ICE Making Assembly for a Refrigerator Appliance

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to ice making assemblies for a refrigerator appliance.

Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include ice making assemblies mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in a storage bin and is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door.

Conventional refrigerator appliances may also include twist tray icemakers mounted on the freezer door. However, as the refrigerator doors are opened and closed, unfrozen water on the icemaker tray may tend to spill over the tray into the ice bucket, the door inner surface, and/or into the freezer cabinet. The water splash/spill not only impacts the quantity and quality of the ice produced but leads to potential ice clumping in the ice bucket and ice flakes on the inner wall of the freezer door. In addition, the twist tray may require room to rotate and twist to harvest ice, which makes it harder to design a rigid wall around the tray that could prevent the water spillage in a traditional (stationary) icemaker configuration. In this regard, if a rigid wall is built around the twist tray to contain the water, twist tray could be interfering and rubbing against the wall during harvest/homing cycles. This interference could lead to plastic chips/flakes/powder from the contact wear between tray and rigid wall falling into the ice tray.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for improved ice making would be desirable. More particularly, an ice making assembly that includes spill reducing features would be particularly beneficial.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet and rotatable between a closed position enclosing the chilled chamber and an open position providing access to the chilled chamber, and an ice making assembly mounted to the door of the refrigerator appliance. The ice making assembly includes an icemaker frame mounted to the door, an ice tray rotatably mounted to the icemaker frame and defining a plurality of mold cavities for receiving water that is formed into ice, a drive motor operably coupled to the ice tray to rotate the ice tray and harvest the ice formed within the plurality of mold cavities, and a resilient splash shield positioned between the icemaker frame and the ice tray to prevent splashing from the plurality of mold cavities.

In another exemplary embodiment, an ice making assembly mounted to a door of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making assembly includes an icemaker frame mounted to the door, an ice tray rotatably mounted to the icemaker frame and defining a plurality of mold cavities for receiving water that is formed into ice, a drive motor operably coupled to the ice tray to rotate the ice tray and harvest the ice formed within the plurality of mold cavities, and a resilient splash shield positioned between the icemaker frame and the ice tray to prevent splashing from the plurality of mold cavities.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, 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. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be 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 “generally,” “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, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

provides a perspective view of a refrigerator applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator applianceincludes a cabinet or housingthat extends between a topand a bottomalong a vertical direction V, between a first sideand a second sidealong a lateral direction L, and between a front sideand a rear sidealong a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

Housingdefines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housingdefines fresh food chamberpositioned at or adjacent second sideof housingand a freezer chamberarranged at or adjacent first sideof housing. As such, refrigerator applianceis generally referred to as a side-by-side refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.

A refrigerator dooris rotatably hinged to an edge of housingfor selectively accessing fresh food chamber. In addition, a freezer dooris rotatably hinged to an edge of housingfor selectively accessing freezer chamber. Refrigerator doorand freezer doorare shown in the closed configuration in. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

provides a front view of refrigerator applianceshown with refrigerator doorand freezer doorin the open position. As shown in, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamberto facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include binsand shelves. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, binsmay be mounted on refrigerator doorand freezer dooror may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamberor freezer chamber. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Referring now generally to, a dispensing assemblywill be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assemblyis generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assemblyis illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assemblywhile remaining within the present subject matter.

Dispensing assemblyand its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recessdefined on freezer door. In this regard, dispenser recessis defined on a front sideof refrigerator appliancesuch that a user may operate dispensing assemblywithout opening freezer door. In addition, dispenser recessis positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recessis positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assemblyincludes an ice dispenserincluding a discharging outletfor discharging ice from dispensing assembly. An actuating mechanism, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outletfor operating ice or water dispenser. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser. For example, ice dispensercan include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outletand actuating mechanismare an external part of ice dispenserand are mounted in dispenser recess.

Referring again to, inside refrigerator appliance, freezer doormay include an ice dispensing systemthat generally includes one or more icemakers and ice storage binsthat are configured to form ice. In this regard, for example, ice dispensing systemmay define an ice making chamberfor housing ice making assemblies, storage mechanisms, and dispensing mechanisms. According to the illustrated embodiment, ice dispensing systemmay include dispensing assemblyand may have a main icemaker. In addition, ice dispensing systemmay include an icemaker for forming “craft ice” that is commonly large, clear cubes or spheres of ice for alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. For example, a user may access this craft ice by opening freezer doorand accessing storage bindirectly.

A control panelis provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panelincludes one or more selector inputs, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputsmay be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly. In this regard, inputsmay be in communication with a processing device or controller. Signals generated in controlleroperate refrigerator applianceand dispensing assemblyin response to selector inputs. Additionally, a display, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel. Displaymay be in communication with controllerand may display information in response to signals from controller.

As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator applianceand dispensing assembly. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Referring now specifically to, icemakerwill be described in more detail according to example embodiments of the present subject matter. According to the illustrated embodiment, icemakeris mounted to freezer doorof refrigerator appliance. As explained briefly above, rapid opening and/or closing of freezer doormay result in water spilling from icemaker, where it may have a tendency to freeze over and form ice buildup, jam the icemaker, or damage refrigerator applianceand/or surrounding surfaces. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to features of icemakerthat may prevent or eliminate such spillage. Although an exemplary construction is described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

As shown, icemakermay generally include an icemaker framethat is mounted to freezer door, e.g., within ice dispensing system. In general, icemaker frameis a substantially rigid structure that is fixed in position to freezer door. Icemaker framemay include one or more structures that are coupled for supporting various components of icemakeras described herein. For example, icemakermay further include an ice traythat is rotatably mounted to icemaker frameand which defines a plurality of mold cavitiesfor receiving water that is formed into ice during the ice production process. In this regard, refrigerator appliancemay include a water fill spoutthat may be used to selectively dispense water into mold cavitiesto facilitate ice formation.

According to the illustrated embodiment, ice trayis a twistable ice tray that is distorted in order to facilitate the release of ice. In this regard, ice traymay be rotatable between a first position or the “home position” or “ice making position” (e.g., as shown for example in) where water fill spoutmay be used to fill mold cavitieswith liquid water. During the harvest process, ice traymay be rotated within icemaker frameby a drive motor(e.g., as shown for example in). As best shown in, icemaker framemay further include a structural stop (not shown) that engages ice trayto prevent localized rotation at one or more locations, thus resulting in the twisting of ice tray. This position may be referred to herein generally as the “harvest position.” Accordingly, as drive motorcontinues to rotate ice tray, structural stop causes ice trayto twist and deform the mold cavitiesin a manner that releases the ice cubes.

Notably, due to the tight tolerances between ice trayand icemaker frame, conventional ice making assemblies may result in rubbing between the rotating ice trayand icemaker frame. This rubbing and interaction between these two components may cause plastic chips, flakes, and or powder to fall into ice tray, into storage bin, or may otherwise result in undesirable wear to icemaker. Accordingly, icemakermay generally define a clearance or gapthat is defined between ice trayand icemaker framethroughout rotation of ice tray. However, this gapmay provide an avenue for water to spill out of ice trayand down into storage binor other areas of refrigerator appliance.

Accordingly, icemakermay further include one or more resilient splash shieldsthat are generally positioned between icemaker frameand ice trayto prevent splashing from the plurality of mold cavities. Although an example positioning and construction of resilient splash shieldsare described herein, it should be appreciated that the size, positioning, construction, and configuration of resilient splash shieldsmay vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. In general, resilient splash shieldsmay be formed from any suitably resilient material that may deflect upon engaging or interacting with icemaker frameand/or ice tray. For example, resilient splash shieldsmay be formed from an elastomeric material, such as silicone or another suitable rubber.

It should be appreciated that resilient splash shieldsmay be mounted to either icemaker frameor ice trayin any suitable manner to prevent splashing from ice tray, e.g., when freezer dooris moved rapidly between the open and closed positions. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, resilient splash shieldsmay be over molded onto icemaker frameor ice tray. According to still other embodiments, resilient splash shieldsmay be separate components that are snapped into recesses or complementary features defined on icemaker frameor ice tray. Other suitable methods of mounting resilient splash shieldsare possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, although the resilient splash shieldsis illustrated as being mounted to icemaker frame, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, resilient splash shieldsmay alternatively be mounted to and extend directly from ice tray(e.g., upward along the vertical direction V) for engaging icemaker frame.

According to the embodiment illustrated in, resilient splash shieldsare mounted directly to icemaker frameand are positioned above ice traywhen ice trayis in the home position. In this regard, resilient splash shieldsare generally oriented downward along the vertical direction V such that they engage ice trayin the home position. In general, resilient splash shieldmay extend around the entire perimeterof ice tray. According to alternative embodiments, resilient splash shieldmay be positioned proximate cornersof ice tray. In this regard, due to the natural pivoting movement of freezer door, water splashes may be most prevalent proximate corners. Accordingly, resilient splash shieldsmay be longer or may protrude further for improved engagement proximate corners. According to still other embodiments, ice traymay define elevated corners (not shown) that extend above an upper lipor perimeterof ice tray.

Notably, in order to ensure engagement between resilient splash shieldsand ice tray, resilient splash shieldmay be positioned inside upper lip. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiment, resilient splash shieldmay define an overlap distancemeasured along the vertical direction V between upper lipof ice trayand a bottom endof resilient splash shield. According to example embodiments, this overlap distancemay be adjusted to ensure the minimization of splashing when freezer dooris opened or closed while also ensuring that resilient splash shielddoes not contact water in the mold cavitiesor otherwise impede the ice formation process. For example, overlap distancemay be between about 1 and 15 millimeters, between about 3 and 10 millimeters, or greater than about 5 millimeters. The thickness of resilient splash shieldmay also vary to adjust the resiliency of resilient splash shield. Other variations and resilient splash shieldare possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a flexible splash guard for an icemaker's twist tray. For example, the flexible splash guard may be made of elastomer that is attached to the frame to prevent water splash during rotation or when the door is abruptly opened or closed. The splash guard may be attached to the icemaker frame which could be utilized to contain water splash and allow the rotation of the twist tray without any physical hinderance or damage to the components in contact. According to example embodiments, flexible flappers, made of thin silicone-like material, are used at both tray ends. The rear flapper may flex during anticlockwise rotation, preventing water spill with a vertical overlap. The front flapper, also flexible, operates similarly but doesn't cross the tray (remains stationary), forming a seal. Both flappers may move with the tray's rotation, dynamically adapting to prevent interference while attached to the frame.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.