阅读说明：本技术 用于制取透明的冰的制冰组件 (Ice making assembly for making transparent ice ) 是由 B·A·容格 J·T·布朗 于 2019-08-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种制冰组件(102),其包括传导冰模具(160)、隔热护套(162)和水分配器(132)。传导冰模具(160)可以限定从顶端(164)延伸至底端(166)的模具腔(136)的上部(136A)。隔热护套(162)可以从传导冰模具(160)向下延伸。隔热护套(162)可以限定模具腔(136)的下部(136B)。模具腔(136)的下部(136B)可以是与模具腔(136)的上部(136A)对齐的竖直开口通路。水分配器(132)可以定位在隔热护套(162)的下方,以通过隔热护套(162)的竖直开口通路将水的制冰喷雾引导到模具腔(136)。(An ice making assembly (102) includes a conductive ice mold (160), a heat insulating jacket (162), and a water dispenser (132). The conductive ice mold (160) may define an upper portion (136A) of the mold cavity (136) extending from a top end (164) to a bottom end (166). A heat insulating jacket (162) may extend downwardly from the conductive ice mold (160). The insulating jacket (162) may define a lower portion (136B) of the mold cavity (136). The lower portion (136B) of the mold cavity (136) may be a vertically open passageway aligned with the upper portion (136A) of the mold cavity (136). A water dispenser (132) may be positioned below the insulated jacket (162) to direct an ice-making spray of water to the mold cavity (136) through the vertically open passageway of the insulated jacket (162).)

1. An ice-making assembly, comprising:

a conductive ice mold defining an upper portion of a mold cavity extending from a top end to a bottom end;

a thermally insulating jacket extending downwardly from the conductive ice mold, the thermally insulating jacket defining a lower portion of the mold cavity that is a vertically open passageway aligned with the upper portion of the mold cavity;

a sealed refrigeration system including an evaporator in thermally conductive communication with the conductive ice mold over the thermally insulating jacket; and

a water dispenser positioned below the insulated jacket to direct an ice-making spray of water to the mold cavity through the vertically open passageway of the insulated jacket.

2. The ice making assembly of claim 1, further comprising a water basin positioned below the conductive ice mold to receive excess water from the ice making spray.

3. The ice making assembly of claim 1, further comprising an ice bin positioned below the conductive ice mold to receive ice therefrom.

4. The ice making assembly of claim 1, wherein the insulating jacket comprises an insulating polymer defining the lower portion of the mold cavity.

5. The ice making assembly of claim 1, wherein said conductive ice mold comprises aluminum extending along said upper portion of said mold cavity.

6. The ice making assembly of claim 1, further comprising a thermally insulating film extending from the thermally insulating jacket along an inner surface of the conductive ice mold at the upper portion of the mold cavity.

7. The ice making assembly of claim 1, wherein a plurality of fluid passages are defined through the insulating jacket to the lower portion of the mold cavity, and wherein the plurality of fluid passages are in fluid communication with a fluid pump to direct a de-icing spray of fluid to the lower portion of the mold cavity.

8. The ice making assembly of claim 7, wherein the fluid pump is an air pump configured to direct an air flow to the lower portion of the mold cavity.

9. The ice making assembly of claim 7, wherein the fluid pump is a water pump configured to direct a flow of water to the lower portion of the mold cavity.

10. The ice making assembly of claim 9, further comprising a controller configured to alternately direct water to the water dispenser and the plurality of fluid channels.

11. The ice making assembly of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to alternately activate the ice making spray and a discrete deicing spray to the mold cavity, wherein the deicing spray is activated after and separate from the ice making spray.

12. An ice-making assembly, comprising:

a conductive ice mold defining an upper portion of a mold cavity extending from a top end to a bottom end;

a thermally insulating jacket extending downwardly from the conductive ice mold, the thermally insulating jacket defining a lower portion of the mold cavity that is a vertically open passageway aligned with the upper portion of the mold cavity;

a water dispenser positioned below the insulated jacket to direct an ice-making spray of water to the mold cavity through the vertically open passageway of the insulated jacket; and

a controller configured to alternately activate the ice making spray and discrete de-icing to the mold cavity, wherein the de-icing spray is activated after and separate from the ice making spray.

13. The ice making assembly of claim 12, further comprising a water basin positioned below the conductive ice mold to receive excess water from the ice making spray.

14. The ice making assembly of claim 12, further comprising an ice bin positioned below the conductive ice mold to receive ice therefrom.

15. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein the insulating jacket comprises an insulating polymer defining the lower portion of the mold cavity.

16. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein said conductive ice mold comprises aluminum extending along said upper portion of said mold cavity.

17. The ice making assembly of claim 12, further comprising a thermally insulating film extending from the thermally insulating jacket along an inner surface of the conductive ice mold at the upper portion of the mold cavity.

18. The ice making assembly of claim 12, wherein a plurality of fluid passages are defined through the insulating jacket to the lower portion of the mold cavity, and wherein the plurality of fluid passages are in fluid communication with a fluid pump to direct the deicing spray to the lower portion of the mold cavity.

19. The ice making assembly of claim 18, wherein the fluid pump is an air pump configured to direct an air flow to the lower portion of the mold cavity.

20. The ice making assembly of claim 18, wherein the fluid pump is a water pump configured to direct a flow of water to the lower portion of the mold cavity.

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates generally to ice making appliances and, more particularly, to appliances for making substantially clear ice.

Background

In domestic and commercial applications, ice is typically formed as solid cubes, such as crescent-shaped cubes or generally rectangular blocks. The shape of such cubes is generally determined by the environment during freezing. For example, an ice maker may receive liquid water, and such liquid water may freeze within the ice maker to form ice cubes. In particular, some ice-making machines include a freezer mold that defines a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities may be filled with liquid water, and such liquid water may freeze within the plurality of cavities to form solid ice cubes. Typical solid cubes or blocks may be relatively small to accommodate a large number of uses, such as temporary refrigeration and rapid cooling of various sizes of liquids.

While typical solid cubes or blocks may be useful in various situations, in some cases, a different or unique ice shape may be desired. By way of example, it has been found that relatively large ice cubes or ice balls (e.g., greater than two inches in diameter) will melt more slowly than typical ice sizes/shapes. In certain wines or cocktails, slowly melting ice may be particularly desirable. Furthermore, such cubes or spheres may provide a unique or high-end impression to the user.

In recent years, various ice presses have been marketed. For example, some compressors include metal compressor elements that define a profile into which a relatively large slab of ice may be reshaped (e.g., in response to gravity or generated heat). Such a system reduces some of the risks and user skill requirements when reshaping ice by hand. However, the time required for the system to melt the ice mass is generally dependent on the size and shape of the initial ice mass. Furthermore, the quality (e.g., transparency) of the final solid cube or block may depend on the quality of the initial ice blank.

In typical ice making appliances, such as those used to form large ice blanks, impurities and gases may be trapped within the blank. For example, impurities and gases may collect near the outer regions of the ice mass as they cannot escape and cause a phase change from frozen liquid to solid at the surface of the ice cubes. A dull or cloudy appearance may be formed on the outer surface of the ice compact (e.g., during rapid freezing of ice cubes) along with or separate from retained impurities and gases. Typically, a cloudy or opaque ice blank is the end product of a typical ice making appliance. To ensure that the formed or finished ice cubes or pellets are substantially transparent, many systems form a solid ice mass that is much larger (e.g., 50% greater in mass or volume) than the desired finished ice cubes or pellets. In addition to being generally inefficient, this may significantly increase the time and energy required to melt or form the initial ice slab into a final cube or sphere. Furthermore, freezing such large ice billets (e.g., greater than two inches in diameter or width) may risk cracking, for example, if significant temperature gradients develop across the ice billet.

Accordingly, further improvements in the field of ice making are desired. In particular, it may be desirable to provide an appliance or assembly for quickly and reliably producing a substantially transparent ice blank while addressing one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

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

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making assembly is provided. The ice-making assembly can include a conductive ice mold, a thermally insulating jacket, a sealed refrigeration system, and a water dispenser. The conductive ice mold may define an upper portion of the mold cavity extending from the top end to the bottom end. The insulating jacket may extend downward from the conductive ice mold. The insulating jacket may define a lower portion of the mold cavity. The lower portion of the mold cavity may be a vertically open passageway that is aligned with the upper portion of the mold cavity. The sealed refrigeration system may include an evaporator in conductive thermal communication with the conductive ice mold over the insulating jacket. A water dispenser may be positioned below the insulated jacket to direct an ice-making spray of water to the mold cavity through the vertically open passageway of the insulated jacket.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ice making assembly is provided. The ice-making assembly can include a conductive ice mold, a thermally insulating jacket, a water dispenser, and a controller. The conductive ice mold may define an upper portion of the mold cavity extending from the top end to the bottom end. The insulating jacket may extend downward from the conductive ice mold. The insulating jacket may define a lower portion of the mold cavity. The lower portion of the mold cavity may be a vertically open passageway that is aligned with the upper portion of the mold cavity. A water dispenser may be positioned below the insulated jacket to direct an ice-making spray of water to the mold cavity through the vertically open passageway of the insulated jacket. The controller may be configured to alternately initiate an ice making spray and discrete de-icing to the mold cavity. The de-icing spray may be initiated after and separate from the ice-making spray.

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

Drawings

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

Fig. 1 provides a side plan view of an ice making appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 provides a schematic illustration of an ice-making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 provides a simplified perspective view of an ice-making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of the exemplary ice-making assembly of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of the exemplary ice-making assembly of fig. 3 during an ice-forming operation.

Fig. 6 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of the exemplary ice-making assembly of fig. 3 during a release operation.

Fig. 7 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of a mold assembly of an ice-making assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one element from another and are not intended to denote the position or importance of the various elements. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative flow directions with respect to a fluid flow in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction of flow from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction of flow to which the fluid flows. The terms "comprising" and "including" are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising". Similarly, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "a or B" is intended to mean "a or B or both").

Turning now to the drawings, fig. 1 provides a side plan view of an ice making appliance 100 containing an ice making assembly 102. Fig. 2 provides a schematic illustration of the ice-making assembly 102. Fig. 3 provides a simplified perspective view of ice-making assembly 102.

In general, the ice making apparatus 100 includes a cabinet 104 (e.g., an insulated housing) and defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction, and a lateral direction that are orthogonal to each other. The lateral direction and the transverse direction can be generally understood as the horizontal direction H. As shown, the cabinet 104 defines one or more cooling chambers, such as a freezer chamber 106. In certain embodiments, such as those shown in fig. 1, ice-making appliance 100 is understood to be formed as a stand-alone freezer appliance or as part thereof. However, it should be appreciated that additional or alternative embodiments may be provided in the context of other refrigeration appliances. For example, the benefits of the present disclosure may be applicable to any type or style of refrigeration appliance that includes a freezer compartment (e.g., top-mounted refrigeration appliances, bottom-mounted refrigeration appliances, side-by-side door type refrigeration appliances, etc.). Thus, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limited in any way to any particular chamber configuration.

The ice-making appliance 100 generally includes an ice-making assembly 102 located on or within a freezer compartment 106. In some embodiments, the ice making appliance 100 includes a door 105 rotatably attached to the cabinet 104 (e.g., at a top thereof). As will be appreciated, the door 105 may selectively cover an opening defined by the cabinet 104. For example, the door 105 may be rotatable on the cabinet 104 between an open position (not shown) that allows access to the freezer compartment 106 and a closed position (fig. 2) that restricts access to the freezer compartment 106.

A user interface panel 108 is provided to control the mode of operation. For example, the user interface panel 108 may contain a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a touch screen or a button interface, for selecting a desired mode of operation. The operation of the ice making appliance 100 may be regulated by a controller 110 that is operatively coupled to a user interface panel 108 or various other components, as will be described below. The user interface panel 108 provides user-manipulated selections of the operation of the ice making appliance 100, such as (e.g., selections regarding chamber temperature, ice making speed, or other various options). The controller 110 may operate various components of the ice making appliance 100 or ice making assembly 102 in response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 108 or one or more sensor signals.

The controller 110 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitory memory) and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or microcontrol code associated with the operation of the ice making appliance 100. 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 the memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard the processor. Alternatively, the controller 110 may be constructed without the use of a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.; instead of relying on software to implement the control functions).

The controller 110 can be positioned at various locations throughout the ice making appliance 100. In an alternative embodiment, the controller 110 is located within the user interface panel 108. In other embodiments, the controller 110 may be positioned at any suitable location within the ice making appliance 100, such as, for example, within the cabinet 104. Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between the controller 110 and various operative components of the ice making appliance 100. For example, the user interface panel 108 may communicate with the controller 110 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

As shown, the controller 110 may be in communication with and may control the operation of various components of the ice-making assembly 102. For example, various valves, switches, etc. may be actuated based on commands from the controller 110. As discussed, the user interface panel 108 may additionally be in communication with the controller 110. Thus, various operations may occur based on user input or automatically as instructed by the controller 110.

Generally, the ice making appliance 100 includes a sealed refrigeration system 112 for performing a vapor compression cycle to cool water within the ice making appliance 100 (e.g., within the freezer compartment 106). The sealed refrigeration system 112 includes a compressor 114, a condenser 116, an expansion device 118, and an evaporator 120 fluidly connected in series and charged with a refrigerant. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sealed refrigeration system 112 may include additional components (e.g., one or more directional flow valves or additional evaporators, compressors, expansion devices, or condensers). Further, at least one component (e.g., evaporator 120) is provided in thermal communication (e.g., thermally conductive communication) with an ice mold or mold assembly 130 (fig. 3) to cool mold assembly 130, such as during an ice making operation. Optionally, an evaporator 120 is mounted within the freezer compartment 106, as generally shown in FIG. 1.

Within the sealed refrigeration system 112, the gaseous refrigerant flows into a compressor 114, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing gaseous refrigerant through the condenser 116. Within the condenser 116, heat exchange takes place with ambient air to cool and condense the refrigerant into a liquid state.

An expansion device 118 (e.g., a mechanical valve, a capillary tube, an electronic expansion valve, or other restrictive device) receives liquid refrigerant from the condenser 116. From the expansion device 118, the liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator 120. After exiting the expansion device 118 and entering the evaporator 120, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and evaporates. The evaporator 120 is relatively cool with respect to the freezer compartment 106 due to pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant. Thus, cooling water and ice or air are generated, and the ice making appliance 100 or the freezing compartment 106 is refrigerated. Thus, the evaporator 120 is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from water or air in thermal communication with the evaporator 120 to the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 120.

Optionally, one or more directional valves (e.g., between the compressor 114 and the condenser 116) may be provided to selectively redirect refrigerant to a point in the fluid circuit downstream of the expansion device 118 and upstream of the evaporator 120 through a bypass line connecting the one or more directional valves. In other words, one or more directional valves may allow refrigerant to selectively bypass the condenser 116 and the expansion device 120.

In additional or alternative embodiments, ice making appliance 100 further comprises a valve 122 for regulating the flow of liquid water to ice making assembly 102. For example, the valve 122 may be selectively adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, valve 122 allows liquid water to flow to ice-making assembly 102 (e.g., to water dispenser 132 or water reservoir 134 of ice-making assembly 102). Conversely, in the closed configuration, valve 122 blocks liquid water from flowing to ice-making assembly 102.

In certain embodiments, the ice making appliance 100 also includes a discrete compartment cooling system 124 (e.g., separate from the sealed refrigeration system 112) to extract heat from within the freezer compartment 106. For example, the discrete compartment cooling system 124 may include a respective sealed refrigeration circuit (e.g., including a unique compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device) or air handler (e.g., axial fan, centrifugal fan, etc.) configured to energize a flow of cool air within the freezer compartment 106.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors are mounted on or within ice mold 130. As an example, temperature sensor 144 may be mounted adjacent ice mold 130. The temperature sensor 144 may be electrically coupled to the controller 110 and configured to detect a temperature within the ice mold 130. The temperature sensor 144 may be formed as any suitable temperature sensing device, such as a thermocouple, thermistor, or the like.

Turning now to fig. 3 and 4, fig. 4 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of ice-making assembly 102. As shown, the ice making assembly 102 includes a mold assembly 130 that defines a mold cavity 136 within which an ice slab 138 may be formed. Optionally, a plurality of mold cavities 136 may be defined by the mold assembly 130 and spaced apart from one another (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V). One or more portions of the sealed refrigeration system 112 may be in thermal communication with the mold assembly 130. In particular, the evaporator 120 can be placed on or in contact with (e.g., conductive contact with) a portion of the mold assembly 130. During use, the evaporator 120 can selectively extract heat from the mold cavity 136, as will be described further below. In addition, a water distributor 132 positioned below the mold assembly 130 can selectively direct a flow of water into the mold cavity 136. Generally, the water distributor 132 includes a water pump 140 and at least one nozzle 142 oriented (e.g., vertically) toward the mold cavity 136. In embodiments where a plurality of discrete mold cavities 136 are defined by the mold assembly 130, the water distributor 132 can include a plurality of nozzles 142 or fluid pumps vertically aligned with the plurality of mold cavities 136. For example, each mold cavity 136 may be vertically aligned with a discrete nozzle 142.

In some embodiments, water basin 134 is positioned below the ice mold (e.g., directly below mold cavity 136 in vertical direction V). Basin 134 comprises a solid impermeable body and can define a vertical opening 145 and an interior volume 146 in fluid communication with mold cavity 136. When assembled, fluid (such as excess water falling from mold cavity 136) may enter interior volume 146 of basin 134 through vertical opening 145. In certain embodiments, one or more portions of the water dispenser 132 are positioned within the basin 134 (e.g., within the interior volume 146). As an example, the water pump 140 may be mounted within the water basin 134 in fluid communication with the interior volume 146. Accordingly, the water pump 140 may selectively draw water from the interior volume 146 (e.g., dispensed by the spray nozzle 142). The nozzle 142 may extend (e.g., vertically) from the water pump 140 through the interior volume 146.

In an alternative embodiment, guide ramp 148 is positioned between mold assembly 130 and basin 134 in vertical direction V. For example, guide ramp 148 may include a ramp surface that extends at a negative angle (e.g., relative to horizontal) from a location below mold cavity 136 to another location spaced from water basin 134 (e.g., horizontally). In some such embodiments, the guide ramp 148 extends to or terminates above the ice bin 150. Additionally or alternatively, the guide ramps 148 may define perforated portions 152 that are vertically aligned, for example, between the mold cavity 136 and the nozzle 142 or between the mold cavity 136 and the interior volume 146. One or more apertures are generally defined by the guide ramps 148 at the perforated portion 152. A fluid, such as water, may thus generally pass through the perforated portion 152 of the guide ramp 148 (e.g., in a vertical direction between the mold cavity 136 and the interior volume 146).

As shown, the ice bin 150 generally defines a storage volume 154 and may be positioned below the mold assembly 130 and the mold cavity 136. The ice mass 138 formed within the mold cavity 136 may be ejected from the mold assembly 130 and subsequently stored within the storage volume 154 of the ice bin 150 (e.g., within the freezer compartment 106). In some such embodiments, the ice bin 150 is positioned within the freezer compartment 106 and is horizontally spaced from the water sump 134, water dispenser 132, or mold assembly 130. The guide ramps 148 may span the horizontal distance between the mold assembly 130 and the ice bin 150. As the ice mass 138 descends or falls from the mold cavity 136, the ice mass 138 may thus be urged toward the ice bin 150 (e.g., by gravity).

Turning now generally to fig. 4-6, fig. 5 and 6 illustrate portions of the ice-making assembly 102 during an exemplary ice-forming operation (fig. 5) and a releasing operation (fig. 6). As shown, the mold assembly 130 is formed of discrete conductive ice molds 160 and a heat shield 162. Typically, the insulating jacket 162 extends downward from (e.g., directly from) the conductive ice mold 160. For example, insulating jacket 162 may be secured to conductive ice mold 160 by one or more suitable adhesives or attachment fasteners (e.g., bolts, latches, mating fork slots, etc.) positioned or formed between conductive ice mold 160 and insulating jacket 162.

Together, the conductive ice mold 160 and the insulating jacket 162 may define the mold cavity 136. For example, the conductive ice mold 160 may define an upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136, while the insulating jacket 162 defines a lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136. An upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136 may extend between an impermeable top end 164 and an open bottom end 166. Additionally or alternatively, the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136 may be curved (e.g., hemispherical) in open fluid communication with the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136. The lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136 may be a vertically open passageway that is aligned with (e.g., in the vertical direction V) the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136. Thus, the mold cavity 136 may extend within the conductive ice mold 160 in a vertical direction between the mold opening 168 at the bottom portion or floor 170 of the insulating jacket 162 to the tip 164. In some such embodiments, the mold cavity 136 defines a constant diameter or horizontal width from the lower portion 136B to the upper portion 136A. When assembled, a fluid, such as water, may flow through the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136 to the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136 (e.g., after flowing through the bottom opening defined by the insulating jacket 162).

The conductive ice mold 160 and the insulating jacket 162 are at least partially formed of two different materials. The conductive ice mold 160 is typically formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, including alloys thereof), while the insulating sheath 162 is typically formed of an insulating material (e.g., an insulating polymer such as synthetic silicone configured for use at sub-freezing temperatures without significant degradation). In some embodiments, the conductive ice mold 160 is formed of a material having greater water surface adhesion than the material forming the insulating jacket 162. Water frozen within the mold cavity 136 is prevented from extending horizontally along the bottom surface 170 of the insulating jacket 162.

Advantageously, the ice bank within the mold cavity 136 is prevented from rapidly growing beyond the boundaries of the mold cavity 136. Moreover, if multiple mold cavities 136 are defined within mold assembly 130, ice-making assembly 102 may advantageously prevent a connecting layer of ice from forming between the individual mold cavities 136 (and the ice bank therein) along bottom surface 170 of insulating jacket 162. Advantageously, this embodiment may ensure even heat distribution on the ice slab within the mold cavity 136. Thus, it is possible to prevent the breakage of the ice bank or the formation of the dimple at the bottom of the ice bank.

In some embodiments, the unique materials of the conductive ice mold 160 and the insulating jacket 162 each extend to the surfaces of the upper portion 136A and the lower portion 136B that define the mold cavity 136. In particular, a material having a relatively high water adhesion may bound the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136, while a material having a relatively low water adhesion may bound the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136. For example, the surface of the insulating jacket 162 that bounds the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136 may be formed of an insulating polymer (e.g., silicone). The surfaces of the conductive mold cavity 136 that bound the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136 may be formed of a thermally conductive metal (e.g., aluminum). In some such embodiments, the thermally conductive metal of conductive ice mold 160 may extend along (e.g., entirely) upper portion 136A.

Turning briefly to FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment, the one or more materials bounding the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136 and the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136 may both have a relatively low water adhesion. For example, the thermal barrier film 172 may extend along and define the boundary of the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136. In other words, the insulating film 172 may extend along the inner surface of the conductive ice mold 160 at the upper portion 136A of the mold cavity 136. In some such embodiments, the insulating film 172 extends from the insulating sheath 162 (e.g., as a unitary or monolithic integral unit with the insulating sheath 162). Alternatively, the material forming the thermal barrier film 172 may be the same as the material bounding the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136.

Turning now generally to fig. 4-7, in some embodiments, a plurality of fluid passages 174 are defined through the insulating sheath 162. In particular, a plurality of fluid passages 174 may extend through the insulating jacket 162 to the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136. Accordingly, each fluid passage 174 may define an outlet 176 above die opening 168. In some such embodiments, one or more of the fluid channels 174 may extend at an angle that is not parallel to the vertical direction V. For example, the channel may be perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

Generally, the fluid passage 174 may be in fluid communication with one or more fluid pumps and a fluid source to direct fluid therefrom as a de-icing spray (e.g., as shown at arrow 182). In certain embodiments, one or more of the fluid passages 174 are in fluid communication with a water pump (e.g., the water pump 140 within the water basin 134). The water pump 140 may be configured to direct a flow of water to the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136. At least a portion of the deicing spray 182 thus may be a water spray to partially melt the ice biscuit within the mold cavity 136 and facilitate release of the ice biscuit from the mold cavity 136. In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more of the fluid passages 174 are in fluid communication with an air pump 180 (e.g., in fluid communication with a compressed or ambient air source). The air pump 180 may be configured to direct a flow of air to the lower portion 136B of the mold cavity 136. At least a portion of the deicing spray 182 may thus be an air spray to partially melt and mold the ice biscuit within the mold cavity 136 and facilitate release of the ice biscuit from the mold cavity 136.

As shown, the controller 110 may be in communication (e.g., electrical communication) with one or more portions of the ice-making assembly 102. In some embodiments, the controller 110 is in communication with one or more fluid pumps (e.g., the water pump 140 or the air pump 180). The controller 110 may be configured to initiate discrete ice making and releasing operations. For example, the controller 110 may alternate the fluid source spray to the mold cavities 136.

During an ice making operation, the controller 110 can activate or direct the water dispenser 132 to energize an ice making spray (e.g., as shown at arrow 184) through the nozzle 142 and into the mold cavity 136 (e.g., through the mold opening 168). The controller 110 may further direct the sealed refrigeration system 112 (e.g., at the compressor 114) (fig. 3) to energize the refrigerant through the evaporator 120 and draw heat from within the mold cavity 136. When water from the ice making spray 184 strikes the mold assembly 130 within the mold cavity 136, a portion of the water may freeze in a progressive layer from the top end 164 to the bottom end 166. Excess water (e.g., water within mold cavity 136 that does not freeze upon contact with mold assembly 130 or a freezing volume herein) and impurities within ice making spray 184 may fall from mold cavity 136 and, for example, to water sump 134.

Once the ice bank is formed within mold cavity 136, controller 110 may direct the release ice operation. During a release operation, the controller 110 may stop or block the ice making spray 184 and activate the discrete de-icing spray 182 to the mold cavity 136. In other words, the de-icing spray 182 may be activated after and separate from the ice-making spray 184. Optionally, the controller 110 may limit or stop operation of the sealed refrigeration system 112 (e.g., at the compressor 114) during the release operation (fig. 3). In certain embodiments, the de-icing spray 182 flows out of the plurality of fluid passages 174. For example, as described above, the de-icing spray 182 may be formed by a flow of water or air that is energized by a fluid pump (e.g., water pump 140 or air pump 180). Alternatively, the de-icing spray 182 may be formed by a stream of water energized by the water dispenser 132. In some such embodiments, the nozzle 142 is configured to alter or alternate the spray pattern of water therefrom. Thus, the spray pattern from the nozzle 142 at the ice-making spray 184 may be unique and different from the spray pattern from the nozzle 142 at the de-icing spray 182.

The de-icing spray 182 may be energized by or from the same pump or a separate pump as the fluid pump energizing the ice-making spray 184. As the deicing spray 182 flows toward a portion of the ice bank within the mold cavity 136, the ice bank may separate from the mold assembly 130 and fall from the mold cavity 136 through the mold opening 168 (e.g., excited by gravity).

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they contain structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.