초록 ▼

A method and device for producing ice droplets on-demand in a refrigerator is provided wherein small water droplets are dropped from a valve through a supercooled chamber where the water freezes and forms ice pieces, such as in the form of pellets, while free-falling through the chamber, with the ic

A method and device for producing ice droplets on-demand in a refrigerator is provided wherein small water droplets are dropped from a valve through a supercooled chamber where the water freezes and forms ice pieces, such as in the form of pellets, while free-falling through the chamber, with the ice being directed to a dispenser assembly. The size and dispensing rate of the droplets can be selected by a user and regulated by a controller. The method and device eliminates the need for bulk ice storage and dispensing components.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A refrigerator comprising:a cabinet within which is defined a freezer compartment;a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet for selectively accessing the freezer compartment; andan ice and water dispensing system including:a water inlet exposed to the freezer compartment;a dispe

What is claimed is: 1. A refrigerator comprising:a cabinet within which is defined a freezer compartment;a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet for selectively accessing the freezer compartment; andan ice and water dispensing system including:a water inlet exposed to the freezer compartment;a dispenser assembly including an interface that allows user selections for dispensing ice and water;a supercooling chamber arranged in the freezer compartment and defining a passageway, having an upper inlet and a lower outlet, extending through the chamber; anda control system for both establishing a supercooled environment in the chamber and regulating a delivery of water from the water inlet;wherein, when a supercooled environment having a temperature lower than a temperature of said freezer compartment is established in the chamber and water is delivered from the water inlet into the upper inlet of the passageway, the water freezes while traveling through the chamber in order to establish ice which is directed to the dispenser assembly.