Patent Description:
Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles for storage. In addition, refrigerator appliances include one or more doors rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in chilled chamber(s). The refrigerator appliances can also include various storage components mounted within the chilled chamber and designed to facilitate storage of food items therein. Such storage components can include racks, bins, shelves, or drawers that receive food items and assist with organizing and arranging of such food items within the chilled chamber.

In addition, conventional refrigerator appliances include dispensing assemblies for dispensing liquid water and/or ice, e.g., through a dispenser mounted on a front of the appliance or within the cabinet. These dispensing assemblies typically use one or more water filters to filter water before the water is output to a user or used to make ice. Specifically, water filters remove dirt, sediment, and other contaminants from unfiltered water sources such as, for example, municipal water supplies before dispensing to the end user in the form of water and/or ice.

In many cases, such as in refrigerator appliances, a filter cartridge is installed onto a gravity fed or pressurized water supply line such that water flowing through the water supply line is flowed through filter media contained in the cartridge.

For example, <CIT> discloses a refrigerator equipped with a water filter assembly. The water filter assembly is designed to connect a water filter to a manifold by lifting the water filter via a mover element.

<CIT> shows another type of water filter device, wherein a filter cartridge is inserted to a housing to meet a filter head unit. The filter cartridge is turned and thus screwed to the filter head unit.

However, these filter cartridges must be replaced periodically or the filter media must be otherwise refreshed. Removing these filter cartridges is often a complex and difficult task, requiring excessive force and creating potential for water splashes or leaks.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with an improved water filter assembly would be useful. More particularly, a filter assembly for a refrigerator appliance with features for facilitating the quick and easy removal and replacement of filter cartridges would be particularly beneficial.

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

In a first aspect of the invention, a filter assembly for a refrigerator appliance according to claim <NUM> is provided. In a second aspect of the invention, a refrigerator appliance according to claim <NUM> is provided.

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

Housing <NUM> defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing <NUM> defines fresh food chamber <NUM> positioned at or adjacent top <NUM> of housing <NUM> and a freezer chamber <NUM> arranged at or adjacent bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM>. As such, refrigerator appliance <NUM> is generally 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. Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter may be applied to other appliances as well, such as ovens, microwaves, etc. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular appliance or configuration.

Refrigerator doors <NUM> are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing <NUM> for selectively accessing fresh food chamber <NUM>. In addition, a freezer door <NUM> is arranged below refrigerator doors <NUM> for selectively accessing freezer chamber <NUM>. Freezer door <NUM> is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber <NUM>. Refrigerator doors <NUM> and freezer door <NUM> are shown in the closed configuration in <FIG>. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

<FIG> provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance <NUM> shown with refrigerator doors <NUM> in the open position. As shown in <FIG>, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber <NUM> 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 <NUM> and shelves <NUM>. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins <NUM> may be mounted on refrigerator doors <NUM> or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber <NUM>. 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 again to <FIG>, a dispensing assembly <NUM> will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Although several different exemplary embodiments of dispensing assembly <NUM> will be illustrated and described, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar components and features. Dispensing assembly <NUM> is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly <NUM> is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly <NUM> while remaining within the present subject matter.

Dispensing assembly <NUM> and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess <NUM> defined on one of refrigerator doors <NUM>. In this regard, dispenser recess <NUM> is defined on a front side <NUM> of refrigerator appliance <NUM> such that a user may operate dispensing assembly <NUM> without opening refrigerator door <NUM>. In addition, dispenser recess <NUM> is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess <NUM> is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assembly <NUM> includes an ice dispenser <NUM> including a discharging outlet <NUM> for discharging ice from dispensing assembly <NUM>. An actuating mechanism <NUM>, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet <NUM> for operating ice or water dispenser <NUM>. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser <NUM>. For example, ice dispenser <NUM> can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet <NUM> and actuating mechanism <NUM> are an external part of ice dispenser <NUM> and are mounted in dispenser recess <NUM>. By contrast, refrigerator door <NUM> may define an icebox compartment <NUM> (<FIG>) housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin (not shown) that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess <NUM>.

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

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 <NUM>, dispensing assembly <NUM> and other components of refrigerator appliance <NUM>. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Referring now generally to <FIG>, a filter assembly <NUM> which may be used with refrigerator appliance <NUM> will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Specifically, filter assembly <NUM> is configured for receiving a filter cartridge <NUM> for filtering water before use in refrigerator appliance <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiment, filter assembly <NUM> is illustrated as being mounted in refrigerator door <NUM> and may be fluidly coupled to a water supply line (not shown) for receiving and filtering a flow of water before dispensing the water to a user or an ice maker (not shown). Alternatively, filter assembly <NUM> may be mounted at any other suitable location within refrigerator appliance <NUM> or may be used in any other suitable refrigerator appliance or in any other application where filtering a fluid may be desirable. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner.

As best shown in <FIG>, filter assembly <NUM> includes a filter housing <NUM> for receiving filter cartridge <NUM>. Specifically, filter housing <NUM> may have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section and may be elongated along a filter axis A. Filter housing <NUM> may define a docking aperture <NUM> through which a port <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM> may engage a water supply line. In addition, filter housing <NUM> may generally include five solid walls <NUM> (e.g. a bottom wall, a top wall, two sidewalls, and a rear wall, with directional references being based on the orientation of filter housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Walls <NUM> of filter housing <NUM> may generally define a front opening <NUM> which is configured for receiving filter cartridge <NUM>. In this manner, referring again briefly to <FIG>, the solid walls <NUM> of filter housing <NUM> may be recessed within an aperture in refrigerator door <NUM> such that a user may insert filter cartridge <NUM> into refrigerator door <NUM> such that it sits flush with an external surface of refrigerator door <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that filter housing <NUM> is used only for the purpose of explaining aspects of the present subject matter and is not intended to be limiting in any manner. For example, filter housing <NUM> and filter cartridge <NUM> are illustrated and described herein as having substantially rectangular or square cross-sections. However, it should be appreciated that aspects the present subject matter may also apply to filter housings and/or filter cartridges which have a circular cross-sections or any other suitable cross-sectional shape.

Filter assembly <NUM> further includes a filter locking mechanism <NUM> which is positioned at least partially within filter housing <NUM>. Filter locking mechanism <NUM> is generally configured for securing filter cartridge <NUM> within filter housing <NUM>. In general, filter locking mechanism <NUM> is an L-shaped bracket that defines two flaps that are configured to securely receive filter cartridge <NUM>. More specifically, filter locking mechanism <NUM> includes a first flap or a locking arm <NUM> that extends substantially parallel to a bottom wall <NUM> of filter housing <NUM>. In addition, locking arm <NUM> defines a retention clip <NUM> which is positioned at its distal end <NUM> for securing filter cartridge <NUM>, as described in more detail below.

In addition, filter locking mechanism <NUM> includes a resilient arm <NUM> that extends from locking arm <NUM>. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, locking arm <NUM> and resilient arm <NUM> may both extend from a pivot pin <NUM> out toward their respective distal ends at an extension angle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As used herein, "extension angle" is generally used to refer to an angle defined between locking arm <NUM> in resilient arm <NUM> proximate pivot pin <NUM>. In addition, the extension angle <NUM> generally refers to the relaxed extension angle, e.g., when filter cartridge <NUM> is not installed. However, it should be appreciated that extension angle <NUM> varies slightly when filter cartridge <NUM> is installed, as described in detail below.

According to the invention, the extension angle <NUM> is less than <NUM> degrees. In this manner, when filter cartridge <NUM> is installed in filter housing <NUM>, filter locking mechanism <NUM> is distorted or flexes to provide a spring force on filter cartridge <NUM>. According to alternative embodiments, the extension angle <NUM> may be less than <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, or even smaller when in the relaxed position. In general, a smaller extension angle <NUM> results in a stronger spring force on filter cartridge <NUM>. It should be appreciated that as used herein, terms of approximation, such as "approximately," "substantially," or "about," refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

According to the illustrated embodiment, pivot pin <NUM> is rotatably mounted to filter housing <NUM>. Specifically, referring to <FIG>, filter housing <NUM> defines a plurality of alignment ribs <NUM> which extend into filter housing <NUM> and may generally be configured for securely receiving filter cartridge <NUM>. As shown, alignment ribs <NUM> may define at least one filleted corner <NUM> for guiding filter cartridge <NUM> during the insertion or installation process. Alignment ribs <NUM> may further define mounting holes <NUM> for rotatably receiving pivot pin <NUM>.

Referring now briefly to <FIG>, filter locking mechanism <NUM> may rotate within filter housing <NUM> through a pivot angle <NUM>. Pivot angle <NUM> may be any angle suitable to permit filter cartridge <NUM> to pass through opening <NUM>. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, pivot angle <NUM> is less than about <NUM> degrees or approximately <NUM> degrees. Notably, this may be achieved by rotatably mounting filter locking mechanism <NUM> and spacing locking arm <NUM> apart from filter housing <NUM>, e.g., from bottom wall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In this manner, as filter cartridge <NUM> is inserted through opening <NUM>, filter locking mechanism <NUM> may pivot to lower retention clip <NUM> and an amount sufficient to permit filter cartridge <NUM> to pass into filter housing <NUM> through opening <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, locking arm <NUM> may define a length <NUM> that is substantially equivalent to a width <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM> (or slightly larger). Length <NUM> may be defined as the distance between retention clip <NUM> and pivot pin <NUM> (e.g., where resilient arm <NUM> extends from locking arm <NUM>). Notably, retention clip <NUM> may extend from distal end <NUM> of locking arm <NUM> and may generally define a locking surface <NUM> that is oriented substantially perpendicular to locking arm <NUM> and an angled surface <NUM> that faces away from filter housing <NUM> for engaging filter cartridge <NUM> as it is inserted through opening <NUM>.

In addition, according to the illustrated embodiment, resilient arm <NUM> may be curved to define a convex surface <NUM> that faces filter cartridge <NUM> as it is inserted through opening <NUM>. In this manner, as filter cartridge <NUM> is moved towards the fully inserted position, resilient arm <NUM> contacts filter cartridge <NUM> at a contact point <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiment, contact point <NUM> may be positioned proximate a midpoint <NUM> of filter housing <NUM> as measured along a direction perpendicular to filter axis A. According to an alternative embodiment, contact point <NUM> may be positioned between midpoint <NUM> and a top wall <NUM> of filter housing <NUM>. Notably, forming resilient arm <NUM> such that contact point <NUM> is positioned proximate midpoint <NUM> ensures that the spring force of resilient arm <NUM> acts in the desired direction.

Notably, filter locking member <NUM> is generally configured for both pivoting and flexing slightly when engaged by filter cartridge <NUM>. In this regard, for example, locking arm <NUM> defines a first thickness <NUM> and resilient arm <NUM> defines a second thickness <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, first thickness <NUM> is greater than second thickness <NUM>, e.g., to provide more rigidity to locking arm <NUM> while permitting resilient arm <NUM> to flex and provide a spring force to filter cartridge <NUM>. For example, first thickness <NUM> may be approximately double second thickness <NUM> according to exemplary embodiments.

Notably, deformation of resilient arm <NUM> is preferably within the elastic region of the material used, such that it may return to an unflexed state when filter cartridge <NUM> is removed. However, when filter cartridge <NUM> is installed, it is desirable that resilient arm <NUM> remains deflected or flexed to secure filter cartridge <NUM> in the installed position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, filter housing <NUM> may be permanently fixed within refrigerator door <NUM> and may be formed from any suitable material. In addition, filter locking mechanism <NUM> may be formed from any material which is sufficiently rigid to retain filter cartridge <NUM> while permitting flexing as described above to secure filter cartridge <NUM>. Specifically, for example, filter housing <NUM> and filter locking mechanism <NUM> may be formed by injection molding, e.g., using a suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Alternatively, according to the exemplary embodiment, filter housing <NUM> and filter locking mechanism <NUM> may be compression molded, e.g., using sheet molding compound (SMC) thermoset plastic.

Referring again to <FIG>, an exemplary process of installing filter cartridge <NUM> into filter housing <NUM> will be described. As shown in <FIG>, as filter cartridge <NUM> is pressed against filter locking mechanism <NUM>, angled surface <NUM> urges filter locking mechanism <NUM> pivot about pivot pin <NUM> (e.g., clockwise as illustrated in the figures). In this manner, filter cartridge <NUM> may be inserted at least partially through opening <NUM> of filter housing <NUM> until it just engages resilient arm <NUM> at contact point <NUM> (e.g. as shown in <FIG>).

As the user continues to push filter cartridge <NUM> into filter housing <NUM> resilient arm <NUM> begins to deflect (e.g. undeflected position is shown in phantom in <FIG> and <FIG>). This deflection generates a spring force urging filter cartridge <NUM> back out of filter housing <NUM> while also urging filter locking mechanism <NUM> to press up on filter cartridge <NUM> (e.g., by rotating in the counterclockwise direction). If a user continues to push filter cartridge <NUM> into filter housing <NUM>, resilient arm <NUM> continues to deflect until a backside of filter cartridge <NUM> clears retention clip <NUM>. When this happens, as shown in <FIG>, filter cartridge <NUM> snaps in place. In this regard, a top of filter cartridge <NUM> fits snugly between a top wall <NUM> of filter housing <NUM> and locking arm <NUM>. In addition, resilient arm <NUM> continues to urge filter cartridge <NUM> against locking surface <NUM>. Thus, filter cartridge <NUM> remains bounded and securely positioned within filter housing <NUM>.

To remove filter cartridge <NUM>, a user may simply press down on angled surface <NUM> of retention clip <NUM> until locking surface <NUM> no longer engages filter cartridge <NUM>, at which time resilient arm <NUM> urges filter cartridge <NUM> back out of filter housing <NUM>. Thus, the construction of filter housing <NUM> and filter locking mechanism <NUM> is uniquely configured to receive filter cartridges <NUM> and secure them in place without permitting any rattling or undesirable movement. In addition, removal of filter cartridge <NUM> (e.g. after the filter media is exhausted) is quick and simple.

Claim 1:
A filter assembly (<NUM>) for a refrigerator appliance (<NUM>), the filter assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a filter housing (<NUM>) for receiving a filter cartridge (<NUM>); and
a filter locking mechanism (<NUM>) positioned at least partially within the filter housing (<NUM>) for securing the filter cartridge (<NUM>), the filter locking mechanism (<NUM>) comprising a locking arm (<NUM>),
characterized in that the locking arm (<NUM>) defines a retention clip (<NUM>) for securing the filter cartridge (<NUM>) and a resilient arm (<NUM>) that extends from the locking arm (<NUM>) at an extension angle (<NUM>) of less than <NUM> degrees, and wherein the filter housing (<NUM>) defines a plurality of alignment ribs (<NUM>) for guiding the filter cartridge (<NUM>) into the filter housing (<NUM>).