REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A TWIST ICE TRAY

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to ice makers within refrigerator appliances.

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 an ice maker mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment or fresh food compartment. To produce ice, liquid water is directed to the ice maker and frozen. For example, certain ice makers include an ice tray, for example, a mold body for receiving liquid water.

After ice is formed in the ice tray, it may be harvested from the ice tray and stored within an ice storage bin within the refrigerator appliance. Ice stored in the ice storage bin is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door. A common issue for ice makers involves adherence of the ice shapes to a mold tray during the harvesting operation. Often, ice makers utilize plastic or silicon ice trays to which the water adheres throughout the ice making process. Water held within the plastic ice tray can then become stuck to the tray, resulting in incomplete harvesting or harvesting failures due to adhesion.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial. In particular, a method of forming and harvesting ice molds to reduce adhesion would be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ice maker for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a freezer compartment in which the ice maker is provided. The ice maker may include a frame; a mold tray selectively supported by the frame, the mold tray including one or more ice forming shapes defined therein; a motor coupled to the frame and operably coupled with the mold tray to selectively rotate the mold tray with respect to the frame in each of a first direction and a second direction; and a controller operably coupled with the motor, the controller configured to perform an operation. The operation may include determining a schedule for performing a reverse rotation of the mold tray during an ice making cycle, the reverse rotation including rotating the mold tray in the second direction; executing the reverse rotation of the mold tray at a designated trigger time based on the determined schedule; and resetting the mold tray to a neutral position after performing the reverse rotation.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an ice maker is provided. The ice maker may include a frame, a mold tray selectively supported by the frame, and a motor coupled to the frame and operably coupled with the mold tray to selectively rotate the mold tray with respect to the frame in each of a first direction and a second direction. The method may include determining a schedule for performing a reverse rotation of the mold tray during an ice making cycle, the reverse rotation including rotating the mold tray in the second direction; executing the reverse rotation of the mold tray at a designated trigger time based on the determined schedule; and resetting the mold tray to a neutral position after performing the reverse rotation.

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 one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides an interior perspective view of a dispenser door of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides an interior elevation view of the door of FIG. 3 with an access door of the dispenser door shown in an open position.

FIG. 5 provides a lower perspective view of a frame and ice mold with the ice mold in a first position according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides a lower perspective view of the exemplary frame and ice mold of FIG. 5, with the ice mold in a second position.

FIG. 7 provides a lower perspective view of the exemplary frame and ice mold of FIG. 5, with the ice mold in a third position.

FIG. 8 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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 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”). 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 one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 may define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T being mutually perpendicular to one another to form an orthogonal coordinate system. Refrigerator appliance 100 may include a housing or a cabinet 102 that may extend between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along the transverse direction T.

Cabinet 102 may define one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 may define a fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of cabinet 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 may generally be referred to as a bottom mount 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 side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein may be for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.

Refrigerator appliance 100 may include refrigerator doors 128 that may be rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 may be arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 may be coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) that may be slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 may be 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.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator doors 128 in the open position is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components may be 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 or solid food items, etc.) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator doors 128 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122. 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 may generally be configured for dispensing liquid water or ice pieces. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 may be 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 one of refrigerator doors 128. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening refrigerator door 128. In addition, dispenser recess 142 may be 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 may be positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assembly 140 may include an ice dispenser 144 that may include a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice pieces from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, may be mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 may be an external part of ice dispenser 144 and may be mounted in dispenser recess 142.

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.

By contrast, inside refrigerator appliance 100, refrigerator door 128 may define an icebox 150, see, for example, FIGS. 2 through 4, that may house an ice maker 180 and an ice storage bin 182 that may be configured to supply ice pieces to dispenser recess 142. In this regard, for example, icebox 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for housing an ice making or ice maker assembly, a storage mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism.

A control panel 160 may be provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 may include one or more selector inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, for selecting a desired mode of operation, for example an ice-dispensing button that may be provided for selecting crushed or non-crushed ice pieces. In addition, the one or more selector inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, the one or more selector inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 may operate the refrigerator appliance 100 and the dispensing assembly 140 in response to the one or more 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 to the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3 provides an interior perspective view of one of the refrigerator doors 128 and FIG. 4 provides an interior elevation view of refrigerator door 128 with an access door 170 shown in an open position. In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 includes an icebox 150, for example, a sub-compartment, that may be defined on one of the refrigerator doors 128. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, icebox 150 extends into fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position. Chilled air from a sealed system (not shown) of refrigerator appliance 100 may be directed into components within icebox 150, e.g., ice maker 180 or ice storage bin 182. As shown schematically in FIG. 4, ice maker 180 may be positioned within icebox 150. Ice maker 180 may generally be configured for freezing liquid water to form ice pieces, for example, ice cubes, which may be collected and stored in ice storage bin 182 positioned below ice maker 180. The ice pieces stored within ice storage bin 182 may be dispensed through discharging outlet 146 by dispensing assembly 140. Additionally or alternatively, the ice pieces may be stored in a separate ice storage box or compartment where they may be manually retrieved by a user. For instance, ice maker 180 may be configured to produce (e.g., freeze) designer or custom ice shapes (e.g., spheres, stars, geometric shapes, etc.) that may not be suitable for dispensation through dispensing assembly 140.

In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 may include a water fill assembly 190 in upstream fluid communication with ice maker 180. Water fill assembly 190 may be in operative communication with controller 164 to selectively deliver a fill of liquid water to ice maker 180. In some embodiments, water fill assembly 190 includes a water source 192, a flow regulator 194, a water valve 196, and a fill tube 198. Water source 192 may be any suitable water source for supplying water to ice maker 180. For example, water source 192 may be a municipal water network or well. Flow regulator 194 may be configured to regulate a flow rate of liquid water delivered from water source 192. Water valve 196 may be configured to selectively allow the flow of liquid water to be delivered to fill tube 198. For instance, water valve 196 may be in operative communication with controller 164 to selectively open or close water valve 196 such that the flow of liquid water from water source 192 can be selectively delivered to fill tube 198.

As mentioned above, the present disclosure may also be applied to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance or a standalone ice maker appliance. Additionally, variations and modifications may be made to ice maker 180 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. Accordingly, the description herein of icebox 150 on refrigerator door 128 of fresh food chamber 122 may be provided by way of example only. In other example embodiments, ice maker 180 may be positioned in freezer chamber 124, e.g., of the illustrated bottom-mount refrigerator, of a side-by-side refrigerator, of a top-mount refrigerator, or any other suitable refrigerator appliance. As another example, ice maker 180 may also be provided in a standalone ice maker appliance. As used herein, the term “standalone ice maker appliance” may refer to an appliance of which the sole or primary operation is generating or producing ice, whereas the more general term “ice maker appliance” may include such appliances as well as appliances with diverse capabilities in addition to making ice, such as a refrigerator appliance equipped with an ice maker, among other possible examples.

As mentioned above, access door 170 may be hinged to the inside of refrigerator door 128. Access door 170 may permit selective access to icebox 150. Any manner of suitable latch 172 may be configured with icebox 150 to maintain access door 170 in a closed position. As an example, latch 172 may be actuated by a user, such as a consumer, in order to open access door 170 for providing access into icebox 150. Access door 170 may also assist with insulating icebox 150, e.g., by thermally isolating or insulating icebox 150 from fresh food chamber 122.

According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, ice maker 180 may advantageously include a twist ice tray assembly 200. Twist ice tray assembly 200 may define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T may be the same as vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T of refrigerator appliance 100. As would be appreciated, twist ice tray assembly 200 may provide two or more twist ice trays (e.g., a first ice tray and a second ice tray, not shown) positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, twist ice tray assembly 200 may be configured to accommodate different ice molds (described below) such that a variety of different shapes may be selectively formed or frozen therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, an exemplary twist ice tray assembly 200 will be described in detail. Twist ice tray assembly 200 may include a frame 202. For instance, frame 202 may be positioned within ice maker 180. Frame 202 may include one or more frame members, such as a rear frame member 204, a first side frame member 206, a second side frame member 208, and a front frame member 210. Rear frame member 204 may extend along the vertical direction V and the transverse direction T. Each of first side frame member 206 and second side frame member 208 may extend along the vertical direction V and the lateral direction L. For instance, first side frame member 206 may protrude from a first end 2041 of rear frame member 204. Second side frame member 208 may protrude from a second end 2042 of rear frame member 204 opposite first end 2041. Front frame member 210 may be spaced apart from rear frame member 204 along the lateral direction L. Additionally or alternatively, front frame member 210 may connect first side frame member 206 to second side frame member 208.

Twist ice tray assembly 200 may include a mold tray 212. Mold tray may be selectively supported by frame 202. For instance, mold tray 212 may be movably (e.g., rotatably) positioned within frame 202 (e.g., between rear frame member 204, first side frame member 206, second side frame member 208, and front frame member 210. Mold tray 212 may include one or more ice forming shapes 214 formed therein. In detail, the one or more ice forming shapes 214 may define pockets or receiving spaces in which water is supplied to be frozen into ice shapes. The one or more ice forming shapes 214 may define predetermined geometric shapes or patterns. Thus, certain unique shapes and patterns may be formed in ice via ice forming shapes 214.

Mold tray 212 may include an edge frame 216. For instance, edge frame 216 may support each of the one or more ice forming shapes 214. In some instances, edge frame 216 forms a peripheral boundary of mold tray 212. Thus, edge frame 216 may have a generally rectangular or quadrilateral shape. As will be described, mold tray 212 may selectively rotate within frame 202. While performing an ice forming or freezing operation or cycle, mold tray 212 may be in a neutral position. When in the neutral position, edge frame 216 may be predominantly parallel with frame 202. For instance, a top plane of edge frame 216 (e.g., defined along the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) may be parallel with a top plane of frame 202 (e.g., defined along the lateral direction L and transverse direction T).

Mold tray 212 may include or define a driveshaft 218. As mentioned above, mold tray 212 may be rotatable within frame 212. An axis of rotation may be defined along the transverse direction T. Accordingly, the axis of rotation may be parallel with rear frame member 204 and front frame member 210. Driveshaft 218 may be rotatably supported by frame 202. For at least one example, a first end 2181 of driveshaft 218 is supported by first side frame member 206. For instance, first end 2181 may be received within a bearing defined in an interior surface 2061 of first side frame member 206. Driveshaft 218 may thus rotate with respect to first side frame member 206 (and second side frame member 208).

In some instances, driveshaft 218 defines first end 2181 and a second end 2182 (FIG. 7) opposite first end 2181 (e.g., along the transverse direction T). As mentioned, first end 2181 may be supported by first side frame member 206. Thus second end 2182 may be positioned at or near second side frame member 208. In some embodiments, for instance, as best shown in FIG. 7, first end 2181 is separated from second end 2182. For one example, each of first end 2181 and second end 2182 is a separate, individual piece attached independently to edge frame 216. As will be described, second end 2182 may be coupled to a motor.

Mold tray 212 may include a temperature sensor 213. Temperature sensor 213 may be attached at mold tray at at least one of the ice forming shapes 214. Temperature sensor 213 may be operably connected with controller 164. For instance, temperature sensor 213 may monitor (e.g., sense, measure, etc.) a temperature at mold tray 212. Accordingly, temperature sensor 213 may approximate a temperature of the water contained within ice forming shapes 214 during an ice making operation or cycle.

As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor 213 may each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensors, etc. In addition, temperature sensor 213 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that appliance 100 (e.g., ice maker 180) may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

Twist ice tray assembly 200 may include a motor 220. Motor 220 may be coupled directly to second end 2182 of the driveshaft 218. For instance, motor 220 may be configured to provide a rotational force to mold tray 212 via second end 2182 of driveshaft 218. Motor 220 may be any suitable type of motor 208 operable of driving rotation of driveshaft 218. For example, motor 220 may be an AC induction motor or a DC motor. Motor 220 may be in operative communication with controller 164. In this regard, controller 164 may selectively energize motor 220 to selectively drive rotation of mold tray 212, for example, during a harvest operation of ice maker 180.

Frame 202 may include a stopper 222. Stopper 222 may be attached to frame 202 adjacent to mold tray 212. For instance, stopper 222 may be attached to interior surface 2061 of first side frame member 206. Stopper 222 may extend inward (e.g., along the transverse direction T) from first side frame member 206. For instance, stopper 222 may extend from first side frame member 206 toward second side frame member 208. Stopper 222 may be offset from the axis of rotation of mold tray 212. For instance, stopper 222 may be positioned offset along at least one of the vertical direction V and the lateral direction L from the axis of rotation. In some instances, stopper 222 is positioned in contact with mold tray 212. In detail, when mold tray 212 is in the neutral position, stopper 222 contacts at least a portion of edge frame 216 when mold tray is in the neutral position. Stopper 222 may contact a lower or bottom surface of edge frame 216 at a first side thereof. For instance, stopper 222 may be positioned closer to rear frame member 204 (e.g., along the lateral direction L) than the axis of rotation of mold tray 212 and below (e.g., along the vertical direction V) the axis of rotation. Thus, when mold tray 212 is in the neutral position, stopper 222 may restrict a rotation of mold tray 212 about a first direction (described below).

In some instances, stopper 222 is a separate piece (e.g., from frame 202) that is removably coupled to frame 202. For example, different styles, shapes, sizes, or the like of stoppers may be attached to frame 202 based on a particular mold tray 212 attached thereto. In some embodiments, however, stopper 222 is formed integrally with frame 202. Stopper 222 may thus be adjustable with respect to frame 202. For instance, a position or location of stopper 222 may be adjusted to vary a contact point between mold tray 212 and stopper 222.

Ice maker 180 may be configured to selectively perform a harvesting operation. For instance, when water supplied to ice forming shapes 114 freezes (e.g., after a predetermined length of time), mold tray 212 may be rotated (e.g., via motor 220). Motor 220 may be a bi-directional motor such that rotation may be initiated in either the first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) or the second direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). As mentioned, stopper 222 may contact an underside of mold tray 212 in the neutral position. During the harvesting operation, mold tray 212 may be rotated (e.g., in the first direction). The first direction may be referred to as a forward direction. The forward direction may be away from stopper 222 (e.g., edge frame 216 may rotate up and away from contact with stopper 222). As shown in FIG. 7, for instance, mold tray 212 may be rotated such that a portion of mold tray 212 (e.g., at edge frame 216) contacts stopper 222. The portion of mold tray 212 contacting the stopper after the rotation in the first direction may be different from the portion of mold tray 212 contacting the stopper in the neutral position. According to some embodiments, during the harvesting operation, mold tray is rotated between about 120 degrees and about 160 degrees in the forward direction.

Now that the general descriptions of an exemplary appliance have been described in detail, a method 300 of operating an appliance (e.g., refrigerator appliance 100 or ice maker 180) will be described in detail. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 300 of operating ice maker 180, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 300 is applicable to any suitable domestic appliance capable of performing an ice making operation (e.g., such as a clear ice maker, a stand-alone ice maker, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller 164 and/or a separate, dedicated controller. FIG. 8 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an ice maker. Hereinafter, method 300 will be described with specific reference to FIG. 8.

At step 302, method 300 may include determining a schedule for performing a reverse rotation of a mold tray. For instance, the reverse rotation may be performed one or more times during an ice making cycle (e.g., with water present within the mold tray). As mentioned above, the mold tray (e.g., mold tray 212) may be rotatably coupled to a motor (e.g., motor 220). The motor may be configured to rotate the mold tray in each of a first direction and a second direction. The first direction may be a harvesting direction. Accordingly, the first direction may be referred to as a forward direction.

During the ice making cycle, as water begins to freeze within the mold tray, it may be preferable to reduce or break ice adhesion between the water and an interior surface of the mold tray. Accordingly, the reverse rotation may be performed to initiate this adhesion breakage. The reverse rotation may include rotating the mold tray in the second direction (e.g., a reverse direction or direction opposite a harvesting direction). Thus, the schedule may include one or more reverse rotations of the mold tray via the motor.

In determining the schedule for performing the reverse rotation, method 300 may rely on a plurality of factors. For instance, the plurality of factors may include an operating temperature of a receiving chamber or compartment in which the ice maker is located, a temperature at the mold tray throughout the ice making operation, openings and closing of a cabinet door of the receiving chamber or compartment, particular ice shape of the mold tray, amount of water supplied to the mold tray, a material of the mold tray, or the like. It should be understood that the examples provided herein are not exhaustive, and any suitable factors may be incorporated in determining the schedule for performing the reverse rotation of the mold tray.

In determining the schedule for performing the reverse rotation of the mold tray, method 300 may determine a plurality of designated trigger times or commands for performing the rotation. For instance, based on at least one of the plurality of factors, the schedule may include predetermined times for performing the reverse rotation. A time interval ratio may be determined between each of the designated trigger times. For example, the time interval ratio may be based in minutes, hours, or the like. Thus, a first scheduled reverse rotation may occur at a first time interval, a second reverse rotation may occur at a second time interval after an expiration of a predetermined length of time.

In some instances, the predetermined time interval ratio may be adjusted according to one or more contributing factors. For instance, the one or more contributing factors may include actions or inputs after an initiation of the ice making cycle or operation. The one or more contributing factors may include a length of time for which the door to the receiving chamber or compartment is open, a number of times the door to the receiving chamber or compartment is opened, a power loss, a temperature adjustment to the receiving chamber or compartment, or the like. It should be understood that the examples provided herein are not exhaustive, and any suitable contributing factors may be incorporated in adjusting the predetermined time interval ratio.

At step 304, method 300 may include executing the reverse rotation of the mold tray at a designated trigger time based on the determined schedule. As mentioned, a plurality of designated trigger times may be determined (e.g., calculated) at which to perform the reverse rotation. At each designated trigger time, the motor may be initiated, activated, or otherwise directed to rotate in the second direction (e.g., opposite the harvesting direction). For instance, method 300 may direct the motor to rotate in the second direction over a predetermined rotation angle. The predetermined rotation angle may be between about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees. Accordingly, the motor may perform a step rotation of between about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees in the reverse direction.

As mentioned above, the mold tray may be in contact with a stopper (e.g., stopper 222) in a neutral (or freezing) position. Thus, in performing the reverse rotation, a free end (e.g., first end 2121) of the mold tray opposite the motor may be restricted by the stopper. The mold tray may thus experience a torque as a restrained end (e.g., connected to the motor) rotates over the predetermined rotation angle. In some instances, the tray remains in the rotated (e.g., torqued) position for a predetermined length of time (e.g., 1 second, 3 second, etc.). In additional or alternative embodiments, the motor may immediately rotate the mold tray back to the neutral position.

During the ice making operation or cycle, the reverse rotation may be executed according to an instantaneous trigger or input. For instance, method 300 may receive a temperature signal from a temperature sensor attached to the mold tray. The temperature signal may be at or below a predetermined temperature threshold during the ice making (or freezing) process. In some embodiments, the temperature signal is requested (e.g., by a controller) after a predetermined amount of time from the initiation of the ice making operation. Upon determining that the temperature at the mold tray is at or below the predetermined temperature threshold, method 300 may initiate the rotation of the mold tray in the second direction (e.g., the reverse rotation). Accordingly, the temperature at the mold tray may be referred to as a trigger or one of the designated trigger times.

At step 306, method 300 may include resetting the mold tray to the neutral position after performing the reverse rotation. As mentioned above, at least a portion of the mold tray may be twisted or torqued in the second direction during the reverse rotation. After determining a completion of the reverse rotation, the motor may reset the mold tray to the neutral position. For instance, determining the completion of the reverse rotation may include determining that the mold tray has reached the maximum reverse rotation torque (e.g., between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees), determining that the mold tray has been in a torqued state (e.g., at between about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees) for a certain length of time, or the like.

Additionally or alternatively, method 300 may include determining that the ice making cycle is complete. Upon determining that the ice making cycle is complete, method 300 may perform a reverse rotation (e.g., a final reverse rotation). For instance, the motor may be directed to rotate in the second direction over the predetermined rotation angle at the completion of the ice making cycle. Advantageously, an adherence of the ice shape to the mold tray may be broken by the final reverse rotation.

After performing the final reverse rotation, method 300 may include initiating a rotation of the mold tray (e.g., via the motor) in the first direction (e.g., the forward direction or harvesting direction). For instance, method 300 may perform the harvesting operation or cycle after the final reverse rotation. As described above, the harvesting rotation may include rotating the mold tray in the first direction over a predetermined rotation angle (e.g., a harvesting rotation angle). The harvesting rotation angle may be sufficient to contact the mold tray against the stopper in the forward direction. In some embodiments, a second torque is placed on the mold tray such that the second end (e.g., connected to the motor) of the mold tray is rotated to a further angle than the first end of the mold tray in contact with the stopper. Advantageously, the ice shapes may be easily released from the mold tray and deposited, for instance, into an ice bucket.

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 languages of the claims.