ICEMAKER AND ICE STORAGE SYSTEM FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to storing ice made in a door-mounted icemaker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

It may be desirable to place craft icemakers on the freezer door for forming craft ice cubes (e.g., such as balls of ice greater than 2 inches in diameter), which are typically large cubes made by a conventional twist tray icemaker. Conventional craft icemakers may be positioned below the primary icemaker on the refrigerator door. However, in many cases, accessibility of the ice in the storage bin with the door open may be hampered by storage bin being fixed to the icemaker. For dual ice making systems on the door, the second ice maker does not have an ice dispensing recess outside of the door, and customers may have difficulty accessing the bottom ice bucket. Furthermore, the ice storage capacity of the storage bin may be insufficient during high demand periods, e.g., when a consumer is preparing for a large gathering.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for improved ice making would be desirable. More particularly, a refrigerator appliance with a door-mounted craft icemaker that has a high capacity and an easily accessible ice storage bin would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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, including 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, an icemaker mounted to the door, and an ice storage system for storing ice produced by the icemaker. The ice storage system includes a door-mounted ice bucket positioned below the icemaker for storing the ice formed by the icemaker, an ice storage drawer positioned within the chilled chamber, and a damper mounted at a bottom end of the door-mounted ice bucket, the damper being movable between a closed position to retain the ice within the door-mounted ice bucket and an open position to direct the ice into the ice storage drawer.

In another exemplary embodiment, an ice storage system for storing ice produced by an icemaker mounted to a door of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice storage system includes a door-mounted ice bucket positioned below the icemaker for storing the ice formed by the icemaker, an ice storage drawer positioned within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance, and a damper mounted at a bottom end of the door-mounted ice bucket, the damper being movable between a closed position to retain the ice within the door-mounted ice bucket and an open position to direct the ice into the ice storage drawer.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber and freezer chamber shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective cross-sectional view of an icebox and ice making assembly for use with the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an icemaker of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an ice storage drawer of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a door of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 including an icebox and icemaker according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a side view of an example door-mounted ice bucket that may be used with the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 provides a side view of an example door-mounted ice bucket that may be used with the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of a door of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 including an icebox and icemaker according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE 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.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent second side 110 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent first side 108 of housing 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is 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 door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. 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, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. 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 FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on freezer door 130. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening freezer door 130. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is 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 recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, inside refrigerator appliance 100, freezer door 130 may define an icebox 150 housing one or more icemakers and ice storage bins 152 that are configured to form ice. In this regard, for example, icebox 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for housing ice making assemblies, storage mechanisms, and dispensing mechanisms. According to the illustrated embodiment, icebox 150 may include dispensing assembly 140 and may have a main icemaker. In addition, as described in more detail below, icebox 150 may 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 door 130 and accessing storage bin 152 directly.

A control panel 160 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 includes one or more selector inputs 162, 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, inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 162. Additionally, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 may be in communication with controller 164 and may display information in response to signals from controller 164.

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 appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140. 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.

According to the illustrated embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 may include a first icemaker or an upper icemaker 200 (e.g., a main icemaker associated with dispensing assembly 140 for discharging ice through ice dispenser 144) and a second icemaker or a lower icemaker 202 (e.g., a secondary icemaker such as a craft icemaker). According to example embodiments, each of upper icemaker 200 and lower icemaker 202 are mounted to freezer door 130, e.g., within icebox 150. According to example embodiments, each of upper icemaker 200 and lower icemaker 202 may have a dedicated storage bin 152 for storing ice. For example, upper icemaker 200 may have a cover that allows chilled air to flow in from freezer chamber 124 to increase icemaking rate. By contrast, lower icemaker 202 may have a cover to slow the ice freezing rate, e.g., which may facilitate the production of higher quality cubes.

In addition, according to an example embodiment, upper icemaker 200 may include a dispensing type of bucket and motor that would supply ice to discharging outlet 146 of dispensing assembly 140 (or alternatively could include an ice storage bin with no external dispenser). By contrast, lower icemaker 202 may include an ice bin that has no dispensing system. Refrigerator appliance 100 may further include an ice storage system 204 that is generally configured for storing ice (e.g., as identified by reference numeral 206 in FIG. 6) that is produced by one or both of upper icemaker 200 and lower icemaker 202. Although an exemplary construction of ice storage system 204 is described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to ice storage system 204 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 through 9, ice storage system 204 may include a door-mounted ice bucket 210 that is positioned below lower icemaker 202 for storing craft ice 206 formed therein. In this regard, lower icemaker 202 is positioned above the door-mounted ice bucket 210 such that harvested ice 206 may fall from lower icemaker 202 into the door-mounted ice bucket 210. Notably, as explained briefly above, the volume within door-mounted ice bucket 210 is relatively limited and there are times where a consumer may wish to store a larger volume of craft ice 206, e.g., before hosting a large party. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to an ice storage system 204 that includes features for expanded ice storage.

Specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, ice storage system 204 may further include an ice storage drawer 212 that is positioned within a chilled chamber of refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., within freezer chamber 124). As will be explained in more detail below, ice storage drawer 212 may be configured for receipt of excess ice 206 formed by lower icemaker 202 when it is desirable to store larger volumes of ice 206. As shown, ice storage drawer 212 is not attached to freezer door 130 and thus remains within freezer chamber 124 when freezer door 130 is in the open position. According to the illustrated embodiment, ice storage drawer 212 is fixed within freezer chamber 124. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, ice storage drawer 212 may be slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124.

Ice storage system 204 may further include features for supplying or directing ice 206 from door-mounted ice bucket 210 into ice storage drawer 212. For example, ice 206 may be transmitted into ice storage drawer 212 when freezer door 130 is in the closed position and a consumer has requested the production of a larger volume of ice. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, a damper 220 may be pivotally mounted over an aperture 222 defined in a bottom wall 224 of door-mounted ice bucket 210. Damper 220 may generally be movable between a closed position where ice 206 is retained within door-mounted ice bucket 210 and an open position where ice 206 falls under the force of gravity through aperture 222 and into ice storage drawer 212. For example, lower icemaker 202 may be programmed to produce ice when damper 220 is in the closed position. After an ice harvest procedure, damper 220 may be selectively activated open and permit formed ice 206 to fall into ice storage drawer 212.

As illustrated, ice storage system 204 may further include a receiving ramp 230 that is positioned proximate a front 232 of ice storage drawer 212. In general, damper 220 may be seated over receiving ramp 230 when damper 220 is in the open position. According to the illustrated embodiment, receiving ramp 230 extends from front 232 of ice storage drawer 212. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, receiving ramp 230 may extend from any other suitable structure.

Ice storage system 204 may further include features for facilitating the rotation of damper 220 and the monitoring of ice levels stored within ice storage drawer 212. For example, referring now specifically to FIG. 4, ice storage system 204 may include a drive motor 240 that is operably coupled to damper 220 for moving damper 220 between the closed position in the open position. For example, drive motor 240 may be mounted to a bottom wall 224 of door-mounted ice bucket 210 for selectively rotating damper 220.

As illustrated, ice storage system 204 may further include a switching mechanism such as a microswitch 242 that is generally configured for detecting when damper 220 reaches the open position. In this regard, microswitch 242 may be physically triggered when damper 220 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 4. Notably, if microswitch 242 is not triggered after drive motor 240 has attempted to move damper 220 to the open position, this may be indicative of a full ice storage drawer 212. Accordingly, monitoring that status of microswitch 242 may provide controller 164 with knowledge of the ice level within ice storage drawer 212. It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, ice storage system 204 may further include an ice level sensor such as an infrared sensor 244 that is mounted to ice storage drawer 212 to detect ice levels within ice storage drawer 212.

Referring now also to FIGS. 6 through 9, an alternative embodiment of ice storage system 204 will be described. Due to the similarity among embodiments, like reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar features. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6 through 9, door-mounted ice bucket 210 may be pivotable relative to freezer door 130. Specifically, door-mounted ice bucket 210 may define an arcuate slot 250 on each side of door-mounted ice bucket 210. Similarly, the freezer door 130 may define pins 252 that are positioned on opposite sides of door-mounted ice bucket 210. Pins 252 are received within arcuate slot 250 to permit rotation of door-mounted ice bucket 210 between an upright position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7) and a pivoted position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). It should be appreciated that other pivoting mechanisms are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 9, according to an alternative embodiment, door-mounted ice bucket 210 may be a multi-part bucket that permits removal of the ice bucket. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, door-mounted ice bucket 210 may include a pivoting bucket holder 260 and a removable storage bucket 262 slidably received within pivoting bucket holder 260. In this manner, the user may pivot door-mounted ice bucket 210 away from freezer door 130 and may remove storage bucket 262 for easy access to ice 206 stored therein. According to example embodiments, a magnet 264 and a metal plate 266 may be used to magnetically hold the door-mounted ice bucket 210 in the closed position.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a refrigerator appliance having two ice makers on a door. For example, the first icemaker is a primary icemaker and the second ice maker may be a craft icemaker and its ice cubes may be stored in the freezer bottom drawer automatically when customers want larger amount of ice. The second icemaker's ice bucket may include a damper beneath the ice bucket and that is normally is closed. When the damper is in closed condition the second ice maker stores ice cubes in the secondary ice bucket. When customers select to store a larger volume of ice cubes, the damper may open right after harvesting (while door is closed) to dispense the ice in the freezer bottom drawer. The damper may also be used to check whether the ice drawer is full.

According to example embodiment, a secondary icemaker is mounted to refrigerator inner door panel below the dispenser recess includes an ice bin below the secondary icemaker. The secondary icemaker is located on the freezer door below waist level. The ice bin may be mounted to the slides of the icemaker cover. The ice bin can be pulled forward to access the ice stored inside the bin. A magnet and metal plate magnetically holds the ice bin closed when not in use. According to example, embodiments, the ice bin may be pivotable to improve access to the ice stored therein.

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.