流入压缩机192中,该压缩机操作为增大制冷剂的压力并推动制冷剂通过密封***190。制冷剂的该压缩升高其温度,该温度通过使气态制冷剂穿过冷凝器194来降低。在冷凝器194内,进行与环境空气的热交换,以便冷却制冷剂并使得制冷剂冷凝为液态。
膨胀装置(例如,膨胀阀、毛细管或其他限制装置)196接收来自冷凝器194的液态制冷剂。液态制冷剂从膨胀装置196进入蒸发器198。在离开膨胀装置196并进入蒸发器198时,液态制冷剂的压力下降并至少部分地蒸发。由于液态制冷剂的相变,蒸发器198相对于制冷电器100的食物保鲜室122和冷冻室124是凉的。由此,产生冷却空气并且对制冷电器100的食物保鲜室122和冷冻室124进行制冷。由此,蒸发器198是一种热交换器,该热交换器将热量从经过蒸发器198的空气传递到流过蒸发器198的制冷剂。
应当理解,所示例的密封***190仅仅是密封***190的一个示例性构造,该密封***可以包括额外的部件(例如,一个或多个额外的蒸发器、压缩机、膨胀装置或冷凝器)。作为示例,密封冷却***190可以包括两个蒸发器。作为另外的示例,密封***190还可以包括储液器199。储液器199可以设置在蒸发器198的下游,并且可以被构造为在将来自制冷剂流的冷凝制冷剂传递到压缩机192之前收集它。
再次一般参见图3和图4,在一些实施方式中,蒸发器198设置为与内胆160的后壁172相邻。密封***190的其余部件可以位于制冷电器100的机械室200内。管道202可将制冷剂通过液密入口传递到冷冻室124中到达蒸发器198,并且可将制冷剂从蒸发器198通过液密出口从冷冻室124中传递出去。
根据所示例的实施方式,蒸发器198包括第一蒸发器部分204和第二蒸发器部分206。第一蒸发器部分204和第二蒸发器部分206串联连接,使得制冷剂在通过第二蒸发器部分206之前首先通过第一蒸发器部分204。更具体地,根据所示例的实施方式,第一蒸发器部分204和第二蒸发器部分206通过过渡管208联接。过渡管208可以是单独的连接管道或形成蒸发器198的同一管的一部分。如图示例,第一蒸发 器部分204设置在IB间室180内,并且第二蒸发器部分206设置在Fz间室182内。在这点上,过渡管208可穿过中梁176中的孔口。
蒸发器盖可以放置在蒸发器198上方,以与内胆160形成蒸发室。例如,如图示例,第一蒸发器盖220设置在IB间室180内,在蒸发器198上方,或更具体地,在第一蒸发器部分204上方。这样,内胆160、中梁176和第一蒸发器盖220限定了容纳第一蒸发器部分204的第一蒸发室222。类似地,第二蒸发器盖224设置在Fz间室182内,在蒸发器198上方,或更具体地,在第二蒸发器部分206上方。这样,内胆160、中梁176和第二蒸发器盖224限定了容纳第二蒸发器部分206的第二蒸发室226。
蒸发室222、226可包括一个或多个回风管道和送风管道,以允许空气循环到IB间室180和Fz间室182并从其循环(例如,沿着一个或多个空气路径)。在示例性实施方式中,第一蒸发器盖220限定了用于允许空气进入第一蒸发室222的一个或多个第一回风管道230以及用于将空气从第一蒸发室222排出到IB间室180中(例如,沿着第一空气路径250)的一个或多个第一送风管道230。另外地或可选地,第二蒸发器盖224可以限定用于允许空气进入第二蒸发室226的一个或多个第二回风管道234以及用于将空气从第二蒸发室226排出到Fz间室182中(例如,沿着第二空气路径252)的一个或多个第二送风管道236。根据所示例的实施方式,第一回风管道230和第二回风管道234设置为接近冷冻室224的底部(例如接近底壁166),并且第一送风管道232和第二送风管道236设置为接近冷冻室224的顶部(例如接近顶壁168)。然而,应当理解,根据可选实施方式,用于在蒸发室与冷冻间室之间提供流体连通的任何其它合适的装置都是可能的,并且在本发明的范围内。
制冷电器100可以包括一个或多个风扇,以帮助空气循环穿过蒸发器198和冷却冷冻间室180、182。例如,根据所示例的示例性实施方式,制冷电器100包括与第一蒸发室222流体连通的第一风扇240,其用于推动空气穿过第一蒸发室222。可选地,第一风扇240可以是轴流风扇,其设置在第一送风管道232内,用于将冷空气从第一蒸发室222通过第一送风管道232推入IB间室180,同时将空气通过第一回风管道230再循环回到第一蒸发室222中以被再冷却。另外地或可选地,制冷电器100可以包括与第二蒸发室226流体连通的第二风扇242,其用于推动空气穿过第二蒸发室226。可选地,第二风扇242可以是轴流风扇,其设置在第二送风管道236内,用于在第二蒸发室226与Fz间室182之间循环空气,如上所述。
特别转到图6到图9,制冰组件(或制冰机)300可安装在IB间室180内。应 当注意,虽然本文将制冰机300描述为安装在制冷电器内,但是本发明和所附描述在某些情况下可以应用于独立的制冰机。通常,制冰组件300包括模具组件310。模具组件310可以包括传导冰模具340,其限定了其中可以形成冰坯320的模腔318。而且,传导冰模具340可限定与模腔318相对的外表面或外部表面319。而且,在一些实施方式中,外表面319可以包括围绕冰模具340的塑料盖或由其限定。因此,外表面可以被称为塑料盖319。可选地,多个模腔318可由模具组件310限定(例如,作为独立的或连接的造冰单元312)并彼此隔开(例如,垂直于竖向V,诸如沿着侧向L)。通常,模具组件310可沿着IB间室180内的空气路径设置在送风管道232与回风管道230之间。在一些这样的实施方式中,模具组件310竖直地设置在送风管道232与回风管道230之间。
如将在下面进一步详细描述的,模具组件310还可包括安装在其上的热交换器348(例如,与各个独立的造冰单元312导热连通)。例如,热交换器348可以是任何合适的固态电驱动热交换器,诸如热电装置(例如珀耳帖单体)。热交换器348可包括第一热交换端或侧和第二热交换端或侧。当被启动时,热量可以选择性地在端之间被引导。特别地,在端的接合处之间产生的热通量可以将热量从一端汲取到另一端(例如,由电流驱动)。在一些实施方式中,热交换器348可操作地联接(例如电联接)到控制器144,该控制器由此可以控制电流向热交换器348的流动。在使用期间,热交换器348可以选择性地从模腔318吸取热量,如下面将进一步描述的。
设置在模具组件310下方的水分配器314通常可以用于将水流选择性地引导到模腔318中。通常,水分配器314包括水泵322和指向(例如,竖直地)模腔318的至少一个喷嘴324。在由模具组件310限定多个独立的模腔318的实施方式中,水分配器314可以包括与多个模腔318竖直对齐的多个喷嘴324或流体泵。例如,各个模腔318可以与独立喷嘴324竖直地对齐。
在一些实施方式中,水盆316设置在冰模具340下方(例如,沿着竖向V在模腔318正下方)。水盆316包括固体的不渗透主体,并且可以限定与模腔318流体连通的竖直开口和内部容积328。当组装时,流体,诸如从模腔318落下的过量水,可以通过竖直开口进入水盆316的内部容积328中。可选地,排出管道可连接到水盆316以从水盆316抽取收集的水并将其排出IB间室。
在某些实施方式中,引导斜坡330沿着竖向V设置在模具组件310与水盆316之间。例如,引导斜坡330可以包括斜坡表面,该斜坡表面以负角(例如,相对于水平方向,诸如横向)从模腔318下方的位置延伸到与水盆316隔开(例如,水平 地)的另一位置。在一些这种实施方式中,引导斜坡330延伸到储冰盒332(例如,在IB间室180内)或终止于其上方。可选地,引导斜坡330可以限定穿孔部分152,该穿孔部分例如在模腔318与喷嘴324之间或在模腔318与内部容积328之间竖直对齐(下面进一步详细描述)。在穿孔部分处通常穿过引导斜坡330限定一个或多个孔口。由此,诸如水的流体可以大体穿过引导斜坡330的穿孔部分(例如,在模腔318与内部容积328之间沿着竖向V)。
在示例性实施方式中,储冰盒332通常限定储存容积336,并且可以设置在模具组件310和模腔318的下方。形成在模腔318内的冰坯320可以从模具组件310排出,随后储存在储冰盒332的储存容积336内(例如,在IB间室180内)。在一些这种实施方式中,储冰盒332设置在IB间室180内,并且与水分配器314或模具组件310水平地隔开。引导斜坡330可在储冰盒332上方或至其(例如,从模具组件)横跨一水平距离。由此,随着冰坯320从模腔318下降或下落,冰坯138可以被(例如,通过重力)推向储冰盒150。
如图所示,控制器144可以与制冰组件300的一个或多个部分通信(例如,电气通信)。在一些实施方式中,控制器144与一个或多个流体泵(例如,水泵322)、热交换器348和风扇240通信。控制器144可被配置为发起独立的制冰操作和冰释放操作。例如,控制器144可以交替到模腔318的流体源喷射和释放或冰收获过程,这将在下面更详细地描述。
在制冰操作期间,控制器144可以启动或引导水分配器314推动造冰射流(例如,如箭头346处指示的)穿过喷嘴324并进入模腔318中(例如,穿过在模腔318底端处的模具开口)。控制器144还可引导风扇240以推动冷却气流(例如,沿着空气路径250从蒸发器190或部分204)以在造冰射流346期间从模腔318内对流地吸取热量。随着来自造冰射流346的水撞击模腔318内的模具组件310,一部分水可以在从模腔318的顶端到底端的渐进层中冻结。造冰射流346内的过量水(例如,模腔318内的水,该水在与模具组件310或本文的冻结容积接触时未冻结)和杂质可以从模腔318落下并且例如落到水盆316。在冰的初始部分已经形成在模腔318内之后,控制器144可启动热交换器348以进一步从冰模腔318吸取热量,从而加速冰坯320的冻结,特别是不需要显著的功率吸取。
一旦在模腔318内形成冰坯320,则可以根据本发明的实施方式执行冰释放或收获过程。例如,可以限制或停止风扇240以减慢/停止工作的冷却气流。而且,控制器144可以首先通过使水泵322断电而停止或阻止造冰射流346。另外或可选地,可 以使到热交换器348的电流反向,使得热量从热交换器348递送到模腔318。由此,控制器144可缓慢地提高热交换器348和冰模具340的温度,从而促进冰坯320从模腔318中部分融化或释放。
现在具体参见图9,将描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的可与制冰组件300一起使用的示例性主水分配器组件(或主供水***)314,其包括分配器基座342和一个或多个可去除的喷射帽326。例如,主供水***314可设置在由多个壁344形成的接收空间338内。具体地,例如,分配器基座342和喷射帽326可以分别用作引导斜坡330和喷嘴324(或作为其一部分)。由此,水分配器可设置在冰模具342下方(例如,正下方)以将水的造冰射流引导到模腔318。尽管示例了一个独立的喷射帽326,但是可以设置任何合适数量的喷射帽(并且由此设置对应的造冰单元312),如根据本发明将理解的。
现在具体参见图8和图9,将详细描述副供水***350。详细地,副供水***350可设置为与传导冰模具340相邻。例如,副供水***350可围绕传导冰模具340的外表面319。副供水***350可以选择性地将水分配、供应或以其它方式分布到传导冰模具340的外表面(或塑料盖)319。如将在下面更详细地描述的,副供水***350可以生成沿着传导冰模具340的外表面319向下流动(例如,沿着竖向V)的水幕。因此,副供水***350可辅助或帮助形成特定的冰坯320而且通过阻止冰沿着传导冰模具340的外表面319积聚来减少收获时间。
制冰组件300可包括附接到热交换器348的冷却袋状部360。如上所述,热交换器348可以是具有热侧和冷侧的热电热交换器,热量跨热侧和冷侧传递。热交换器348的冷侧可附接到传导冰模具340的顶面。热交换器348的热侧可以附接到冷却袋状部360。因此,冷却袋状部360可设置在热交换器348上方(例如,沿着竖向V)。在至少一些示例中,冷却袋状部360是计算机处理单元(CPU)冷却器。因此,水(诸如冷却水)可以流过冷却袋状部360并且吸收从热交换器348的热侧传递的热量。
冷却袋状部360可限定入口362和出口364。例如,水(例如,副水)可经由入口362引入冷却袋状部360。副水可以是与造冰水射流不同的水流(例如,来自不同的水源)。因此,副水可以被称为融冰水。在被引入到冷却袋状部360时,融冰水可循环通过冷却袋状部360并从热交换器348吸收热量。流路可形成在冷却袋状部360内,然而本发明不限于此。然后,融冰水可经由出口364流出冷却袋状部360。
副供水***350可包括管道352。管道352可与冷却袋状部360的出口364流体连接。因此,在已经在冷却袋状部360内吸收热量之后,融冰水可被引入到管道352 中。此时,融冰水可以具有例如比造冰水(例如,喷射到模腔318中的水)相对更高的温度。对于至少一个示例,造冰水可以在约32°至约34°之间,并且融冰水可以在约34°至约37°之间。在一些实施方式中,融冰水可经由泵推动通过冷却袋状部360和副供水***350。例如,供应泵370(图7)可以选择性地将水(例如,市政用水)供应到水盆(或储存容器)316和冷却袋状部360中的每一个。在至少一些实施方式中,供应泵370将水从储存容器316推动到冷却袋状部360。应当注意,在整个制冰操作中,融冰水可经由副供水***350供应至冷却袋状部360并分配。详细地,当造冰水喷向模腔318时,融冰水也可以经由副供水***350分配在外表面319上。
副供水***350可包括穿孔管372。穿孔管372可以联接到管道352的远端。因此,来自冷却袋状部360的融冰水可经由管道352供应至穿孔管372。如图12中最佳示出的,穿孔管372可以包括连接到管道352的开口端374。穿孔管372还可包括与开口端374相对的封闭端376。详细地,供应到穿孔管372的融冰水可以不经由封闭端374离开或流出穿孔管372。因此,穿孔管372可包括形成或限定在其中的多个穿孔378。详细地,多个穿孔378可以穿过穿孔管372的圆周表面形成。多个穿孔378可以大体面向内(例如,朝向传导冰模具340)。而且,多个穿孔378可从开口端374朝向封闭端376顺序地设置。因此,供应到穿孔管372的融冰水可以均匀地分配到传导冰模(或塑料盖)340的外表面319上。
简要参见图13,示出了穿孔管372的另一个实施方式。由此可见,根据另一实施方式,穿孔管372可以形成为环形圆环。根据该实施方式,穿孔管372限定了融冰水流过的360°路径。穿孔管372由此可包括入口379以接收融冰水。入口379可与管道352流体连接以从其接收融冰水。类似于上述实施方式,多个穿孔378可穿过环形圆环(例如,穿孔管372)的表面形成。由此,经由入口379供应至穿孔管372的融冰水经由多个穿孔378分配。
副供水***350可包括沟槽380。对于该描述,沟槽380(和传导冰模具340)可以限定轴向A、径向R和周向C。例如,沟槽380可以围绕传导冰模具340(例如,围绕外表面319)周向地设置。例如,如图9所示,沟槽380可以设置在传导冰模具340的基部或底部处或附近。然而,沟槽380的位置和放置可根据具体实施方式而变化。沟槽380可形成用于待接收水(例如,融冰水)的路径。例如,融冰水可经由沟槽380的开口顶部供应到沟槽380。在至少一个实施方式中(例如,如图8所示),融冰水经由穿孔管372(例如,沿着竖向V)供应至沟槽380。然而,应当理解,融 冰水可经由其它手段供应到沟槽380,诸如从供应泵370通过单独的管道、直接从冷却袋状部360、从市政供水源、从食物保鲜室等。另外或可选地,融冰水可经由其它手段供应到穿孔管372,诸如从供应泵370通过单独的管道、直接从冷却袋状部360、从市政供水源、从食物保鲜室等。应当理解,融冰水可经由任何合适的手段供应至副供水***350。
沟槽380可包括内径向壁382和外径向壁384。外径向壁384可比内径向壁382高(例如,沿着竖向V)。因此,沟槽380的横截面可以形成“J”形。盆壁386可将内径向壁382与外径向壁384连接,使得水(例如,融冰水)沿着盆壁386收集。因为内径向壁382比外径向壁384短,所以在达到内径向壁382中的预定高度(或预定体积)时,融冰水可溢出内径向壁382。由此,在溢出内径向壁382时,融冰水可沿着传导冰模具340的外表面319向下滴流。
如在图10和图11中看到的,沟槽380可具有与传导冰模具340的圆周形状或横截面类似的圆周形状。如特别在图11中看到的,沟槽380可具有八边形形状。根据该实施方式,沟槽380与传导冰模具340的外表面319匹配。沟槽380可以包括一个或多个突片388,其径向向内延伸,以便接触传导冰模具340的外表面319。例如,突片388可以从内径向壁382(例如,在其顶部)朝向传导冰模具340延伸。多个突片388可以彼此隔开(例如,沿着周向)设置。由此,多个间隙389可以形成在多个突片388中的每一个之间。当融冰水溢出内径向壁382时,水可沿着传导冰模具340的外表面319通过多个间隙中的每一个落下。
在一些实施方式中,制冰组件300包括沟槽380和穿孔管372两者。因此,融冰水可循环通过冷却袋状部360以从热交换器348吸收热量。然后,融冰水可例如经由管道352推入穿孔管372中。然后,融冰水可经由穿孔378流动、滴落或以其它方式离开穿孔管372。来自穿孔378的融冰水的至少一部分可立即接触传导冰模具340的外表面319并开始向下流动。来自穿孔378的融冰水的至少另一部分可落入沟槽380中。一旦在沟槽380内达到预定体积的融冰水,融冰水就从内径向壁382渗出并到达传导冰模具340的外表面319上。
例如,在已经经过外表面319之后,融冰水可落到引导斜坡330上。如上所述,引导斜坡330可包括一个或多个狭槽354或沿着竖向V穿过引导斜坡330限定的通孔。融冰水可以沿着引导斜坡330流向狭槽354。狭槽可以设置在水盆(储存容器)316上方。因此,融冰水可收集在储存容器316的内部容积328内。由此,融冰水可与造冰水混合。如上所述,供应泵370可选择性地将储存在储存容器316内的一些 水泵回到冷却袋状部360中,而水泵322可将储存在储存容器316内的一些水泵向传导冰模具340。
根据本文所述的实施方式,副供水***可固定到例如制冷电器内的自动制冰机。副供水***可以选择性地将水(诸如融冰水)供应或分配到制冰机内的冰模具的外部表面或外表面上。副供水***可以包括冷却袋状部,诸如CPU冷却器,其附接到热交换器以将热量从热交换器吸收到供应到袋状部的水中。相对加热的水可以通过管道循环到分配点。分配点可以包括例如穿孔管、沟槽、两者或对两者之一或两者的修改。然后,水可以分配到冰模具的外表面上。因此,来自副供水***的水(融冰水)可辅助在冰模具的腔内形成冰坯,并通过防止冰沿着冰模具的外表面积聚而减少收获时间。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例),并且还使本领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任意装置或***并且执行所包含的任意方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定,并且可以包括本领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件,或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件,则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种制冰器,其特征在于,包括:
    多个壁,该多个壁形成接收空间;
    传导冰模具,该传导冰模具设置在所述接收空间内,所述传导冰模具限定内腔和外表面;
    主供水***,该主供水***设置在所述传导冰模具下方,以将水的造冰射流引导到所述传导冰模具的所述内腔;
    热交换器,该热交换器布置在所述传导冰模具上以从其吸取热量;以及
    副供水***,该副供水***与所述传导冰模具的所述外表面相邻设置,其中,所述副供水***将融冰水分配在所述传导冰模具的所述外表面上。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器,其特征在于,所述副供水***包括:
    穿孔管,该穿孔管周向地围绕所述传导冰模具的所述外表面。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的制冰器,其特征在于,所述穿孔管包括:开口端,该开口端被构造为接收所述融冰水;和封闭端,该封闭端与所述开口端相对,使得所述融冰水经由限定在所述穿孔管中的多个穿孔从所述穿孔管分配。
  4. 根据权利要求2所述的制冰器,其特征在于,所述穿孔管是环形圆环,该环形圆环包括接收所述融冰水的入口和穿过所述环形圆环的表面限定的多个出口。
  5. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器,其特征在于,所述副供水***包括:
    沟槽,该沟槽围绕所述传导冰模具的所述外表面周向地设置,所述沟槽包括多个突片,所述多个突片径向向内延伸以接触所述传导冰模具的所述外表面,其中,所述沟槽被构造为接收所述融冰水。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的制冰器,其特征在于,所述多个突片中的每一个沿着周向隔开,使得在所述沟槽与所述传导冰模具的所述外表面之间在所述多个突片之间形成多个间隙,并且其中,所述融冰水从所述沟槽流动通过所述多个间隙。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的制冰器,其特征在于,所述副供水***还包括:
    穿孔管,该穿孔管周向地围绕所述传导冰模具的所述外表面,所述穿孔管沿着竖向设置在所述沟槽上方。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰器,其特征在于,所述热交换器为附接到所述传导冰模具的顶部的热电热交换器。
  9. 根据权利要求8所述的制冰器,其特征在于,还包括:
    冷却袋状部,该冷却袋状部附接到所述热电热交换器的顶面,所述冷却袋状部被构造为允许水经由入口和出口循环通过所述冷却袋状部;以及
    管道,该管道附接到所述冷却袋状部的所述出口,所述管道与所述副供水***连接。
  10. 根据权利要求9所述的制冰器,其特征在于,还包括:
    储存容器,该储存容器设置在所述主供水***下方并且构造为在其中储存水;以及
    泵,该泵设置在所述接收空间内并且构造为将水泵送到所述冷却袋状部和所述储存容器中的每一个中。
  11. 根据权利要求10所述的制冰器,其特征在于,从所述副供水***分配的所述融冰水在经过所述传导冰模具之后收集在所述储存容器内。
  12. 一种制冷电器,其特征在于,包括:
    箱体,该箱体限定一个或多个制冷间室;
    制冷***,该制冷***安装在所述箱体内以选择性地冷却所述一个或多个制冷间室,所述制冷***包括压缩机和与所述压缩机流体连通的蒸发器;以及
    制冰机,该制冰机安装在所述一个或多个制冷间室中的一个内,所述制冰机包括:
    多个壁,该多个壁形成接收空间;
    传导冰模具,该传导冰模具设置在所述接收空间内,所述传导冰模具限定内腔和外表面;
    主供水***,该主供水***设置在所述传导冰模具下方,以将水的造冰射流引导到所述传导冰模具;
    热交换器,该热交换器布置在所述传导冰模具上以从其吸取热量;以及
    副供水***,该副供水***与所述传导冰模具的所述外表面相邻设置,其中,所述副供水***将融冰水分配在所述传导冰模具的所述外表面上。
  13. 根据权利要求12所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述制冰机还包括:
    穿孔管,该穿孔管周向地围绕所述传导冰模具的所述外表面。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述穿孔管包括:开口端,该开口端被构造为接收所述融冰水;和封闭端,该封闭端与所述开口端相对,使得所述融冰水经由限定在所述穿孔管中的多个穿孔从所述穿孔管分配。
  15. 根据权利要求13所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述穿孔管是环形圆环, 该环形圆环包括接收所述融冰水的入口和穿过所述环形圆环的表面限定的多个出口。
  16. 根据权利要求12所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述制冰机还包括:
    沟槽,该沟槽围绕所述传导冰模具的所述外表面周向地设置,所述沟槽包括多个突片,所述多个突片径向向内延伸以接触所述传导冰模具的所述外表面,其中,所述沟槽被构造为接收所述融冰水。
  17. 根据权利要求16所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述多个突片中的每一个沿着周向隔开,使得在所述沟槽与所述传导冰模具的所述外表面之间在所述多个突片之间形成多个间隙,其中,所述融冰水从所述沟槽流动通过所述多个间隙。
  18. 根据权利要求17所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述副供水***还包括:
    穿孔管,该穿孔管周向地围绕所述传导冰模具的所述外表面,所述穿孔管沿着竖向设置在所述沟槽上方。
  19. 根据权利要求12所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,所述热交换器为附接到所述传导冰模具的顶部的热电热交换器。
  20. 根据权利要求19所述的制冷电器,其特征在于,还包括:
    冷却袋状部,该冷却袋状部附接到所述热电热交换器的顶面,所述冷却袋状部被构造为允许水经由入口和出口循环通过所述冷却袋状部;以及
    管道,该管道附接到所述冷却袋状部的所述出口,所述管道与所述副供水***连接。
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