REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance is generally provided herein. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a secondary liner, and a circulation duct. The cabinet may include an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may be positioned at the fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may define a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber. The circulation duct may extend within the sub-compartment in fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment. The circulation duct may define an air passage in fluid communication with the freezer chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more particularly to refrigeration appliances including features for making ice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain appliances, such as refrigerator appliances, generally include an icemaker. In order to produce ice, liquid water is directed to the icemaker and frozen. After being frozen, ice may be stored within a storage bin appliance. In order to ensure ice is formed and/or remains in a frozen state, the icemaker and bin may be mounted within a chilled portion of the appliance. For instance, some conventional appliances provide an icemaker and storage bin within a freezer compartment. Other conventional appliances provide the icemaker and storage bin within a separate sub-compartment (e.g., within a door). In order to maintain efficient operation of the appliance, these conventional appliances generally provide an air circulation system to continuously exchange air within the sub-compartment with air within the freezer compartment. Some conventional appliances have attempted to incorporate a thermo-electric cooling device in order to cool a portion of an icemaker or storage bin. One or intermediate liquid refrigerant paths are typically defined between the thermo-electric cooling device in order to control the dual cooling-heating effects of such thermo-electric cooling devices.

Certain drawbacks exist with these conventional appliances. For instance, air within the freezer may be affected by the items stored within the freezer. Foul or unpleasant odors may be conveyed to the icemaker and/or storage bin. Over time, the odors within the air may taint the flavor or texture of the ice within the appliance. In the case of appliances utilizing a thermo-electric cooling device, the need for intermediate liquid refrigerant paths may significantly complicate assembly and maintenance of the appliance. Moreover, such systems may be unable to sufficiently accommodate heat generated at the thermo-electric cooling device without significantly limiting the portion of the appliance that may be cooled by thermo-electric cooling device. What's more, typical systems utilizing a thermo-electric cooling device may be relatively inefficient (e.g., when compared to convective heat exchange systems) for cooling any portion of the icemaker or storage bin.

In turn, it would be advantageous to provide a refrigerator appliance having features for addressing one or more of the above-described issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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 aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a secondary liner, and a circulation duct. The cabinet may include an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may be positioned at the fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may define a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber. The circulation duct may extend within the sub-compartment in fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment. The circulation duct may define an air passage in fluid communication with the freezer chamber.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a secondary liner, an icemaker, and a circulation duct. The cabinet may include an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may be attached to the cabinet. The secondary liner may define a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber. The icemaker may be mounted within the sub-compartment. The icemaker may include a mold body configured for receiving liquid water and forming ice in the mold body. The circulation duct may extend along the mold body within the sub-compartment. The circulation duct may be in fluid communication with the freezer chamber and fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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 perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the example refrigerator appliance shown in FIG. 1, wherein a refrigerator door is in an open position according to an exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a refrigerator appliance, including a cooling system, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a magnified schematic view of a portion of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a magnified schematic view of a portion of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides another magnified schematic view of a portion of a refrigerator appliance according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of a refrigerator appliance, including a sealed cooling system, according to exemplary embodiments 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 covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Generally, a refrigerator appliance may be provided in some aspects of the present disclosure. The refrigerator appliance can include multiple separate chambers, such as a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber. An icebox compartment for an icemaker can also be included. For instance, an icebox compartment can be defined in a door that permits access to the fresh food chamber. A separate circulation duct can also be included to exchange chilled air with the icebox compartment. The circulation duct may extend through the icebox compartment while being sealed off from the rest of the icebox compartment. In turn, although air may circulate through the circulation duct, it may be prevented from mixing with the rest of the air within the icebox compartment.

Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of an exemplary appliance (e.g., a refrigerator appliance 100) that includes an ice making feature. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a housing or cabinet 102 having an outer liner 118. As shown, cabinet generally extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

As shown, cabinet 102 generally defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 proximal to adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged proximal to 106 of cabinet 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 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, for example, a top mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. 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.

According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122. Bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 are positioned to receive of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 172 can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items. In some embodiments, a lateral mullion 116 is positioned within cabinet 102 and separating freezer chamber 124 and the fresh food chamber 122 along a vertical direction V.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122 and extending across at least a portion of fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124 and extending across at least a portion of freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are each shown in the closed position in FIG. 1 (i.e., a first closed position corresponding to doors 128, and a second closed position corresponding to door 130).

Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a delivery assembly 140 for delivering or dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Delivery assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., on one of refrigerator doors 128). Dispenser 142 includes a discharging outlet 144 for accessing ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 144 for operating dispenser 142. In alternative example embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser 142. For example, dispenser 142 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. A user interface panel 148 is provided for directing (e.g., selecting) the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel 148 includes a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), 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.

Discharging outlet 144 and actuating mechanism 146 are an external part of dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 150. Dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to open refrigerator doors 128. In exemplary embodiments, dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. During certain operations, the dispensing assembly 140 may receive ice from an icemaker 152 mounted in a sub-compartment of the fresh food chamber 122, as described below.

Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 can be generally controlled or regulated by a controller 190. In some embodiments, controller 190 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled or wirelessly coupled) to user interface panel 148 and/or various other components. In some such embodiments, user interface panel 148 provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance 100. As an example, user interface panel 148 may provide for selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or specific modes of operation. In response to one or more input signals (e.g., from user manipulation of user interface panel 148 and/or one or more sensor signals), controller 190 may operate various components of the refrigerator appliance 100 according to the current mode of operation.

Controller 190 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitory storage media) 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 refrigerator appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate appliance 100 and, for example, execute an operation routine. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 190 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/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.

Controller 190, or portions thereof, may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance 100. In example embodiments, controller 190 is located within the user interface panel 148. In other embodiments, the controller 190 may be positioned at any suitable location within refrigerator appliance 100, such as for example within the fresh food chamber 122, a freezer door 130, etc. Input/output (i.e., “I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 190 and various operational components of refrigerator appliance 100. For example, user interface panel 148 may be operably coupled to controller 190 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

As illustrated, controller 190 may be operably coupled to the various components of dispensing assembly 140 and may control operation of the various components, such as one or more thermo-electric heat exchangers 220, temperature sensors 228, air handlers 176, 226, 236 (see FIGS. 4 through 6), as well as one or more components of a sealed cooled system 180 (see FIG. 7). For example, the various valves, switches, valves, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller 190. As discussed, interface panel 148 may additionally be operably coupled to the controller 190. Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller 190 instruction.

Turning briefly to FIG. 7, a schematic view of certain components of a sealed cooling system 180 for refrigerator appliance 100 is provided. As may be seen in FIG. 7, refrigerator appliance 100 includes a sealed cooling system 180 for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling air within refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., within fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124). Sealed cooling system 180 includes a compressor 182, a condenser 184, an expansion device 186, and one or more evaporators 188A, 188B connected in fluid series and charged with a refrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed cooling system 180 may include additional or fewer components. For example, sealed cooling system 180 may include only a single evaporator (e.g., mounted within fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124) or multiple discrete evaporators positioned separate locations within cabinet 102.

Within sealed cooling system 180, gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 182, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 184. Within condenser 184, heat exchange (e.g., with ambient air) takes place so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant to condense to a liquid state.

Expansion device 186 (e.g., a valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 184. From expansion device 186, the liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 188A and/or evaporator 188B. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 7, one evaporator 188A is positioned within freezer chamber 124 while another evaporator 188B is positioned within fresh food chamber 122. Upon exiting expansion device 186 and entering evaporator(s) 188A, 188B, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, evaporators 188A, 188B are cool relative to freezer and fresh food chambers 124 and 122 of refrigerator appliance 100. As such, cooled air is produced and refrigerates freezer and fresh food chambers 124 and 122 of refrigerator appliance 100. Thus, evaporators 188A, 188B are heat exchangers which transfer heat from air passing over evaporators 188A, 188B to refrigerant flowing through evaporators 188A, 188B. In some embodiments, an air handler 189A or 189B, such as a fan or blower, is provided adjacent to one or more of evaporators 188A, 188B. For instance, air handler 189A may be provided within freezer chamber 124 to motivate air across evaporator 188A. Additionally or alternatively, air handler 189B may be provided within fresh food chamber 122 to motivate air across evaporator 188B.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator doors 128 in the open position. As shown, a secondary liner (e.g., icebox liner 132) defining a sub-compartment (e.g., icebox compartment 160) is attached (e.g., mechanically connected directly or indirectly) to cabinet 102. For instance, in some embodiments, at least one door 128 includes icebox liner 132 positioned thereon. In turn, icebox compartment 160 is defined within one of doors 128. In some such embodiments, icebox compartment 160 extends into fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position. Although icebox compartment 160 is shown in door 128, additional or alterative embodiments may include an icebox compartment defined at another portion of refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., within door 130 or fresh food chamber 122). An ice making assembly or icemaker 152 may be positioned or mounted within icebox compartment 160. Ice may be supplied to dispenser recess 150 (FIG. 1) from the icemaker 152 in icebox compartment 160 on a back side of refrigerator door 128.

An access door (e.g., icebox door 162) may be hinged to icebox compartment 160 to selectively cover or permit access to opening of icebox compartment 160. When refrigerator door 128 and icebox door 162 are both closed, icebox door 162 thus seals icebox compartment 160 from fresh food chamber 122. Any manner of suitable latch 164 is provided with icebox compartment 160 to maintain icebox door 162 in a closed position. As an example, latch 164 may be actuated by a consumer in order to open icebox door 162 for providing access into icebox compartment 160. Icebox door 162 can also assist with insulating icebox compartment 160 (e.g., by thermally isolating or insulating icebox compartment 160 from fresh food chamber 122). As will be described in detail below, a circulation duct 202 (FIG. 3) within icebox compartment 160 may receive cooling air from a chilled air supply duct 166 and a chilled air return duct 168 positioned on a side portion of cabinet 102 of refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., at least partially enclosed between outer liner 118 and internal liner 120). In this manner, the supply duct 166 and return duct 168 may recirculate chilled air from a suitable sealed cooling system (e.g., air within or in communication with a freezer chamber 124 and/or evaporator 188A—FIG. 3) and through icebox compartment 160. An air handler 176 (FIG. 6), such as a fan or blower, may be provided to motivate and recirculate air. As an example, air handler 176 can direct chilled air from an evaporator 188A (FIGS. 3 and 6) of a sealed system 180 (FIG. 7) through a duct to compartment 160.

In some embodiments, one or more of an icemaker 152 and ice bucket or storage bin 154 are provided within icebox compartment 160. Icemaker 152 may be any suitable assembly for generating ice from liquid water, such as a rigid cube, soft-ice, or nugget ice making assembly. Ice storage bin 154 may be positioned to receive and/or store ice from icemaker 152. Optionally, ice storage bin 154 is positioned below icemaker 152 and receives ice therefrom. For instance, an ice chute (not pictured) may be positioned adjacent to icemaker 152 to direct ice from icemaker 152 to ice bin 154. From ice storage bin 154, the ice can enter delivery assembly 140 and be accessed by a user.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, various schematic views of refrigerator appliance 100 are illustrated. In particular, a cooling system 200 in thermal communication with icebox compartment 160 is shown. Generally, an internal liner 120 defines fresh food chamber 122 and/or freezer chamber 124. Specifically, an inner surface of internal liner 120 may define one or both of fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124. An opposite outer surface of internal liner 120 may face away from inner surface and the respective fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124.

Internal liner 120 may be formed from a single continuous integral component or, alternatively, from multiple connected pieces. Optionally, fresh food chamber 122 may be fluidly isolated from freezer chamber 124. For instance, both chamber 122, 124 may be isolated such that no air is exchanged between chambers 122, 124 when one or both of doors 128, 130 (FIG. 2) are closed. Alternatively, a separate duct or circulation system may be provided to selectively direct chilled air from freezer chamber 124 to fresh food chamber 122 (e.g., as directed by controller 190).

As noted above, the icebox liner 132 may generally define icebox compartment 160, for instance, on door 128 (FIG. 2) or another suitable location within cabinet 102. In certain embodiments, icebox compartment 160 is positioned within fresh food chamber 122 when door 128 is in the closed position. When doors 128 and 130 (FIG. 2) are closed, icebox compartment 160 may be further isolated from fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124 such that no air is exchanged between icebox compartment 160 and freezer chamber 124 or fresh food chamber 122. Advantageously, any odors within the chambers 122, 124 will thus be prevented from affecting the smell or flavor of ice generated and/or stored within icebox compartment 160.

As shown a circulation duct 202 extends within and through icebox compartment 160. Specifically, circulation duct 202 may attach to a portion of icebox liner 132. An air passage 206 is defined by circulation duct 202. For instance, circulation duct 202 may include a duct wall 204 that is attached (e.g., mechanically connected directly or indirectly) to icebox liner 132 to define the separate air passage 206 inside icebox compartment 160. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of icebox liner 132 may further define air passage 206, with or without the discrete duct wall 204.

Generally, air passage 206 is provided in fluid isolation from icebox compartment 160. In other words, air is not readily exchanged between air passage 206 and icebox compartment 160 (e.g., the surrounding portion of icebox compartment 160, including storage bin 154). Thus, air from freezer chamber 124 will be prevented from interacting with ice formed by icemaker 152 or held within ice storage bin 154. In some embodiments, circulation duct 202, including duct wall 204, is provided as a solid non-permeable member lacking any door or opening in fluid communication with icebox compartment 160. In spite of the fluid isolation, circulation duct 202 may remain in thermal communication with icebox compartment 160. In turn, heat within icebox compartment 160 may be conducted (e.g., through duct wall 204) into air passage 206. In other words, air within air passage 206 may absorb at least a portion of heat within icebox compartment 160, without passing between air passage 206 and the surrounding portion of icebox compartment 160.

Although air passage 206 is illustrated as a generally open cavity in FIGS. 3 through 4, alternative embodiments may include one or more fin members (e.g., attached to or formed on duct wall 204 and/or icebox liner 132) extending within air passage 206 and/or icebox compartment 160, thereby increasing the surface area of circulation duct 202.

Turning especially to FIG. 4, circulation duct 202, specifically air passage 206, is in fluid communication with freezer chamber 124. When door 128 (FIG. 2) is in the closed position, a first opening 212 defined through icebox liner 132 fluidly communicates with the upstream outlet of supply duct 166 while a second opening 214 defined through icebox liner 132 fluidly communicates with the downstream inlet of return duct 168. As shown, the first opening 212 is generally positioned upstream from the second opening 214. Thus, air may be flowed (e.g., as motivated by air handler 176—FIG. 6) from freezer chamber 124 through the supply duct 166 to the air passage 206. From air circulation duct 202, air may further flow through return duct 168 and back to freezer chamber 124. In some embodiments, the first opening 212 is aligned (e.g., vertically) with the supply duct 166 while second opening 214 is aligned with the return duct 168 below the first opening 212.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, icemaker 152 may be mounted within icebox compartment 160. Thus, the icemaker 152 may be disposed at least partially within fresh food chamber 122 when door 128 (FIG. 2) is in the closed position. In some such embodiments, icemaker 152 includes a mold body 192 configured for receiving liquid water and forming ice in the mold body 192. For instance, mold body 192 may be so configured by forming the mold body 192 with a series of impressions or recesses (see FIG. 6) that receive liquid water therein and hold the liquid water at least until the liquid water freezes. In some exemplary embodiments, the icemaker 152 includes features for harvesting the ice from the mold body 192 once it has been formed. Storage bin 154 may be disposed in communication with the mold body 192 (e.g., below mold body 192) for receipt and storage of ice once the ice has been formed in mold body 192 and ejected therefrom.

When assembled, icemaker 152 may be in thermal communication with freezer chamber 124. For instance, mold body 192 may be mounted to circulation duct 202 (e.g., at duct wall 204). In exemplary embodiments, mold body 192 may be in conductive thermal communication with circulation duct 202 to cool mold body 192 and permit ice formation therein. Such conductive thermal communication may be provided in some exemplary embodiments by direct contact between circulation duct 202 and mold body 192. In certain embodiments, mold body 192 and circulation duct 202 are formed of a material with a high thermal conductivity (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum). In optional embodiments, mold body 192 may be an integral extension of circulation duct 202. In other words, mold body 192 and circulation duct 202 may be formed of a seamless one-piece unitary construction. In additional or alternative embodiments, at least a portion of mold body 192 may be positioned on or within air passage 206. In turn, mold body 192 may be in fluid communication with air passage 206. In some such embodiments, thermal communication between icemaker 152 and freezer chamber 124 (e.g., an evaporator 188A mounted within freezer chamber 124) may be by convection (i.e., air flow) from freezer chamber 124 to circulation duct 202 and/or by conduction from circulation duct 202 to the mold body 192 in the icebox compartment 160. Providing cold air from freezer chamber 124 to circulation duct 202 rather than into icebox compartment 160 may advantageously permit more efficient thermal energy transfer from the cold air to mold body 192. That is, rather than circulating cold air above the mold body 192, impinging a flow of cold air on duct wall 204 or another component that is in direct conductive thermal communication with the mold body 192 allows the cold air to more directly influence the mold body 192. In turn, icemaker 152 may be more efficient and provide faster ice product than conventional approaches.

In some embodiments, a thermo-electric heat exchanger 220 (TEHE) is included in thermal communication with icebox compartment 160. Generally, TEHE 220 may be any suitable solid state, electrically-driven heat pump, such as a Peltier device. TEHE 220 may include a distinct hot side 222 and cold side 224. A heat flux created between the junction of hot side 222 and cold side 224 may draw heat from the cold side 224 to the hot side 222 (e.g., as driven by an electrical current). Thus, when active, the cold side 224 of TEHE 220 may be maintained at a lower temperature than the hot side 222 of TEHE 220. In some embodiments, TEHE 220 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to controller 190, which may thus control the flow of current to TEHE 220.

Although TEHE 220 is illustrated as a generally solid member in FIGS. 3 through 4, alternative embodiments may include one or more fin members (e.g., attached to or formed on hot side 222 and/or cold side 224) extending within air passage 206 and/or icebox compartment 160, thereby increasing the surface area of TEHE 220. For instance, one or more fins may extend from the hot side 222 within air passage 206 while one or more other fins extend from the cold side 224 within icebox compartment 160.

As shown, TEHE 220 may be attached (e.g., mechanically connected directly or indirectly) to icebox liner 132. For instance, TEHE 220 may be mounted on circulation duct 202. Thus, TEHE 220 may be mounted in thermal and fluid communication with air passage 206. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of TEHE 220 is positioned within air passage 206. For instance, the hot side 222 may be disposed within air passage 206. Additionally or alternatively, the cold side 224 may be in fluid communication with icebox compartment 160. In the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 4, TEHE 220 is positioned on circulation duct 202 downstream from mold body 192. Specifically, the hot side 222 of TEHE 220 is disposed within air passage 206 downstream from mold body 192 while the cold side 224 of TEHE 220 is held outside of air passage 206 within icebox compartment 160. During operations, heat may thus be drawn from icebox compartment 160 and to air passage 206 through TEHE 220. Such heat energy may be further absorbed by air flowing through circulation duct 202 (e.g., after passing across mold body 192) before being motivated to freezer chamber 124. Advantageously, TEHE 220 may accelerate the heat exchange between icebox compartment 160 and circulation duct 202 without permitting air from freezer chamber 124 into icebox compartment 160 and potentially contaminating the flavor of ice within icebox compartment 160. Moreover, the relatively cool air (e.g., between 0° Fahrenheit and 45° Fahrenheit) directed across the hot side 222 of TEHE 220 within the air passage 206 may advantageously improve efficiency of TEHE 220 (e.g., in comparison to a TEHE 220 positioned in or in fluid communication with an ambient environment in which temperatures are commonly between 70° Fahrenheit and 90° Fahrenheit) without the need for intermediate cooling paths of, for example, liquid refrigerant.

In further embodiments, one or more gaskets 230 may be provided at an outer surface of the icebox liner 132. As shown, the gaskets 230 may enclose or surround heat exchange openings 212 and 214. When the door 128 (FIG. 2) is in a closed position, gaskets 230 may sealingly engage a side wall (e.g., internal liner 120) of the fresh food chamber 122 to prevent air leaks. For example, gaskets 230 may help to prevent or minimize cold air flowing between supply duct 166 and return duct 168 from escaping into the fresh food chamber 122/or relatively warm, humid air from fresh food chamber 122 from entering return duct 168 or contacting circulation duct. In alternative embodiments, gaskets 230 may be positioned on a side portion of internal liner 120 of the fresh food chamber 122 and extend between the side portion and the outer surface of icebox liner 132 at openings 212, 214 when door 128 is in the closed position.

Turning briefly to FIG. 6, some embodiments include at least one air handler 176 in fluid communication with air passage 206 and at least one air handler 226 in fluid communication with icebox compartment 160. One or both of the air handlers 176, 226 may be operably coupled (e.g., electrically or wirelessly coupled) to controller 190.

Generally, air handler 176 may be mounted at a suitable location along the fluid path between freezer compartment 124 (FIG. 3) and circulation duct 202 to recirculate air through air passage 206. For instance, air handler 176 may be mounted to or within supply conduit 166, circulation conduit 202, or return duct 168. Optionally, air handler 176 may be positioned upstream from mold body 192.

Air handler 226 may be mounted at a suitable location within icebox compartment 160 to recirculate air therein (i.e., outside of and apart from air passage 206). Air handler 226 may thus be operable to motivate air circulation within the icebox compartment 160 (e.g., as directed by controller 190). In particular, air handler 226 may circulate air over mold body 192 and/or storage bin 154. Furthermore, air handler 226 may circulate air over TEHE 220 (e.g., at the cold side 224) (FIGS. 4 and 5). Such air circulation may be advantageous to assist in chilling the icebox compartment 160 and keeping ice therein at a desired temperature (e.g., below 32° Fahrenheit).

In optional embodiments, controller 190 may be configured to activate (e.g., rotate) air handler 226 based on a temperature detected at a temperature sensor 228 (e.g., thermistor or thermocouple) within icebox compartment 160. In some such embodiments, temperature sensor 228 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically or wirelessly coupled) to controller 190. As the temperature rises above a threshold value, air handler 226 may be activated to circulate air within icebox compartment 160. In additional or alternative embodiments, controller 190 may be configured to activate air handler 226 when the ice storage bin 154 is full and ice making is not required. In some such embodiments, air handler 226 may be activated to ensure heat does not accumulate in one or more distinct portions of icebox compartment 160.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of icebox compartment 160 is illustrated. It is understood that, the embodiment of FIG. 5 is similar to the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 4 and FIG. 6, except as otherwise indicated. For instance, in the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 5, thermo-electric heat exchanger 220 is spaced apart from circulation duct 202. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 5, TEHE 220 may be mounted at a location within icebox compartment 160 that is not in contact with circulation duct 202 (e.g., as generally illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4).

As described above, TEHE 220 may be any suitable solid state, electrically-driven heat pump, such as a Peltier device. Moreover, TEHE 220 may include a distinct hot side 222 and cold side 224. A heat flux created between the junction of hot side 222 and cold side 224 may draw heat from the cold side 224 to the hot side 222 (e.g., as driven by an electrical current). Thus, when active, the cold side 224 of TEHE 220 may be maintained at a lower temperature than the hot side 222 of TEHE 220. In some embodiments, TEHE 220 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to controller 190.

Although TEHE 220 is illustrated as a generally solid member in FIG. 5, alternative embodiments may include one or more fin members (e.g., attached to or formed on hot side 222 and/or cold side 224) extending within fresh food chamber 122 and/or icebox compartment 160, thereby increasing the surface area of TEHE 220. For instance, one or more fins may extend from the hot side 222 within fresh food compartment 122 while one or more other fins extend from the cold side 224 within icebox compartment 160.

As shown, TEHE 220 may be attached (e.g., mechanically connected directly or indirectly) to icebox liner 132. For instance, TEHE 220 may be mounted on an outer portion of icebox liner 132. In the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 5, TEHE 220 is in fluid isolation from air passage 206. At least a portion of TEHE 220 may be positioned within fresh food chamber 122 (e.g., when the door 128 to which icebox liner 132 is attached is in the closed position—see FIGS. 2 and 3). Thus, TEHE 220 may be mounted in thermal and fluid communication with fresh food chamber 122. In certain embodiments, the hot side 222 is disposed within with fresh food chamber 122. In additional or alternative embodiments, the cold side 224 is in fluid communication with icebox compartment 160. During operations, heat may thus be drawn from icebox compartment 160 and to fresh food chamber 122 through TEHE 220. Such heat energy may be further absorbed by air within fresh food chamber 122. Optionally, a fresh food air handler 236 (e.g., fan or blower) may be provided within fresh food chamber 122 to motivate air across the hot side 222 of TEHE 220 and through fresh food chamber 122.

Advantageously, TEHE 220 may facilitate a heat exchange from icebox compartment 160 to fresh food chamber 122 without permitting air from fresh food chamber 122 into icebox compartment 160 and potentially contaminating the flavor of ice within icebox compartment 160. Moreover, the relatively cool air (e.g., between 32° Fahrenheit and 45° Fahrenheit) directed across the hot side 222 of TEHE 220 in the fresh food chamber 122 may advantageously improve efficiency of TEHE 220 (e.g., in comparison to a TEHE 220 positioned in or in fluid communication with an ambient environment in which temperatures are commonly between 70° Fahrenheit and 90° Fahrenheit) without the need for intermediate cooling paths of, for example, liquid refrigerant.

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 include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance comprising:

a cabinet comprising an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber;

a secondary liner positioned at the fresh food chamber, the secondary liner defining a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber; and

a circulation duct extending within the sub-compartment in fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment, the circulation duct defining an air passage in fluid communication with the freezer chamber.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising an icemaker mounted within the sub-compartment.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the icemaker comprises a mold body configured for receiving liquid water and forming ice in the mold body, and wherein the mold body is mounted to the circulation duct in thermal communication with the air passage.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a door attached to the cabinet to selectively restrict access to the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber in a closed position, wherein the secondary liner is mounted to the door, and wherein the sub-compartment is in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber in the closed position.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a thermo-electric heat exchanger attached to the secondary liner to draw heat from the sub-compartment.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 5, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is mounted on the circulation duct and is partially positioned within the air passage.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises a solid state heat pump having a hot side and a cold side, and wherein the hot side is disposed in fluid communication with the air passage.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 7, wherein the cold side is disposed in fluid communication with the sub-compartment.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 5, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is spaced apart from the circulation duct.

10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises a solid state heat pump having a hot side and a cold side, and wherein the hot side is disposed in fluid communication with the fresh food chamber.

11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the cold side is disposed in fluid communication with the sub-compartment.

12. A refrigerator appliance comprising:

a cabinet comprising an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber;

a secondary liner attached to the cabinet, the secondary liner defining a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber;

an icemaker mounted within the sub-compartment, the icemaker comprising a mold body configured for receiving liquid water and forming ice in the mold body; and

a circulation duct extending along the mold body within the sub-compartment, the circulation duct being in fluid communication with the freezer chamber and fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment.

13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, further comprising a door attached to the cabinet to selectively restrict access to the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber in a closed position, wherein the secondary liner is mounted to the door, and wherein the sub-compartment is in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber in the closed position.

14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, further comprising a thermo-electric heat exchanger attached to the secondary liner to draw heat from the sub-compartment.

15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 14, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is mounted on the circulation duct and is partially positioned within the air passage.

16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 15, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises a solid state heat pump having a hot side and a cold side, and wherein the hot side is disposed in fluid communication with the air passage.

17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 16, wherein the cold side is disposed in fluid communication with the sub-compartment.

18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 17, wherein the hot side is disposed downstream from the mold body.

19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 14, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is spaced apart from the circulation duct, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises a solid state heat pump having a hot side and a cold side, and wherein the hot side is disposed in fluid communication with the fresh food chamber.

20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 19, wherein the cold side is disposed in fluid communication with the sub-compartment.