BIN ASSEMBLY FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to bin assemblies of refrigerator appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles for storage. In addition, refrigerator appliances can also include various storage components mounted within the chilled chamber and designed to facilitate storage of food items therein. Such storage components can include racks, bins, shelves, or drawers that receive food items and assist with organizing and arranging of such food items within the chilled chamber.

Food articles or other items may be conveniently stored in storage bins, however, there is not often a way to easily access the interior of the storage bins to retrieve the items located in the storage bin, particularly storage bins located at the bottom of the chilled chamber and storage bins located in refrigerators with French doors. In this regard, for example, the interior of a slidable storage bin may not be easily accessible, especially with only one door open on a refrigerator with French doors. Furthermore, designs that promote easier access to the interior of the storage bins may create issues with electrical power being conveyed to the powered components of the storage bins. As such, various designs have been developed for resolving such issues. However, further improvements are needed.

Accordingly, an improved bin assembly for a refrigerator appliance would be useful. More particularly, a bin assembly for a refrigerator appliance including a slidable storage bin door and a sliding interface with electrical contacts for maintaining power to the powered components of the storage bin door would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

According to an exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door being rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber, and a bin assembly. The bin assembly includes a shelf positioned within the chilled chamber, a mounting bracket supporting the shelf within the chilled chamber, and a storage bin positioned below the shelf, the storage bin including an interior portion. Additionally, the bin assembly includes a storage bin doors slidable between an open position for providing access to the interior portion of the storage bun and a closed position for prohibiting access to the interior portion of the storage bin. The storage bin door includes an electrically powered component. Furthermore, the bin assembly includes a sliding interface contacted by the storage bin door as the storage bin door slides between the open position and the closed position. The sliding interface includes one or more electrical contacts for conveying electrical power to the electrically powered component of the storage bin door as the storage bin door slides between the open position and the closed position.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a bin assembly for a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction and including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber and a door being rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber. The bin assembly includes a shelf positioned within the chilled chamber, a mounting bracket supporting the shelf within the chilled chamber, and a storage bin positioned below the shelf, the storage bin including an interior portion. Additionally, the bin assembly includes a storage bin doors slidable between an open position for providing access to the interior portion of the storage bun and a closed position for prohibiting access to the interior portion of the storage bin. The storage bin door includes an electrically powered component. Furthermore, the bin assembly includes a sliding interface contacted by the storage bin door as the storage bin door slides between the open position and the closed position. The sliding interface includes one or more electrical contacts for conveying electrical power to the electrically powered component of the storage bin door as the storage bin door slides between the open position and the closed position.

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 an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an exemplary bin assembly positioned within the fresh food chamber of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the storage bin lid shown in a closed position.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3 positioned within the fresh food chamber of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the storage bin lid shown in an open position.

FIG. 5 provides a side view of a mounting bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A provides a front view of a storage bin door bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3 mounted to the mounting bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6B provides an alternative front view of the storage bin door bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3 mounted to the mounting bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6C provides an alternative front view of the storage bin door bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3 mounted to the mounting bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6D provides an alternative front view of the storage bin door bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3 mounted to the mounting bracket of the exemplary bin assembly of FIG. 3.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

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.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” 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”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that 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.

Cabinet 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of housing 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, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door 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.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. To prevent leakage of cool air, refrigerator doors 128, freezer door 130, and/or cabinet 102 may define one or more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber gaskets, not shown) at the interface where the doors 128, 130 meet cabinet 102. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that doors having a different style, position, or configuration are possible within the scope of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator doors 128 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, 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 may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator doors 128 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on one of refrigerator doors 128. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening refrigerator door 128. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142. By contrast, refrigerator door 128 may define an icebox compartment 150 (FIG. 2) housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin (not shown) that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess 142.

A control panel 152 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 152 includes one or more selector inputs 154, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., 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. In addition, inputs 154 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 154 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 156. Signals generated in controller 156 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 154. Additionally, a display 158, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 152. Display 158 may be in communication with controller 156 and may display information in response to signals from controller 156.

As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate dispensing assembly 140 and other systems of refrigerator appliance 100. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 6D, a bin assembly 200 which may be used with the refrigerator appliance 100 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the bin assembly 200 is used with refrigerator appliance 100 including French refrigerator doors 128. However, the bin assembly 200 may be used with any other suitable type of refrigerator appliance.

According to exemplary embodiments, the bin assembly 200 may include a shelf, e.g., shelf 204, below which the other components of the bin assembly are mounted. As explained in more detail below, bin assembly 200 is a relatively low-profile storage bin e.g., deli-pan storage bin assembly 202, that occupies space that is otherwise commonly unutilized within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance 100. Although components of the bin assembly 200 is described herein as being mounted below shelf 204 of the bin assembly 200, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used to mount components of the storage bin assembly 200 under any other suitable shelf or other horizontal structure in any other suitable appliance or other application. The exemplary structure illustrated and described herein is only intended to facilitate discussion of aspects of the present subject matter and is not intended to be limiting in any manner to the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the bin assembly 200 may be configured as a deli-pan storage bin assembly 202 positioned above a bottom wall within the fresh food chamber 122 and below other bin assemblies of the refrigerator appliance 100. The deli-pan storage bin assembly 202 may be suitable for storing deli food products such as, among other things, meats, cheeses, and/or the like. The deli-pan storage bin assembly 202 may include shelf 204, which may be mounted to cabinet 102 of refrigerator appliance 100 using a plurality of mounting brackets 206. More specifically, each shelf 204 may be supported by two mounting brackets 206 that are positioned on opposite lateral sides of shelf 204 and are mounted to a one or more walls within the fresh food chamber 122, such as a back wall within the fresh food chamber 122. For example, a first mounting bracket 206A may be positioned on a first interior wall 109 within the fresh food chamber 122 and a second mounting bracket 206B may be positioned opposite the first mounting bracket 206A in the lateral direction L on a second interior wall 111 within the fresh food chamber 122 opposite the first interior wall 109 in the lateral direction L. In addition, mounting brackets 202 extend within fresh food chamber 122 and substantially along the transverse direction T toward the front opening of fresh food chamber 122. Shelf 204 is then positioned on top of mounting brackets 206 and may be secured or fastened in any suitable manner.

According to exemplary embodiments, the deli-pan storage bin assembly 202 may include a storage bin 210. The storage bin 210 may include an interior portion 212 (FIG. 4) for storing food products, such as deli food products. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the storage bin 210 may be positioned below the shelf 204. The storage bin 210 may be slidably mounted to the mounting brackets 206 such that the storage bin 210 is slidable between an extended or open position (not shown) for providing access to the interior portion 212 of the storage bin 210 and a retracted or closed position (FIGS. 3, 4) for prohibiting access to the interior portion 212 of the storage bin 210. Furthermore, the storage bin 210 may extend across a width 214 (FIG. 4) defined between the first mounting bracket 206A and the second mounting bracket 206B in the lateral direction L. In this respect, when one of the refrigerator doors 128 of the refrigerator appliance 100 is closed, the closed refrigerator door 128 may hinder or prevent the storage bin 210 from completely extending to the open position or from extending at all and, thus, hinder or prevent access to the interior portion 212 of the storage bin 210. As will be described below, features and aspects of the present subject matter are directed to resolving this and other issues.

According to exemplary embodiments, the deli-pan storage bin assembly 202 may include a storage bin door, such as a lid 220. As will described below, the storage bin lid 220 may be slidably mounted to the mounting brackets 206 such that the storage bin lid 220 is slidable between a retracted or open position (FIG. 4) for providing access to the interior portion 212 of the storage bin 210 when the storage bin 210 is in the closed position, or an extended or closed position (FIG. 3) for prohibiting access to the interior portion of the storage bin 210 when the storage bin 210 is in the closed position. As such, the storage bin lid 220 may be positioned above the storage bin 210 and slidable between the open position and the closed position within the fresh food chamber 122, e.g., between the storage bin 210 and the shelf 204. Moving the storage bin lid 220 to the retracted or open position exposes an opening 216 (FIG. 4) defined by the storage bin 210 for accessing the interior portion 212 of the storage bin 210 when the storage bin 210 is in the closed position. Additionally, like the storage bin 210, the storage bin lid 220 may extend across the width 214 defined between the first mounting bracket 206A and the second mounting bracket 206B. In this respect, a user of the refrigerator appliance 100 my slide the storage bin lid 220 between the open position and the closed position while only one of the refrigerator doors 128 is open for providing easy access to the interior portion 212 of the storage bin 210.

According to exemplary embodiments, the storage bin lid 220 may be slidably mounted to the mounting brackets 206. As such, the deli-pan storage assembly 202 may include a sliding interface 230 contacted by the storage bin lid 220 as the storage bin lid 220 slides between the open position and the closed position. For example, the storage bin lid 220 may include a plurality of storage bin door brackets 222 (FIGS. 6A-6D) coupled thereto, such as front and rear storage bin door brackets 222 coupled to lateral sides of the storage bin lid 220. The sliding interface 230 may correspond to a plurality of guide tracks 232 of which some are positioned on and/or defined by the first mounting bracket 206A and some are positioned on and/or defined by the second mounting bracket 206B. For example, each guide track 232 may correspond to a slot defined within one of the mounting brackets 206 and/or a rail positioned on the mounting bracket 206. Each guide track 232 may receive one of the plurality of storage bin door brackets 222 for mounting the storage bin lid 220 to the mounting brackets 206. As illustrated, the first mounting bracket 206A may include a first pair of guide tracks 232A that extend along the first mounting bracket 206A in the transverse direction T. Likewise, the second mounting bracket 206B may include a second pair of guide tracks 232B that extend along the second mounting bracket 206B in the transverse direction T.

Notably, each of the storage bin door brackets 222 may be received and/or mounted on one of the guide tracks 232 and slidable along the guide track 232 such that the storage bin lid 220 is slidable in the transverse direction T between the open position and the closed position. In this respect, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6D, each guide track 232 may include a track guide rail 234 protruding therefrom. Each track guide rail 234 may extend along a length of the guide track 232 in the transverse direction T. Additionally, each storage bin door bracket 222 may define a receiving portion or slot 224 for receiving one of the track guide rails 234 therein. In this respect, the storage bin door brackets 222 and, thus, the storage bin lid 220, may slide along the track guide rails 234. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6C, the storage bin door brackets 222 may be positioned above upward protruding track guide rails 234 such that the track guide rails 234 are received within a receiving portion or slot 224 defined within an underside 226 of the storage bin door brackets 222. Alternatively, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6D, the storage bin door bracket 222 may be positioned below a downward protruding track guide rail 234 such that the track guide rail 234 is received within a receiving portion or slot 224 defined within a topside 228 of the storage bin door bracket 222.

According to exemplary embodiments, the storage bin lid 220 may include one or more electrically powered components. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the storage bin lid 220 may include a light source 250 which is mounted to storage bin lid 220 and is generally configured for generating light for any suitable purpose. For example, light source 250 may be configured for generating visible light for illuminating the interior portion 206 of the storage bin 210. In this regard, light source 250 may include at least one light emitting diode (LED), configured for illuminating as a single color, or may include any other suitable traditional light bulbs or sources, such as halogen bulbs, incandescent bulbs, glow bars, a fiber light source, etc. As another example, light source 250 may include more than one LED and may be capable of illuminating in different colors based on one or more operating conditions of refrigerator appliance 100.

According to another embodiment, the light source 250 may include an ultraviolet (UV) light source for generating UV light for reducing or eliminating mold, bacteria, etc. In this regard, the light source 250 may be configured to operate a UV light when sanitation or cleaning of the storage bin 210 is desired. For example, the light source 250 may activate a UV light intermittently when door is closed to periodically sanitize the storage bin 210. In addition, the light source 250 may be configured to vary the colors of LEDs or alternate the energized colored bulbs to create visible effects associated with particular operating conditions, such as chamber temperatures, or to display product logos or trademarks. In addition, for example, light sources 250 may be selectively colored to display information such as chamber temperature settings, an indication that one or more food items are out of date, or an indication of what food is stored in a particular area (e.g., green for vegetables, red for meat, etc.). The light source 250 may also be configured for simulating natural light, e.g., to improve food preservation.

According to exemplary embodiments, the sliding interface 230 and the storage bin lid 220 may each include electrical contacts 236 for conveying electrical power to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lid 220 as the storage bin lid 220 slides between the open position and the closed position. As such, the electrical contacts 236 may each include electrically conductive material such as copper, copper alloys, and/or the like for conveying electrical power generated by a power source (not shown), such as from a control board, to which the electrical contacts 236 are electrically coupled. The electrical contacts 236 may be positioned between the guide tracks 230 and the storage bin lid 220 and extend parallel to the guide tracks 232 along the length of the guide tracks 232 such that the storage bin door brackets 222 are in contact with the electrical contacts 236 as the storage bin door brackets 222 slide along the guide tracks 232.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6D, the sliding interface 230 may include a set of first electrical contacts 236A electrically coupled to one or more power sources (not shown). Each first electrical contact 236A in the set of first electrical contacts 236A may be coupled to one of the guide tracks 232. Each first electrical contact 236A may also extend along the length of the corresponding guide track 232. Likewise, the storage bin lid 220 may include a set of second electrical contacts 236B electrically coupled to one or more electrically powered components, e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lid 220. Each second electrical contact 236B in the set of second electrical contacts 236B may be coupled to one of the storage bin door brackets 222. Additionally, each of the first electrical contacts 236A are positioned on the guide tracks 232 and each of the second electrical contacts 236B are positioned on or within the storage bin door brackets 222 such that each of the second electrical contacts 236B is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contact 236A as the storage bin lid 220 slides along the guide tracks 232. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contacts 236A to the second electrical contacts 236B and from the second electrical contacts 236B to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lid 220 as the storage bin lid 220 slides between the open position and the closed position.

For example, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, each first electrical contact 236A in the set of first electrical contacts 236A may be positioned on one of the track guide rails 234 and each second electrical contact 236B in the set of second electrical contacts 236B may be positioned within the receiving portion or slot 224 defined within the underside 226 of the storage bin door brackets 222. In some embodiments, the first electrical contacts 236A may be coupled to a lateral side 233 (FIG. 6A) of the track guide rail 234 extending in the lateral direction L. Likewise, the second electrical contacts 236B may be coupled to a lateral wall 225 of the slot 224 of the storage bin bracket 222 and extending in the lateral direction L. As such, the first and second electrical contacts 236A, 236B may extend in the lateral direction L such that the weight of the storage bin door bracket 222 biases the slot 224 onto the track guide rail 234 and, thus, biases the second electrical contact 236B onto the first electrical contact 236A. In this respect, each of the second electrical contacts 236B is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contact 236A as the storage bin lid 220 slides along the guide tracks 232. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contacts 236A to the second electrical contacts 236B and from the second electrical contacts 236B to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lid 220 as the storage bin lid 220 slides between the open position and the closed position.

Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first electrical contacts 236A may be coupled to a vertical side 229 (FIG. 6B) of the track guide rail 234 extending in the vertical direction V. Likewise, the second electrical contacts 236B may be coupled to a vertical wall 227 of the slot 224 of the storage bin bracket 222 and extending in the vertical direction V. As such, the first and second electrical contacts 236A, 236B may extend in the vertical direction V such that a biasing element 238, e.g., such as a spring, may be used to bias the slot 224 and the track guide rail 234 together and, thus, bias the first and second electrical contacts 236A, 236B together. In this respect, each of the second electrical contacts 236B is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contact 236A as the storage bin lid 220 slides along the guide tracks 232. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contacts 236A to the second electrical contacts 236B and from the second electrical contacts 236B to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lid 220 as the storage bin lid 220 slides between the open position and the closed position.

In another example, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D, each first electrical contact 236A in the set of first electrical contacts 236A may be positioned on one or more walls 235 of the guide track 232 and each second electrical contact 236B in the set of second electrical contacts 236B may be positioned on one or more walls 237 of the storage bin door brackets 222. In some embodiments, the first electrical contacts 236A may be coupled to wall 235 (FIG. 6C) of the track guide rail 234 extending in the vertical direction V. Likewise, the second electrical contacts 236B may be coupled to wall 237 of the storage bin bracket 222 and extending in the vertical direction V. As such, the first and second electrical contacts 236A, 236B may extend in the vertical direction V such that the biasing element 238, e.g., such as a spring, may be used to bias the slot 224 and the track guide rail 234 together and, thus, bias the first and second electrical contacts 236A, 236B together. In this respect, each of the second electrical contacts 236B is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contact 236A as the storage bin lid 220 slides along the guide tracks 232. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contacts 236A to the second electrical contacts 236B and from the second electrical contacts 236B to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lid 220 as the storage bin lid 220 slides between the open position and the closed position.

Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, each first electrical contact 236A in the set of first electrical contacts 236A may be positioned on one or more walls 235 of the guide track 232 and each second electrical contact 236B in the set of second electrical contacts 236B may be positioned on one or more walls 237 of the storage bin door brackets 222. In some embodiments, the first electrical contacts 236A may be coupled to wall 235 (FIG. 6D) of the track guide rail 234 extending in the lateral direction L. Likewise, the second electrical contacts 236B may be coupled to wall 237 of the storage bin bracket 222 and extending in the lateral direction L. As such, the first and second electrical contacts 236A, 236B may extend in the lateral direction L such that the weight of the storage bin door bracket 222 biases the slot 224 onto the track guide rail 234 and, thus, biases the second electrical contact 236B onto the first electrical contact 236A. In this respect, each of the second electrical contacts 236B is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contact 236A as the storage bin lid 220 slides along the guide tracks 232. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contacts 236A to the second electrical contacts 236B and from the second electrical contacts 236B to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lid 220 as the storage bin lid 220 slides between the open position and the closed position.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a bin assembly design of a refrigerator appliance that includes a slidable storage bin lid and a sliding interface that includes electrical contacts for conveying electrical power to electrically powered components of the storage bin lid as the storage bin lid slides. This bin assembly including the slidable storage bin lid facilitates access to the interior of the storage bin of the bin assembly without requiring the storage bin to be extended, which is particularly useful when one or more doors of the refrigerator appliance are not fully open and/or when only one door on a refrigerator appliance with French doors is fully open. Furthermore, the electrical contacts within the sliding interface allow electrically powered components of the lid to continue being powered while the lid is sliding.

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.