Twist ice tray assembly for a refrigerator appliance

Abstract

A twist ice tray assembly for a refrigerator appliance may include a first ice tray in downstream fluid communication with a fill tube of the refrigerator appliance. The first ice tray may include a first tray surface, a first mold body, and an overflow spout. The first mold body may extend downward from the first tray surface to define a first plurality of compartments for receiving liquid water from the fill tube. The overflow spout may extend outward from the first tray surface. The overflow spout may define an overflow channel in downstream fluid communication with the first plurality of compartments. The twist ice tray assembly may include a second ice tray. The second ice tray may include a second tray surface and a second mold body. The second mold body may extend downward from the second tray surface. The second mold body may define a second plurality of compartments.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to an ice maker, and more particularly, to an ice maker for a refrigerator appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include an ice maker mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. To produce ice, liquid water is directed to the ice maker and frozen. For example, certain ice makers include an ice tray, for example, a mold body for receiving liquid water.

[0003] After ice is formed in the ice tray, it may be harvested from the ice tray and stored within an ice storage bin within the refrigerator appliance. Ice stored in the ice storage bin is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door. A common issue for ice makers is slow ice rate production. Often, ice makers utilize plastic ice trays that have a low thermal conductivity. Water held within the plastic ice tray can take a relatively long time to freeze due to the low thermal conductivity of the plastic. Additionally or alternatively, certain ice makers can have small ice storage bins. In such instances, the small ice storage bins may compound the effects of the poor (e.g., slow) ice rate production.

[0004] Accordingly a refrigerator appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a twist ice tray assembly is provided. The twist ice tray assembly may include a first ice tray in downstream fluid communication with a fill tube of the refrigerator appliance. The first ice tray may include a first tray surface, a first mold body, and an overflow spout. The first mold body may extend downward from the first tray surface to define a first plurality of compartments for receiving liquid water from the fill tube. The overflow spout may extend outward from the first tray surface. The overflow spout may define an overflow channel in downstream fluid communication with the first plurality of compartments. The twist ice tray assembly may also include a second ice tray. The second ice tray may include a second tray surface and a second mold body. The second mold body may extend downward from the second tray surface. The second mold body may define a second plurality of compartments. The first ice tray and the second ice tray may be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. The overflow spout may be configured to selectively interface with the second tray surface.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber. The refrigerator appliance may also include a door rotatably hinged to an edge of the cabinet for selectively accessing the chilled chamber. The door may define an icebox. The door may include a fill tube for delivering a fill of liquid water. The refrigerator appliance may also include an ice storage bin for holding ice pieces. The ice storage bin may be disposed within the icebox. The refrigerator appliance may also include a twist ice tray assembly positioned within the icebox above the ice storage bin. The twist ice tray assembly may include a first ice tray in downstream fluid communication with the fill tube. The first ice tray may include a first tray surface, a first mold body, and an overflow spout. The first mold body may extend downward from the first tray surface. The first mold body may define a first plurality of compartments for receiving liquid water delivered from the fill tube. The overflow spout may extend outward from the first tray surface. The overflow spout may define an overflow channel in downstream fluid communication with the first plurality of compartments. The twist ice tray assembly may also include a second ice tray. The second ice tray may include a second tray surface and a second mold body. The second mold body may extend downward from the second tray surface. The second mold body may define a second plurality of compartments. The first ice tray and the second ice tray may be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. The overflow spout may be configured to interface with the second tray surface.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides an interior perspective view of a dispenser door of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides an interior elevation view of the door of FIG. 3 with an access door of the dispenser door shown in an open position.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a plan view of a twist ice tray assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a side elevation view of the twist ice tray assembly of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 7 provides another side elevation view of the twist ice tray assembly of FIG. 5.

[0017] FIG. 8 provides yet another side elevation view of the twist ice tray assembly of FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 9 provides a plan view of another twist ice tray assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0019] FIG. 10 provides a plan view of yet another twist ice tray assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0020] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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”).

[0023] 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 ten 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.

[0024] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. The refrigerator appliance 100 may define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T being mutually perpendicular to one another to form an orthogonal coordinate system. Refrigerator appliance 100 may include a housing or a cabinet 102 that may extend between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along the transverse direction T.

[0025] Cabinet 102 may define one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 may define a fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of cabinet 102. As such, the refrigerator appliance 100 may generally be 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 may be for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.

[0026] The refrigerator appliance 100 may include refrigerator doors 128 that may be rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing the fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 may be arranged below the refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing the freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 may be coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) that may be slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 may be shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the refrigerator appliance 100 shown with the refrigerator doors 128 in the open position is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components may be mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages or solid food items, etc.) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator doors 128 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0028] Referring now generally to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly 140 may generally be configured for dispensing liquid water or ice pieces. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 may be illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

[0029] Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on one of refrigerator doors 128. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening refrigerator door 128. In addition, dispenser recess 142 may be positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 may be positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

[0030] Dispensing assembly 140 may include an ice dispenser 144 that may include a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice pieces from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, may be mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 may be an external part of the ice dispenser 144 and may be mounted in dispenser recess 142.

[0031] In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle.

[0032] By contrast, inside refrigerator appliance 100, refrigerator door 128 may define an icebox 150, see, for example, FIGS. 2 through 4, that may house an ice maker 180 and an ice storage bin 182 that may be configured to supply ice pieces to dispenser recess 142. In this regard, for example, the icebox 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for housing an ice making assembly, a storage mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism.

[0033] A control panel 160 may be provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 may include one or more selector inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, for selecting a desired mode of operation, for example an ice-dispensing button that may be provided for selecting crushed or non-crushed ice pieces. In addition, the one or more selector inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, the one or more selector inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 may operate the refrigerator appliance 100 and the dispensing assembly 140 in response to the one or more selector inputs 162. Additionally, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 may be in communication with controller 164 and may display information in response to signals from controller 164.

[0034] As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140. 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 to the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3 provides an interior perspective view of one of the refrigerator doors 128 and FIG. 4 provides an interior elevation view of the refrigerator door 128 with an access door 170 shown in an open position. In some embodiments, the refrigerator appliance 100 may include an icebox 150, for example, a sub-compartment, that may be defined on one of the refrigerator doors 128. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the icebox 150 may extend into fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position. Chilled air from a sealed system (not shown) of refrigerator appliance 100 may be directed into components within the icebox 150, e.g., ice maker 180 or ice storage bin 182. As shown schematically in FIG. 4, an ice maker 180 may be positioned within the icebox 150. The ice maker 180 may generally be configured for freezing liquid water to form ice pieces, for example, ice cubes, which may be collected and stored in the ice storage bin 182 positioned below the ice maker 180. The ice pieces stored within the ice storage bin 182 may be dispensed through discharging outlet 146 by dispensing assembly 140.

[0036] In some embodiments, the refrigerator appliance 100 may include a water fill assembly 190 in upstream fluid communication with the ice maker 180. The water fill assembly 190 may be in operative communication with the controller 164 to selectively deliver a fill of liquid water to the ice maker 180. In some embodiments, the water fill assembly 190 may include a water source 192, a flow regulator 194, a water valve 196, and a fill tube 198. The water source 192 may be any suitable water source for supplying water to the ice maker 180. For example, the water source 192 may be a municipal water network or well. The flow regulator 194 may be configured to regulate a flow rate of liquid water delivered from the water source 192. The water valve 196 may be configured to selectively allow the flow of liquid water to be delivered to the fill tube 198. For instance, the water valve 196 may be in operative communication with the controller 164 to selectively open or close the water valve 196 such that the flow of liquid water from the water source 192 can be selectively delivered to the fill tube 198.

[0037] As mentioned above, the present disclosure may also be applied to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance or a standalone ice maker appliance. Additionally, variations and modifications may be made to ice maker 180 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. Accordingly, the description herein of the icebox 150 on the refrigerator door 128 of the fresh food chamber 122 may be provided by way of example only. In other example embodiments, the ice maker 180 may be positioned in the freezer chamber 124, e.g., of the illustrated bottom-mount refrigerator, of a side-by-side refrigerator, of a top-mount refrigerator, or any other suitable refrigerator appliance. As another example, the ice maker 180 may also be provided in a standalone ice maker appliance. As used herein, the term “standalone ice maker appliance” may refer to an appliance of which the sole or primary operation is generating or producing ice, whereas the more general term “ice maker appliance” may include such appliances as well as appliances with diverse capabilities in addition to making ice, such as a refrigerator appliance equipped with an ice maker, among other possible examples.

[0038] As mentioned above, the access door 170 may be hinged to the inside of the refrigerator door 128. Access door 170 may permit selective access to the icebox 150. Any manner of suitable latch 172 may be configured with icebox 150 to maintain access door 170 in a closed position. As an example, latch 172 may be actuated by a user, such as a consumer, in order to open access door 170 for providing access into icebox 150. Access door 170 can also assist with insulating icebox 150, e.g., by thermally isolating or insulating icebox 150 from fresh food chamber 122.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, the ice maker 180 may advantageously include a twist ice tray assembly 200. As will be appreciated the exemplary twist ice tray assembly 200 may advantageously provide two or more twist ice trays (e.g., a first ice tray 202 and a second ice tray 204) positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. As used herein the “side-by-side arrangement” may generally refer to the adjacent positioning two or more twist ice trays. For example, in the side-by-side arrangement the two or more twist ice trays may be positioned such that two or more twist ice trays are positioned at approximately the same vertical height. Particularly, each twist ice tray may be positioned adjacent to one another along the transverse direction T or the lateral direction L at approximately the same height along the vertical direction V.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, a top-down view of the twist ice tray assembly 200 of the ice maker 180 is provided. The twist ice tray assembly 200 may generally include the first ice tray 202, the second ice tray 204, a gear assembly 206, and a motor 208. The first ice tray 202 may include a first tray surface 210, a first mold body 212, and an overflow spout 214. The first tray surface 210 may generally be extended along the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T to form a top surface 216 of the first ice tray 202. The first tray surface 210 may include a first end 218, a second end 220, a first side 222, and a second side 224. The first end 218 and the second end 220 may be spaced apart along a first direction 226. In some embodiments, the first direction 226 may be equivalent to the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T of the refrigerator appliance 100. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first direction 226 may be extended along or may be equivalent to the lateral direction L of the refrigerator appliance 100. The first side 222 and the second side 224 may be spaced apart along a second direction 228. The second direction 228 may be perpendicular to the first direction 226. For instance, the second direction 228 may be extended along a direction perpendicular to the first direction 226, such as the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T of the refrigerator appliance 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second direction 228 may be equivalent to the transverse direction T of the refrigerator appliance 100.

[0041] However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the first direction 226 and the second direction 228 illustrated in FIG. 5 may be provided by way of example only. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the first direction 226 may be the transverse direction T and the second direction 228 may be the lateral direction L.

[0042] The first mold body 212 may be extended downward along the vertical direction V to define a first plurality of compartments 230. The first plurality of compartments 230 may be configured to hold a predetermined amount of water for freezing. In some embodiments, the first plurality of compartments 230 may receive a predetermined amount of water from the fill tube 198 of the water fill assembly 190. For instance, the first plurality of compartments 230 may be in downstream fluid communication with the fill tube 198. In some embodiments, the first plurality of compartments 230 includes a first starter compartment 232 and an overflow compartment 234. The first starter compartment 232 may be in direct fluid communication with the fill tube 198 to directly receive a fill of water from the fill tube 198. For instance, the first starter compartment 232 may be positioned beneath a liquid delivery end of the fill tube 198. In this regard, water delivered from the fill tube 198 may initially be held within the first starter compartment 232.

[0043] Additionally, the first tray surface 210 may define a first plurality of channels 236. Each channel of the first plurality of channels 236 may be positioned between adjacent compartments of the first plurality of compartments 230 to fluidly couple the adjacent compartment. Each channel of the first plurality of channels 236 may define a width (e.g., along the second direction 228 as illustrated in FIG. 5) and a depth (e.g., along a third direction, such as the vertical direction V). The first plurality of channels 236 may be configured to guide or route water that overflows from the first starter compartment 232 to adjacent compartments of the first plurality of compartments 230 and ultimately to the overflow compartment 234. For instance, each channel of the first plurality of channels 236 may be extended from a discrete compartment of the first plurality of compartments 230 to or toward an adjacent discrete compartment of the first plurality of compartments 230 (e.g., to direct or guide overflow water therebetween).

[0044] The width and the depth of each channel of the first plurality of channels 236 may be configured such that when water is frozen within the first plurality of channels, ice formed within each channel of the first plurality of channels 236 may be relatively brittle (e.g., when compared to ice formed within the first plurality of compartments 232). Thus, during a harvesting operation of the twist ice tray assembly 200, ice formed within the channels may be broken by a twist operation and subsequently removed from the first plurality of channels 236. This allows water to overflow into the first plurality of channels 236 during subsequent ice forming operations.

[0045] The overflow spout 214 may be extended outward from the second side 224 of the first tray surface 210, for instance, toward the second ice tray 204. In some embodiments, the overflow spout 214 defines an overflow channel 238. The overflow compartment 234 may be in upstream fluid communication with the overflow channel 238.

[0046] As shown, the first ice tray 202 may include a first drive shaft 240. The first drive shaft 240 may be in mechanical communication with first ice tray (e.g., directly or indirectly, such as via gear assembly 206, to transmit mechanical power, rotation, or torque from the motor 208, as described in more detail below). The first drive shaft 240 may be extended through the first tray surface 210 such that the first drive shaft 240 may drive rotation of the first ice tray 202. The first drive shaft 240 may include a first end 242 and a second end 244. The first end 242 of the first drive shaft 240 may be positioned at, or proximate to, the first end 218 of the first tray surface 210. The second end 244 of the first drive shaft 240 is positioned at, or proximate to, the second end 220 of the first tray surface 210.

[0047] The second ice tray 204 may include a second tray surface 246 and a second mold body 248. The second tray surface 246 may generally extend along the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T to form a top surface 250 of the second ice tray 204. As shown, the second side 224 of the first ice tray 202 may be positioned parallel to the first side 256 of the second ice tray 204. The second tray surface 246 may include a first end 252, a second end 254, a first side 256, and a second side 258. The first end 252 and the second end 254 of the second tray surface 246 may be spaced apart along the first direction 226. The first side 256 and the second side 258 of the second tray surface 246 may be spaced apart along a second direction 228.

[0048] The second mold body 248 may be extended downward along the vertical direction V to define a second plurality of compartments 260. The second plurality of compartments 260 may be configured to hold a predetermined amount of water for freezing. In some embodiments, the second plurality of compartments 260 may receive water from the overflow spout 214. For instance, the second plurality of compartments 260 may be in downstream fluid communication with the overflow channel 238. In some embodiments, the second plurality of compartments 260 includes a second starter compartment 262. The second starter compartment 262 may be in direct fluid communication with the overflow spout 214 to directly receive overflow water from the overflow spout 214. For instance, the second starter compartment 262 may be positioned beneath the overflow spout 214. In this regard, overflow water from overflow spout 214 may flow into the second starter compartment 262.

[0049] Additionally, the second tray surface 246 may define a second plurality of channels 264. Each channel of the second plurality of channels 264 may be positioned between adjacent compartments of the second plurality of compartments 260 to fluidly couple the adjacent compartments. The second plurality of channels 264 may be configured to guide or route water that overflows from the second starter compartment 262 to adjacent compartments of the second plurality of compartments 260. In this regard, each compartment of the second plurality of compartments may be filled with water for freezing.

[0050] Additionally, the second ice tray 204 may include a second drive shaft 266. The second drive shaft 266 may transmit mechanical power, rotation, or torque from the gear assembly 206 to the second ice tray 204. The second drive shaft 266 may be extended through the second tray surface 246. The second drive shaft 266 may include a first end 268 and a second end 270. The first end 268 of the second drive shaft 266 may be positioned at, or proximate to, the first end 252 of the second tray surface 246. The second end 270 of the second drive shaft 266 may be positioned at, or proximate to, the second end 254 of the second tray surface 246.

[0051] The gear assembly 206 may be coupled to the first drive shaft 240 and the second drive shaft 266 to transmit rotation between the first drive shaft 240 to the second drive shaft 266. The gear assembly may advantageously allow a single motor to drive rotation of the first ice tray 202 and the second ice tray 204. In some embodiments, the gear assembly 206 includes a first gear 272, a second gear 274, and a third gear 276. In some embodiments, the motor 208 may be coupled directly to the first end 242 of the first drive shaft 240. The motor 208 may be any suitable type of motor 208 operable of driving rotation of the first drive shaft 240 or the second drive shaft 266. For example, the motor 208 may be an AC induction motor or a DC motor. The motor 208 may be in operative communication with the controller 164. In this regard, the controller 164 may selectively energize the motor 208 to selectively drive rotation of the first ice tray 202 or the second ice tray 204, for example, during a harvest operation of the ice maker 180.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first gear 272 is coupled directly to the second end 244 of the first drive shaft 240. The first gear 272 may include a first set of parameters. The first set of parameters may include characteristics of the first gear 272, for example, the size, the number of teeth, the pitch, etc., of the first gear 272. In some embodiments, the second gear 274 is coupled directly to the second end 270 of the second drive shaft 266. The second gear 274 may include a second set of parameters. The second set of parameters may include characteristics of the second gear 274, for example, the size, the number of teeth, the pitch, etc., of the second gear 274. In some embodiments, the first set of parameters of the first gear 272 and the second set of parameters of the second gear 274 may be identical. In such embodiments, the first gear 272 and the second gear 274 may be identical gears.

[0053] In some embodiments, the third gear 276 is disposed between the first gear 272 and the second gear 274, for instance along the second direction 228. The third gear 276 may transmit rotation from the first gear 272 to the second gear 274. The third gear 276 may include a third set of parameters. The third set of parameters may include characteristics of the third gear 276. In some embodiments, the third set of parameters of the third gear 276 may be different than the first set of parameters of the first gear 272 or the second set of parameters of the second gear 274. For example, the third set of parameters may include characteristics that are different (e.g., smaller, or larger) than the first set of parameters of the first gear 272 or the second set of parameters of the second gear 274. In this regard, the third gear 276 may be different than the first gear 272 or the second gear 274.

[0054] One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any suitable odd number of gears may be positioned between the first gear 272 and the second gear 274 such that the first gear 272 and the second gear 274 rotate in the same direction. For example, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the gear assembly 206 may include three gears positioned between the first gear 272 and the second gear 274, or five gears positioned between the first gear 272 and the second gear 274.

[0055] Additionally, the twist ice tray assembly 200 may also include one or more stop tabs 280. The one or more stop tabs 280 may extend from the first end 218 or the second end 220 of the first tray surface 210 or the first end 252 or the second end 254 of the second tray surface 246. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one stop tab 280 is extended from the first end 252 of the second tray surface 246. The one or more stop tabs 280 may be configured to interface with one or more stop blocks 282 positioned within the icebox 150 of the refrigerator appliance 100. For instance, when the one or more stop tabs 280 interface with the one or more stop blocks 282, rotation of the first ice tray 202 or the second ice tray 204, beyond a predetermined amount of degrees, may be inhibited.

[0056] As an illustrative example, during a fill operation of the ice maker 180, the water fill assembly 190 may direct a fill of water to the fill tube 198. The fill of water may define a predetermined amount of water. The predetermined amount of water may be configured to fill the first plurality of compartments 230 and the second plurality of compartments 260. For example, a volume of the predetermined amount may equal or correspond to the cumulative volume of the first plurality of compartments 230 and the second plurality of compartments 260. The fill tube 198 may direct or guide the fill of water to the first starter compartment 232. When the first starter compartment 232 is filled with water, water may overflow from the first starter compartment 232 into channels of the first plurality of channels 236 that may be extended from the first starter compartment 232. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, two channels of the first plurality of channels 236 may be extended from the first compartment to guide or direct overflow water to adjacent compartments.

[0057] Water may be delivered (e.g., continuously) from the fill tube 198 until each compartment of the first plurality of compartments 230 are filled with water. For instance, each compartment of the first plurality of compartments 230 may be filled with overflow water via the first plurality of channels 236. Moreover, in some embodiments, the overflow compartment 234 may be in downstream fluid communication with the first starter compartment 232. In this regard, the overflow compartment 234 may receive overflow water from (e.g., directly or indirectly) the first plurality of compartments via the first plurality of channels 236. When the overflow compartment 234 is filled with water, any water that may overflow from the overflow compartment 234 may be directed or guided downstream into the overflow channel 238. The overflow channel 238 may then direct or guide the overflow water downstream to the second starter compartment 262 defined by the second mold body 248. Similar to the first ice tray 202, the second plurality of channels 264 may direct or guide overflow water to adjacent compartments of the second plurality of compartments 260 until each compartment is filled with water.

[0058] In some embodiments, the fill of water is directed or guided at a predetermined flow rate. The predetermined flow rate may be controlled by the flow regulator 194 of the water fill assembly 190. The predetermined flow rate may be configured such that water delivered from the fill tube 198 may fill the first plurality of compartments 230 and the second plurality of compartments 260, without water spilling out of the first plurality of channels 236 or the second plurality of channels 264.

[0059] Once the first plurality of compartments 230 and the second plurality of compartments 260 are filled, the water may sit within the first ice tray 202 and the second ice tray 204 for a predetermined amount of time so that the water may freeze. After the predetermined time has elapsed and the water has frozen within the first ice tray 202 and the second ice tray 204, a harvesting operation may be initiated. For example, referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, a harvesting operation of the twist ice tray assembly 200 is illustrated. Specifically, FIGS. 6 through 8, illustrate side views of the twist ice tray assembly 200.

[0060] When the harvest operation is initiated, the motor 208 may be energized (e.g., by the controller 164) to drive rotation of the first drive shaft 240. The motor 208 may be configured to rotate the first drive shaft 240 a first predetermined amount of degrees. The third gear 276 may transmit the motion from the first drive shaft 240 to the second drive shaft 266. In this regard, the first ice tray 202 and the second ice tray 204 may be rotated simultaneously. As should be appreciated, the first ice tray 202 and the second ice tray 204 are rotated such that the overflow spout 214 is lifted from second tray surface 246 of the second ice tray 204. During rotation of the first ice tray 202 and the second ice tray 204, the one or more stop tabs 280 may interface with the one or more stop block 282. When the one or more stop tabs 280 are interfaced with the one or more stop blocks 282, rotation of an end (e.g., the first end 218 or the second end 220 of the first tray surface 210 or the first end 252 or the second end 254 of the second tray surface 246) may be stopped or inhibited. This may “twist” the first ice tray 202 or the second ice tray 204 to loosen ice pieces 283 that are frozen within the first mold body 212 or the second mold body 248. For instance, when the one or more stop tabs 280 are interfaced with the one or more stop blocks 282, the motor 208 may still drive rotation of the opposite end of the first ice tray 202 or the second ice tray 204 to “twist” the first ice tray 202 or the second ice tray 204. Thus, when ice pieces 283 are loosened from the first mold body 212 or the second mold body 248, they may fall into the ice storage bin 182 positioned below the first ice tray 202 and the second ice tray 204.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 9, a top-down view of a twist ice tray assembly 300 that may be incorporated into the ice maker 180 the refrigerator appliance 100. The exemplary twist ice tray assembly 300 of FIG. 9 may be configured in substantially the same manner as the exemplary twist ice tray assembly 200 of FIG. 5, and accordingly, the same or similar numbers may refer to the same or similar parts. For example, the exemplary twist ice tray assembly 300 of FIG. 9 generally includes a first ice tray 202, a second ice tray 204, a gear assembly 206, and a motor 208. The first ice tray 202 may include a first tray surface 210, a first mold body 212, a first drive shaft 240, and an overflow spout 214. The first tray surface 210 may define a first plurality of compartments 230 and a first plurality of channels 236. The second ice tray 204 may include a second tray surface 246, a second mold body 248, and a second drive shaft 266. The second tray surface 246 may include a second plurality of compartments 260 and a second plurality of channels 264. The motor 208 may be coupled to a first end 242 of the first drive shaft 240.

[0062] However, for the embodiment of FIG. 9, the gear assembly 206 may include a first gear 372, a second gear 374, and a third gear 376. The first gear 372 may be coupled to the first end 242 of the first drive shaft 240. The first gear 372 may be positioned between the first end 218 of the first tray surface 210 and the motor 208. Additionally, for the embodiment of FIG. 9, the second gear 374 is coupled directly to a first end 268 of the second drive shaft 266. The third gear 376 may be disposed between the first gear 372 and the second gear 374 to transmit rotation from the first gear 372 to the second gear 374. Further, for the embodiment of FIG. 9, one or more tabs 380 may extend from a second end 220 of the first tray surface 210 or a second end 254 of the second tray surface 246. The one or more stop tabs 380 may be configured to interface with one or more blocks 282 positioned within the icebox 150 of the refrigerator appliance 100.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 10, a top-down view of a twist ice tray assembly 400 that may be incorporated into the ice maker 180 the refrigerator appliance 100. The exemplary twist ice tray assembly 400 of FIG. 10 may be configured in substantially the same manner as the exemplary twist ice tray assembly 200 of FIG. 5 and the exemplary twist ice tray assembly 300 of FIG. 9, and accordingly, the same or similar numbers may refer to the same or similar parts. For example, the exemplary twist ice tray assembly 400 of FIG. 10 generally includes a first ice tray 202, a second ice tray 204, a gear assembly 206, and a motor 208. The first ice tray 202 may include a first tray surface 210, a first mold body 212, a first drive shaft 240, and an overflow spout 214. The first tray surface 210 may define a first plurality of compartments 230 and a first plurality of channels 236. The second ice tray 204 may include a second tray surface 246, a second mold body 248, and a second drive shaft 266. The second tray surface 246 may include a second plurality of compartments 260 and a second plurality of channels 264.

[0064] However, for the embodiment of FIG. 10, the gear assembly 206 may include a first gear 472, a second gear 474, and a third gear 476. The third gear 476 may include a third drive shaft 481. The motor 208 may be coupled directly to the third drive shaft 481 of the third gear 476. The first gear 472 may be coupled to the first end 242 of the first drive shaft 240. Additionally, for the embodiment of FIG. 10, the second gear 474 is coupled directly to a first end 268 of the second drive shaft 266. The third gear 476 is disposed between the first gear 472 and the second gear 474 to transmit rotation to the first gear 472 and the second gear 474. Further, for the embodiment of FIG. 10, one or more tabs 480 may extend from a second end 220 of the first tray surface 210 or a second end 254 of the second tray surface 246. The one or more stop tabs 380 may be configured to interface with one or more blocks 282 positioned within the icebox 150 of the refrigerator appliance 100.

[0065] 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.

Claims

1. A twist ice tray assembly for a refrigerator appliance, the twist ice tray assembly comprising:a first ice tray in downstream fluid communication with a fill tube of the refrigerator appliance, the first ice tray comprising a first tray surface, a first mold body, and an overflow spout, the first mold body extending downward from the first tray surface to define a first plurality of compartments for receiving liquid water from the fill tube, the overflow spout extending outward from the first tray surface, the overflow spout defining an overflow channel in downstream fluid communication with the first plurality of compartments; anda second ice tray comprising a second tray surface and a second mold body, the second mold body extending downward from the second tray surface, the second mold body defining a second plurality of compartments,wherein the first ice tray and the second ice tray are positioned in a side-by-side arrangement, andwherein the overflow spout is configured to selectively interface with the second tray surface.

2. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the first tray surface defines a first plurality of channels, wherein each channel of the first plurality of channels is positioned between adjacent compartments of the first plurality of compartments to fluidly couple adjacent compartments.

3. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 2, wherein the first plurality of compartments includes a first starter compartment and an overflow compartment, wherein the first starter compartment is in direct fluid communication with the fill tube, wherein the overflow compartment is in fluid communication with the first starter compartment via the first plurality of channels, and wherein the overflow compartment is in fluid communication with the overflow channel.

4. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 3, wherein the second tray surface defines a second plurality of channels, and wherein each channel of the second plurality of channel is positioned between adjacent compartments of the second plurality of compartments to fluidly couple adjacent compartments.

5. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 4, wherein the second plurality of compartments includes a second starter compartment, wherein the second starter compartment is in direct fluid communication with the overflow channel.

6. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the first ice tray further comprises a first drive shaft, wherein the first drive shaft extends through the first tray surface, wherein the first drive shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first drive shaft is positioned at a first end of the first tray surface, wherein the second end of the first drive shaft is positioned at a second end of the first tray surface, wherein the second ice tray further comprises a second drive shaft, wherein the second drive shaft extends through the second tray surface, wherein the second drive shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second drive shaft is positioned at a first end of the second tray surface, and wherein the second end of the second drive shaft is positioned at a second end of the second tray surface.

7. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 6, further comprising:a gear assembly coupled to the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to transmit rotation between the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft; anda motor coupled to the gear assembly to selectively drive rotation of the first ice tray and the second ice tray.

8. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 7, wherein the gear assembly comprises a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear, wherein the first gear is coupled directly to the first drive shaft, wherein the second gear is coupled directly to the second drive shaft, and wherein the third gear is disposed between the first gear and the second gear to transmit rotation between the first gear and the second gear.

9. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 8, wherein the motor is coupled directly to the first end of the first drive shaft, wherein the first gear is coupled directly to the second end of the first drive shaft, wherein the second gear is coupled directly to the second end of the second drive shaft, and wherein the third gear is disposed between the first gear and the second gear to transmit rotation from the first gear to the second gear.

10. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 8, wherein the motor is coupled directly to the first end of the first drive shaft, wherein the first gear is coupled directly to the first end of the first drive shaft, wherein the first gear is positioned between the first end of the first tray surface and the motor, wherein the second gear is coupled directly to the first end of the second drive shaft, and wherein the third gear is disposed between the first gear and the second gear to transmit rotation from the first gear to the second gear.

11. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 8, wherein the motor is coupled directly to the third gear, wherein the first gear is coupled directly to the first end of the first drive shaft, wherein the second gear is coupled directly to the first end of the second drive shaft, and wherein the third gear is disposed between the first gear and the second gear to transmit rotation to the first gear and the second gear.

12. The twist ice tray assembly of claim 1, twist ice tray assembly further comprises one or more stop tabs, wherein the one or more stop tabs extend from the first tray surface or the second tray surface, and wherein the one or more stop tabs are configured to interface with one or more stop blocks positioned within a door of the refrigerator appliance to inhibit rotation of the first ice tray or the second ice tray beyond a predetermined amount.

13. A refrigerator appliance comprising:a cabinet defining a chilled chamber;a door rotatably hinged to an edge of the cabinet for selectively accessing the chilled chamber, the door defining an icebox, the door comprising a fill tube for delivering a fill of liquid water;an ice storage bin for holding ice pieces, the ice storage bin disposed within the icebox; anda twist ice tray assembly positioned within the icebox above the ice storage bin, the twist ice tray assembly comprising:a first ice tray in downstream fluid communication with the fill tube, the first ice tray comprising a first tray surface, a first mold body, and an overflow spout, the first mold body extending downward from the first tray surface, the first mold body defining a first plurality of compartments for receiving liquid water delivered from the fill tube, the overflow spout extending outward from the first tray surface, the overflow spout defining an overflow channel in downstream fluid communication with the first plurality of compartments; anda second ice tray comprising a second tray surface and a second mold body, the second mold body extending downward from the second tray surface, the second mold body defining a second plurality of compartments,wherein the first ice tray and the second ice tray are positioned in a side-by-side arrangement, andwherein the overflow spout is configured to interface with the second tray surface.

14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, wherein the first tray surface defines a first plurality of channels, wherein each channel of the first plurality of channels is positioned between adjacent compartments of the first plurality of compartments to fluidly couple adjacent compartments.

15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 14, wherein the first plurality of compartments includes a first starter compartment and an overflow compartment, wherein the first starter compartment is in direct fluid communication with the fill tube, wherein the overflow compartment is in fluid communication with the first starter compartment via the first plurality of channels, and wherein the overflow compartment is in fluid communication with the overflow channel.

16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 15, wherein the second tray surface defines a second plurality of channels, and wherein each channel of the second plurality of channel is positioned between adjacent compartments of the second plurality of compartments to fluidly couple adjacent compartments.

17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 16, wherein the second plurality of compartments includes a second starter compartment, wherein the second starter compartment is in direct fluid communication with the overflow channel.

18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, wherein the first ice tray further comprises a first drive shaft, wherein the first drive shaft extends through the first tray surface, wherein the first drive shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first drive shaft is positioned at a first end of the first tray surface, wherein the second end of the first drive shaft is positioned at a second end of the first tray surface, wherein the second ice tray further comprises a second drive shaft, wherein the second drive shaft extends through the second tray surface, wherein the second drive shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second drive shaft is positioned at a first end of the second tray surface, and wherein the second end of the second drive shaft is positioned at a second end of the second tray surface.

19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 18, further comprising:a gear assembly coupled to the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to transmit rotation between the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft; anda motor coupled to the gear assembly to selectively drive rotation of the first ice tray and the second ice tray.

20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 19, wherein the gear assembly comprises a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear, wherein the motor is coupled directly to the first end of the first drive shaft, wherein the first gear is coupled directly to the second end of the first drive shaft, wherein the second gear is coupled directly to the second end of the second drive shaft, and wherein the third gear is disposed between the first gear and the second gear to transmit rotation from the first gear to the second gear.

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