Ice making assembly for refrigeration appliance

Abstract

A refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet having a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet. The refrigeration appliance further comprises an ice making chamber which is limited in one of the box body and the door body. The ice making assembly and the ice storage box are arranged in the ice making chamber. The refrigeration appliance also includes an infrared transmitter mounted to the movable portion of the ice-making assembly and an infrared detector mounted to the movable portion of the ice-making assembly. The refrigeration appliance further comprises an infrared emitter and an infrared detector which are installed on the ice making assembly.

Description

Ice making components for refrigeration appliances Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more particularly to an ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance. Background Art

[0002] Refrigeration appliances typically include a housing that defines one or more refrigeration compartments for receiving and storing food. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the housing to provide selective access to the food stored in the refrigeration compartments. Furthermore, refrigeration appliances typically include an ice-making assembly mounted within an ice bin on one of the doors or within a freezer compartment. Ice is stored in the ice bin and is accessible from within the freezer compartment, or can be dispensed through a dispenser recess defined on the front of the refrigerator door.

[0003] When the ice bank is full, it is desirable for the ice-making assembly to suspend ice making and / or ice removal in order to avoid or limit overfilling of the ice bank. The accumulation of ice cubes within the ice bank does not necessarily follow a regular pattern. For example, the ice cubes may accumulate in an irregular pattern, wherein one location within the ice bank may reach a maximum ice level while other locations within the ice bank are below the maximum ice level. Thus, for example, in a cross-section of the ice bank taken in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical at the maximum ice level, the accumulated ice may reach the maximum ice level in some portions of the cross-section while the ice in other portions of the cross-section is below the maximum ice level.

[0004] Thus, it may be advantageous to check the ice fill level at an area or location where the apex of the ice pile is more likely to be found, and / or it may be advantageous to check the ice fill level over an area or portion of the ice bank where one or more ice blocks are more likely to be detected at a maximum ice level, such as the first ice block to reach the maximum ice level, such as the apex or uppermost ice block of accumulated ice in the ice bank.

[0005] Therefore, a refrigeration appliance having features for improving ice storage would be desirable. More particularly, a refrigeration appliance including features for detecting the fill level of ice in an ice bank that receives and stores ice nuggets from an ice-making assembly in the refrigeration appliance would be particularly beneficial.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance includes a housing having a door rotatably mounted to the housing. The refrigeration appliance also includes an ice-making chamber defined in one of the housing and the door. An ice-making assembly and an ice storage bin are disposed within the ice-making chamber. The refrigeration appliance also includes an infrared emitter mounted to a movable portion of the ice-making assembly and an infrared detector mounted to the movable portion of the ice-making assembly.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance includes a housing having a door rotatably mounted to the housing. The refrigeration appliance also includes an ice-making chamber defined in one of the housing and the door. An ice-making assembly and an ice storage bin are disposed within the ice-making chamber. The refrigeration appliance also includes an infrared emitter mounted to a movable portion of the ice-making assembly and an infrared detector mounted to the movable portion of the ice-making assembly. The refrigeration appliance also includes an infrared emitter and an infrared detector mounted to the ice-making assembly. When the infrared emitter and the infrared detector are in a home position, the infrared emitter and the infrared detector are disposed above a center portion of the ice storage bin.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily 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 present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the present invention for those skilled in the art, which disclosure enables those skilled in the art to implement the present invention, including the best embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 , with the fresh food compartment door shown in an open position.

[0014] 3 provides a perspective view of an ice bin and ice making assembly for use with the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] 4 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice-making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] 5 provides a partial side view of the drive mechanism, lift assembly, and discharge assembly of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 3 , with the lift assembly in a lowered position and the discharge assembly in a retracted position.

[0017] 6 provides a partial side view of the drive mechanism, lift assembly, and discharge assembly of FIG. 5 , with the lift mechanism in a raised position.

[0018] 7 provides a rear view of the exemplary ice-making assembly of FIG. 3 with the retaining bracket removed for clarity, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] 8 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice-making assembly of FIG. 3 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] 9 provides a top view of the exemplary ice-making assembly of FIG. 8 with its discharge assembly in its home position.

[0021] 10 provides a top view of the exemplary ice-making assembly of FIG. 8 with its discharge assembly in an extended position.

[0022] 11 provides a top view of the example ice-making assembly of FIG. 8 schematically illustrating an ice detection zone.

[0023] 12 provides another perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 8 with its discharge assembly in its home position.

[0024] 13 provides another perspective view of the example ice making assembly of FIG. 8 with its discharge assembly in an extended position.

[0025] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided in an illustrative manner and does not limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers these modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] As used herein, approximate terms such as "substantially" or "approximately" include values ​​within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include values ​​within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of a vertical line in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component.

[0028] FIG1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or casing 102 that extends along a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, along a lateral direction L between a first side 108 and a second side 110, and along a lateral direction T between a front side 112 and a rear side 114. Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the lateral direction T is perpendicular to one another.

[0029] The housing 102 forms a refrigeration compartment for receiving food for storage. Specifically, the housing 102 is formed with a fresh food compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent to the top 104 of the housing 102 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent to the bottom 106 of the housing 102. As can be seen, the refrigeration appliance 100 is commonly referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator. However, it is recognized that the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as top-mounted refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or single-door refrigeration appliances. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration compartment configuration in any respect.

[0030] A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the housing 102 for selective access to the fresh food compartment 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is disposed below the refrigerator door 128 for selective access to the freezer compartment 124. The freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 124. The refrigerator door 128 and the freezer door 130 are shown in a closed configuration in FIG1 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other compartment and door configurations are feasible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 provides the three-dimensional view of the refrigeration appliance 100 shown when the refrigeration door body 128 is in the open position.As shown in Figure 2, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various storage components are installed in the fresh food compartment 122, to promote the storage of food therein.In particular, the storage component can include a box 134 and a shelf 136.Each of these storage components is used to receive food (for example, beverages or / or solid foods, etc.) and can assist in managing such food.As shown, box 134 can be installed on the refrigeration door body 128 or can slide into the accommodation space in the fresh food compartment 122.Should be understood that the storage component shown is only for illustrative purposes, and other storage components can be used, and other storage components can have different sizes, shapes and structures.

[0032] Referring now generally to FIG1 , a dispensing assembly 140 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally used to dispense liquid water and / or ice. While an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] The dispensing assembly 140 and its various components can be at least partially disposed within a dispenser recess 142 formed on one of the refrigeration doors 128. Dispenser recess 142 is disposed on the front side 112 of the refrigeration appliance 100, allowing the user to access the dispensing assembly 140 without opening the refrigeration door 128. Furthermore, dispenser recess 142 is disposed at a predetermined height that facilitates user access to ice without bending over. In an exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is disposed approximately at chest level.

[0034] Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharge port 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuation mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharge port 146 to operate ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuation mechanism can be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle. Discharge port 146 and actuation mechanism 148 are external parts of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.

[0035] In contrast, within the refrigeration appliance 100, the refrigeration door 128 may be provided with an ice box 150 (FIGS. 2 and 3) that houses an ice maker and an ice storage bin 152 configured to supply ice to the dispenser recess 142. In this regard, for example, the ice box 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for accommodating an ice making assembly, a storage mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism.

[0036] A control panel 160 is provided to control the operating mode. For example, the control panel 160 includes one or more selection inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, a touch screen interface, and the like, such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, for selecting a desired operating mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice. Furthermore, the inputs 162 can be used to specify a fill volume or a method for operating the dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, the inputs 162 can communicate with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in the controller 164 in response to the selector inputs 162 operate the refrigeration appliance 100 and the dispensing assembly 140. Furthermore, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, can be provided on the control panel 160. The display 166 can communicate with the controller 164 and display information in response to signals from the controller 164.

[0037] As used herein, "processing device" or "controller" may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not necessarily limited to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate the refrigeration appliance 100 and the distribution assembly 140. The processing device may include or be associated with one or more storage elements (e.g., permanent storage media). In some such embodiments, the storage element includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Typically, the storage element can store information accessible to the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by the processing device. Alternatively, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and / or data that, when executed by the processing device, causes the processing device to perform an operation.

[0038] Referring now generally to Figures 3 through 13 , an ice-making assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that can be used with a refrigeration appliance 100 will be described. The ice-making assembly 200 can be positioned in any refrigeration compartment of the refrigeration appliance 100 (e.g., the fresh food compartment 122 or the freezer compartment 124). As shown, the ice-making assembly 200 is mounted in an ice tray 150 within the ice making compartment 154 and is configured to receive a flow of water from a water supply nozzle 202 (e.g., see Figure 3 ). More specifically, as described in greater detail below, the water supply nozzle 202 can discharge the water into a fill cup, which then distributes or directs the water into one or more mold cavities.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, in which the ice making assembly 200 is mounted within the ice bin 150 and the ice bin 150 is defined by or within a refrigerated door 128, the ice making assembly 200 can be positioned within the fresh food compartment 122, for example, when the corresponding door 128 is in a closed position. In other embodiments, the ice making assembly 200 and the ice bin 152 can be positioned within the freezer compartment 124, for example. Thus, in various embodiments, the ice making compartment 154 can be positioned within a refrigerated compartment or can be coextensive with a refrigerated compartment. For example, in some embodiments, the ice bin 150 can be defined within or by the freezer door 130, such that the ice making compartment 154 can be positioned within the freezer compartment 124, for example, when the freezer door 130 is in a closed position, or the ice bin 150 can be positioned in a fixed position within the freezer compartment 124, such that the ice making compartment 154 can be positioned within the freezer compartment 124 independently of the position of the freezer door 130. As another example, in other embodiments, the ice tray 150 may be omitted, and the ice making assembly 200 and the ice storage bin 152 may be located within the freezer compartment 124. For example, in these embodiments, the ice making chamber 154 and the freezer compartment 124 may be commensurate and coextensive. Thus, the ice making chamber 154 may be defined within the cabinet 102 and one of the doors 128, 130, such as when the ice tray 150 is disposed in one of the doors 128 or 130, or when the ice tray 150 is installed in one of the refrigeration compartments 122 and 124 or when the ice tray 150 is omitted, the ice making chamber 154 may be defined within the cabinet.

[0040] Thus, the ice-making assembly 200 is generally used to freeze water to form ice cubes 204 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 6, and it should also be noted that the term "ice cubes" is used broadly herein to include ice cubes of various shapes, such as, but not limited to, rectangular prisms, gem-shaped ice cubes, round ice cubes, or any other desired shape of ice cubes), which can be stored in the ice storage bin 152 and dispensed by the dispensing assembly 140 through the discharge port 146. However, it should be understood that the ice-making assembly 200 described herein is only intended to illustrate various aspects of the present invention. Changes and modifications can be made to the ice-making assembly 200 while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, the ice-making assembly 200 can alternatively be disposed within the freezer compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100 and can have any other suitable configuration.

[0041] According to the illustrated embodiment, the ice-making assembly 200 includes a resilient mold 210 defining a mold cavity 212. Generally, as described in greater detail below, the resilient mold 210 is configured to receive a gravity-assisted flow of water from the water supply nozzle 202 and contain the water until ice cubes 204 are formed. The resilient mold 210 can be constructed from any suitable resilient material that can be deformed to release the formed ice cubes 204. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the resilient mold 210 is formed from silicone or another suitable hydrophobic, food-grade, and resilient material.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible mold 210 defines two mold cavities 212, each mold cavity being shaped and oriented to form individual ice cubes 204. In this regard, for example, the water supply nozzle 202 is used to refill the flexible mold 210 to a level above a dividing wall (not shown) within the flexible mold 210, so that water evenly overflows into each mold cavity 212, for example, evenly overflowing into both mold cavities in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, or into all mold cavities (e.g., all five mold cavities) in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIG. 8 through FIG. 13, or into any other suitable number of mold cavities (e.g., multiple rows of mold cavities, etc.) as may be provided in various embodiments. According to other embodiments, the water supply nozzle 202 may have a dedicated discharge nozzle disposed above each mold cavity. Furthermore, it should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, the ice-making assembly 200 may be scalable to form any suitable number of ice cubes 204, for example, by increasing the number of mold cavities 212 defined by the flexible mold 210.

[0043] As shown, the ice-making assembly further includes a fill cup 214 positioned above the resilient mold 210 for selectively filling the mold cavity 212 with water. More specifically, the fill cup 214 can be positioned below the water supply nozzle 202 to receive a flow of water 216. The fill cup 214 can define a small reservoir for collecting and / or directing the flow of water 216 into the mold cavity 212 without excessive splashing or overflowing. Additionally, the fill cup 214 can define a drain spout 218 that funnels the water toward the bottom of the fill cup 214, where it can be dispensed into the mold cavity 212.

[0044] In general, the fill cup 214 and the drain spout 218 can have any suitable size, shape, and configuration suitable for distributing the flow of water 216 into the elastic mold 210. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the fill cup 214 is positioned above one of the two mold cavities 212 and generally defines an inclined surface for directing the water 216 to the drain spout 218 immediately above the fill level (not labeled) of the elastic mold 210. According to alternative embodiments, the fill cup 214 can extend across the entire width of the elastic mold 210 and can have multiple drain spouts 218. The fill cup 214 can have other configurations while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Ice-making assembly 200 may also include a heat exchanger 220 in thermal communication with flexible mold 210 for freezing water within mold cavity 212 to form one or more ice cubes 204. Generally, heat exchanger 220 may be formed from any suitable thermally conductive material and may be positioned in direct contact with flexible mold 210. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, heat exchanger 220 is formed from aluminum and positioned directly below flexible mold 210. Furthermore, heat exchanger 220 may define a cubic recess 222 configured to receive flexible mold 210 and shape or define the bottom of ice cube 204. In this manner, heat exchanger 220 is in direct contact with flexible mold 210 over a majority of the surface area of ​​ice cube 204, for example, to facilitate increased heat transfer rates and rapid freezing of water stored within mold cavity 212. For example, heat exchanger 220 may contact flexible mold 210 over an area greater than approximately half the surface area of ​​ice cube 204. It should be understood that as used herein, approximate terms such as "approximately," "substantially," or "about" mean within a ten percent margin of error.

[0046] In addition, the ice making assembly 200 may include an air inlet duct 224 disposed adjacent to the heat exchanger 220 and fluidly coupled to a source of cold air (e.g., exemplified by a cooling air flow 226). According to the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet duct 224 provides the cooling air flow 226 from a rear end 228 of the ice making assembly 200 (e.g., from the right along the lateral direction L as shown in Figures 5 and 6) through the heat exchanger 220 toward a front end 230 of the ice making assembly 200 (e.g., to the left along the lateral direction L as shown in Figures 5 and 6, i.e., the side where the ice cubes 204 are discharged into the ice storage bin 152).

[0047] As shown, the air inlet duct 224 generally receives a cooling air flow 226 from the sealed system of the refrigeration appliance 100 and directs it over and / or through the heat exchanger 220 to cool the heat exchanger 220. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 220 defines a plurality of heat exchange fins 232 that extend substantially parallel to the cooling air flow 226. In this regard, the heat exchange fins 232 extend downwardly from the top of the heat exchanger 220 along a plane defined by the vertical direction V in the lateral direction L (e.g., when the ice making assembly 200 is installed in the refrigeration appliance 100).

[0048] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 5 and 6, the ice-making assembly 200 further includes a lifting mechanism 240 disposed below the resilient mold 210 and generally configured to facilitate ejection of ice cubes 204 from the mold cavity 212. In this regard, the lifting mechanism 240 is movable between a lowered position (e.g., as shown in Figure 5) and a raised position (e.g., as shown in Figure 6). Specifically, the lifting mechanism 240 includes a lifting arm 242 that extends substantially along a vertical direction V and passes through a lifting channel 244 defined within the heat exchanger 220. Thus, the lifting channel 244 can guide the lifting mechanism 240 as it slides along the vertical direction V.

[0049] In addition, the lift mechanism 240 includes a lift tab 246 that extends from the top of the lift arm 242 toward the rear end 228 of the ice making assembly 200 and toward the front end 230 of the ice making assembly 200. As shown, the lift tab 246 generally defines the contour of the bottom of the ice cube 204 and is flushly disposed within a lift recess 248 defined by the heat exchanger 220 when the lift mechanism 240 is in the lowered position. Thus, the heat exchanger 220 and the lift tab 246 define a smooth bottom surface for the ice cube 204. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the lift tab 246 generally curves downward and away from the lift arm 242 to define a smooth divot in the bottom of the ice cube 204.

[0050] Referring now specifically to FIG. 7 , the heat exchanger 220 may further define an aperture for receiving a temperature sensor 250 for determining when the ice cube 204 is formed so that the ejection process can be performed. In this regard, for example, the temperature sensor 250 may be in operative communication with the controller 164 , which may monitor the temperature of the heat exchanger 220 and the time the water has been in the mold cavity 212 to predict when the ice cube 204 is fully frozen. As used herein, a "temperature sensor" may refer to any suitable type of temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be a thermocouple, a thermistor, or a resistance temperature detector. Furthermore, while a single temperature sensor 250 is illustrated herein as an exemplary arrangement, it should be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, the ice-making assembly 200 may include any other suitable number, type, and location of temperature sensors.

[0051] Referring now specifically to Figures 4-7 , the ice-making assembly 200 further includes a discharge assembly 260 disposed above the resilient mold 210 and generally configured to push the ice cubes 204, after formation, out of the mold cavity 212 and into the ice bank 152. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the discharge assembly 260 is movable in a horizontal direction (i.e., within a horizontal plane generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V, such as the lateral-transverse plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) between a retracted position (e.g., as shown in Figure 5 ) and an extended position (e.g., as shown in Figure 6 ). According to the illustrated embodiment, the discharge assembly 260 and the fill cup 214 are integrally formed as a single piece, with the fill cup 214 disposed atop the discharge assembly 260. Thus, during the ice discharge process, the discharge assembly 260 and the fill cup 214 can move in unison in a horizontal direction (e.g., the lateral direction L or other direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V).

[0052] As described in greater detail below, the ejection assembly 260 remains in the retracted position while water is added to the resilient mold 210, for example, via the fill cup 214. The ejection assembly 260 also remains in the retracted position throughout the freezing process and while the lift mechanism 240 is moved toward the raised position. After the ice cubes 204 are in the raised position, the ejection assembly 260 moves horizontally from the retracted position to the extended position, for example, toward the front end 230 of the ice making assembly 200. In this manner, the ejection assembly pushes the ice cubes 204 away from the lift mechanism 240, out of the resilient mold 210, and over the top of the heat exchanger 220, where they can fall into the ice bank 152.

[0053] Notably, dispensing ice cubes 204 from the top of the ice-making assembly 200 allows for a taller ice storage bin 152, thereby allowing for a larger ice storage capacity relative to ice-making machines that dispense ice from the bottom of the ice-making machine. According to the illustrated embodiment, the water supply nozzle 202 is positioned above the fill cup 214 (in the retracted position) so that water flow can be directed into the resilient mold 210. Furthermore, the water supply nozzle 202 is positioned so that the discharge assembly 260 can move between the retracted position and the extended position without contacting the water supply nozzle 202. According to an alternative embodiment, the water supply nozzle 202 can be coupled to a mechanical actuator that lowers the water supply nozzle 202 closer to the resilient mold 210 while the discharge assembly 260 is in the retracted position. In this way, the overall height or profile of the ice-making assembly 200 can be further reduced, thereby maximizing ice storage capacity and minimizing wasted space.

[0054] According to the illustrated embodiment, the discharge assembly 260 generally includes vertically extending side arms 262 that are used to drive an upper raised frame 264 disposed above (e.g., on) the elastic mold 210. Specifically, the upper raised frame 264 extends around the elastic mold 210, thereby preventing or reducing splashing of water within the elastic mold 210. This can be advantageous, for example, when the ice making assembly 200 is mounted on a refrigeration door 128, because movement of the refrigeration door 128 may cause water within the mold cavity 212 to slosh.

[0055] Additionally, as best shown in Figures 5 and 6, the ejection assembly 260 may further define an inclined push surface 268 proximate the rear end 228 of the ice-making assembly 200. Generally, the inclined push surface 268 is configured to engage the ice cube 204 as it pivots upward and as the ejection assembly 260 moves toward the extended position, rotating the ice cube 204 above and away from the ice-making assembly 200. Specifically, the inclined push surface may extend at an angle 270 (Figure 5) relative to the vertical V. According to the illustrated embodiment, the angle 270 is less than approximately 10 degrees, but according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable angle for rotating the ice cube 180 degrees may be used.

[0056] 3-13 , the ice making assembly 200 can include a drive mechanism 276 operably coupled to the lifting mechanism 240 and the discharge assembly 260 to selectively raise the lifting mechanism 240 and slide the discharge assembly 260 during operation to discharge the ice cubes 204. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism 276 includes a drive motor 278. As used herein, "motor" can refer to any suitable drive motor and / or transmission assembly for rotating system components. For example, the motor 278 can be a brushless DC motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor. Alternatively, for example, the motor 278 can be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of AC motor. Additionally, the motor 278 can include any suitable transmission assembly, clutch mechanism, or other components.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor 278 can be mechanically coupled to a rotating cam 280. The lifting mechanism 240, or more specifically, the lifting arm 242, can abut against the rotating cam 280 such that as the motor 278 rotates the rotating cam 280, the profile of the rotating cam 280 causes the lifting mechanism 240 to move between the lowered position and the raised position. Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, the lifting mechanism 240 can include a roller 282 mounted to the lower end of the lifting arm 242 for providing a low-friction interface between the lifting mechanism 240 and the rotating cam 280.

[0058] The ice-making assembly 200 can include a plurality of lifting mechanisms 240, each of which is disposed below a mold cavity 212 of the resilient mold 210 (and the ice cubes 204 therein), or is configured to elevate a separate portion of the resilient mold 210. In this embodiment, a rotating cam 280 is mounted on a camshaft 284 that is mechanically coupled to the motor 278. As the motor 278 rotates the camshaft 284, the rotating cam 280 can simultaneously move the lifting arms 242 along a vertical V. Thus, each of the plurality of rotating cams 280 is used to drive a corresponding one of the lifting mechanisms 240. Additionally, a roller shaft (not shown) can extend between the rollers 282 of adjacent lifting mechanisms 240 to maintain an appropriate distance between the adjacent rollers 282 and to keep them engaged on top of the rotating cam 280.

[0059] Still referring generally to Figures 3 to 13, the drive mechanism 276 can also include a yoke wheel 290 that is mechanically coupled to the motor 278 to drive the discharge assembly 260. Specifically, the yoke wheel 290 can rotate with the camshaft 284 and can include a drive pin 292 that is disposed radially outwardly of the yoke wheel 290 and extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the motor 278. Additionally, the side arm 262 of the discharge assembly 260 can be provided with a drive slot 294 that is configured to receive the drive pin 292 during operation. Although a single yoke wheel 290 is described and illustrated herein, it should be understood that both side arms 262 can include a yoke wheel 290 and drive slot 294 mechanism.

[0060] It is noteworthy that the geometry of each drive slot 294 is defined such that when the drive pin 292 reaches the end 296 of the drive slot 294, the drive pin 292 causes the discharge assembly 260 to move in a horizontal direction. It is noteworthy that, according to the exemplary embodiment, this occurs when the lifting mechanism 240 is in the raised position. In order to provide the controller 164 with knowledge of the position of the yoke wheel 290 (and more generally, the drive mechanism 276), the ice making assembly 200 may include a position sensor (not shown) for determining the initial position of the yoke wheel 290.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, the position sensor includes a magnet (not shown) disposed on the yoke wheel 290 and a Hall effect sensor (not shown) mounted at a fixed position on the ice making assembly 200. As the yoke wheel 290 rotates toward a predetermined position, the Hall effect sensor can detect the approach of the magnet, and the controller 164 can determine that the yoke wheel 290 is in an initial position (or some other known position). Alternatively, any other suitable sensor or method for detecting the position of the yoke wheel 290 or the drive mechanism 276 can be used. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, a motion sensor, a camera system, an optical sensor, an acoustic sensor, or a simple mechanical contact switch can be used.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, motor 278 can begin rotating after ice cubes 204 are completely frozen and ready for harvesting. At this point, motor 278 rotates rotating cam 280 (and / or camshaft 284) approximately 90 degrees, moving lifting mechanism 240 from a lowered position to a raised position. This causes lifting protrusion 246 to push elastic mold 210 upward, deforming elastic mold 210 and releasing ice cubes 204. Ice cubes 204 continue to be pushed upward until they enter ice storage bin 152.

[0063] It is noteworthy that the yoke wheel 290 rotates with the cam shaft 284, causing the drive pin 292 to rotate within the drive slot 294 without moving the ejector assembly 260 until the yoke wheel 290 reaches the ninety-degree position. Thus, as the motor 278 rotates through ninety degrees (90°), the lift mechanism 240 remains in the raised position while the ejector assembly 260 moves toward the extended position. In this way, the inclined push surface 268 engages the raised ends of the ice cubes 204 to push them out of the resilient mold 210 and rotate the ice cubes 204 approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) before they fall into the ice bank 152.

[0064] When the motor 278 reaches one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) of rotation, the discharge assembly 260 is in a fully extended position and the ice cubes 204 will fall into the ice storage bin 152 under the action of gravity. As the motor 278 rotates through one hundred and eighty degrees (180°), the drive pin 292 begins to pull the discharge assembly 260 back toward the retracted position, for example, by engaging with the drive slot 294. At the same time, the profile of the rotating cam 280 is configured to begin lowering the lifting mechanism 240. When the motor 278 rotates back to the initial position, as indicated by, for example, a position sensor, the discharge assembly 260 can be fully retracted, the lifting mechanism 240 can be fully lowered, and the elastic mold 210 can be ready for water supply. At this point, the water supply nozzle 202 can provide a flow of water into the mold cavity 212, and the process can be repeated.

[0065] It is worth noting that because the fill cup 214 is close to the cold air and temperature necessary to form ice cubes 204, the water 216 dispensed from the water supply nozzle 202 may have a tendency to freeze in locations where ice is not desired. When this undesirable freezing occurs, the operation and performance of the ice-making assembly 200 may be adversely affected. For example, the water fill volume may be affected, resulting in ice cubes that are smaller or larger than desired. In addition, ice in the wrong location may cause water to overflow or may jam the drain mechanism of the ice-making assembly 200. Therefore, some exemplary embodiments of the ice-making assembly 200 may include features for eliminating ice accumulation in undesirable locations. These undesirable ice formations may be referred to herein as ice jams and are generally identified in the drawings by the reference numeral 310 (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0066] Specifically, the ice making assembly 200 may include one or more heating elements 312 that are in thermal communication with the fill cup 214 for selectively heating the fill cup 214. As used herein, the term "heating element," etc., is generally intended to refer to any suitable electrically driven heat generator. For example, the heating element 312 may be an electric heater that is thermally coupled to the fill cup 214 and may include one or more resistive heating elements. For example, a positive thermal coefficient of return (PTCR) of a resistive heater that increases in electrical resistance when heated, such as a metal, ceramic, or polymer PTC element (e.g., such as a resistive heating rod or Calrod heater), may be used. Additionally, the heating element 312 may be coated with silicone, embedded within the fill cup 214, or disposed in any other suitable manner.

[0067] The heating element 312 can generally be mounted in any manner suitable for breaking up the ice jam 310 or melting unwanted ice accumulation. In this regard, according to an exemplary embodiment, the heating element 312 can be positioned adjacent to the discharge spout 218 of the fill cup 214. In this regard, a common location for a jam is at the point where the discharge spout 218 directs the water 216 into the mold cavity 212. Notably, the ice jam 310 at this location may prevent the ice cube 204 from properly draining or ejecting from the mold cavity 212. In this regard, when the lifting mechanism 240 pushes the ice cube 204 upward and out of the flexible mold 210, the rear end of the ice cube 204 may contact the ice jam 310, causing it to tilt forward. When the ejection assembly 260 moves forward to initiate the ejection process, the ice cube 204 may become stuck between the ejection assembly 260 and the front portion of the flexible mold 210.

[0068] To prevent such problems, when such an ice jam 310 is detected, a heating element 312 can be selectively activated to locally melt and break up the ice jam 310. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 312 is disposed on the rear side 314 of the fill cup 214, directly opposite the discharge nozzle 218. In this regard, the fill cup 214 can define a recess 316 sized to receive the heating element 312. The recess 316 can be defined such that the thickness of the fill cup 214 adjacent to the recess 316 is less than the nominal thickness of the discharge assembly 260 and the fill cup 214. Thus, the heating element 312 is disposed as close to the ice jam 310 as possible without compromising the structural integrity of the fill cup 214.

[0069] Additionally, the ice making assembly 200 can include a retaining bracket 320 that snaps onto the fill cup 214 or the discharge assembly 260 to secure the heating element 312 in place. Thus, the retaining bracket 320 can be a flat plastic piece that is securely positioned against the heating element 312 opposite the fill cup 214. This allows the heating element 312 to securely contact the fill cup 214 within the recess 316 to improve thermal conductivity. As shown, the retaining bracket 320 can include clips 322 that are received within notches defined on the front end of the discharge assembly 260 to secure the retaining bracket 320 in place. It should be understood that other configurations of the retaining bracket 320 and other means for securing the heating element 312 can be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] It is worth noting that localized heating at the discharge nozzle 218 can prevent ice jams 310 at the discharge nozzle 218, but may be ineffective at melting ice jams 310 located elsewhere within the ice making assembly 200. Therefore, according to an alternative embodiment, the ice making assembly 200 may further include a secondary harvesting heater in thermal communication with the heat exchanger 220. This secondary harvesting heater may be used independently of or in conjunction with the heating element 312 to clear ice jams 310 throughout the ice making assembly 200.

[0071] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 8 to 13 , the ice-making assembly 200 may further include an infrared (IR) emitter 400 and an IR receiver 402, for example, thereby defining an IR beam 406 therebetween. It will be appreciated that the IR emitter 400 and the IR receiver 402 have been omitted from Figures 1 to 7 for simplicity and clarity, e.g., to more clearly depict and label other elements of the ice-making assembly 200. It will be appreciated that the exemplary configurations depicted in Figures 1 to 7 are by no means intended to exclude the presence of the IR emitter 400 and the IR receiver 402 therefrom.

[0072] The IR emitter 400 and the IR receiver 402 may be collectively referred to as an IR assembly. In some embodiments, the IR assembly may be mounted on a movable portion of the ice making assembly 200, such as on the discharge assembly 260, for example, on its side arm 262. For example, the infrared emitter 400 may be mounted to the first side arm 262 of the discharge assembly 260, and the infrared detector 402 may be mounted to the second side arm 262 of the discharge assembly 260. In the exemplary embodiment, the IR beam 406 (e.g., in Figures 9 to 11) travels from right to left. It should be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and other configurations are possible within the scope of the present invention, such as the positions of the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402 may be reversed.

[0073] In some embodiments, the infrared emitter 400 and the infrared detector 402 may be positioned facing each other and aligned such that an infrared beam 406 from the infrared emitter 400 passes through the storage volume defined within the ice bank 152 and reaches the infrared detector 402. The IR assembly (particularly its IR detector 402) may be communicatively coupled to the controller 164, for example, such that when the IR beam 406 is not detected, an interruption in the IR beam 406 can be detected, such as by or in response to a signal from the IR detector 402. For example, the IR beam 406 may not be detected if its path is interrupted or disrupted by an object (such as an ice cube or ice nugget) between the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402. Thus, when the accumulated ice within the ice bank 154 reaches, for example, the level of the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402 and the IR beam 406 therebetween, along a vertical direction V, the IR beam 406 may be interrupted, and this interruption may be detected by the IR detector 402. Thus, the IR assembly can detect the fill level of ice in the internal storage volume of the ice bank 152. For example, when the ice pile or any one or more ice cubes therein reaches the IR assembly, the ice bank 152 may be full, and the controller 164 may be configured to pause operation of the ice making assembly 200 when the ice bank 154 is full. The portion of the ice pile (e.g., one or more ice cubes therein) that first reaches the level of the IR assembly may be the apex or highest portion of the ice pile, or may generally be the highest portion of the ice pile, so that a full ice bank 152 can be detected earlier to reduce or prevent overfilling of the ice bank 152, which may occur when the apex of the accumulated ice cubes is not detected by the IR assembly (e.g., because the apex is outside the line or area covered by the IR beam 406).

[0074] In some embodiments, the controller 164 can check whether the IR beam 406 is interrupted before filling the mold body 210 with liquid water, for example, in embodiments where the IR assembly is mounted to the discharge assembly 260, when the discharge assembly 260 is in the home position. In some embodiments, the controller 164 can be configured to check whether the IR beam 406 is interrupted during or after ice harvesting, such as when the discharge assembly 260 is retracted, for example, from an extended position back to the home position, for example, in embodiments where the IR assembly is mounted to the discharge assembly 260.

[0075] The IR assembly can detect the fill level of ice cubes in the ice bank 152 whenever an ice cube, which may be the highest point or apex of the ice pile in the ice bank 152, reaches the level of the IR assembly at any point along the line of the IR beam 406. When the IR beam 406 is stationary, the fill level can be detected along a single line defined by the IR beam 406, e.g., the ice bank 152 is full. In embodiments where the IR beam 406 is mounted to a movable portion of the ice making assembly, a full ice bank 152 can be detected whenever an ice cube reaches any point within an ice detection zone (such as the ice detection zone 410 illustrated in FIG. 11 ). For example, in an embodiment where the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402 are mounted to the sweeper arm 262, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the IR beam 406 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 ) may sweep through the ice detection area 410 as the discharge assembly 260 moves between the home position ( FIG. 9 ) and the extended position ( FIG. 10 ), e.g., where the rearward limit of the ice detection area 410 is defined by the position of the IR beam 406 when in the home position, and the forward limit of the ice detection area 410 is defined by the position of the IR beam 406 when in the extended position, and the IR beam 406 continuously moves through various intermediate positions therebetween as the discharge assembly 260 moves from the home position to the extended position and / or retracts from the extended position back to the home position, whereby in such an embodiment, the IR beam 406 covers (e.g., sweeps through) the entire ice detection area 410.

[0076] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly 260 can be moved between a home position and an extended position in a direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V and / or in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V, such that in embodiments where the IR assembly is mounted to the exhaust assembly 260, the IR assembly moves along with the exhaust assembly 260 in a direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V and / or in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V. In the specific context of the movement of the exhaust assembly 260, "generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V" includes angles within plus or minus 15° of perpendicular to the vertical direction V, such as angles between 75° and 90°. For example, as can be seen in Figures 12 and 13, the IR beam 406 can extend through slots 412, such as two slots 412 (one on each side of the ice bank 152). Although only one is visible in Figures 12 and 13, the other slot 412 can be a mirror image of the illustrated slot 412. The slots 412 can be oriented to follow the path of the IR beam when the IR assembly is moved between the home position and the extended position, for example, with the exhaust assembly 260 to which the IR assembly can be mounted. For example, the slots 412 can be generally linear, for example, can have a generally constant (e.g., varying by ten percent or less) vertical dimension throughout the length of each slot 412, and can be oriented at the same angle relative to the vertical V as the direction of travel of the exhaust assembly 260. In other embodiments, the slots 412 can be triangular or can be tapered, such as the slots 412 can have varying widths to allow the IR beam 406 to travel therein without being blocked at any point along the path of travel between the home position and the extended position. For example, in such an embodiment, one edge of each slot 412 (e.g., the upper edge or the lower edge) can be substantially perpendicular to the vertical V (in this case, "substantially" is used in the usual sense, such as within plus or minus ten degrees of perpendicular to the vertical V), and the other edge of each slot 412 (e.g., the other of the upper and lower edges) can be inclined relative to the vertical V, such as at an angle of between approximately fifteen degrees and approximately thirty-five degrees relative to the vertical V.

[0077] 12 and 13 (it should be understood that the slot 412 illustrated in FIG. 12 and 13 vertically coincides with the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402), in some embodiments, the infrared emitter 400 and the infrared detector 402 can be disposed within the top portion of the ice making assembly 200, such as within twenty-five percent or less of the total vertical dimension of the ice bank 152 from the highest point of the ice bank 152, such as approximately ten percent or less of the total vertical dimension of the ice bank 152 from the highest point of the ice bank 152.

[0078] As described above, the ice-making assembly 200 can be used to form one or more ice cubes therein. For example, it can be configured to receive liquid water in one or more mold cavities 212 defined in the mold body 210 and reduce the temperature of the liquid water in the one or more mold cavities 212, thereby forming one or more ice cubes 204. In some embodiments, for example, as best seen in FIG. 10 , the infrared emitter 400 and the infrared detector 402 can be positioned in front of the point at which the one or more ice cubes 204 are discharged from the ice-making assembly 200 when the one or more ice cubes 204 are harvested. In embodiments where the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402 are so positioned, the IR assembly can thereby detect that the ice bank 152 is full when the discharge assembly 260 is retracted (e.g., when moved from an extended position to a home position) after the one or more ice cubes 204 are harvested. Thus, for example, in such embodiments, the IR assembly can detect that the ice bank 152 is full after the ice cubes 204 are harvested (e.g., immediately after harvesting). At least one of the one or more ice cubes 204 harvested immediately before a full ice bank 152 is detected may be highest in the stack in the ice bank 152. For example, at least one of the one or more ice cubes 204 harvested immediately before a full ice bank 152 is detected may be the ice cube 204 that has reached the level of the IR assembly. In such an embodiment, the controller 164 may suspend operation of the ice making assembly in response to detecting a full ice bank 152 after harvesting. For example, the controller 164 may be configured to suspend the filling operation so that liquid water is not introduced into the mold body 210 after the ice cubes 204 are harvested (e.g., immediately after harvesting) when the harvested ice cubes 204 fill the ice bank 152.

[0079] The central portion 414 of the ice making assembly 200 and / or its ice bank 152 is shown, for example, in FIG9 . In some embodiments, the infrared emitter 400 and the infrared detector 402 can be positioned above (such as directly above) the central portion 414 of the ice bank 152, for example, when mounted to a stationary portion of the ice making assembly 200, or in an in-situ position in embodiments where the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402 are mounted to a movable portion of the ice making assembly 200. For example, the central portion 414 can correspond to the middle third of the ice bank 152, for example, along the transverse direction T. In some embodiments, the infrared emitter 400 and the infrared detector 402 can be positioned directly above the exact center of the ice bank 152 along the vertical direction V, or can be positioned substantially above the exact center of the ice bank 152 along the vertical direction V, where “substantially above” includes, for example, being offset along the transverse direction T (such as forward or rearward) by ten percent or less of a transverse dimension (e.g., depth) of the ice bank 152. For example, in most cases, the apex of the accumulated ice cubes 204 within the ice bank 152 may occur at or near the center portion 414 of the ice bank 152. Thus, positioning the IR emitter 400 and the IR detector 402 above the center portion 414 as described above may advantageously detect a full ice bank 152 at the highest point reached by the accumulated ice, for example, thereby avoiding or reducing the possibility of overfilling the ice bank 152 when the apex is not detected (e.g., when the apex occurs at a location not covered by the IR assembly).

[0080] Note that while these exemplary embodiments are specifically illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional or alternative embodiments or configurations may be provided that include one or more features of these examples. For example, the type, location, and configuration of the heating element 312 and the secondary harvest heater 330 may vary while remaining within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, variations and modifications may be made to the purge arm 260, the fill cup 214, and other features of the ice making assembly 200.

[0081] While the specific configuration and operation of ice-making assembly 200 are described above, it should be understood that this is provided merely to illustrate various aspects of the present invention. Modifications and variations can be applied, and other configurations can be used, and the resulting configurations can remain within the scope of the present invention. For example, elastic mold 210 can define any suitable number of mold cavities 212, drive mechanism 276 can have a different configuration, or lift mechanism 240 and discharge assembly 260 can have dedicated drive mechanisms. In addition, other control methods can be used to form and harvest ice cubes 204. Those skilled in the art will understand that such modifications and variations can remain within the scope of the present invention.

[0082] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any method included). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance with limited vertical, lateral and horizontal directions, characterized in that: include: Box; a door body rotatably mounted to the box body; an ice making chamber defined in one of the cabinet and the door; an ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly being arranged in the ice-making chamber; an ice storage box, the ice storage box being arranged in the ice making chamber; an infrared emitter mounted to a movable portion of the ice-making assembly; and an infrared detector mounted to the movable portion of the ice-making assembly.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared emitter and the infrared detector are aligned, and an infrared beam from the infrared emitter can pass through a storage volume defined within the ice bank and reach the infrared detector.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared emitter is mounted to the discharge assembly of the ice-making assembly, and the infrared detector is mounted to the discharge assembly of the ice-making assembly.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The infrared emitter is mounted to a first side arm of the discharge assembly, and wherein the infrared detector is mounted to a second side arm of the discharge assembly.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The discharge assembly can be moved between the original position and the extended position, the infrared emitter is aligned with the infrared detector, the infrared beam from the infrared emitter can reach the infrared detector, and thus, when the discharge assembly moves between the original position and the extended position, the infrared beam sweeps across an area.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that: The discharge assembly is movable between the home position and the extended position in a direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared emitter and the infrared detector are disposed in the top of the ice-making assembly.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-making assembly includes a mold defining a mold cavity, the mold being configured to receive liquid water therein and thereby form ice cubes, wherein the infrared emitter and the infrared detector are positioned forward of a point at which the ice cubes are discharged from the ice-making assembly when the ice cubes are harvested.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared emitter and the infrared detector are disposed above a central portion of the ice bank.

10. A refrigeration appliance with limited vertical, lateral and horizontal directions, characterized in that: include: Box; a door body rotatably mounted to the box body; an ice making chamber defined in one of the cabinet and the door; an ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly being arranged in the ice-making chamber; an ice storage box, the ice storage box being arranged in the ice making chamber; an infrared emitter mounted to the ice-making assembly; as well as An infrared detector is mounted to the ice-making assembly, wherein when the infrared emitter and the infrared detector are in a home position, the infrared emitter and the infrared detector are disposed above a central portion of the ice bank.

11. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: The infrared emitter and the infrared detector are disposed within the top portion of the ice-making assembly when in the home position.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: The infrared emitter and the infrared detector are aligned, and an infrared beam from the infrared emitter passes through a storage volume defined within the ice bank and reaches the infrared detector.

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: The infrared emitter is mounted to a movable portion of the ice-making assembly, and the infrared detector is mounted to the movable portion of the ice-making assembly.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: The infrared emitter is mounted to the discharge assembly of the ice-making assembly, and the infrared detector is mounted to the discharge assembly of the ice-making assembly.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that: The infrared emitter is mounted to the first side arm of the discharge assembly, and the infrared detector is mounted to the second side arm of the discharge assembly.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that: The discharge assembly is movable between the home position and an extended position, wherein the infrared emitter is aligned with the infrared detector, whereby an infrared beam from the infrared emitter extends to the infrared detector, and the infrared beam sweeps across an area when the discharge assembly moves between the home position and the extended position.

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 16, characterized in that: The discharge assembly is movable between the home position and the extended position along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

18. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: The ice-making assembly includes a mold defining a mold cavity configured to receive liquid therein and thereby form ice cubes, and the infrared emitter and the infrared detector are disposed forward of a point at which the ice cubes are discharged from the ice-making assembly when the ice cubes are harvested.

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