ADJUSTABLE ICE BIN CAPACITY IN A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to adjustable ice storage bins in a refrigerator appliance.

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 include one or more doors rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in chilled chamber(s). The 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.

Conventional refrigerator appliances include one or more icemakers to produce ice for consumption. Formed ice is commonly dispensed into an ice bucket for future use, but typical ice buckets can only hold a limited amount of ice. For example, ice buckets located on a door typically hold 3 to 4 pounds of ice while ice buckets in the freezer can hold more than 5+ lbs. In certain situations, users need larger volumes of ice, e.g., such as when the users fill coolers or for gatherings, parties, etc. If the ice capacity produced in the refrigerator will not meet consumer needs in these situations, they will need to purchase additional ice to store in their refrigerator.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with an improved ice storage system would be useful. More particularly, an ice storage bin with storage capacity that is adjustable based on the user’s needs would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

In one exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and transverse direction is provided, including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door assembly rotatably mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber, an icemaker operably coupled to the chilled chamber and configured for forming ice, and a drawer assembly. The drawer assembly includes a drawer frame comprising a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the drawer frame at least partially defines an ice reservoir for storing the ice from the icemaker, a partition mounted within the drawer frame and being slidable along the lateral direction, and one or more locating features defined on at least one of the front wall or the rear wall.

In another exemplary embodiment, a drawer assembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes an icemaker operably coupled to a chilled chamber and configured for forming ice. The drawer assembly includes a drawer frame comprising a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the drawer frame at least partially defines an ice reservoir for storing the ice from the icemaker, a partition mounted within the drawer frame and being slidable along the lateral direction, and one or more locating features defined on at least one of the front wall or the rear wall.

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 example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of the example 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 ice storage bin that may be used with the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a top view of the example ice storage bin of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective cross-sectional view of the example ice storage bin of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides another perspective cross-sectional view of the example ice storage bin of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an example adjustment mechanism for an ice storage bin according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

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 “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. 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”).

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is 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 “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. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to an ice storage bin with a movable partition for adjustable ice capacity. The partition could be moved to various positions to adjust ice capacity depending on how much ice is required. The bin may include an adjustable partition that can move horizontally, e.g., fitting into features on the bin preventing it from moving vertically and horizontally. These features can be a slots, channels, ribs, or the like preventing undesirable movement. The rear of the partition may be assembled to a slot on the rear wall of the bin allowing the partition to slide horizontally. The front of the partition may be lifted out of a slot, for example, to allow the partition to move. The partition can then be moved left or right to adjust the ice capacity.

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 housing or cabinet 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, cabinet 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 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, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter may be applied to other appliances as well, such as other appliances including fluid dispensers. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular appliance or configuration.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 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. 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 front 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.

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 this regard, inputs 154 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 156. Signals generated in controller 156 operate refrigerator appliance 100 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 refrigerator appliance 100 and other components 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 again briefly to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, cabinet 102 also defines a mechanical compartment 170 at or near the bottom 106 of the cabinet 102 for receipt of a hermetically sealed cooling system 172. In general, sealed cooling system 172 is configured for transporting heat from the inside of refrigerator appliance 100 to the outside (e.g., by executing a vapor-compression cycle or another suitable refrigeration cycle). As is generally understood by those of skill in the art, the hermetically sealed system 172 contains a working fluid, e.g., refrigerant, which flows between various heat exchangers of the sealed system 172 where the working fluid changes phases while transferring thermal energy.

In this regard, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, sealed system 172 may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and one or more evaporators connected in series by a fluid conduit that is charged with a refrigerant. Within sealed system 172, refrigerant flows into the compressor, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through the condenser. Within the condenser, heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant. A condenser fan may be used to pull air across the condenser, so as to provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within the condenser and the ambient air. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing air flow across the condenser can, e.g., increase the efficiency of the condenser by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained therein.

An expansion device (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives refrigerant from the condenser. From the expansion device, the refrigerant enters the evaporator. Upon exiting the expansion device and entering the evaporator, the refrigerant drops in pressure. Due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, the evaporator is relatively cool. An evaporator fan is typically provided at each the evaporator, e.g., to force air across and around the at least one evaporator to transfer thermal energy from the air to the evaporator (and more particularly, to the working fluid or refrigerant therein).

In this manner, a flow of cooling air exits the evaporator and may be distributed to one or more of the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124. Specifically, one or more ducts may extend between the mechanical compartment 170 and the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124 to provide fluid communication therebetween, e.g., to provide the chilled air from the hermetically sealed cooling system 172, e.g., from an evaporator thereof, to one or more of the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124.

The sealed system 172 described herein is provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the refrigeration system to be used as well. For example, according to alternative embodiments, sealed system 172 may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. For example, refrigerator appliance 100 may have two or more split evaporators, e.g., one dedicated primarily to cooling fresh food chamber 122 and one dedicated primarily to cooling freezer chamber 124. In addition, alternative plumbing configurations, valves, and flow regulators may be used to route refrigerant throughout sealed system 172.

In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 also includes one or more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation of refrigerator appliance 100, such as described below. For example, in order to obtain temperature measurements within one or more chilled chambers 122, 124 (or regions/zones within chilled chambers 122, 124), refrigerator appliance 100 may include a plurality of temperature sensors (not shown). Controller 156 may be communicatively coupled with the temperature sensors, may receive signals from these temperature sensors that correspond to the temperature of an atmosphere or air within their respective locations, and may implement responsive action, e.g., by directing more or less cooling air toward that region or chamber.

As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, the temperature sensors may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, etc. In addition, the temperature sensors may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature of the air surrounding the temperature sensors. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described and illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that refrigerator appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 180 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 180 is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between refrigerator appliance 100 and one or more external devices. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of refrigerator appliance 100. In addition, it should be appreciated that external communication system 180 may be used to transfer data or other information to improve performance of one or more external devices or appliances and/or improve user interaction with such devices.

For example, external communication system 180 permits controller 156 of refrigerator appliance 100 to communicate with a separate device external to refrigerator appliance 100, referred to generally herein as an external device 182. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network 184. In general, external device 182 may be any suitable device separate from refrigerator appliance 100 that is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 182 may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

In addition, a remote server 186 may be in communication with refrigerator appliance 100 and/or external device 182 through network 184. In this regard, for example, remote server 186 may be a cloud-based server 186, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device 182 may communicate with a remote server 186 over network 184, such as the Internet, to transmit/receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control refrigerator appliance 100, etc. In addition, external device 182 and remote server 186 may communicate with refrigerator appliance 100 to communicate similar information.

In general, communication between refrigerator appliance 100, external device 182, remote server 186, and/or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external device 182 may be in direct or indirect communication with refrigerator appliance 100 through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network 184. For example, network 184 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short- or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

External communication system 180 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 180 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3 through 7, refrigerator appliance 100 may include an icemaker 200 that is generally configured for forming ice cubes 202. According to the illustrated embodiment, icemaker 200 is operably coupled to a chilled chamber (e.g., freezer chamber 124) for dispensing formed ice cubes 202 downward, e.g., under the force of gravity. It should be appreciated that the position and configuration of icemaker 200 may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

In addition, refrigerator appliance 100 may include a drawer assembly 210 that is positioned within freezer chamber 124. Drawer assembly 210 may generally a drawer frame 212 that defines an ice reservoir 214 for receiving and storing ice cubes 202. For example, drawer frame 212 may be a storage bin that is slidably mounted to cabinet 102 within freezer chamber 124, e.g., such that a user may slide drawer frame 212 out of freezer chamber 124 for easy access to ice cubes 202 stored within ice reservoir 214.

As explained briefly above, user’s of refrigerator appliance 100 and icemaker 200 may desire varying ice storage capacities. In this regard, during times of normal consumption, a minimal amount of ice storage capacity may be needed. However, in certain circumstances, e.g., such as before a large party or ice consuming event, the user may wish to increase the ice storage capacity. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a drawer assembly 210 that facilitates quick and easy adjustment of the ice storage capacity of ice reservoir 214.

In this regard, drawer frame 212 may generally include a front wall 220 and a rear wall 222 spaced apart along the transverse direction T, a bottom wall 224, and one or more sidewalls 226 spaced apart along the lateral direction L to generally define an open-top drawer frame 212. In addition, drawer assembly 200 may include a partition 230 mounted within drawer frame 212. According to an example embodiment, partition 230 may be slidable along the lateral direction L within drawer frame 212, e.g., to adjust the ice storage capacity within ice reservoir 214 and the remaining usable space within drawer frame 212. Partition 230 may generally extend from a front engagement portion 232 for engaging front wall 220 to a rear engagement portion 234 for engaging rear wall 222. According to an example embodiment, partition 230 may define or include a handle aperture 236, a grip feature, or other suitable structure that a user may grasp in order to slide partition 230 within drawer frame 212.

Drawer assembly 200 may further include one or more locating features 240 that extend from at least one of front wall 220, rear wall 222, or bottom wall 224. Locating features 240 may be any suitable protrusion, guide track, slide rails, recesses, slots, or other features that facilitate movement, positioning, and securing partition 230 in a desired location within drawer frame 212. Although example locating features 240 are described below, it should be appreciated that these are only example structures and are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner.

For example, locating features 240 may include one or more slide apertures 242 for slidably receiving partition 230. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, rear wall 222 defines slide aperture 242 that is elongated along the lateral direction L. In addition, rear engagement portion 234 may include a rear connector, e.g., such as a slide bracket 244 that passes through slide aperture 242. According to alternative embodiments, a similar slide aperture and slide bracket may be defined for engaging partition 230 to front wall 220. Alternatively, drawer frame may define a sliding surface on a top side of front wall 220 and/or rear wall 222 upon which partition 230 may slide.

In addition, according to an example embodiment, locating features 240 may include one or more protrusions 250 that extend from front wall 220 or rear wall 222 into ice reservoir 214, e.g., along the transverse direction T. These protrusions 250 may generally be spaced and positioned to define a plurality of positioning slots 252. In this manner, partition 230 may be manually moved between various positioning slots 252 to adjust the ice storage capacity of ice reservoir 214. According to an example embodiment, positioning slots 252 are substantially the same width as partition 230, e.g., along the lateral direction L, to facilitate secure positioning of partition 230. As illustrated, positioning slots 252 are positioned proximate a top of front wall 220 to secure a lateral position of partition 230, whereas slide aperture 242 and slide bracket 244 may secure the vertical position of partition 230.

In addition, the weight of ice cubes 202 within ice reservoir 214 may have a tendency to push outward on partition 230, particularly proximate a bottom of partition 230. Accordingly, drawer frame 212 may further define one or more support walls 254 extending from bottom wall 224 upward along the vertical direction V. For example, support walls 254 may generally be aligned with one or more locating features 240, e.g., such as protrusions 250. In this manner, partition 230 may generally be supported within a plane defined by the vertical direction V and the transverse direction T.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 7, locating features 240 may generally include one or more slide rails 260 extending from front wall 220 into ice reservoir 214 along the transverse direction T. For example, slide rails 260 may generally define a plurality of receiving slots 262, each receiving slot 262 having a stopping feature 264 for locking partition 230 in the respective receiving slot 262. For example, as illustrated, slide rails 260 may define a bottom wall 266 that terminates in stopping feature 264, illustrated as a hooked bottom 268. Front engagement portion 232 of partition 230 may include a support flange 270 that rides on bottom wall 266 until it is seated within hooked bottom 268. In this position, hooked bottom 268 may at least partially surround support flange 270 to prevent further lateral movement of partition 230 and vertical movement of partition 230.

According to an example embodiment, slide rails 260 may define at least one inclined surface 272 that is angled downward along the vertical direction V toward a respective receiving slot 262. In this manner, support flange 270 of partition 230 have a tendency to slide toward hooked bottom 268 of receiving slot 262, where it may be securely positioned. In addition, drawer frame 212 may further include a top wall 274 positioned above the one or more slide rails 260 to define a top of the receiving slots 262 to prevent upward movement of the partition 230 out of the series of receiving slots 262. As illustrated, slide rails 260 are defined on front wall 220 of drawer frame 212. However, it should be appreciated that a similar structure may be defined on rear wall 222 of drawer frame 212.

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.