Bin Assembly for a Refrigerator Appliance

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

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.

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.

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.

provides a perspective view of a refrigerator applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator applianceincludes a cabinet or housingthat extends between a topand a bottomalong a vertical direction V, between a first sideand a second sidealong a lateral direction L, and between a front sideand a rear sidealong 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.

Cabinetdefines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housingdefines fresh food chamberpositioned at or adjacent topof housingand a freezer chamberarranged at or adjacent bottomof housing. As such, refrigerator applianceis 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 doorsare rotatably hinged to an edge of housingfor selectively accessing fresh food chamber. In addition, a freezer dooris arranged below refrigerator doorsfor selectively accessing freezer chamber. Freezer dooris coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber. To prevent leakage of cool air, refrigerator doors, freezer door, and/or cabinetmay define one or more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber gaskets, not shown) at the interface where the doors,meet cabinet. Refrigerator doorsand freezer doorare shown in the closed configuration in. It should be appreciated that doors having a different style, position, or configuration are possible within the scope of the present subject matter.

provides a perspective view of refrigerator applianceshown with refrigerator doorsin the open position. As shown in, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamberto 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. 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, binsmay be mounted on refrigerator doorsor may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber. 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, a dispensing assemblywill be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assemblyis generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assemblyis illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assemblywhile remaining within the present subject matter.

Dispensing assemblyand its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recessdefined on one of refrigerator doors. In this regard, dispenser recessis defined on a front sideof refrigerator appliancesuch that a user may operate dispensing assemblywithout opening refrigerator door. In addition, dispenser recessis 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 recessis positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Dispensing assemblyincludes an ice dispenserincluding a discharging outletfor discharging ice from dispensing assembly. An actuating mechanism, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outletfor operating ice or water dispenser. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser. For example, ice dispensercan include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outletand actuating mechanismare an external part of ice dispenserand are mounted in dispenser recess. By contrast, refrigerator doormay define an icebox compartment() housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin (not shown) that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess.

A control panelis provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panelincludes one or more selector inputs, 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, inputsmay be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly. In this regard, inputsmay be in communication with a processing device or controller. Signals generated in controlleroperate refrigerator applianceand dispensing assemblyin response to selector inputs. Additionally, a display, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel. Displaymay be in communication with controllerand may display information in response to signals from controller.

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 assemblyand other systems of refrigerator appliance. 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, a bin assemblywhich may be used with the refrigerator appliancewill be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the bin assemblyis used with refrigerator applianceincluding French refrigerator doors. However, the bin assemblymay be used with any other suitable type of refrigerator appliance.

According to exemplary embodiments, the bin assemblymay include a shelf, e.g., shelf, below which the other components of the bin assembly are mounted. As explained in more detail below, bin assemblyis a relatively low-profile storage bin e.g., deli-pan storage bin assembly, that occupies space that is otherwise commonly unutilized within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance. Although components of the bin assemblyis described herein as being mounted below shelfof the bin assembly, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used to mount components of the storage bin assemblyunder 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 assemblymay be configured as a deli-pan storage bin assemblypositioned above a bottom wall within the fresh food chamberand below other bin assemblies of the refrigerator appliance. The deli-pan storage bin assemblymay be suitable for storing deli food products such as, among other things, meats, cheeses, and/or the like. The deli-pan storage bin assemblymay include shelf 204, which may be mounted to cabinetof refrigerator applianceusing a plurality of mounting brackets. More specifically, each shelfmay be supported by two mounting bracketsthat are positioned on opposite lateral sides of shelfand are mounted to a one or more walls within the fresh food chamber, such as a back wall within the fresh food chamber. For example, a first mounting bracketA may be positioned on a first interior wallwithin the fresh food chamberand a second mounting bracketB may be positioned opposite the first mounting bracketA in the lateral direction L on a second interior wallwithin the fresh food chamberopposite the first interior wallin the lateral direction L. In addition, mounting bracketsextend within fresh food chamberand substantially along the transverse direction T toward the front opening of fresh food chamber. Shelfis then positioned on top of mounting bracketsand may be secured or fastened in any suitable manner.

According to exemplary embodiments, the deli-pan storage bin assemblymay include a storage bin. The storage binmay include an interior portion() for storing food products, such as deli food products. As best illustrated in, the storage binmay be positioned below the shelf. The storage binmay be slidably mounted to the mounting bracketssuch that the storage binis slidable between an extended or open position (not shown) for providing access to the interior portionof the storage binand a retracted or closed position () for prohibiting access to the interior portionof the storage bin. Furthermore, the storage binmay extend across a width() defined between the first mounting bracketA and the second mounting bracketB in the lateral direction L. In this respect, when one of the refrigerator doorsof the refrigerator applianceis closed, the closed refrigerator doormay hinder or prevent the storage binfrom completely extending to the open position or from extending at all and, thus, hinder or prevent access to the interior portionof the storage bin. 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 assemblymay include a storage bin door, such as a lid. As will described below, the storage bin lidmay be slidably mounted to the mounting bracketssuch that the storage bin lidis slidable between a retracted or open position () for providing access to the interior portionof the storage binwhen the storage binis in the closed position, or an extended or closed position () for prohibiting access to the interior portion of the storage binwhen the storage binis in the closed position. As such, the storage bin lidmay be positioned above the storage binand slidable between the open position and the closed position within the fresh food chamber, e.g., between the storage binand the shelf. Moving the storage bin lidto the retracted or open position exposes an opening() defined by the storage binfor accessing the interior portionof the storage binwhen the storage binis in the closed position. Additionally, like the storage bin, the storage bin lidmay extend across the widthdefined between the first mounting bracketA and the second mounting bracketB. In this respect, a user of the refrigerator appliancemy slide the storage bin lidbetween the open position and the closed position while only one of the refrigerator doorsis open for providing easy access to the interior portionof the storage bin.

According to exemplary embodiments, the storage bin lidmay be slidably mounted to the mounting brackets. As such, the deli-pan storage assemblymay include a sliding interfacecontacted by the storage bin lidas the storage bin lidslides between the open position and the closed position. For example, the storage bin lidmay include a plurality of storage bin door brackets() coupled thereto, such as front and rear storage bin door bracketscoupled to lateral sides of the storage bin lid. The sliding interfacemay correspond to a plurality of guide tracksof which some are positioned on and/or defined by the first mounting bracketA and some are positioned on and/or defined by the second mounting bracketB. For example, each guide trackmay correspond to a slot defined within one of the mounting bracketsand/or a rail positioned on the mounting bracket. Each guide trackmay receive one of the plurality of storage bin door bracketsfor mounting the storage bin lidto the mounting brackets. As illustrated, the first mounting bracketA may include a first pair of guide tracksA that extend along the first mounting bracketA in the transverse direction T. Likewise, the second mounting bracketB may include a second pair of guide tracksB that extend along the second mounting bracketB in the transverse direction T.

Notably, each of the storage bin door bracketsmay be received and/or mounted on one of the guide tracksand slidable along the guide tracksuch that the storage bin lidis slidable in the transverse direction T between the open position and the closed position. In this respect, as best illustrated in, each guide trackmay include a track guide railprotruding therefrom. Each track guide railmay extend along a length of the guide trackin the transverse direction T. Additionally, each storage bin door bracketmay define a receiving portion or slotfor receiving one of the track guide railstherein. In this respect, the storage bin door bracketsand, thus, the storage bin lid, may slide along the track guide rails. In the embodiments illustrated in, the storage bin door bracketsmay be positioned above upward protruding track guide railssuch that the track guide railsare received within a receiving portion or slotdefined within an undersideof the storage bin door brackets. Alternatively, in the embodiment illustrated in, the storage bin door bracketmay be positioned below a downward protruding track guide railsuch that the track guide railis received within a receiving portion or slotdefined within a topsideof the storage bin door bracket.

According to exemplary embodiments, the storage bin lidmay include one or more electrically powered components. For example, as best illustrated in, the storage bin lidmay include a light sourcewhich is mounted to storage bin lidand is generally configured for generating light for any suitable purpose. For example, light sourcemay be configured for generating visible light for illuminating the interior portionof the storage bin. In this regard, light sourcemay 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 sourcemay include more than one LED and may be capable of illuminating in different colors based on one or more operating conditions of refrigerator appliance.

According to another embodiment, the light sourcemay include an ultraviolet (UV) light source for generating UV light for reducing or eliminating mold, bacteria, etc. In this regard, the light sourcemay be configured to operate a UV light when sanitation or cleaning of the storage binis desired. For example, the light sourcemay activate a UV light intermittently when door is closed to periodically sanitize the storage bin. In addition, the light sourcemay 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 sourcesmay 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 sourcemay also be configured for simulating natural light, e.g., to improve food preservation.

According to exemplary embodiments, the sliding interfaceand the storage bin lidmay each include electrical contactsfor conveying electrical power to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s) 250, of the storage bin lidas the storage bin lidslides between the open position and the closed position. As such, the electrical contactsmay 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 contactsare electrically coupled. The electrical contactsmay be positioned between the guide tracksand the storage bin lidand extend parallel to the guide tracksalong the length of the guide trackssuch that the storage bin door bracketsare in contact with the electrical contactsas the storage bin door bracketsslide along the guide tracks.

As illustrated in, the sliding interfacemay include a set of first electrical contactsA electrically coupled to one or more power sources (not shown). Each first electrical contactA in the set of first electrical contactsA may be coupled to one of the guide tracks. Each first electrical contactA may also extend along the length of the corresponding guide track. Likewise, the storage bin lidmay include a set of second electrical contactsB electrically coupled to one or more electrically powered components, e.g., light source(s), of the storage bin lid. Each second electrical contactB in the set of second electrical contactsB may be coupled to one of the storage bin door brackets. Additionally, each of the first electrical contactsA are positioned on the guide tracksand each of the second electrical contactsB are positioned on or within the storage bin door bracketssuch that each of the second electrical contactsB is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contactA as the storage bin lidslides along the guide tracks. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contactsA to the second electrical contactsB and from the second electrical contactsB to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s), of the storage bin lidas the storage bin lidslides between the open position and the closed position.

For example, as best illustrated in, each first electrical contactA in the set of first electrical contactsA may be positioned on one of the track guide railsand each second electrical contactB in the set of second electrical contactsB may be positioned within the receiving portion or slotdefined within the undersideof the storage bin door brackets. In some embodiments, the first electrical contactsA may be coupled to a lateral side() of the track guide railextending in the lateral direction L. Likewise, the second electrical contactsB may be coupled to a lateral wallof the slotof the storage bin bracketand extending in the lateral direction L. As such, the first and second electrical contactsA,B may extend in the lateral direction L such that the weight of the storage bin door bracketbiases the slotonto the track guide railand, thus, biases the second electrical contactB onto the first electrical contactA. In this respect, each of the second electrical contactsB is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contactA as the storage bin lidslides along the guide tracks. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contactsA to the second electrical contactsB and from the second electrical contactsB to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s), of the storage bin lidas the storage bin lidslides between the open position and the closed position.

Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first electrical contactsA may be coupled to a vertical side() of the track guide railextending in the vertical direction V. Likewise, the second electrical contactsB may be coupled to a vertical wallof the slotof the storage bin bracketand extending in the vertical direction V. As such, the first and second electrical contactsA,B may extend in the vertical direction V such that a biasing element, e.g., such as a spring, may be used to bias the slotand the track guide railtogether and, thus, bias the first and second electrical contactsA,B together. In this respect, each of the second electrical contactsB is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contactA as the storage bin lidslides along the guide tracks. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contactsA to the second electrical contactsB and from the second electrical contactsB to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s), of the storage bin lidas the storage bin lidslides between the open position and the closed position.

In another example, as best illustrated in, each first electrical contactA in the set of first electrical contactsA may be positioned on one or more wallsof the guide trackand each second electrical contactB in the set of second electrical contactsB may be positioned on one or more wallsof the storage bin door brackets. In some embodiments, the first electrical contactsA may be coupled to wall() of the track guide railextending in the vertical direction V. Likewise, the second electrical contactsB may be coupled to wallof the storage bin bracketand extending in the vertical direction V. As such, the first and second electrical contactsA,B may extend in the vertical direction V such that the biasing element, e.g., such as a spring, may be used to bias the slotand the track guide railtogether and, thus, bias the first and second electrical contactsA,B together. In this respect, each of the second electrical contactsB is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contactA as the storage bin lidslides along the guide tracks. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contactsA to the second electrical contactsB and from the second electrical contactsB to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s), of the storage bin lidas the storage bin lidslides between the open position and the closed position.

Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, each first electrical contactA in the set of first electrical contactsA may be positioned on one or more wallsof the guide trackand each second electrical contactB in the set of second electrical contactsB may be positioned on one or more wallsof the storage bin door brackets. In some embodiments, the first electrical contactsA may be coupled to wall() of the track guide railextending in the lateral direction L. Likewise, the second electrical contactsB may be coupled to wallof the storage bin bracketand extending in the lateral direction L. As such, the first and second electrical contactsA,B may extend in the lateral direction L such that the weight of the storage bin door bracketbiases the slotonto the track guide railand, thus, biases the second electrical contactB onto the first electrical contactA. In this respect, each of the second electrical contactsB is in contact with a corresponding first electrical contactA as the storage bin lidslides along the guide tracks. As such, power is conveyed from the first electrical contactsA to the second electrical contactsB and from the second electrical contactsB to the electrically powered component(s), e.g., light source(s), of the storage bin lidas the storage bin lidslides 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.