[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

EP4030126A1 - Ensemble évaporateur pour appareil de fabrication de glace - Google Patents

Ensemble évaporateur pour appareil de fabrication de glace Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4030126A1
EP4030126A1 EP20863231.5A EP20863231A EP4030126A1 EP 4030126 A1 EP4030126 A1 EP 4030126A1 EP 20863231 A EP20863231 A EP 20863231A EP 4030126 A1 EP4030126 A1 EP 4030126A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ice
mold
ice making
assembly
making assembly
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20863231.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4030126A4 (fr
Inventor
Peter Allen Crenshaw BRIGGS
Austin B. Connor
Justin Tyler Brown
Brent Alden Junge
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.)
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
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 Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd, Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc filed Critical Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Publication of EP4030126A1 publication Critical patent/EP4030126A1/fr
Publication of EP4030126A4 publication Critical patent/EP4030126A4/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/04—Producing ice by using stationary moulds
    • F25C1/045—Producing ice by using stationary moulds with the open end pointing downwards
    • 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
    • F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
    • F25B39/02—Evaporators
    • 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
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/12—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present subject matter relates generally to ice making appliances, and more particularly to evaporator assemblies for cooling an ice mold of an ice making appliance.
  • ice In domestic and commercial applications, ice is often formed as solid cubes, such as crescent cubes or generally rectangular blocks.
  • the shape of such cubes is often dictated by the container holder water during a freezing process.
  • an ice maker can receive liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze within the ice maker to form ice cubes.
  • certain ice makers include a freezing mold that defines a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities can be filled with liquid water, and such liquid water can freeze within the plurality of cavities to form solid ice cubes.
  • Typical solid cubes or blocks may be relatively small in order to accommodate a large number of uses, such as temporary cold storage and rapid cooling of liquids in a wide range of sizes.
  • ice cubes or blocks may be useful in a variety of circumstances, there are certain conditions in which distinct or unique ice shapes may be desirable.
  • relatively large ice cubes or spheres e.g., larger than two inches in diameter
  • Slow melting of ice may be especially desirable in certain liquors or cocktails.
  • such cubes or spheres may provide a unique or upscale impression for the user.
  • ice making appliances have been developed for forming relatively large ice billets in a manner that avoids trapping impurities and gases within the billet. These appliances also use precise temperature control to avoid a dull or cloudy finish that may form on the exterior surfaces of an ice billet (e.g., during rapid freezing of the ice cube).
  • many systems form solid ice billets that are substantially bigger (e.g., 50% larger in mass or volume) than a desired final ice cube or sphere. Along with being generally inefficient, this may significantly increase the amount of time and energy required to melt or shape an initial ice billet into a final cube or sphere.
  • an ice making assembly including an ice mold defining a mold cavity and an evaporator assembly in thermal communication with the ice mold.
  • the evaporator assembly includes a primary evaporator tube placed in direct contact with the ice mold and a thermal enhancement structure positioned within the primary evaporator tube.
  • a method of forming an ice making assembly includes positioning a thermal enhancement structure inside a primary evaporator tube, pressing the primary evaporator tube into a non-circular shape to increase the thermal contact between the thermal enhancement structure and the primary evaporator tube, and attaching the primary evaporator tube onto an ice mold that defines a mold cavity.
  • the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.
  • upstream and downstream refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway.
  • upstream refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows
  • downstream refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.
  • the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”
  • the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”).
  • Approximating language is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.
  • FIG. 1 provides a side plan view of an ice making appliance 100, including an ice making assembly 102.
  • FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of ice making assembly 102.
  • FIG. 3 provides a simplified perspective view of ice making assembly 102.
  • ice making appliance 100 includes a cabinet 104 (e.g., insulated housing) and defines a mutually orthogonal vertical direction V, lateral direction, and transverse direction. The lateral direction and transverse direction may be generally understood to be horizontal directions H.
  • cabinet 104 defines one or more chilled chambers, such as a freezer chamber 106.
  • ice making appliance 100 is understood to be formed as, or as part of, a stand-alone freezer appliance. It is recognized, however, that additional or alternative embodiments may be provided within the context of other refrigeration appliances.
  • the benefits of the present disclosure may apply to any type or style of a refrigerator appliance that includes a freezer chamber (e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, etc.). Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular chamber configuration.
  • Ice making appliance 100 generally includes an ice making assembly 102 on or within freezer chamber 106.
  • ice making appliance 100 includes a door 105 that is rotatably attached to cabinet 104 (e.g., at a top portion thereof).
  • door 105 may selectively cover an opening defined by cabinet 104.
  • door 105 may rotate on cabinet 104 between an open position (not pictured) permitting access to freezer chamber 106 and a closed position ( FIG. 2 ) restricting access to freezer chamber 106.
  • a user interface panel 108 is provided for controlling the mode of operation.
  • user interface panel 108 may include a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a touchscreen or button interface, for selecting a desired mode of operation.
  • Operation of ice making appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 110 that is operatively coupled to user interface panel 108 or various other components, as will be described below.
  • User interface panel 108 provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of ice making appliance 100 such as (e.g., selections regarding chamber temperature, ice making speed, or other various options).
  • controller 110 may operate various components of the ice making appliance 100 or ice making assembly 102.
  • Controller 110 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of ice making appliance 100.
  • the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
  • the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
  • controller 110 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like; to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software).
  • a microprocessor e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like; to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software).
  • Controller 110 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout ice making appliance 100. In optional embodiments, controller 110 is located within the user interface panel 108. In other embodiments, the controller 110 may be positioned at any suitable location within ice making appliance 100, such as for example within cabinet 104. Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between controller 110 and various operational components of ice making appliance 100. For example, user interface panel 108 may be in communication with controller 110 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
  • controller 110 may be in communication with the various components of ice making assembly 102 and may control operation of the various components. For example, various valves, switches, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller 110. As discussed, user interface panel 108 may additionally be in communication with the controller 110. Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller 110 instruction.
  • ice making appliance 100 includes a sealed refrigeration system 112 for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling water within ice making appliance 100 (e.g., within freezer chamber 106).
  • Sealed refrigeration system 112 includes a compressor 114, a condenser 116, an expansion device 118, and an evaporator 120 connected in fluid series and charged with a refrigerant.
  • sealed refrigeration system 112 may include additional components (e.g., one or more directional flow valves or an additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, or condenser).
  • At least one component e.g., evaporator 120
  • evaporator 120 is provided in thermal communication (e.g., conductive thermal communication) with an ice mold or mold assembly 130 ( FIG. 3 ) to cool mold assembly 130, such as during ice making operations.
  • evaporator 120 is mounted within freezer chamber 106, as generally illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 114, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant.
  • This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 116.
  • condenser 116 heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant to condense to a liquid state.
  • Expansion device 118 receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 116. From expansion device 118, the liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 120. Upon exiting expansion device 118 and entering evaporator 120, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator 120 is cool relative to freezer chamber 106. As such, cooled water and ice or air is produced and refrigerates ice making appliance 100 or freezer chamber 106. Thus, evaporator 120 is a heat exchanger which transfers heat from water or air in thermal communication with evaporator 120 to refrigerant flowing through evaporator 120.
  • evaporator 120 is a heat exchanger which transfers heat from water or air in thermal communication with evaporator 120 to refrigerant flowing through evaporator 120.
  • one or more directional valves may be provided (e.g., between compressor 114 and condenser 116) to selectively redirect refrigerant through a bypass line connecting the directional valve or valves to a point in the fluid circuit downstream from the expansion device 118 and upstream from the evaporator 120.
  • the one or more directional valves may permit refrigerant to selectively bypass the condenser 116 and expansion device 120.
  • ice making appliance 100 further includes a valve 122 for regulating a flow of liquid water to ice making assembly 102.
  • valve 122 may be selectively adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, valve 122 permits a flow of liquid water to ice making assembly 102 (e.g., to a water dispenser 132 or a water basin 134 of ice making assembly 102). Conversely, in the closed configuration, valve 122 hinders the flow of liquid water to ice making assembly 102.
  • ice making appliance 100 also includes a discrete chamber cooling system 124 (e.g., separate from sealed refrigeration system 112) to generally draw heat from within freezer chamber 106.
  • discrete chamber cooling system 124 may include a corresponding sealed refrigeration circuit (e.g., including a unique compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device) or air handler (e.g., axial fan, centrifugal fan, etc.) configured to motivate a flow of chilled air within freezer chamber 106.
  • FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional, schematic view of ice making assembly 102.
  • ice making assembly 102 includes a mold assembly 130 that defines a mold cavity 136 within which an ice billet 138 may be formed.
  • a plurality of mold cavities 136 may be defined by mold assembly 130 and spaced apart from each other (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V).
  • One or more portions of sealed refrigeration system 112 may be in thermal communication with mold assembly 130.
  • evaporator 120 may be placed on or in contact (e.g., conductive contact) with a portion of mold assembly 130. During use, evaporator 120 may selectively draw heat from mold cavity 136, as will be further described below.
  • a water dispenser 132 positioned below mold assembly 130 may selectively direct the flow of water into mold cavity 136.
  • water dispenser 132 includes a water pump 140 and at least one nozzle 142 directed (e.g., vertically) toward mold cavity 136.
  • water dispenser 132 may include a plurality of nozzles 142 or fluid pumps vertically aligned with the plurality mold cavities 136. For instance, each mold cavity 136 may be vertically aligned with a discrete nozzle 142.
  • a water basin 134 is positioned below the ice mold (e.g., directly beneath mold cavity 136 along the vertical direction V).
  • Water basin 134 includes a solid nonpermeable body and may define a vertical opening 145 and interior volume 146 in fluid communication with mold cavity 136. When assembled, fluids, such as excess water falling from mold cavity 136, may pass into interior volume 146 of water basin 134 through vertical opening 145.
  • one or more portions of water dispenser 132 are positioned within water basin 134 (e.g., within interior volume 146).
  • water pump 140 may be mounted within water basin 134 in fluid communication with interior volume 146. Thus, water pump 140 may selectively draw water from interior volume 146 (e.g., to be dispensed by spray nozzle 142).
  • Nozzle 142 may extend (e.g., vertically) from water pump 140 through interior volume 146.
  • a guide ramp 148 is positioned between mold assembly 130 and water basin 134 along the vertical direction V.
  • guide ramp 148 may include a ramp surface that extends at a negative angle (e.g., relative to a horizontal direction) from a location beneath mold cavity 136 to another location spaced apart from water basin 134 (e.g., horizontally).
  • guide ramp 148 extends to or terminates above an ice bin 150.
  • guide ramp 148 may define a perforated portion 152 that is, for example, vertically aligned between mold cavity 136 and nozzle 142 or between mold cavity 136 and interior volume 146.
  • One or more apertures are generally defined through guide ramp 148 at perforated portion 152. Fluids, such as water, may thus generally pass through perforated portion 152 of guide ramp 148 (e.g., along the vertical direction between mold cavity 136 and interior volume 146).
  • ice bin 150 generally defines a storage volume 154 and may be positioned below mold assembly 130 and mold cavity 136. Ice billets 138 formed within mold cavity 136 may be expelled from mold assembly 130 and subsequently stored within storage volume 154 of ice bin 150 (e.g., within freezer chamber 106). In some such embodiments, ice bin 150 is positioned within freezer chamber 106 and horizontally spaced apart from water basin 134, water dispenser 132, or mold assembly 130. Guide ramp 148 may span the horizontal distance between mold assembly 130 and ice bin 150. As ice billets 138 descend or fall from mold cavity 136, the ice billets 138 may thus be motivated (e.g., by gravity) toward ice bin 150.
  • Guide ramp 148 may span the horizontal distance between mold assembly 130 and ice bin 150.
  • mold assembly 130 is formed from discrete conductive ice mold 160 and insulation jacket 162.
  • insulation jacket 162 extends downward from (e.g., directly from) conductive ice mold 160.
  • insulation jacket 162 may be fixed to conductive ice mold 160 through one or more suitable adhesives or attachment fasteners (e.g., bolts, latches, mated prongs-channels, etc.) positioned or formed between conductive ice mold 160 and insulation jacket 162.
  • conductive ice mold 160 and insulation jacket 162 may define mold cavity 136.
  • conductive ice mold 160 may define an upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136 while insulation jacket 162 defines a lower portion 136B of mold cavity 136.
  • Upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136 may extend between a nonpermeable top end 164 and an open bottom end 166.
  • upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136 may be curved (e.g., hemispherical) in open fluid communication with lower portion 136B of mold cavity 136.
  • Lower portion 136B of mold cavity 136 may be a vertically open passage that is aligned (e.g., in the vertical direction V) with upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136.
  • mold cavity 136 may extend along the vertical direction between a mold opening 168 at a bottom portion or bottom surface 170 of insulation jacket 162 to top end 164 within conductive ice mold 160.
  • mold cavity 136 defines a constant diameter or horizontal width from lower portion 136B to upper portion 136A.
  • fluids such as water may pass to upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136 through lower portion 136B of mold cavity 136 (e.g., after flowing through the bottom opening defined by insulation jacket 162).
  • Conductive ice mold 160 and insulation jacket 162 are formed, at least in part, from two different materials.
  • Conductive ice mold 160 is generally formed from a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal, such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel, including alloys thereof) while insulation jacket 162 is generally formed from a thermally insulating material (e.g., insulating polymer, such as a synthetic silicone configured for use within subfreezing temperatures without significant deterioration).
  • insulation jacket 162 may be formed using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic or any other suitable material.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • conductive ice mold 160 is formed from material having a greater amount of water surface adhesion than the material from which insulation jacket 162 is formed. Water freezing within mold cavity 136 may be prevented from extending horizontally along bottom surface 170 of insulation jacket 162.
  • an ice billet within mold cavity 136 may be prevented from mushrooming beyond the bounds of mold cavity 136.
  • ice making assembly 102 may advantageously prevent a connecting layer of ice from being formed along the bottom surface 170 of insulation jacket 162 between the separate mold cavities 136 (and ice billets therein). Further advantageously, the present embodiments may ensure an even heat distribution across an ice billet within mold cavity 136. Cracking of the ice billet or formation of a concave dimple at the bottom of the ice billet may thus be prevented.
  • the unique materials of conductive ice mold 160 and insulation jacket 162 each extend to the surfaces defining upper portion 136A and lower portion 136B of mold cavity 136.
  • a material having a relatively high water adhesion may define the bounds of upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136 while a material having a relatively low water adhesion defines the bounds of lower portion 136B of mold cavity 136.
  • the surface of insulation jacket 162 defining the bounds of lower portion 136B of mold cavity 136 may be formed from an insulating polymer (e.g., silicone).
  • the surface of conductive mold cavity 136 defining the bounds of upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136 may be formed from a thermally conductive metal (e.g., aluminum or copper).
  • the thermally conductive metal of conductive ice mold 160 may extend along (e.g., the entirety of) of upper portion 136A.
  • mold assembly 130 is described above, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to mold assembly 130 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
  • the size, number, position, and geometry of mold cavities 136 may vary.
  • an insulation film may extend along and define the bounds of upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136, e.g., may extend along an inner surface of conductive ice mold 160 at upper portion 136A of mold cavity 136.
  • aspects of the present subject matter may be modified and implemented in a different ice making apparatus or process while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
  • one or more sensors are mounted on or within ice mold 160.
  • a temperature sensor 180 may be mounted adjacent to ice mold 160. Temperature sensor 180 may be electrically coupled to controller 110 and configured to detect the temperature within ice mold 160. Temperature sensor 180 may be formed as any suitable temperature detecting device, such as a thermocouple, thermistor, etc. Although temperature sensor 180 is illustrated as being mounted to ice mold 160, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, temperature sensor may be positioned at any other suitable location for providing data indicative of the temperature of the ice mold 160. For example, temperature sensor 180 may alternatively be mounted to a coil of evaporator 120 or at any other suitable location within ice making appliance 100.
  • controller 110 may be in communication (e.g., electrical communication) with one or more portions of ice making assembly 102.
  • controller 110 is in communication with one or more fluid pumps (e.g., water pump 140), compressor 114, flow regulating valves, etc.
  • Controller 110 may be configured to initiate discrete ice making operations and ice release operations. For instance, controller 110 may alternate the fluid source spray to mold cavity 136 and a release or ice harvest process, which will be described in more detail below.
  • controller 110 may initiate or direct water dispenser 132 to motivate an ice-building spray (e.g., as indicated at arrows 184) through nozzle 142 and into mold cavity 136 (e.g., through mold opening 168). Controller 110 may further direct sealed refrigeration system 112 (e.g., at compressor 114) ( FIG. 3 ) to motivate refrigerant through evaporator 120 and draw heat from within mold cavity 136. As the water from the ice-building spray 184 strikes mold assembly 130 within mold cavity 136, a portion of the water may freeze in progressive layers from top end 164 to bottom end 166.
  • sealed refrigeration system 112 e.g., at compressor 114
  • Excess water e.g., water within mold cavity 136 that does not freeze upon contact with mold assembly 130 or the frozen volume herein
  • impurities within the ice-building spray 184 may fall from mold cavity 136 and, for example, to water basin 134.
  • sealed system 112 may further include a bypass conduit 190 that is fluidly coupled to refrigeration loop or sealed system 112 for routing a portion of the flow of refrigerant around condenser 116.
  • bypass conduit 190 that is fluidly coupled to refrigeration loop or sealed system 112 for routing a portion of the flow of refrigerant around condenser 116.
  • bypass conduit 190 extends from a first junction 192 to a second junction 194 within sealed system 112.
  • First junction 192 is located between compressor 114 and condenser 116, e.g., downstream of compressor 114 and upstream of condenser 116.
  • second junction 194 is located between condenser 116 and evaporator 120, e.g., downstream of condenser 116 and upstream of evaporator 120.
  • second junction 194 is also located downstream of expansion device 118, although second junction 194 could alternatively be positioned upstream of expansion device 118.
  • bypass conduit 190 provides a pathway through which a portion of the flow of refrigerant may pass directly from compressor 114 to a location immediately upstream of evaporator 120 to increase the temperature of evaporator 120.
  • controller 110 may implement methods for slowly regulating or precisely controlling the evaporator temperature to achieve the desired mold temperature profile and harvest release time to prevent the ice billets 138 from cracking.
  • bypass conduit 190 may be fluidly coupled to sealed system 112 using a flow regulating device 196.
  • flow regulating device 196 may be used to couple bypass conduit 190 to sealed system 112 at first junction 192.
  • flow regulating device 196 may be any device suitable for regulating a flow rate of refrigerant through bypass conduit 190.
  • flow regulating device 196 is an electronic expansion device which may selectively divert a portion of the flow of refrigerant exiting compressor 114 into bypass conduit 190.
  • flow regulating device 196 may be a servomotor-controlled valve for regulating the flow of refrigerant through bypass conduit 190.
  • flow regulating device 196 may be a three-way valve mounted at first junction 192 or a solenoid-controlled valve operably coupled along bypass conduit 190.
  • controller 110 may initiate an ice release or harvest process to discharge ice billets 138 from mold cavities 136. Specifically, for example, controller 110 may first halt or prevent the ice-building spray 184 by de-energizing water pump 140. Next, controller 110 may regulate the operation of sealed system 112 to slowly increase a temperature of evaporator 120 and ice mold 160. Specifically, by increasing the temperature of evaporator 120, the mold temperature of ice mold 160 is also increased, thereby facilitating partial melting or release of ice billets 138 from mold cavities.
  • controller 110 may be operably coupled to flow regulating device 196 for regulating a flow rate of the flow of refrigerant through bypass conduit 190.
  • controller 110 may be configured for obtaining a mold temperature of the mold body using temperature sensor 180.
  • temperature sensor 180 may measure any suitable temperature within the ice making appliance 100 that is indicative of mold temperature and may be used to facilitate improved harvest of ice billets 138.
  • Controller 110 may further regulate the flow regulating device 196 to control the flow of refrigerant based in part on the measured mold temperature.
  • flow regulating device 196 may be regulated such that a rate of change of the mold temperature does not exceed a predetermined threshold rate.
  • this predetermined threshold rate may be any suitable rate of temperature change beyond which thermal cracking of ice billets 138 may occur.
  • the predetermined threshold rate may be approximately 1°F per minute, about 2°F per minute, about 3°F per minute, or higher.
  • the predetermined threshold rate may be less than 10°F per minute, less than 5°F per minute, less than 2°F per minute, or lower. In this manner, flow regulating device 196 may regulate the rate of temperature change of ice billets 138, thereby preventing thermal cracking.
  • the sealed system 112 and methods of operation described herein are intended to regulate a temperature change of ice billets 138 to prevent thermal cracking.
  • control algorithms and system configurations are described, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments variations and modifications may be made to such systems and methods while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
  • the exact plumbing of bypass conduit 190 may vary, the type or position of flow regulating device 196 may change, and different control methods may be used while remaining within scope of the present subject matter.
  • the predetermined threshold rate and predetermined temperature threshold may be adjusted to prevent that particular set of ice billets 138 from cracking, or to otherwise facilitate an improved harvest procedure.
  • ice mold 200 may be used as mold assembly 130 and evaporator assembly 202 may be used as evaporator 120 of sealed cooling system 112.
  • ice mold 200 and evaporator assembly 202 are described herein with respect to ice making appliance 100, it should be appreciated that ice mold 200 and evaporator assembly 202 may be used in any other suitable ice making application or appliance.
  • ice mold 200 generally includes a top wall 210 and a plurality of sidewalls 212 that are cantilevered from top wall 210 and extend downward from top wall 210. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, ice mold 200 includes eight sidewalls 212 that include an angled portion 214 that extends away from top wall 210 and a vertical portion 216 that extends down from angled portion 214 substantially along the vertical direction. In this manner, the top wall 210 and the plurality of sidewalls 212 form a mold cavity 218 having an octagonal cross-section when viewed in a horizontal plane. In addition, each of the plurality of sidewalls 212 may be separated by a gap 220 that extends substantially along the vertical direction.
  • the plurality of sidewalls 212 may move relative to each other and act as spring fingers to permit some flexing of ice mold 200 during ice formation. Notably, this flexibility of ice mold 200 facilitates improved ice formation and reduces the likelihood of cracking.
  • ice mold 200 may be formed from any suitable material and in any suitable manner that provides sufficient thermal conductivity to transfer heat to evaporator assembly 202 to facilitate the ice making process.
  • ice mold 200 is formed from a single sheet of copper.
  • a flat sheet of copper having a constant thickness may be machined to define top wall 210 and sidewalls 212.
  • Sidewalls 212 may be subsequently bent to form the desired shape of mold cavity 218, e.g., such as the octagonal or gem shape described above.
  • top wall 210 and sidewalls 212 may be formed to have an identical thickness without requiring complex and costly machining processes.
  • evaporator assembly 202 is mounted in direct contact with the top wall 210 of ice mold 200.
  • evaporator assembly 202 may not be in direct contact with sidewalls 212. This may be desirable, for example, to prevent restricting the movement of sidewalls 212, e.g., to reduce to the likelihood of ice cracking.
  • the conductive path to each of the plurality of sidewalls 212 is through the joint or connection where sidewalls 212 meet top wall 210.
  • the sidewall width 222 may be between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches, between about 0.7 and 1 inches, or about 0.8 inches. Such a sidewall width 222 facilitates the conduction of thermal energy to the bottom ends of each of the plurality of sidewalls 212.
  • top wall 210 may define a top width 224 and mold cavity 218 may define a max width 226.
  • top width 224 is greater than about 50% of max width 226.
  • top width 224 may be greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, or greater, of max width 226.
  • top width 224 may be less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, or less, of max width 226.
  • evaporator assembly 202 may generally include a primary evaporator tube 230 and a thermal enhancement structure 232 which is positioned within primary evaporator tube 230.
  • primary evaporator tube may be a copper pipe having a circular cross section.
  • the diameter of primary evaporator tube 230 may be between about 0.1 and 3 inches, between about 0.2 and 2 inches, between about 0.3 and 1 inches, between about 0.4 and 0.8 inches, or about 0.5 inches.
  • primary evaporator tube 230 may be any other suitable size, shape, length, and material.
  • thermal enhancement structure is generally intended to refer to any suitable material, structure, or features within interior of primary evaporator tube 230 which are intended to increase the refrigerant side surface area within primary evaporator tube 230.
  • thermal enhancement structure 232 may be a plurality of internal tubes 240 that are stacked within primary evaporator tube 230.
  • these internal tubes 240 may be copper pipes that have a smaller diameter than primary evaporator tube 230.
  • Internal tubes 240 may be stacked in primary evaporator tube 230 and extend approximately the same length as primary evaporator tube 230.
  • the thermal enhancement structure 232 includes greater than 5 tubes, greater than 10 tubes, greater than 15 tubes, greater than 20 tubes, or more.
  • thermal enhancement structure 232 may include fewer than 50 tubes, fewer than 25 tubes, fewer than 10 tubes, or fewer.
  • the diameter of each internal tube 240 may be between about 0.01 and 0.5 inches, between about 0.04 and 0.2 inches, between about 0.06 and 0.1 inches, or about 0.08 inches.
  • internal tubes 240 may have different sizes, lengths, or cross sectional shapes, e.g., in order to efficiently and completely fill primary evaporator tube 230.
  • thermal enhancement structure 232 may include a copper foam or mesh structure 242.
  • thermal enhancement structure 232 may be a porous thermally conductive material, a honeycomb structure, a lattice structure, or any other suitable thermally conductive material that extends from the internal walls of primary evaporator tube 230 through the center of primary evaporator tube 230 to increase the refrigerant side surface area. It should be appreciated that any other suitable thermal enhancement structure 232 may be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
  • primary evaporator tube 230 may be pressed or otherwise formed into a flattened or noncircular cross sectional shape. In this manner, primary evaporator tube 230 may be placed in direct contact with the top wall 210 of ice mold 200 and may have improved thermal contact with the top wall 210. In addition, the larger contact surface area between the top wall 210 and primary evaporator tube 230 facilitates a simplified brazing or soldering process to join primary evaporator tube 230 with top wall 210.
  • evaporator assembly 202 may be used with sealed cooling system 112. In this manner, for example, compressor 114 may urge a flow of refrigerant through condenser 116, expansion device 118, and evaporator assembly 202, as described above.
  • an exemplary method 300 of forming an evaporator assembly will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 300 of forming evaporator assembly 202, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 300 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other evaporator configurations and methods of formation.
  • thermal enhancement structure 230 may be copper internal tubes 240 or copper foam 242.
  • 15 internal tubes having an outer diameter of 0.8 inches may be positioned within primary evaporator tube 230, which may be a copper tube having a diameter of 0.5 inches.
  • step 320 includes pressing the primary evaporator tube into a non-circular shape to increase the thermal contact between the thermal enhancement structure and the primary evaporator tube.
  • the primary evaporator tube 230 may be pressed or compressed to deform the primary evaporator tube 230 and create improved thermal contact between each of the internal tubes 240 and the primary evaporator tube 230, as shown for example by dotted lines in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
  • the primary evaporator tube 230 may then be installed into a sealed refrigeration system, such as sealed cooling system 112 as evaporator 120.
  • Step 330 includes attaching the primary evaporator tube onto an ice mold that defines a mold cavity.
  • deformed primary evaporator tube 230 may be soldered, brazed, or otherwise attached to top wall 210 of ice mold 200.
  • primary evaporator tube 230 absorbs thermal energy from the ice mold 200 and transfers it to the refrigerant.
  • the thermal enhancement structure 232 enables more efficient transfer of thermal energy from the ice mold 200 to the refrigerant.
  • FIG. 10 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method 300 are explained using ice making appliance 100 and evaporator assembly 202 as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any evaporator assembly or an ice making appliance having any other suitable configuration.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
EP20863231.5A 2019-09-12 2020-09-07 Ensemble évaporateur pour appareil de fabrication de glace Pending EP4030126A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/568,425 US20210080159A1 (en) 2019-09-12 2019-09-12 Evaporator assembly for an ice making assembly
PCT/CN2020/113703 WO2021047463A1 (fr) 2019-09-12 2020-09-07 Ensemble évaporateur pour appareil de fabrication de glace

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4030126A1 true EP4030126A1 (fr) 2022-07-20
EP4030126A4 EP4030126A4 (fr) 2022-10-19

Family

ID=74866063

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20863231.5A Pending EP4030126A4 (fr) 2019-09-12 2020-09-07 Ensemble évaporateur pour appareil de fabrication de glace

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20210080159A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP4030126A4 (fr)
CN (1) CN114364935A (fr)
WO (1) WO2021047463A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11255593B2 (en) * 2019-06-19 2022-02-22 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Ice making assembly including a sealed system for regulating the temperature of the ice mold
US20240183599A1 (en) * 2021-07-09 2024-06-06 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Evaporator for an ice making assembly
US11988432B2 (en) * 2022-04-21 2024-05-21 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Refrigerator appliance having an air-cooled clear ice making assembly

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1109509B (it) * 1978-02-02 1985-12-16 Frimont Spa Apparecchio automatico autonomo per la produzione di ghiaccio in cubetti
EP0333887B1 (fr) * 1988-03-19 1990-12-12 Theo Wessa Dispositif de fabrication de corps de glace divisée transparente
JP2004132645A (ja) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-30 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd 自動製氷機
JP2004324950A (ja) * 2003-04-23 2004-11-18 Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd 製氷機
JP2006183925A (ja) * 2004-12-27 2006-07-13 Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd 自動製氷機の除氷運転方法
CN100485292C (zh) * 2005-06-13 2009-05-06 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 透明制冰装置
CN101226021A (zh) * 2008-01-31 2008-07-23 上海交通大学 内衬泡沫金属的翅片管式换热器
CN103225826B (zh) * 2010-11-18 2017-04-12 曼尼托沃食品服务有限公司 用于在制冰机内收获冰块的进水系统
CN102032827A (zh) * 2010-11-30 2011-04-27 上海科米钢管有限公司 换热管的热套加工工艺
CN102679657A (zh) * 2012-06-08 2012-09-19 小天鹅（荆州）电器有限公司 制冰机和冰箱
US20140238062A1 (en) * 2013-02-25 2014-08-28 Dong Hwan SUL Portable Ice Making Apparatus Having a Bypass Tube
US9939186B2 (en) * 2014-10-24 2018-04-10 Scotsman Group Llc Evaporator assembly for ice-making apparatus and method
KR20170047082A (ko) * 2015-10-22 2017-05-04 충북대학교 산학협력단 제빙정수기용 파이프 연결캡
KR101798553B1 (ko) * 2016-04-22 2017-12-12 동부대우전자 주식회사 냉장고용 제빙장치 및 이를 포함하는 냉장고

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2021047463A1 (fr) 2021-03-18
EP4030126A4 (fr) 2022-10-19
CN114364935A (zh) 2022-04-15
US20210080159A1 (en) 2021-03-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3833913B1 (fr) Assemblage de fabrication de glace transparente
EP3988872B1 (fr) Ensemble de fabrication de glace
EP4030126A1 (fr) Ensemble évaporateur pour appareil de fabrication de glace
US11009281B1 (en) Ice making assemblies and removable nozzles therefor
KR101916879B1 (ko) 냉수생성 탱크 및 이를 구비하는 냉수기
US10184710B2 (en) Ice maker tray with integrated flow channel for a fluid, ice maker and household refrigeration apparatus
US20220170680A1 (en) Refrigerator appliance having a clear ice making assembly
US11920845B2 (en) Flow rate control method for an ice making assembly
WO2023279354A1 (fr) Évaporateur pour ensemble de fabrication de glace
WO2022099601A1 (fr) Moule à glace pour ensemble de fabrication de glace transparente
US20230332816A1 (en) Refrigerator appliance having an air-cooled clear ice making assembly
US20240247852A1 (en) Refrigerator and ice-making assembly and methods for reliably forming clear ice
US20240247853A1 (en) Refrigerator and ice-making assembly for making and holding clear ice billets
US20240247855A1 (en) Refrigerator and ice-making assembly having a removable water basin
EP4386283A1 (fr) Ensemble de fabrication de glace destiné à la fabrication de glace transparente
US11988432B2 (en) Refrigerator appliance having an air-cooled clear ice making assembly
WO2023147774A1 (fr) Ensemble de fabrication de glaçons avec récipient de stockage de refroidissement

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220310

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20220916

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F28F 1/40 20060101ALI20220912BHEP

Ipc: F25B 39/00 20060101ALI20220912BHEP

Ipc: F25C 1/04 20180101AFI20220912BHEP

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20240917