Stand-alone ice making appliance

A stand-alone ice making appliance is provided. The stand-alone ice making appliance may include an outer casing, a water tank, a pump, an ice maker, and a container. The outer casing may define an internal cavity that includes a primary opening. The water tank may define a storage volume to receive water. The pump may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to actively flow water therefrom. The ice maker may in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to receive water therefrom. The container may be disposed within the internal cavity. The container may include an insulated sidewall positioned across the primary opening and at least partially defining a storage volume to receive ice from the ice maker.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to ice making appliances, and more particularly to ice making appliances that produce nugget ice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice makers generally produce ice for the use of consumers, such as in drinks being consumed, for cooling foods or drinks to be consumed and/or for other various purposes. Certain refrigerator appliances include ice makers for producing ice. The ice maker can be positioned within the appliance's freezer chamber and direct ice into an ice bucket where it can be stored within the freezer chamber. Such refrigerator appliances can also include a dispensing system for assisting a user with accessing ice produced by the refrigerator appliance's ice maker. However, the incorporation of ice makers into refrigerator appliances can have drawbacks, such as limits on the amount of ice that can be produced and the reliance on the refrigeration system of the refrigerator appliance to form the ice.

Recently, stand-alone ice makers have been developed. These ice makers are separate from refrigerator appliances and provide independent ice supplies. Generally, ice is provided into an interior volume. However, many stand-alone ice makers do not include an interior volume that is visible without opening the ice maker. Condensation and/or insulation may create difficulties in determining how much ice is contemporaneously available within the interior volume. Moreover, removing ice from the interior volume of many existing systems may be difficult. The area defining the interior volume may be provided as a removable bucket. Such systems may become increasingly heavy and/or difficult to remove if, for instance, a large amount of ice is held therein. If any ice within the interior volume has melted, it may be further difficult to remove the liquefied ice or water.

Accordingly, improved stand-alone ice makers are desired in the art. In particular, cost-effective stand-alone ice makers that address several of the above issues would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a stand-alone ice making appliance is provided. The stand-alone ice making appliance may include an outer casing, a water tank, a pump, an ice maker, and a container. The outer casing may define an internal cavity that includes a primary opening through which the internal cavity may be accessed. The water tank may define a storage volume to receive water. The pump may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to actively flow water therefrom. The ice maker may in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to receive water therefrom. The container may be disposed within the internal cavity. The container may include an insulated sidewall positioned across the primary opening and at least partially defining a storage volume to receive ice from the ice maker. The sidewall may include a front panel and a rear panel that define a transparent insulation gap therebetween.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a stand-alone ice making appliance is provided. The stand-alone ice making appliance may include an outer casing, a rail latch, a water tank, a pump, an ice maker, a container, and a guide rail. The outer casing may define an internal cavity. The rail latch may extend from the outer casing into the internal cavity along the lateral direction. The water tank may define a storage volume to receive water. The pump may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to actively flow water therefrom. The ice maker may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to receive water therefrom. The container may include a base wall and a sidewall that at least partially define a storage volume to receive ice from the ice maker. The container may be selectively positionable in a first position in which container is mounted within the internal cavity, a second position in which container extends outside of the internal cavity along the transverse direction, and a third position in which the container is tilted away from the internal cavity at a predetermined angle relative to the transverse direction. The guide rail may be fixed to the sidewall and extend therefrom in a lateral direction. The guide rail may define an inclined tilt catch to engage the rail latch when the container is in the third position.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a stand-alone ice making appliance is provided. The stand-alone ice making appliance may include a water tank, a pump, an ice maker, a container, and a selective sealing system. The water tank may define a storage volume to receive water. The pump may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to actively flow water therefrom. The ice maker may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to receive water therefrom. The container may include a plurality of sidewalls and a base wall defining a storage volume to receive ice from the ice maker. The container may define at least one drain aperture extending through the container in fluid communication between the storage volume of the container and the storage volume of the water tank. The selective sealing system may include a plug paired to the drain aperture to selectively restrict fluid communication therethrough, and a spring attached to the plug and biased toward the drain aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some aspects of the present disclosure, an ice making appliance, including a container for storing ice, is provided. The container may include at least one transparent insulated wall. Additionally or alternatively, the container may be removable from a casing of the appliance. For instance, a user may be able to remove the container when ice is desired. The container may also be moved between various positions within the appliance. In one such position, the container may be tilted away from the appliance so that an internal volume of ice can be accessed by a user without requiring the user to otherwise support or remove the container. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a plug is provided to selectively seal a drain port for liquids in a bottom portion of the container.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 3, one embodiment of an appliance10in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, appliance10is provided as a stand-alone ice making appliance embodiment. Appliance10includes an outer casing12which defines a primary opening11and an internal cavity or volume13. Internal volume13generally at least partially houses various other components of the appliance therein10. Primary opening11defined in outer casing12may extend internal volume13to an ambient environment. Through primary opening11, access (e.g., by a user) to the internal volume13may be permitted. Outer casing12further defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are all mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.

A container14of appliance10is also illustrated. Container14defines a first storage volume16for the receipt and storage of ice18therein. A user of the appliance10may access ice18within the container14for consumption or other uses, as described in detail below. Container14may include one or more sidewalls20and a base wall22, which may together define the first storage volume16. In exemplary embodiments, at least one sidewall20may be formed from a clear, see-through (i.e., transparent or translucent) material, such as a clear glass or plastic, such that a user can see into the first storage volume16and thus view ice18therein. For instance, at least one sidewall20may include a separate front panel110and rear panel112formed from a clear, see-through (i.e., transparent or translucent) material, such as a clear glass or plastic. Further, in exemplary embodiments, container14may be removable, such as from the outer casing12, by a user. This facilitates easy access by the user to ice within the container14and further, for example, may provide access to a water tank24of the appliance10, as will be discussed below.

In optional embodiments, a light source23is mounted within the internal volume13. Generally, during operation, light source23may selectively emit or direct light into first storage volume16, illuminating any ice18therein. Light source23may include a suitable light-emitting element, such as one or more fluorescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs). In exemplary embodiments, light source23is positioned above first storage volume16, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Light source23may be mounted within casing12such that when container14is inserted within internal volume13, light source23is positioned behind rear panel112, e.g., along the transverse direction T.

Appliances10in accordance with the present disclosure are advantageously stand-alone appliances, and thus are not connected to refrigerators or other appliances. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, such appliances are not connected to plumbing or another water source that is external to the appliance10, such as a refrigerator water source. Rather, in exemplary embodiments, water is initially supplied to the appliance10manually by a user, such as by pouring water into water tank24and/or a reservoir.

Notably, appliances10as discussed herein include various features which allow the appliances10to be affordable and desirable to typical consumers. For example, the stand-alone feature reduces the cost associated with the appliance10and allows the consumer to position the appliance10at any suitable desired location, with the only requirement in some embodiments being access to an electrical source. In exemplary embodiments, such as those shown inFIGS. 1 through 3, the removable container14allows easy access to ice18within first storage volume16and allows the container14to be moved to a different position from the remainder of the appliance10for ice usage purposes.

As discussed herein, appliance10is configured to make nugget ice (as discussed herein) which is becoming increasingly popular with consumers. Ice18may be nugget ice. Generally, nugget ice is ice that that is maintained or stored (i.e., in first storage volume16of container14) at a temperature greater than the melting point of water or greater than about thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, the ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the container14may be at a temperature greater than the melting point of water or greater than about thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, such temperature may be greater than forty degrees Fahrenheit, greater than fifty degrees Fahrenheit, or greater than sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

Still referring toFIGS. 1 through 3, various components of appliances10in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. For example, as mentioned, appliance10includes a water tank24. The water tank24defines a second storage volume26for the receipt and holding of water. Water tank24may include one or more sidewalls28and a base wall30which may together define the second storage volume26. In exemplary embodiments, the water tank24may be disposed below the container14along the vertical direction V defined for the appliance10, as shown.

As discussed, in exemplary embodiments, water is provided to the water tank24for use in forming ice. Accordingly, appliance10may further include a pump32. Pump32may be in fluid communication with the second storage volume26. For example, water may be flowable from the second storage volume26through an opening31defined in the water tank24, such as in a sidewall28thereof, and may flow through a conduit to and through pump32. Pump32may, when activated, actively flow water from the second storage volume26therethrough and from the pump32.

Water actively flowed from the pump32may be flowed (e.g., through a suitable conduit) to a reservoir34. For example, reservoir34may define a third storage volume36. In some embodiments, third storage volume36is defined by one or more sidewalls38and a base wall40. Third storage volume36may, for example, be in fluid communication with the pump32and may thus receive water that is actively flowed from the water tank24, such as through the pump32. During operation, water may be flowed into the third storage volume36through an opening42defined in the reservoir34.

Reservoir34and third storage volume36thereof may receive and contain water to be provided to an ice maker50for the production of ice. Accordingly, third storage volume36may be in fluid communication with ice maker50. For example, water may be flowed, such as through an opening44and through suitable conduits, from third storage volume36to ice maker50.

Ice maker50generally receives water, such as from reservoir34, and freezes the water to form ice18. In exemplary embodiments, ice maker50is a nugget ice maker, and in particular is an auger-style ice maker, although other suitable styles of ice makers and/or appliances are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. As shown, ice maker50may include a casing52into which water from third storage volume36is flowed. Casing52is thus in fluid communication with third storage volume36. For example, casing52may include one or more sidewalls54which may define an interior volume56, and an opening58may be defined in a sidewall54. Water may be flowed from third storage volume36through the opening58(such as via a suitable conduit) into the interior volume56.

As illustrated, an auger60may be disposed at least partially within the casing52. During operation, the auger60may rotate. Water within the casing52may at least partially freeze due to heat exchange, such as with a refrigeration system as discussed herein. The at least partially frozen water may be lifted by the auger60from casing52. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the at least partially frozen water may be directed by auger60to and through an extruder62. The extruder62may extrude the at least partially frozen water to form ice, such as nuggets of ice18.

Formed ice18may be provided by the ice maker50to container14, and may be received in the first storage volume16thereof. For example, ice18formed by auger60and/or extruder62may be provide to the container14. In exemplary embodiments, appliance10may include a chute70for directing ice18produced by the ice maker50towards the first storage volume16. For example, as shown, chute70is generally positioned above container14along the vertical direction V. Thus, ice can slide off of chute70and drop into storage volume16of container14. Chute70may, as shown, extend between ice maker50and container14, and may include a body72which defines a passage74therethrough. Ice18may be directed from the ice maker50(such as from the auger60and/or extruder62) through the passage74to the container14. In some embodiments, for example, a sweep64, which may be connected to and rotate with the auger, may contact the ice emerging through the extruder62from the auger60and direct the ice18through the passage74to the container14.

As discussed, water within the casing52may at least partially freeze due to heat exchange, such as with a refrigeration system. In exemplary embodiments, ice maker50may include a sealed refrigeration system80. The sealed refrigeration system80may be in thermal communication with the casing52to remove heat from the casing52and interior volume56thereof, thus facilitating freezing of water therein to form ice. Sealed refrigeration system80may, for example, include a compressor82, a condenser84, a throttling device86, and an evaporator88. Evaporator88may, for example, be in thermal communication with the casing52in order to remove heat from the interior volume56and water therein during operation of sealed system80. For example, evaporator88may at least partially surround the casing52. In particular, evaporator88may be a conduit coiled around and in contact with casing52, such as the sidewall(s)54thereof.

During operation of sealed system80, refrigerant exits evaporator88as a fluid in the form of a superheated vapor and/or vapor mixture. Upon exiting evaporator88, the refrigerant enters compressor82wherein the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are increased such that the refrigerant becomes a superheated vapor. The superheated vapor from compressor82enters condenser84wherein energy is transferred therefrom and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture. This fluid exits condenser84and travels through throttling device86that is configured for regulating a flow rate of refrigerant therethrough. Upon exiting throttling device86, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant drop at which time the refrigerant enters evaporator88and the cycle repeats itself. In certain exemplary embodiments, throttling device86may be a capillary tube. Notably, in some embodiments, sealed system80may additionally include fans (not shown) for facilitating heat transfer to/from the condenser84.

It should additionally be noted that, in exemplary embodiments, a controller200may be in operative communication with the sealed system80, such as with the compressor82thereof, and may activate the sealed system80as desired or required for ice making purposes.

In exemplary embodiments, controller200may be in operative communication with the pump32. Such operative communication may be via a wired or wireless connection, and may facilitate the transmittal and/or receipt of signals by the controller200and pump32. Controller200may be configured to activate the pump32to actively flow water. For example, controller200may activate the pump32to actively flow water therethrough when, for example, reservoir34requires water. A suitable sensor(s), for example, may be provided in the third storage volume36. The sensor(s) may be in operative communication with the controller200may be transmit signals to the controller200which indicate whether or not additional water is desired in the reservoir34. When controller200receives a signal that water is desired, controller200may send a signal to pump32to activate pump32.

Turning toFIGS. 4 and 5, views of exemplary embodiments of container14are provided. It is understood that the indicated directions (i.e., the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T) ofFIGS. 4 and 5are defined by container14, but correspond to the same directions defined by casing12when container14is mounted within appliance10, as is illustrated inFIG. 2. Nonetheless, it is also understood that the directions defined by container14are otherwise independent of those defined by appliance10.

As described above, container14includes one or more sidewalls and a base wall22that define first storage volume16. In some embodiments, a plurality of sidewalls is provided, including a front wall102, a rear wall104, and a pair of oppositely-disposed lateral walls106. Generally, sidewalls102,104,106correspond to sidewalls20shown inFIG. 2. Front wall102may be positioned at a front end while rear wall104is positioned at a rear end of container14. Lateral walls106may extend between front wall102and rear wall104. Together, the sidewalls102,104,106define an opening perimeter108at a top portion116(e.g., vertical extreme) of container14. As shown, opening perimeter108may permit access to first storage volume16, e.g., to add or remove ice therein. In additional or alternative embodiments, a drain aperture114is defined at a bottom portion117(e.g., vertical extreme) of container14. For instance, drain aperture114may be defined through base wall22above water tank24(seeFIG. 2). Ice18(seeFIG. 1) held within the first storage volume16may gradually melt. The melting speed is increased for nugget ice due to the increased maintenance/storage temperature. Drain aperture114, may advantageously drain melt water away from first storage volume16. Additionally, and advantageously, the melt water may in exemplary embodiments be reused by appliance10to form ice.

Exemplary embodiments of container14include at least one insulated sidewall, e.g., front wall102. In some such embodiments, when container14is inserted into internal volume13, insulated sidewall102is positioned across primary opening11. As shown, insulated sidewall102includes a front panel110and a rear panel112. Each of front panel110and rear panel112extend from base wall22. In some such embodiments, base wall22is positioned below a portion of insulated sidewall102such that base wall22is beneath the rear panel112along the vertical direction V. Optionally, each of front panel110and rear panel112) extend vertically from base wall22to a top portion116of container14. Front panel110and rear panel112are spaced apart, e.g., in the transverse direction T at base wall22. A bottom lip118may extend below the base wall22along the vertical direction V from front panel110. A roof segment120may span the distance between front panel110and rear panel112at the top portion116of container14, e.g., above a transparent insulation gap122.

In some embodiments, a transparent insulation gap122is defined between front panel110and rear panel112. For instance, transparent insulation gap122may be provided as a sealed volume. Sealed volume may generally prevent the passage of air or oxygen to or from transparent insulation gap122. In exemplary embodiments, transparent insulation gap122is substantially evacuated as a vacuum. In alternative exemplary embodiments, transparent insulation gap122is filled with a set mass of a predetermined gas, such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, or a suitable inert gas. In optional embodiments, an intermediate panel124is disposed within the transparent insulation gap122. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5, intermediate panel124may generally extend along the vertical direction V between front panel110and rear panel112. Additionally or alternatively, intermediate panel124may extend from base wall22to roof segment120. Optionally, intermediate panel124may isolate or seal multiple discrete areas within the transparent insulation gap122. For instance, a first isolated chamber126may be defined within the transparent insulation gap122between front panel110and intermediate panel124, while a second isolated chamber128is defined between intermediate panel124and rear panel112.

Returning toFIG. 2, as well asFIGS. 4 through 9, some embodiments of appliance10include one or more rail latches130. As shown, a rail latch130extends from the outer casing12into internal volume13, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Rail latch130is positioned to selectively engage a portion of container14and/or slide thereon. For instance, rail latch130may include a fixed pin. Additionally or alternatively, rail latch130may include a rotatable wheel or bearing that can rotate relative to outer casing12. In some embodiments, container14includes a guide rail132that is fixed to and exterior side of a lateral wall106and extends thereon, e.g., in the transverse direction T. When container14is mounted within internal volume13, guide rail132may be aligned below rail latch130. Optionally, each lateral wall106may include a separate guide rail132that is disposed below a separate rail latch130.

Each guide rail132may include multiple segments along the direction in which the container14may be removed, e.g., the transverse direction T. For instance, guide rail132may include a smooth or low-friction planar segment134that extends linearly along the transverse direction T. Planar segment134may be positioned in front of an inclined tilt catch136. As shown, guide rail132has a continuous low incline ramp138and a high incline ramp140that define inclined tilt catch136. For instance, together, low incline ramp138and high incline ramp140may define a gradient profile height142, e.g., in the vertical direction V, that gradually decreases before it increases. In exemplary embodiments, low incline ramp138extends at negative angle NA relative to the transverse direction T. At a base of the inclined catch, high incline ramp140extends at a positive angle NA relative to the transverse direction T. Optionally, the absolute value of the positive angle PA may be greater than the negative angle NA.

In some embodiments, lateral walls106each define a sloped edge144at the top portion116. As illustrated, sloped edge144extends with lateral wall106along the transverse direction T between front end147and rear end148. Optionally, front end147may be positioned above rear end148, e.g., in the vertical direction V. In some such embodiments, sloped edge144generally corresponds to inclined tilt catch136, e.g., at low incline ramp138. For instance, sloped edge144may include a gradient profile height146that decreases according to the gradient profile height142of inclined tilt catch136. Optionally, the gradient profile height146of sloped edge144may solely decrease between front end147and rear end148. Gradient profile height146may decrease along a pattern that generally matches the negative angle NA of the corresponding low incline ramp138.

As illustrated inFIGS. 6 through 9, exemplary embodiments of container14are selectively moveable between various positions on or within appliance10. For instance, container14may be selectively positionable in a distinct first position (seeFIG. 6), second position (seeFIG. 7), and third position (seeFIG. 8). In the first position ofFIG. 6, container14may be considered fully mounted within internal volume13. Bottom lip118extends below base wall22. Bottom lip118engages a portion of outer casing12and may restrict rearward movement in the transverse direction T. Planar segment134is positioned directly below rail latch130and may restrict vertical or angular movement of container14. Base wall22may extend along a level plane, e.g., a plane that is parallel to transverse direction T and/or lateral direction L.

In the second position ofFIG. 7, container14extends at least partially outside of the internal volume13and appliance10. From the second position, container14may be removed from appliance10, e.g., by forward manual linear movement of the container14in the transverse direction T away from internal volume13. From the second position, container14may alternatively be inserted further into appliance10, such as to the first position, e.g., by rearward manual linear movement of the container14in the transverse direction T toward internal volume13. In exemplary embodiments, moving container14from the first position to the second position slides container14forward in the transverse direction T, e.g., away from internal volume13. Moving container14from the second position to the first position slides container14rearward in the transverse direction T, e.g., toward internal volume13. During forward and/or rearward movement, planar segment134slides below rail latch130. Base wall22may remain along the same level plane as in the first position, e.g., a plane that is parallel to transverse direction T and/or lateral direction L.

In the third position ofFIG. 8, container14is tilted away from internal volume13. The container14defines a predetermined angle SA relative to the transverse direction T, e.g., at base wall22, that is distinct from any angle that container14defines in the first position. For instance, base wall22may extend along a new plane, e.g., a plane that is defined at predetermined angle SA and is not parallel to transverse direction T and/or lateral direction L. In the third position, inclined tilt catch136engages rail latch130(see alsoFIG. 9). Base wall22is balanced on a bottom edge of primary opening11while the mass of container14urges it forward. Moving from the second position to the third position may require rotating container14forward until inclined tilt catch136strikes rail latch130and is prevented from further rotation. Optionally, first storage volume16may be substantially open and unobstructed in the third position. Access of first storage volume16, e.g., by a user, may thus be permitted. In some embodiments, sloped edge144avoids contact with outer casing12as container14moves to or from the third position.

Turning toFIGS. 10 and 11, some embodiments of container14may include a selective sealing system149to selectively permit or restrict water from exiting container14. In exemplary embodiments, a resilient plug150is paired to drain aperture114. As described, drain aperture114is defined through a portion of container14, e.g., rear wall104. Generally, sealing system149selectively fills or blocks drain aperture114according to a condition of container14. For instance, in a fully mounted condition, plug150may be positioned away from drain aperture114, as illustrated inFIG. 10. Water may be permitted to freely pass through drain aperture114. In a non-fully mounted condition, plug150may extend to or through drain aperture114, directly engaging a portion of container14, as illustrated inFIG. 11. Water may be substantially prevented or restricted from passing through drain aperture114.

A spring152may be attached to plug150in biased engagement. Spring152may generally urge plug150toward drain aperture114. For instance, spring152may be embodied as a compression spring. Spring152may be positioned between a support tab156and plug150. In some such embodiments, support tab156is fixed within first storage volume16of container14. Optionally, support tab156may define a secondary aperture158. For instance, secondary aperture158may be defined through support tab156, radially inward (e.g., coaxial) with spring152. Optionally, support tab156may be included as part of a plug enclosure154. Any water exiting drain aperture114may be required to first pass through plug enclosure154. Further included with plug enclosure154may be one or more guidewalls160. Guidewalls160may direct movement of plug150and spring152, e.g., along the transverse direction T. In some embodiments, guidewalls160extend from a sidewall of container14, e.g., rear wall104, about drain aperture114.

A plug prong162may be provided in some embodiments of sealing system149. As illustrated, plug prong162extends through at least a portion of internal volume13. Plug prong162may be fixed to a portion of appliance or casing, e.g., within internal volume13. When container14is in a mounted condition (seeFIG. 10), plug prong162may extend through drain aperture114. Plug prong162may include a diameter that is less than that of drain aperture114such that water is permitted to flow through drain aperture114. Plug prong162may engage plug150through drain aperture114, forcing plug150toward spring152and away from drain aperture114. When container14is positioned away from plug prong162, such as in a non-mounted condition (seeFIG. 11), plug prong162may be disengaged from plug150. Spring152may force plug150toward drain aperture114, preventing undesired leaks.