Stand-alone ice and beverage appliance

A stand-alone ice and beverage dispenser is provided. Appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a bottom portion and a countertop. Appliance includes an ice maker assembly mounted on the countertop, a liquid dispenser assembly mounted on the countertop, and a sealed refrigeration system. Sealed refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, chamber evaporator, and an ice maker assembly evaporator fluidly coupled through a refrigerant conduit. The compressor is operably coupled to the refrigerant conduit for circulating a flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant conduit. Appliance also includes refrigerant valve assembly including one or more valves. Refrigerant valve assembly is configured to selectively provide refrigerant to chamber evaporator to refrigerate chilled chamber and selectively provide refrigerant to the ice maker assembly evaporator for ice production.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to appliances and, more particularly, to a stand-alone appliance that dispenses ice and beverages.

BACKGROUND

Certain consumer appliances, such as refrigerators, include a dispenser for providing liquids and ice. For example, ice can be provided from the refrigerator's ice maker. Additionally, water may be routed through the refrigerator compartments for cooling prior to dispensing. A user can activate the dispenser to direct a flow of ice or water into a cup positioned within the dispenser.

These existing approaches present certain challenges. For instance, the incorporation of ice makers and beverage dispensers into other appliances, such as refrigerators, can have drawbacks such as limitations on the amount of ice that can be produced. Additionally, the incorporation of ice makers and beverage dispensers into refrigerators can add complexity. As such, reliability or functionality of the refrigeration system of the refrigerator can be negatively impacted. For example, the effectiveness of the appliance can be reduced or the ability of the refrigeration system to form the ice can be unreliable. Furthermore, these dispensers can occupy significant amounts of storage space within a refrigerator appliance and thus, reduce storage capacity of the chilled chambers of the refrigerator.

Accordingly, 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. Additionally or alternatively, difficulties may arise when trying to add water to the system for producing ice (e.g., without inadvertently spilling water outside the ice maker or within an undesired interior portion of the ice maker). Furthermore, these stand-alone ice makers can consume counter-space. For these reasons, existing stand-alone ice makers can be difficult or expensive to retrofit into existing locations that are convenient or desirable for consumers, such as a location that is near beverage dispensers, beverage storage or other existing appliances in a consumer space. Similarly, due to the positioning of refrigeration components existing stand-alone ice makers can produce excess noise and may not be suitable for installation into locations that are convenient or desirable for consumers, such as a location that is near beverage dispensers, beverage storage or other existing appliances in a consumer living space.

Accordingly, a stand-alone ice maker and beverage dispenser appliance with features that address one or more of the challenges noted above would be useful and welcomed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a stand-alone ice and beverage dispenser appliance including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber. Ice and beverage dispenser appliance cabinet can also define a bottom portion and a countertop. Appliance can include a chilling assembly, including a reservoir, located within chilled chamber. Appliance can also include an ice maker assembly mounted on the countertop and a liquid dispenser assembly mounted on the countertop. The appliance can have a sealed refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a chamber evaporator, and an ice maker assembly evaporator fluidly coupled through a refrigerant conduit. The compressor is operably coupled to the refrigerant conduit for circulating a flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant conduit. Sealed refrigeration system also includes a refrigerant valve assembly, which can include one or more valves. The valve assembly is configured to selectively provide the flow of refrigerant to the chamber evaporator to refrigerate the chilled chamber and selectively provide the flow of refrigerant to the ice maker assembly evaporator for ice production.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a consumer appliance with a cabinet including a bottom portion and a countertop. The cabinet defines a chilled beverage chamber and a chilled lower chamber. The appliance includes a first door being operably coupled to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled beverage chamber and also includes a second door being operably coupled to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled lower chamber. Appliance can have an ice maker assembly mounted on the countertop and a water dispenser assembly mounted on the countertop. Appliance also includes a sealed refrigeration system with a compressor, a condenser, a chamber evaporator, and an ice maker assembly evaporator fluidly coupled through a refrigerant conduit. The compressor is operably coupled to the refrigerant conduit for circulating a flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant conduit, a first refrigerant valve and a second refrigerant valve. The first refrigerant valve and second refrigerant valve are configured to selectively provide refrigerant to chamber evaporator to refrigerate chilled chamber and selectively provide refrigerant to the ice maker assembly evaporator for ice production.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling an appliance. The appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, an ice maker assembly mounted on the cabinet and a sealed refrigeration system. The sealed refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a chamber evaporator, and an ice maker assembly evaporator fluidly coupled through a refrigerant conduit. Sealed refrigeration system also includes a first refrigerant valve and a second refrigerant valve. The method includes determining, by one or more controllers, the operational status of the ice maker assembly based on an amount of ice within a container. The method also includes generating, by one or more controllers, a control signal based on the operational state of the ice maker assembly and operating, by one or more controllers, the refrigerant valve and the sealed refrigeration system based, at least in part, on the control signal.

Variations and modifications can be made to these example aspects of the present disclosure. These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments 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 present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

Referring now to the figures, example aspects of the present disclosure will be discussed in greater detail.

FIG. 1provides a front perspective view of a stand-alone ice and beverage appliance100according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Ice and beverage appliance100defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions V, L, and T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.

Referring now generally toFIGS. 1 through 3.FIG. 2depicts a partial perspective view of the stand-alone ice and beverage appliance100ofFIG. 1shown with the beverage chamber120of the appliance in an open position.FIG. 3depicts another partial perspective view of the stand-alone ice and beverage appliance100ofFIG. 1shown with the beverage chamber120of the appliance in a closed position and the lower chamber122in an open position.

Ice and beverage appliance100can include a cabinet or housing110that extends between a countertop portion112and a bottom portion114along the vertical direction V. In some applications countertop portion112of ice and beverage appliance100can be substantially parallel to an adjacent surface, e.g., the height of the countertop in a user's kitchen or home. Similarly, the dimension of housing110in a lateral direction L can be substantially equivalent to the dimensions of an adjacent structure, e.g., substantially equivalent to the depth of a user's cabinets, cabinets or existing appliances. Housing110defines one or more chambers (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) for receipt of beverages or other items for storage. As discussed herein, the one or more chambers can be selectively chilled. In particular, housing110defines beverage chamber120(shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 through 6) positioned at or adjacent to countertop112of housing110and a lower chamber122(shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 through 6) arranged at or adjacent to bottom portion114of housing110. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of appliances or chamber configurations. 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.

Housing110also extends between a right side portion106and a left side portion108, e.g., along the transverse direction T, forming a front portion105. Housing110defines an opening140(shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 through 6) for accessing the beverage chamber120and an opening144for accessing lower chamber122(shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 through 6) at or adjacent front portion105of housing110. Housing110also includes a back wall103extending between a bottom portion102and a top portion101, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Housing110also includes a left side portion108and a right side portion106, both of which extend between front portion105and back wall103, e.g., along the lateral direction L.

Beverage chamber door124can be coupled to a beverage drawer170(shown inFIG. 2) which can be slidably mounted within beverage chamber120(shown inFIG. 2), e.g., at front portion105of housing110, for selectively accessing beverage chamber120. In alternate embodiments, beverage chamber door124can be rotatably mounted or hinged510to left side portion108, or alternatively right side portion106, of housing110, e.g., adjected to front portion105of housing110, for selectively accessing beverage chamber120(shown inFIGS. 4 and 5).

A lower chamber door126is arranged below beverage chamber door124, in a vertical direction V, for selectively accessing lower chamber122(shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 through 6). Lower chamber door126can be coupled to a lower chamber drawer172(shown inFIG. 3) slidably mounted within lower chamber (for example by brackets146as shown inFIG. 3). Lower chamber door126can be coupled to a lower chamber drawer172(shown inFIG. 3) which can be slidably mounted within lower chamber122(not shown), e.g., at front portion105of housing110, for selectively accessing lower chamber122. In alternate embodiments, lower chamber door126can be rotatably mounted or hinged510to left side portion108, or alternatively right side portion106, of housing110, e.g., adjacent to front portion105of housing110, for selectively accessing lower chamber122(as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5).

Beverage chamber door124and lower chamber door126are shown in a closed position inFIG. 1. Conversely, beverage chamber door124is shown in an open position inFIG. 2and lower chamber door126is shown in an open position inFIG. 3. In the open position, beverage chamber door124permits access to beverage chamber120through opening140. Conversely, beverage chamber door124obstructs or limits access to beverage chamber120through opening140in the closed position inFIG. 1. Lower chamber door126operates similarly by allowing access to lower chamber through opening144. Handles128can assist with operating beverage chamber door124and lower chamber door126between the open and closed positions.

Ice and beverage appliance100can include an ice maker assembly400and a water dispenser assembly300. Ice maker assembly400and water dispensing assembly300can be positioned on or mounted to countertop112of housing110, using any suitable method, e.g., mechanical fasteners (i.e., screws or bolts).

Water dispenser assembly300can dispense various fluids, such as liquid water, to a dispenser recess310defined within a housing320. Water dispensing assembly300includes a liquid outlet322positioned on an exterior portion of water dispenser assembly300, for example, within dispenser recess310. Liquid outlet322includes an opening for liquid water or another beverage to be dispensed.

To access liquid water or another beverage, water dispensing assembly300may, for example, include a paddle314mounted below a liquid outlet322. To initiate certain exemplary operations of water dispenser assembly300, a user can place or press a container (not shown), such as a cup or bowl, against paddle314to initiate a flow of liquid, e.g. water, into the container within dispenser recess310.

In some embodiments, a control panel or user interface panel330may be provided for controlling the mode of operation of ice and beverage appliance100, and the components thereof, including water dispenser assembly300(e.g., for enabling the operation of or turning on the water dispenser assembly300) and ice maker assembly400(e.g., for enabling the operation of or turning on ice maker assembly400). User interface panel330can include a water dispensing button (not labeled) and other buttons (not labeled), e.g., temperature control buttons for setting or adjusting the temperature of the beverage chamber120or lower chamber122. Additionally or alternatively, user interface panel330can include one or more inputs (e.g., buttons, switches, touch screen panels, etc.) for selecting various operations, such a preset dispensing operation (e.g., for a heated fluid or liquid). User interface panel330may also include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to the user.

Liquid outlet322and paddle314may be an external part of water dispenser assembly300and are positioned at or adjacent to dispenser recess310. Dispenser recess310can be a concave portion defined in an outside surface of housing310. Water dispenser assembly300is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access liquid water (e.g., enabling the user to access water without the need to bend-over and without the need to access beverage chamber120or lower chamber122). In optional embodiments, water dispenser assembly300is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Operation of the ice and beverage appliance100can be regulated by a controller340that is operatively coupled to user interface panel330and various sensors and components of ice and beverage appliance100as discussed below. User interface panel330provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of ice and beverage appliance100such as, for example, for enabling the operation of or turning on the water dispenser assembly300, for enabling the operation of or turning on the ice maker assembly400or for setting or adjusting the temperature of the beverage chamber120or lower chamber122. In response to user manipulation of the user interface panel330or signals from sensors, controller340may operate various components of the ice and beverage appliance100as discussed herein.

Controller340may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of ice and beverage appliance100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller340may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller340may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout ice and beverage appliance100. In the illustrated embodiment inFIG. 1, controller340is located within the user interface panel330. In other embodiments, the controller340may be positioned at any suitable location within ice and beverage appliance100, such as for example within beverage chamber120, beverage chamber door124, etc. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller340and various operational components of ice and beverage appliance100. For example, user interface panel330may be in communication with controller340via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

As illustrated, controller340may be in communication with the various components of sealed system620, water dispenser assembly300and ice maker assembly400and may control operation of the various components thereof. For example, the various valves (e.g., refrigerant valves600,602and603, shown inFIG. 6), switches, pumps (e.g., water transfer pump408shown inFIGS. 4-6) etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller340. As discussed, interface panel360may additionally be in communication with the controller340. Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller340instruction based on certain signals from sensors of appliance100.

Controller340can receive signals from inputs such as, for example, one or more door switch sensors362(shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) for determining when a door such as beverage chamber door124is open or lower chamber door126is open, and one or more temperature sensors364(shown inFIGS. 4-6) for determining the temperature in the beverage chamber120and lower chamber122. Controller340can also receive signals from other inputs associated with ice and beverage appliance100including ambient temperature, ambient humidity, or the like. Moreover, controller340is operatively coupled to the sealed system620(shown inFIG. 5), whereby, certain functions are performed in response to signals received from these inputs.

In the exemplary embodiment, controller340operates sealed system620based on one or more characteristics of one or more temperature sensors364. Temperature sensors364can be any known electronic temperature sensing devices, such as the one or more thermistors. Specifically, controller340can receive data indicative of the one or more characteristics of the temperature sensors364and process the data to determine the temperature of the beverage chamber120and lower chamber122.

Controller340can compare the temperature of the beverage chamber120and lower chamber122to one or more predetermined temperature thresholds, which can be provided by a user through user interface330. For example, the predetermined temperature thresholds can be stored in a memory of controller340and can be a temperature or range of temperatures that are determined, by a party other than the end user of the refrigerator such as by the manufacturer, as the intended operating temperature, state or condition of the beverage chamber120and lower chamber122. For example a predetermined threshold associated with the beverage chamber120and lower chamber can be a temperature at or near thirty-seven degrees (37°) Fahrenheit or any other temperature selected by a user. Advantageously, controller340can initiate sealed system620and operate components thereof (including the various valves, e.g., refrigerant valves600,602and603, shown inFIG. 6) which results in air flow and cooling of the beverage chamber120and/or lower chamber122. Controller340can receive a signal from temperature sensors364while sealed system620is operating. The one or more temperature sensors364function to determine the temperature of beverage chamber120and lower chamber122. Typically, controller340can regularly cycle between readings for beverage chamber120and lower chamber122.

Moreover, controller340can operate sealed system620based on inputs from the one or more door switch sensors362. Specifically, when door switch sensor362determines that a door, such as beverage chamber door124or lower chamber door126, is in the open position, controller340changes the mode of operation of sealed system620. For example, sealed system620can cease operation in response to beverage chamber door124or lower chamber door126being in the open position. Alternatively, sealed system620can operate in a power save mode when beverage chamber door124or lower chamber door126is open.

It should be appreciated that alternate beverage service devices could be utilized with appliance100in place of or in conjunction with water dispenser assembly300. For example, ice and beverage appliance100could include a single service coffee maker in addition to or in place of water dispenser assembly300, such as brew module900shown inFIG. 9.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, various storage components can be mounted within beverage chamber120and lower chamber122to facilitate storage of beverages or other items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include drawers (170and172), bins (not shown), dividers174(shown inFIG. 3) and shelves (not shown) can be mounted within or to lower chamber122and beverage chamber120. For example, drawers (170and172), are configured for receipt of beverages or liquids for dispensing or for use in the production of ice and may assist with organizing and storing such items. As an example, drawer170can receive canned or bottled beverage items (e.g., soda, water, beer, wine, etc.). In some embodiments, beverage chamber120and lower chamber122will not include additional storage components (as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5) and storage of items is accomplished by placing the items within beverage chamber120and lower chamber122.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows drawers (170and172) positioned along the transverse direction T, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to other storage device or assembly styles and configurations. For example, lower chamber122may include a shelf (not shown) which could extend from the lower chamber122in a lateral direction L, when lower chamber door126is affixed to housing110with hinges510, as depicted inFIGS. 4 through 6, with such shelf extending from the right-side portion106to the left side portion108of ice and beverage appliance100along a transverse direction T. Lower chamber122and beverage chamber120are situated within housing110such that an insulating layer148is formed between housing and lower chamber122and beverage chamber120.

Referring now generally toFIGS. 4 and 5.FIG. 4depicts a front view of another example embodiment of a stand-alone ice and beverage appliance100according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, shown with the beverage chamber door124in an open position and the lower chamber door126in an open position. Ice and beverage appliance100can include one or more supply lines conduits or hoses (402and404) in fluid connection with water source406. Supply line402can be in fluid connection between water source406and ice maker assembly400to enable the transfer of water from water source406to ice maker assembly400to facilitate production of ice. Similarly, supply line404can be in fluid connection between water source406and water dispenser assembly300to enable the transfer of water from water source406to water dispenser assembly300to facilitate providing liquid water to a user through liquid outlet322.

Water source406can be a domestic water supply, e.g., water piping or a water supply within an existing structure. Alternatively, water source406can be a portable water storage device, e.g., a bottle of drinking water as shown inFIGS. 4 through 6. In some embodiments where the water source406is a domestic water supply, filters or other water purification devices can be mounted within lower chamber122. Water source406can be a bottle of drinking water, (e.g., such a five-gallon bottle of drinking water which is often used in existing water coolers). Ice and beverage appliance100can also include pick-up lines410which are submerged in the water contained in water source406. Ice and beverage appliance100can also include a transfer pump408to transfer water from water supply406to water dispenser assembly300and ice maker assembly400when the water contained within water supply406is not pressurized. Operation of transfer pump408can be controlled by controller340. For example, in response to a user pressing or engaging paddle314of water dispenser assembly300, controller340can send a signal to transfer pump408to turn on and thereby pump water from water source406through pickup lines410, and through supply line404to liquid outlet322. Similarly, when a user stops pressing or engaging paddle314on water dispensing assembly, controller340can send a signal to transfer pump408to turn off and thereby cease pumping water from water source406to liquid outlet322through supply line404.

Furthermore, controller340can send a signal to transfer pump408to turn on and pump water from water source406to ice maker assembly400through supply line402, when controller receives a signal from one or more sensors (such as an ultrasonic sensor (not shown) in ice maker assembly400which can detect the amount of ice present in ice container814of ice maker assembly400) of ice maker assembly400that water is required by ice maker assembly400to facilitate the production of ice because ice container814is not full of ice. Similarly, controller340can send a signal to transfer pump408to turn off and cease pumping water from water source406to ice maker assembly400through supply line402, when controller receives a signal from one or more sensors (such as an ultrasonic sensor) of ice maker assembly400that a sufficient amount of water is present at ice maker assembly400to facilitate the production of ice or the one or more sensors indicate that ice container814is full of ice.

In exemplary embodiments, drain860may be in fluid connection with a domestic drain/sewer line (not shown) or, alternatively, drain860can be in fluid connection with drainage receptacle861, e.g., a pan, could be provided in ice and beverage appliance100(such as in lower chamber122) to receive water from drain860. Drain860may be formed as a hollow conduit, of a suitable resilient material, e.g., rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, etc.

Referring now generally toFIGS. 5 through 8.FIG. 5depicts an additional front view of the stand-alone ice and beverage appliance100ofFIG. 4, with additional beverage dispensing features described below. Ice and beverage appliance100can include features associated with dispensing beverages other than water. As depicted inFIG. 5, ice and beverage appliance100can include a tap520for dispensing carbonated beverages from container530. For example, carbonated beverage530can be beer or soda or ingredients thereof (i.e., soda syrup). Ice and beverage appliance100can also include a tank540containing pressurized gas, such as CO2, to pressurize container530and facilitate the transfer of liquid from container530to tap520through supply line532. Alternatively, tank530could be utilized to create and dispense carbonated water through tap520. When container530includes liquid, which requires the addition of water prior to consumption, e.g., syrup for soda, transfer pipe534can facilitate the transfer of water from water dispenser assembly300to tap520, where water from water source406can be mixed with the liquid in container530when dispensed from tap520. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5supply lines (402,404and532) and transfer pipe534can be situated, at least in part, within lower chamber and situated, at least in part, within insulating layer148of ice and beverage appliance100.

FIG. 6depicts a side sectional view of the stand-alone ice and beverage appliance100ofFIGS. 4 and 5, showing certain components of a sealed refrigeration system620located within the housing110.

As discussed herein, water within the ice maker assembly400may at least partially freeze due to heat exchange, such as with a refrigeration system. In exemplary embodiments, ice and beverage appliance100may include a sealed refrigeration system620. The sealed refrigeration system620may be in thermal communication with the ice maker assembly400to remove heat from the casing752and interior volume756thereof (shown inFIG. 8), thus facilitating freezing of water therein to form ice. Sealed refrigeration system620may, for example, include a compressor622, a condenser624and associated fan625, a throttling or expansion device686(shown inFIG. 7), an ice maker evaporator628(shown inFIG. 8) and a chamber evaporator626.

Compressor622, condenser624, expansion device686, ice maker evaporator628(shown inFIG. 8) and a chamber evaporator626are fluidly coupled through refrigerant conduit605, and refrigerant conduit facilitates circulation of a flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant conduit to the components of sealed refrigeration system620.

Ice maker evaporator628may, for example, be in thermal communication with the ice maker casing752(shown inFIG. 8) in order to remove heat from the interior volume756and water therein during operation of sealed system620. For example, ice maker evaporator628may at least partially surround the casing752. In particular, ice maker evaporator628may be a conduit coiled around and in contact with casing752, such as the sidewall(s)754thereof (shown inFIG. 8).

Similarly, air which is forced, pushed or blown, by e.g., fan640, into beverage chamber120and lower chamber122may at least partially cooled or chilled due to heat exchange, such as with a refrigeration system620, and more specifically chamber evaporator626. In exemplary embodiments, ice and beverage appliance100may include a sealed refrigeration system620. The sealed refrigeration system620may be in thermal communication with air which is force, pushed or blown, by e.g., fan640, into beverage chamber120and lower chamber122to remove heat from the air, thus facilitating chilling or cooling of beverage chamber120and/or lower chamber122. Sealed refrigeration system620may, for example, include a compressor622, a condenser624and a chamber evaporator626and an associated fan640. Chamber evaporator626may, for example, be in thermal communication with the air which is forced, by e.g., fan640, into beverage chamber120and lower chamber122, in order to remove heat from the air and thereby chill or cool beverage chamber120and/or lower chamber122during operation of sealed refrigeration system620. For example, chamber evaporator626may be mounted adjacent to beverage chamber120and lower chamber122and proximate to insulating layer148. In particular, chamber evaporator626may be a conduit configured such that air may be forced, blown or drawn across said conduit by fan640.

It should additionally be noted that, in exemplary embodiments, controller340may be in operative communication with the sealed refrigeration system620, such as with the compressor622thereof, and may activate the sealed system620as desired or required for ice making purposes or to chill, refrigerated or regulate the temperature of beverage chamber120and/or lower chamber122.

The compressor622, condenser624and fan625of sealed refrigeration system620is mounted adjacent to the back wall103of housing and adjacent to bottom portion114of housing110. The compressor622, condenser624and fan625can also be mounted within an insulated compartment621to decrease transmission of sound and noise associated with the operation of these components where it may be heard or perceived by a user. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that compressor622, condenser624and fan625can be mounted in other locations away from the front105of housing and countertop112of appliance to reduce transmission of sound and noise.

Sealed refrigeration system620can further include a first refrigerant valve600and a second refrigerant valve602to control the flow of refrigerant from compressor622and condenser624to ice maker evaporator628and chamber evaporator626. In exemplary embodiments, controller340is in operative communication with first refrigerant valve600, second refrigerant valve602and third refrigerant valve603. Such operative communication may be via a wired or wireless connection, and may facilitate the transmittal, e.g., of control signals, and/or receipt of signals by the controller340and first refrigerant valve600, second refrigerant valve602and third refrigerant valve603. Controller340may be configured to activate the sealed refrigeration system620and open first refrigerant valve600, open second refrigerant valve602and open third refrigerant valve603to actively flow refrigerant to ice maker evaporator628(to facilitate production of ice by ice maker assembly400) and chamber evaporator626(to facilitate cooling of beverage chamber120and/or lower chamber122). Controller340may also be configured to activate sealed refrigeration system620and selectively open and close first refrigerant valve600and selectively open second refrigerant valve602and selectively close third refrigerant valve603such to actively flow refrigerant to ice maker evaporator628(to facilitate production of ice by ice maker assembly400) and to prevent refrigerant from flowing to chamber evaporator626. In this way controller340can cause ice maker assembly400to produce ice when ice is required without lowering the temperature of beverage chamber120and lower chamber122when the temperature of the chambers (120and122) are below a user defined temperature set point, which is input by consumer through user interface panel330, e.g., a temperature set point such as 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Similarly, controller340may also be configured to activate sealed refrigeration system620and selectively open first refrigerant valve600, selectively close second refrigerant valve602and selectively open third refrigerant valve such to actively flow refrigerant to chamber evaporator626(to facilitate cooling of air forced into beverage chamber120and lower chamber122) and to prevent refrigerant from flowing to ice maker evaporator628. In this way controller320can cause sealed refrigeration system620to force cool or chilled air into beverage chamber120and lower chamber122when the temperature of said chambers (120and122) is above a user defined temperature threshold, e.g., a user defined temperature set point which is input by consumer through user interface panel330, such as 34 degrees Fahrenheit, but when the production of ice is not requested or required of ice maker assembly400.

In an alternate embodiment valve602can be a check valve which prevents refrigerant from flowing from chamber evaporator626to ice maker evaporator628. In this configuration third refrigerant valve603would not be required. Rather, first refrigerant valve600can be a three-way valve, and can selectively open and close to actively flow refrigerant to chamber evaporator626(to facilitate cooling of air forced into beverage chamber120and lower chamber124) and/or to ice maker evaporator628(to facilitate production of ice by ice maker assembly400).

During operation of sealed refrigeration system620, refrigerant exits chamber evaporator626and ice maker evaporator628as a fluid in the form of a superheated vapor and/or vapor mixture. Upon exiting evaporators (626and628), the refrigerant enters compressor622wherein the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are increased such that the refrigerant becomes a superheated vapor. The superheated vapor from compressor622enters condenser624wherein energy is transferred therefrom and condenses refrigerant into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture. This fluid exits condenser624. Upon exiting condenser624, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant drop at which time the refrigerant enters evaporators (626and/or628) and the cycle repeats itself. Notably, in some embodiments, sealed refrigeration system620may additionally include fans (such as fan625) for facilitating heat transfer from the condenser624. It should additionally be noted that, in exemplary embodiments, controller may be in operative communication with the sealed refrigeration system620, such as with the compressor622thereof, and may activate the sealed refrigeration system620as desired or required for ice making purposes.

Referring now generally toFIGS. 7 and 8.FIG. 7provides a perspective rear view of a partially assembled ice maker assembly400of the stand-alone ice and beverage appliance ofFIGS. 1, 4 and 5.FIG. 8provides a perspective sectional view of the ice maker assembly400of the stand-alone ice and beverage appliance ofFIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

Ice maker assembly400includes a water tank824. The water tank824extends in the vertical direction V to define a storage volume826for the receipt and holding of water from supply line402. Water tank824may include one or more sidewalls828extending between a top portion829and a base wall830which may together define the storage volume826. In alternate embodiments supply line402may be attached to ice maker assembly400to provide water from water source406to interior volume756.

In certain embodiments water can be provided to the water tank824for use in forming ice. Accordingly, ice maker assembly400may further include a pump832. Generally, pump832is disposed in fluid communication with the storage volume826. When activated, pump832may actively flow water from the storage volume826therethrough and from the pump832.

During ice making operation, water actively flowed from the pump832may be selectively flowed to a reservoir834. Reservoir834may receive and contain water to be provided to an ice maker850to produce ice. Ice maker850generally receives water, such as from reservoir834and/or pump832. After water is received by ice maker850, ice maker850generally freezes the water to form ice. In exemplary embodiments, ice maker850is 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. Formed ice may be provided by the ice maker850to ice container814. For example, as shown, chute870is generally positioned above ice container814along the vertical direction V. Thus, ice can slide off of chute870and drop into ice container814. Ice container814can be opened by user sliding or tilting container away from ice maker assembly400to allow user to scoop ice from ice container814.

In exemplary embodiments, controller340may be in operative communication with the pump832. Such operative communication may be via a wired or wireless connection, and may facilitate the transmittal and/or receipt of signals by the controller340and pump832. Controller340may be configured to activate the pump832and activate transfer pump408to actively flow water. For example, controller may activate the pump832to actively flow water therethrough when, for example, reservoir834requires water. In turn controller may activate transfer pump408to provide water to water tank824. Suitable sensor(s), for example, may be provided in the water tank824. The sensor(s) may be in operative communication with the controller340may be transmit signals to the controller340which indicate whether or not additional water is desired in the reservoir834or water tank824. When controller receives a signal that water is desired in ice maker assembly400, controller may send a signal to pump832and/or transfer pump408to activate pump832and/or transfer pump408.

As discussed, in exemplary embodiments, ice may be nugget ice. Nugget ice is ice that that is maintained or stored (i.e., in ice container814) 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 ice container814may 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.

Ice held within the ice container814may gradually melt. The melting speed is increased for nugget ice due to the increased maintenance/storage temperature. Accordingly, drain features, such as a drain860, may advantageously be provided in the container for draining such melt water. Additionally, and advantageously, the melt water may, in some embodiments, be reused by ice maker assembly400to form ice by draining water, in part, to water tank824.

In some exemplary embodiments, drain860may be connected to a domestic drain or alternatively a drainage receptacle861(shown inFIG. 4), e.g., a pan. Drain860may be formed as a hollow conduit of a suitable resilient material, e.g., rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, etc. Additionally, a drain pump862can be provided to pump water or other liquid which passes through drain860to a suitable location for disposable, e.g., an existing domestic sanitary drain in a structure.

FIG. 9provides a front, elevation view of another embodiment of a dispensing assembly including a single serve beverage dispenser or brew module900. Brew module900can be utilized with stand-alone ice and beverage appliance ofFIGS. 1, 4 and 5, in place of water dispensing assembly300, as depicted inFIG. 10. Brew module900which can receive capsules or pods with flavorings therein that are brewed or mixed with hot or cold water to provide a hot or cold beverage. As an example, brew module900may be a KEURIG® brand single-cup coffee brewing system or a VERISMO™ brand single-cup coffee brewing system.

Brew module900may include a body902that defines a brew chamber (not shown) that is configured to receive a brew pod (not shown) associated with a brewed beverage (e.g., coffee or tea). A lid908is pivotally attached to body902to permit selective access to brew chamber. More specifically, lid908is pivotable between a closed position and an open position, as well as one or more intermediate positions therebetween. In addition, single serve beverage dispenser902can include one or more needles (not shown) positioned proximate to the brew chamber. The needles are each configured for piercing brew pod and may define one or more channels and/or apertures for passing liquid through needles. For example, the needles may define one or more water supply holes configured for supplying water from supply line404(FIGS. 4 and 5), which is heated by a heating assembly within the brew module900, into brew pod to facilitate the brewing or beverage making process. Similarly, needles may define one or more holes through which liquid may pass out of brew pod.

Brew pod can be a container that contains (or is fillable with) a predetermined amount of brewing contents, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, or the like. The brewing contents are mixed with water to create a beverage that is dispensed to the user. Brew pod may be a single-use pod or a reusable pod. During use, once brew pod is received in brew module900and brew module900is inserted into water dispensing assembly300, moving water delivery tube provides heated water into brew pod. The heated water may mix with contents within brew pod, and a liquid brewed beverage may then flow from brew module900through heated liquid outlet912into, for example, a container or cup (not shown) typically placed within dispenser recess906below brew module900.

Brew module900includes one or more outlets for accessing chilled liquid water, and heated liquid water or the brewed beverage. Brew module900can dispense various fluids, such as chilled liquid water, heated liquid water and a brewed beverage, to a dispenser recess906defined within brew module900. Brew module900includes a chilled liquid outlet910positioned on an exterior portion of brew module900, for example, within dispenser recess906. Chilled liquid outlet910includes an opening for chilled liquid water or another chilled beverage to be dispensed. Brew module900includes a heated liquid outlet912positioned on an exterior portion of brew module900, for example, within dispenser recess906. Heated liquid outlet912includes an opening for heated liquid water, a brewed beverage or another heated beverage to be dispensed.

To access liquid water or another beverage, brew module900may, for example, include a paddle914mounted below a liquid outlets (910and912). To initiate certain exemplary operations of brew module900, a user can utilize brew module interface916to select the type of liquid which the user desires brew module900to dispense and thereafter, place or press a container (not shown), such as a cup or bowl, against paddle914to initiate a flow of liquid, e.g. water, into the container within dispenser recess906.

In some embodiments, a brew module interface916may be provided for controlling the mode of operation of brew module900, and the components thereof, (e.g., for enabling the operation of or turning on the brew module900). Brew module interface916can include a chilled water dispensing button918, a heated water dispensing button920, a brewed beverage dispensing button922and other buttons (not labeled), e.g., temperature control buttons for setting or adjusting the temperature of the heated or cooled liquid. Additionally or alternatively, brew module interface916can include one or more inputs (e.g., buttons, switches, touch screen panels, etc.) for selecting various operations, such a preset dispensing operation (e.g., for a heated fluid or liquid). Brew module interface916may also include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to the user.

In certain embodiments, brew module900included with ice and beverage appliance100, also includes features for generating heated liquid water. Ice and beverage appliance100need not be connected to a residential hot water heating system in order to supply heated liquid water to brew module900. Rather, it will be appreciated that brew module900can include features such an electric water heating element hot water tank, temperature sensors, and control valves to heat water from a well or municipal water supply, store the heated water, and supply the heated water to brew module. Alternatively, brew module900may include a heating element, which may for example be disposed in fluid heating assembly, for heating the fluid before the fluid is flowed from the heated liquid outlet912.

FIG. 10depicts a front view of an example embodiment of a stand-alone ice and beverage appliance100according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with chamber doors (124and126) removed for clarity. In this example embodiment, chamber doors (124and126) can be mechanically attached or fixed to housing110(e.g., with screw, bolts or other fasteners) such that chamber doors (124and126) are not user accessible but can be removed by a technician for repair or maintenance.

As shown inFIG. 10, ice and beverage appliance100can include one or more supply lines conduits or hoses (402and404) in fluid connection with a domestic water supply or city water supply (not shown) at connection point420. Supply line402can be in fluid connection between connection point420and ice maker assembly400to enable the transfer of water from domestic water supply or city water supply (not shown) to ice maker assembly400to facilitate production of ice. Similarly, supply line404can be in fluid connection between domestic water supply or city water supply (not shown) and brew module900to enable the transfer of water from a domestic water supply or city water supply (not shown) to brew module900to facilitate providing liquid water to a user through chilled liquid outlet910and heated liquid outlet912(shown inFIG. 9).

Ice and beverage appliance100can include a chilling assembly422disposed within beverage chamber120. Chilling assembly422can be a reservoir configured to retain a volume of liquid water from supply line404. Said liquid water is chilled by chilling assembly422within beverage chamber120prior to said liquid water being dispensed to a user through chilled liquid outlet910. In this exemplary embodiment, beverage chamber120may or may not be chilled by sealed system620. Alternatively, chilling assembly422can be in thermal communication with sealed system620, to facilitate chilling or liquid water within chilling assembly. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that in certain embodiments, chilling assembly422could be any known water-cooling heat exchanger. In some embodiments, chilling assembly422can include a reservoir (not shown) configured to retain a volume of liquid water from supply line404and also include a coil of tubing (not shown), which is at least partially contained within reservoir and said tubing is in thermal communication with sealed system620(e.g., such as being in thermal communication with chamber evaporator626or refrigerant conduit605shown inFIG. 6) to facilitate the chilling liquid water within the reservoir prior to said liquid water being dispensed to a user through chilled liquid outlet910. Chilling assembly422can also include one or more temperature sensors364for determining the temperature of the liquid water within chilling assembly422. Controller340can also receive signals from other inputs associated with ice and beverage appliance100including ambient temperature, ambient humidity, or the like. Moreover, controller340is operatively coupled to the sealed system620(shown inFIG. 5), whereby, certain functions are performed in response to signals received from these inputs.

In the exemplary embodiment, controller340operates sealed system620based on one or more characteristics of one or more temperature sensor364in chilling assembly422. Temperature sensor364can be any known electronic temperature sensing devices, such as the one or more thermistors. Specifically, controller340can receive data indicative of the one or more characteristics of the temperature sensor364and process the data to determine the temperature of the chilling assembly422and/or the liquid water contained therein. Controller340can compare the temperature of the chilling assembly422and/or the liquid water contained therein to one or more predetermined temperature thresholds, which can be provided by a user through user interface330, and operate sealed system620based on whether the temperature of the chilling assembly422and/or the liquid water contained therein is above or below the one or more predetermined temperature thresholds.