Ice making system and air flow circulation for slimline ice compartment
US10465966B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2700/122
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerator including a refrigerator compartment; a freezer compartment; an ice compartment disposed in the refrigerator compartment; an ice maker assembly disposed in the ice compartment, the ice maker assembly including an ice maker tray/evaporator having an evaporator cooling tube which is in direct contact with the ice maker tray portion; an ice bucket for storing ice disposed in the ice compartment; and an air handler/auger motor assembly disposed at a rear portion of the ice compartment behind the ice bucket. The air handler/auger motor assembly includes an air passage having a fan disposed therein. An inlet of the fan communicates with an airflow passage under the ice maker tray/evaporator, such that the fan creates a suction and draws cool air from the ice maker tray/evaporator and discharges the cool air through the air passage and to the ice bucket to prevent any ice in the ice bucket from melting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.