公开(公告)号：US20140165602A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-19

申请号：US13713253

申请日：2012-12-13

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN

IPC: F25C5/18 ,  F25C5/08

CPC classification number: F25C5/08 ,  F25B21/02 ,  F25C1/20 ,  F25C5/187 ,  F25C5/22 ,  F25C2305/022 ,  F25C2600/04 ,  F25C2700/02

Abstract: An ice maker, including sensors to measure usage parameters and transmit the same to a controller. The controller is operably connected to a plurality of ice forming systems, and directs the systems to operate in a high energy mode or a low energy mode, based on the usage parameter. The usage parameters may include an ice level, a change in the ice level over time, the amount of time that a dispenser is actuated, the time of day, or historical usage patterns. The ice forming systems may include one or more of a thermoelectric device coupled to a bottom surface of an ice forming plate, a forced air system to circulate cold air, a forced air system to circulate warm air, and a temperature control system to maintain a temperature gradient between a first chamber above the ice forming plate and a second chamber below the ice forming plate.

Abstract translation: 制冰机，包括用于测量使用参数并将其传输到控制器的传感器。 控制器可操作地连接到多个成冰系统，并且基于使用参数指导系统以高能量模式或低能量模式操作。 使用参数可以包括冰水位，随着时间的变化，冰水位的变化，分配器被启动的时间量，一天中的时间或历史使用模式。 制冰系统可以包括一个或多个耦合到冰形成板的底表面的热电装置，用于循环冷空气的强制空气系统，强制空气系统循环暖空气，以及温度控制系统，以维持 冰形成板上方的第一室和冰形成板下方的第二室之间的温度梯度。

公开(公告)号：US20170102177A1

公开(公告)日：2017-04-13

申请号：US15332131

申请日：2016-10-24

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN

IPC: F25D11/00 ,  F25D23/12 ,  F25D23/02 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D11/02 ,  F25B21/02

CPC classification number: F25D11/006 ,  B67D3/0009 ,  F25B21/00 ,  F25B21/02 ,  F25B21/04 ,  F25C2400/10 ,  F25D11/00 ,  F25D11/02 ,  F25D23/028 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/126 ,  F25D2303/08 ,  F28D17/00 ,  F28D19/00 ,  F28D19/02 ,  F28D19/04 ,  F28D20/00

Abstract: A bottom mount refrigerator is provided including a thermal battery or phase change material positioned within the refrigerator or freezer in order to increase energy efficiency and compartment sizes of the refrigerator. The thermal battery can be used with an ice maker to aid in removing heat from the water in the ice maker to produce ice. Furthermore, the phase change material or thermal battery may be used with a thermoelectric cooler to aid in ice production. The phase change material may be tuned to various temperatures according to the desired use of the phase change material, as well as the location of the thermal battery or phase change material. Other embodiments include positioning the phase change material in the liner of the compartments or in thermal storage units in order to further increase the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

公开(公告)号：US20160305701A1

公开(公告)日：2016-10-20

申请号：US15194655

申请日：2016-06-28

Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN ,  MARK E. THOMAS

IPC: F25D17/06 ,  F25C5/18 ,  F25D29/00 ,  F25D23/02 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25C1/04 ,  F25D11/02

CPC classification number: F25D17/065 ,  F25C1/04 ,  F25C5/182 ,  F25C2400/10 ,  F25D11/02 ,  F25D23/028 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D29/00 ,  F25D2317/061 ,  F25D2317/062 ,  F25D2323/021 ,  F25D2600/04 ,  F25D2600/06 ,  F25D2700/122

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet below the fresh food compartment, and first and second French doors operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet to provide access to the fresh food compartment. There is also a mullion between the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, an air inlet and an air outlet proximate a bottom of the first French door, and an air outlet and an air inlet on a front face of the mullion. When the first French door is in a closed position, the air inlet proximate the bottom of the first French door aligns with the air outlet on the front face of the mullion and the air outlet proximate the bottom of the first French door aligns with the air inlet on the front face of the mullion.

Abstract translation: 一个冰箱包括一个冰箱，一个放置在冰柜内的一个新鲜的食物室，一个设在冷藏柜内的冷藏室，以及第一和第二个法式门，可操作地连接到冰柜，以提供进入新鲜食物 隔间 在新鲜食物隔间和冷冻室之间还有一个竖框，一个空气入口和靠近第一个法国门底部的空气出口，一个出气口和竖框正面的一个空气入口。 当第一个法国门处于关闭位置时，靠近第一法国门底部的空气入口与竖框正面的出气口对齐，靠近第一法国门底部的出风口与空气对齐 竖框正面的入口。

公开(公告)号：US20140165610A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-19

申请号：US13713154

申请日：2012-12-13

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN ,  BRIAN K. CULLEY

IPC: F25C1/00 ,  F25C5/02 ,  F25B21/02

CPC classification number: F25C1/04 ,  F25C1/00 ,  F25C1/22 ,  F25C2500/02

Abstract: A method of making an ice structure comprising the steps of: providing a mold with at least two mold portions where the at least two mold portions come together to form a cavity that defines a shape of an ice structure; placing the at least two mold portions in thermal communication with at least one cooling source; chilling the at least two mold portions using the at least one cooling source; orienting the at least two mold portions in spaced apart relation; delivering a flow of water such that the flow of water passes along the surface of the at least two mold portions with the mold segments such that water flows (by capillary/wicking action) over the mold segment and forms an ice structure segment; ceasing the flow of water when the ice structure segments are formed; and fusing the ice structure segments together to form the ice structure.

Abstract translation: 一种制作冰结构的方法，包括以下步骤：提供具有至少两个模具部分的模具，其中所述至少两个模具部分在一起形成限定冰结构形状的空腔; 将所述至少两个模具部分放置成与至少一个冷却源热连通; 使用所述至少一个冷却源来冷却所述至少两个模具部分; 将所述至少两个模具部分定位成间隔开的关系; 输送水流，使得水流沿着模具部分的至少两个模具部分的表面通过，使得水在模具段上流动（通过毛细管/芯吸作用）并形成冰结构段; 当冰结构段形成时停止水流; 并将冰结构段融合在一起形成冰结构。

公开(公告)号：US20140165603A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-19

申请号：US13713262

申请日：2012-12-13

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN ,  MARK E. THOMAS

IPC: F25B21/04 ,  F25D17/04 ,  F25C1/10

CPC classification number: F25B21/04 ,  F25B21/02 ,  F25B2321/0251 ,  F25C1/10 ,  F25C1/20 ,  F25C5/22 ,  F25C2305/022 ,  F25D17/04 ,  Y02P60/855

Abstract: An ice maker having an ice tray horizontally suspended within a housing and a drive body rotatably coupled to a transverse axis of the ice tray and configured to oscillate the ice tray about the transverse axis. The cold side of a thermoelectric device is thermally coupled with a bottom surface of the ice tray, and a hot side opposes the cold side. A barrier extends around the periphery of the ice tray within the housing, and separates the housing into a first chamber and a second air chamber. A heat sink is thermally coupled with the hot side of the thermoelectric device and extends into the second air chamber. An intake duct member is coupled with the housing proximate the second air chamber, and is configured to dispense a cold air flow over the heat sink. The barrier restricts the cold air flow from entering the first chamber.

Abstract translation: 一种制冰机，其具有水平悬挂在壳体内的冰盘和驱动体，所述驱动体可旋转地联接到所述冰盘的横向轴线并且构造成围绕所述横向轴线摆动所述冰盘。 热电装置的冷侧与冰盘的底面热耦合，热侧与冷侧相对。 挡板围绕壳体内的冰盘的周边延伸，并且将壳体分离成第一室和第二空气室。 散热器与热电装置的热侧热耦合并且延伸到第二空气室中。 入口管道构件与靠近第二空气室的壳体联接，并且构造成在散热器上分配冷空气流。 屏障限制冷气流进入第一室。

公开(公告)号：US20140150472A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-05

申请号：US13691898

申请日：2012-12-03

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN

IPC: F25D11/02 ,  F25C1/00 ,  F25B21/02

CPC classification number: F25D11/02 ,  F25B21/02 ,  F25C1/00 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D25/00 ,  F25D25/005

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a refrigerator cabinet in at least one enclosure that can be mounted in different locations within the cabinet. The enclosure also can have targeted, independently controlled temperature provided to it. This allows the refrigerator to be highly customizable and reconfigurable according to desire or need. For example, an ice maker ice bin can be mounted in different positions within the cabinet, including door mount, refrigerated food compartment mount or freezer mount. Alternatively, specialized enclosures for such things as can chilling, milk chilling, meat chilling, or even thawing can be placed in multiple locations in the cabinet according to need or desire.

Abstract translation: 冰箱可以在至少一个外壳中包括一个可以安装在柜内不同位置的冷藏柜。 外壳还可以具有针对性，独立控制的温度。 这允许冰箱根据需要或需要高度可定制和可重新配置。 例如，制冰机冰箱可以安装在机柜内的不同位置，包括门安装，冷藏食品仓安装或冷冻架。 或者，可以根据需要或愿望将诸如可以冷却，牛奶冷冻，冷肉或甚至解冻的专用外壳放置在橱柜的多个位置。

公开(公告)号：US20140150462A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-05

申请号：US13691916

申请日：2012-12-03

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN ,  GREGORY G. HORTIN

IPC: F25C5/08 ,  F25B21/02

CPC classification number: F25C5/08 ,  F25B21/02 ,  F25B2321/021 ,  F25B2700/2107 ,  F25C5/22 ,  F25C2600/04 ,  F25C2700/12 ,  F25D11/02

Abstract: A refrigerator that has a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment, and a door that provides access to the fresh food compartment is disclosed. An icemaker is mounted remotely from the freezer compartment. The icemaker includes an ice mold with an icemaking cycle having a liquid to ice phase change. A thermoelectric device has a cold side and a warm side. A controller is in operable communication with an input to the thermoelectric device. A sensor is in operable communication with the input to the thermoelectric device and the controller. A feedback response from the input to the thermoelectric device monitors the liquid to ice phase change of the icemaking cycle.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种具有新鲜食物隔室，冷冻室和可以进入新鲜食物室的门的冰箱。 冰箱从冷冻室远程安装。 制冰机包括具有液相 - 冰相变的制冰循环的冰模。 热电装置具有冷侧和暖侧。 控制器与热电装置的输入端可操作地通信。 传感器与热电装置和控制器的输入端可操作地连通。 从输入到热电装置的反馈响应监测制冰循环的液相变冰。

公开(公告)号：US20140150456A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-05

申请号：US13691874

申请日：2012-12-03

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN ,  BRIAN K. CULLEY ,  GREGORY G. HORTIN ,  MARK E. THOMAS

IPC: F25B21/04 ,  F25C1/04

CPC classification number: F25B21/04 ,  F25B21/02 ,  F25B2321/0251 ,  F25C1/04 ,  F25C5/22 ,  F25D17/065 ,  F25D2323/021

Abstract: An icemaker is mounted remotely from a freezer compartment. The icemaker includes an ice mold. A thermoelectric device is provided and includes a warm side and an opposite cold side. A flow pathway is connected in communication between the cold side of the thermoelectric device and the icemaker. In one aspect, a fan is operatively positioned to move air from the fresh food compartment across the warm side of the thermoelectric device and a pump moves fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric device to the icemaker. Cold air, such as from a refrigerator compartment, may be used to dissipate heat from the warm side of the thermoelectric device for providing cold fluid to and for cooling the ice mold of the icemaker.

Abstract translation: 制冰机从冷冻室远程安装。 制冰机包括一个冰模。 提供了一种热电装置并且包括一个暖面和一个相对的冷侧。 流动通道连接在热电装置的冷端和制冰机之间。 在一个方面，风扇可操作地定位成将空气从新鲜食物室移动到热电装置的温暖侧面，并且泵将流体从热电装置的冷侧移动到制冰机。 可以使用诸如来自冷藏室的冷空气来从热电装置的温暖侧消散热量，以将冷流体提供给制冰机的冰模并用于冷却制冰机的冰模。

公开(公告)号：US20140109601A1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-24

申请号：US13656801

申请日：2012-10-22

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN

IPC: F25D21/12

CPC classification number: F25D21/125 ,  F25D17/065 ,  F25D21/12 ,  F25D21/14

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种冰箱，其包括低能量除霜系统和用于在用于冰箱的冷却系统的蒸发器上形成的结霜的方法。 低能量除霜系统包括使用来自冷藏室的空气或与冰箱相邻的外部空气被引导到蒸发器并且相邻于蒸发器盘管通过以熔化其上形成的任何霜。 当空气高于冰点温度时，它将熔化形成在线圈上的任何霜，而不需要使用电加热器。 然后可将熔化的霜的再冷却空气引导回冷藏室，以用于帮助冷藏冷藏室或将冷藏室保持在编程或预定温度。

公开(公告)号：US20160223241A1

公开(公告)日：2016-08-04

申请号：US15095995

申请日：2016-04-11

Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Inventor： PATRICK J. BOARMAN ,  LINDSEY ANN WOHLGAMUTH

IPC: F25C1/18

CPC classification number: F25C1/18 ,  F25B21/02 ,  F25C1/10 ,  F25C1/24 ,  F25C5/06 ,  F25C2305/022 ,  F25C2500/02

Abstract: An ice maker having a housing defining an interior volume, with an ice tray rotatably coupled with the housing and horizontally suspended across the interior volume thereof. The ice tray has ice wells, defined along the bottom by a bottom surface and the sides by an interior surface of at least one containment wall, wherein the containment wall has an upper portion, including a top surface of the containment wall and the interior surface adjacent the top surface. The upper portion of the containment wall has an insulating layer applied thereto. A tray for use in the ice maker and method of manufacturing the tray are also provided.

Abstract translation: 一种制冰机，其具有限定内部容积的壳体，其中冰盘与壳体可旋转地联接并横向悬挂在其内部空间上。 冰盘具有冰井，其底部由底部表面限定，侧面由至少一个容纳壁的内表面限定，其中容纳壁具有上部，包括容纳壁的顶表面和内表面 邻近顶面。 容纳壁的上部具有施加到其上的绝缘层。 还提供了用于制冰机的托盘和制造托盘的方法。