IN DOOR ICE BIN FOR AN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER

Реферат: An ice maker assembly includes an ice maker that has a mounting plate that includes an engagement feature with an engagement surface. An ice storage bin is configured for insertion into an ice maker receiving space of the ice maker. The ice storage bin includes a retention surface configured to engage with the mounting plate when the ice storage bin is inserted into the ice maker receiving space and an ice bin base that defines a track system configured to move the ice storage bin both vertically and horizontally. The track system includes an elongate portion configured to move the ice storage bin horizontally and a widened portion configured to facilitate vertical movement of the ice storage bin.

Заявка: 1. An ice maker assembly comprising:an ice maker having a mounting plate that includes an engagement feature having an engagement surface; and a retention surface configured to engage with the mounting plate when the ice storage bin is inserted into the ice maker receiving space; and', 'an ice bin base defining a track system configured to move the ice storage bin both vertically and horizontally, wherein the track system includes an elongate portion configured to move the ice storage bin horizontally and a widened portion configured to facilitate vertical movement of the ice storage bin., 'an ice storage bin configured for insertion into an ice maker receiving space of the ice maker, wherein the ice storage bin comprises2. The ice maker assembly of claim 1 , wherein the track system is recessed into the ice bin base.3. The ice maker assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elongate portion of the track system is substantially parallel with the mounting plate as the ice storage bin is inserted into the ice maker receiving space.4. The ice maker assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:a rail system disposed on opposite sides of the ice maker receiving space and configured to engage the track system.5. The ice maker assembly of claim 4 , wherein the rail system protrudes into the ice bin base while the ice storage bin is inserted into the ice maker receiving space.6. The ice maker assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:an auger motor shaft disposed through the mounting plate.7. The ice maker assembly of claim 6 , wherein the vertical movement of the ice storage bin is configured to engage or disengage an auger assembly with the auger motor shaft.8. The ice maker assembly of wherein the auger motor shaft is positioned through an auger shaft rib claim 6 , the auger shaft rib integrally formed with the mounting plate.9. The ice maker assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ice bin base of the ice storage bin remains substantially parallel with the mounting plate during both the horizontal and vertical movement.10. The ice maker assembly of claim 4 , wherein the rail system defines a lateral sliding surface.11. The ice maker assembly of claim 10 , wherein the lateral sliding surface is vertically offset from and parallel with the mounting plate claim 10 , and further wherein the lateral sliding surface is configured to facilitate the horizontal movement of the ice storage bin.12. A refrigerator comprising:a cabinet including an automatic ice maker assembly having a mounting plate including an angled ramp and an engagement member, the automatic ice maker assembly also having an ice storage bin that includes an ice bin wall positioned on an ice bin base, a sloped surface configured to engage the angled ramp, and a retention member configured to engage with the engagement member;an ice maker receiving space defined within the cabinet and including a rail system disposed on opposite sides of the ice maker receiving space; anda track system defined in the ice bin base, the track system configured to engage the rail system such that the ice storage bin moves along the rail system, wherein the track system includes a widened portion configured to facilitate vertical movement of the ice storage bin.13. The refrigerator of claim 12 , wherein the automatic ice maker assembly is operably coupled with a motor and a thermistor is disposed proximate the motor.14. The refrigerator of claim 12 , wherein the mounting plate is configured to engage the retention member of the ice storage bin when the ice storage bin is in an engaged state within the ice maker receiving space.15. An ice maker assembly comprising:an ice maker;a mounting plate positioned within an ice maker receiving space, the mounting plate defining a plurality of engagement features extending into the ice maker receiving space; and an ice bin base;', 'an auger assembly disposed through the ice bin base;', 'an auger motor shaft disposed through the mounting plate;', 'an ice tray having a first end and a second end; and', 'a motor that rotates the first end and the second end about an axis of rotation and wherein the motor rotates the first end further than the second end., 'an ice storage bin removably positioned within the ice maker receiving space, the ice storage bin comprising16. The ice maker assembly of claim 15 , further comprising:a bracket stop that stops the second end during rotation of the ice tray while allowing further rotation of the first end.17. The ice maker assembly of claim 15 , wherein the ice storage bin is disposed below the ice tray.18. The ice maker assembly of claim 15 , wherein the motor rotates the ice tray to an inverted position above of the ice storage bin and twists the ice tray to discharge ice within the ice tray.19. The ice maker assembly of claim 15 , further comprising:a rail system that defines a lateral sliding surface, the lateral sliding surface vertically offset from and parallel with the mounting plate, and further wherein the lateral sliding surface is configured to facilitate horizontal movement of the ice storage bin.20. The ice maker assembly of claim 19 , further comprising:a track system integrally defined in the ice bin base, the track system configured to engage the rail system such that the ice storage bin moves vertically on the rail system.

Описание: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/275,925, filed Feb. 14, 2019, entitled “IN DOOR ICE BIN FOR AN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,760, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,228,179, filed Dec. 30, 2015, entitled “IN DOOR ICE BIN FOR AN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/921,236, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,915,458, filed on Oct. 23, 2015, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING RATE OF ICE PRODUCTION IN AN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER,” which claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/067,725, filed on Oct. 23, 2014, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING RATE OF ICE PRODUCTION IN AN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.In the typical automatic ice maker within a refrigerator, a heater is used to heat the ice tray after the water is frozen, to allow the ice to release from the ice tray. After the ice is frozen, the heater may melt a layer of ice back into water. The ice tray is then rotated and the layer of water between the ice and the ice tray allows the ice to slip out of the ice tray and into an ice bin. Typically, this type of ice maker is called a “Fixed Mold” ice maker because a shaft running the length of the ice maker, down the center axis, rotates and fingers coming out of it flip the cubes out of the mold and into the bin.Stand-alone ice trays may harvest the ice without the use of a heater by twisting the ice tray breaking the bonds of the ice cubes to the tray. Stand-alone ice trays that are manually filled with water may be set in a freezer to freeze into ice, and then removed for harvesting. The ice from a stand-alone tray may be harvested either individually or into an ice bucket. Removal of the bucket from the appliance may result in loss or spillage of ice due to rotation of the bucket.According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ice maker assembly includes an ice maker that has a mounting plate that includes an engagement feature with an engagement surface. An ice storage bin is configured for insertion into an ice maker receiving space of the ice maker. The ice storage bin includes a retention surface configured to engage with the mounting plate when the ice storage bin is inserted into the ice maker receiving space and an ice bin base that defines a track system configured to move the ice storage bin both vertically and horizontally. The track system includes an elongate portion configured to move the ice storage bin horizontally and a widened portion configured to facilitate vertical movement of the ice storage bin.According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet that includes an automatic ice maker assembly that has a mounting plate with an angled ramp and an engagement member. The automatic ice maker assembly also has an ice storage bin that includes an ice bin wall positioned on an ice bin base, a sloped surface configured to engage the angled ramp, and a retention member configured to engage with the engagement member. An ice maker receiving space is defined within the cabinet and includes a rail system disposed on opposite sides of the ice maker receiving space. A track system is defined in the ice bin base and is configured to engage the rail system such that the ice storage bin moves along the rail system. The track system includes a widened portion configured to facilitate vertical movement of the ice storage bin.According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, ice maker assembly includes an ice maker and a mounting plate positioned within an ice maker receiving space. The mounting plate defines a plurality of engagement features that extend into the ice maker receiving space. An ice storage bin is removably positioned within the ice maker receiving space. The ice storage bin includes an ice bin base, an auger assembly disposed through the ice bin base, an auger motor shaft disposed through the mounting plate, an ice tray that has a first end and a second end, and a motor that rotates the first end and the second end about an axis of rotation. The motor rotates the first end further than the second end.These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in . However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.Referring to , reference numeral generally designates a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker . As described below, an automatic ice maker is an ice maker either as a stand-alone appliance, or within another appliance, such as a refrigerator, wherein the ice making process is typically induced, carried out, stopped, and the ice is harvested with substantially no user input.generally shows a refrigerator of the French-Door Bottom Mount type, but it is understood that this disclosure could apply to any type of refrigerator, such as a side-by-side, two-door bottom mount, or a top-mount type. As shown in , the refrigerator may have a fresh food compartment configured to refrigerate and not freeze consumables within the fresh food compartment , and a freezer compartment configured to freeze consumables within the freezer compartment during normal use. The refrigerator may have one or more doors , that provide selective access to the interior volume of the refrigerator where consumables may be stored. As shown, the fresh food compartment doors are designated , and the freezer door is designated . It may also be shown that the fresh food compartment may only have one door .Referring now to , it is generally known that the freezer compartment is typically kept at a temperature below the freezing point of water, and the fresh food compartment is typically kept at a temperature above the freezing point of water and generally below a temperature of from about 35° F. (1.67° C.) to about 50° F. (10° C.), more typically below about 38° F. (3.33° C.). As shown in , an ice maker may be located on a door to the refrigerated fresh food compartment . As described below, the ice maker is defined as an assembly of a bracket , a motor , an ice tray , a bail arm connected to the motor , at least one wire harness and at least one thermistor. The door may include the ice maker and ice bin access door hingedly connected to one of the doors for the refrigerator along the side proximate the hinge for the door of the refrigerator carrying the ice maker , i.e. the vertical edge closest to the cabinet. The hinge may be a single or multiple hinge(s) and may be spaced along the entire edge, substantially the entire edge, or more frequently two hinges may be used with one close to the top edge of the access door and one close to the bottom edge of the access door .Significantly, due at least in part to the access door and the design and size of the ice maker , the access door has a peripheral edge liner that extends outward from the surface of the access door and defines a dike wall. The dike walls extend from at least the two vertical sides, but more typically all four sides, and define a door bin receiving volume along the surface of the access door . The access door is selectively operable between an open position, in which the ice maker and an ice storage bin are accessible, and a closed position, in which the ice maker and the ice storage bin are not accessible. The access door may also include door bins that are able to hold smaller food items. The door bins may also be located on or removably mounted to the access door and at least partially spaced within the door bin receiving volume of the access door . While not typically the case, the ice maker may also be located exterior the fresh food compartment , such as on top of the refrigerator cabinet, in a mullion between the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment , in a mullion between two fresh food compartments , or anywhere else an automatic, motor driven ice maker may be located.The refrigerator may also have a duct or duct system with an inlet in the freezer compartment and an outlet in the fresh food compartment . The duct may be situated such that the length of the duct necessary to direct air from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment is minimized, reducing the amount of heat gained in the travel between the inlet and the outlet. The duct outlet located in the fresh food compartment may be positioned at a location near the ice maker . The refrigerator may also have one or more fans, but typically has a single fan located in the freezer compartment to force air from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment . The colder air from the freezer compartment is needed in the ice maker because air below the freezing point of water is needed to freeze the water that enters the ice maker , to freeze into ice cubes. In the embodiment shown, the ice maker is located in the fresh food compartment , which typically holds air above the freezing point of water.In various embodiments, where the ice maker is located in a compartment or location other than in the freezer compartment , a fan is needed to force the air to the ice maker . In other embodiments, the fan or fans may be located either in the freezer compartment , the fresh food compartment , or in another location where the fan is able to force air through the duct. The ice maker is often positioned within a door of the refrigerator to allow for delivery of ice through the door in a dispensing area on the exterior of the refrigerator , typically at a location on the exterior below the level of the ice storage bin to allow gravity to force the ice down an ice dispensing chute into the refrigerator door . The chute extends from the bin to the dispensing area and ice is typically pushed into the chute using an electrical power driven auger. Ice is dispensed from the ice storage bin to the user of the refrigerator .The refrigerator may also have a water inlet that is fastened to and in fluid communication with a household water supply of potable water. Typically, the household water supply connects to a municipal water source or a well. The water inlet may be fluidly engaged with one or more of a water filter, a water reservoir, and a refrigerator water supply line. The refrigerator water supply line may include one or more nozzles and one or more valves. The refrigerator water supply line may supply water to one or more water outlets; typically one outlet for water is in the dispensing area and another to an ice tray. The refrigerator may also have a control board or controller that sends electrical signals to the one or more valves when prompted by a user that water is desired or if an ice making cycle is required.show enlarged views of the ice making assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure and demonstrates one feature of the present disclosure, namely, the significantly smaller overall size of the ice making assemblies of the present disclosure over the prior heaterless ice making assemblies.shows a closer view of a door with the access door in hidden lines to show the ice maker . The door may have an inner liner which defines an ice maker receiving space in which the ice maker and an ice storage bin of an ice maker assembly are disposed. The ice maker receiving space is typically about 750-800 cubic inches and preferably about 763 cubic inches (12,512 cubic cm). The ice maker receiving space is typically less than 11 inches×12 inches×7 inches or may be about 10.5 inches×11 inches×6.5 inches or about 267 mm×279 mm×165 mm. The ice maker may be located at an upper portion of the ice maker receiving space . The ice bin may be located below the ice maker such that as ice is harvested, the ice maker uses gravity to transfer the ice from the ice maker to the ice storage bin . The ice storage bin may include an ice bin base and one or more ice bin walls that extends upwardly from the perimeter of the ice bin base . The ice maker may include an on/off switch . The on/off switch may be located on the ice maker in a location that is accessible to a user without removing the ice maker from the door or the refrigerator . The ice bin wall may be configured such that when the ice storage bin is placed in the door , the on/off switch is inaccessible to the user, and when the ice storage bin is removed from the door , the on/off switch is accessible to a user. The ice storage bin wall may be made of a clear plastic material such as a copolyester so that a user can see the on/off switch even while inaccessible when the ice bin is in place. However, the front portion of the ice bin wall typically extends to cover the on/off switch when in the installed position to prevent inadvertent actuation of the on/off switch . The front portion of the ice bin wall also typically extends upward to form a lip that extends around at least a portion of the ice maker to further retain ice.(top perspective view) and B (top perspective view from the opposing side) show isometric views of the ice maker . The ice maker may include the bracket , a motor , and an ice tray . The bracket is used to locate the motor and the ice tray . The motor may be disposed on one end of the bracket . The motor may be held in place on the bracket by motor locking tabs and , which allow the motor to be placed in the bracket , but will not release the motor until the motor locking tabs and are actuated by a user, typically by hand and without the use of tools. In another embodiment, the motor may be disposed on the door of the fresh food compartment . As shown in , the bracket and ice tray are configured to fit together in such a way that the combination is free of apertures between the motor and the ice wells (exemplified in ) in order to keep water out of the area where the motor is installed.As shown in , the ice tray has a first end and a second end . The first end is configured to engage the motor through a motor interface . The motor interface may include a rib structure , which produces added strength and structure to the interface, and an aperture . The motor interface is located at the first end of the ice tray . The aperture as shown may be a dog-bone shape aperture, although other shapes are contemplated. This unique structural shape allows for superior transfer of torque from the motor to the ice tray and also avoids plastic deformation or any other undesirable effect or permanent damage from repeated twisting action of the ice tray of the present disclosure. The ice tray is typically made of a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer that allows for easy release of the ice and good durability of the ice tray in a freezing environment, but may also contain minor amounts of other materials and polymers that would not affect the release and durability characteristics of the ice tray .The ice tray typically has a second end with a bracket interface . The bracket interface may be generally circular in shape and correspond to a circular tray interface on the bracket . The outside diameter of the bracket interface on the ice tray is typically slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the tray interface on the bracket and is configured to fit within the tray interface . This fit allows for rotational movement of the ice tray with respect to the bracket without allowing for excessive lateral movement of the bracket interface within the tray interface .The bracket further includes a front flange and an air inlet flange defining an ice maker supply duct that supplies air from the outlet in the fresh food compartment to the ice tray . The bracket further includes a plurality of air deflectors , or vanes, generally disposed within the ice maker cold air supply duct . The air deflectors typically extend upward from the bracket along the cold air supply duct of the bracket of the ice maker . From two to five air deflectors are typically used and most typically three air deflectors are used. The plurality of air deflectors may direct the air in the ice maker supply duct uniformly over the ice tray . In the embodiment shown, there are three air deflectors , or vanes. Depending upon the particular design of the ice maker , fewer air deflectors may not generally uniformly direct the air over the ice tray , and more deflectors may use more power to push the air through the cold air supply duct of the ice maker . The air deflectors can vary in size. By way of example, and not limitation, the air deflectors may be larger in size the further they are positioned from the cold air source. The air deflectors typically increase in arcuate distance to catch and redirect more cold air as the air passes by each successive air deflector . In the exemplified aspect of the device, three air deflectors are configured as shown in . The air deflectors are included to provide even cooling across the ice tray .The air inlet flange may be located at a location generally corresponding to the outlet of the duct in the fresh food compartment . The air inlet flange and the front flange constrain air exiting the duct outlet in the fresh food compartment and prevent the air from reaching the fresh food compartment . The bracket typically further includes a plurality of wire harness supports and tabs for containing or otherwise stowing electrical wiring for the ice maker from view. These wire harness supports and tabs may be disposed on the back of the bracket in an alternating pattern. This alternating pattern of supports and tabs allows an ice maker wire harness to be held in place in the back of the ice maker and out of sight of a user. The wire harness, upon installation, may rest on the top of the supports . The supports may further include an upstanding flange to hold the wire harness in place and prevent the wire harness from removal off of the support . The wire harness may be disposed below the tabs . The tabs are located between the supports and at a height above the supports not greater than the diameter of the wire harness, which forces the wire harness into a serpentine-like shape along the back side of the ice maker and frictionally retains the ice maker , preventing the wire harness from undesirable side-to-side movement. The bracket may further include a wire harness clip which biases and frictionally holds the wire harness in place at the point of entry into the ice maker when installed. While an alternating configuration of supports and tabs are exemplified, other non-alternating or semi-alternating patterns are contemplated.The ice maker may include a first thermistor (exemplified in ) that can be disposed in the ice tray , as well as a second thermistor that can be disposed at least proximate the ice maker receiving space (). The first thermistor may be disposed below and in thermal communication with the ice tray , and the second thermistor may be disposed on the bracket adjacent the motor . Each thermistor , may be connected to the wire harness. The wire for the first thermistor may extend from the wire harness at the end of the ice maker distal the motor . The first thermistor wire may also be separate from the wire harness and be routed through a thermistor aperture in the bracket interface of the ice tray . The wire may be routed under the ice tray and along its axis of movement as shown by line X-X in . The first thermistor may be disposed on the bottom of the ice tray and be held in place by a thermistor bracket (exemplified in ). The thermistor bracket may include insulation that is configured to ensure the first thermistor is reading substantially only the temperature of the ice tray , and not the fresh food compartment or other areas outside of the ice maker receiving space .The second thermistor is typically located or proximate the flow of air from the freezer compartment , out of the refrigerator compartment outlet, and over the ice tray . The second thermistor may be placed on the bracket downstream of the ice tray . In one embodiment as shown in , the second thermistor or ice compartment thermistor is disposed adjacent the motor on the bracket , and held in place by an ice compartment thermistor mounting bracket . The ice compartment thermistor mounting bracket may include one or more clips and flanges configured such that the mounting bracket allows the second thermistor to be installed and removed without the use of tools. The mounting bracket typically frictionally retains the second thermistor . The thermistor mounting bracket also may be configured to prevent the second thermistor from moving laterally in any direction.Turning to , the ice tray may have a number of ice wells . The ice wells may be lined up in rows configured parallel with an axis of twist X-X (exemplified in ), and columns configured normal to the axis of twist X-X. The ice tray may have weirs between the ice wells . The weirs may have water channels or passages that allow water to flow through the weirs between the ice wells when the ice tray is being filled. The ice tray of the present disclosure typically further has an ice tray top surface . The weirs typically have an upwardly extending projecting portion that extends or projects above the top surface . This allows for generally even water flow through the passages during a fill cycle when the ice wells or cavities are filled with water before freezing.show the weirs and the water channels or passages in more detail. shows a section through one row of ice wells , as shown by the section in . Each ice well may be separated by a weir . The weirs define the shape and size of the ice well . The weir may have a passage that allows fluid to flow more freely between the ice wells . The passage separates the weir into two parts, shown in as A and B. Although the water channels or passages may be substantially uniform along the row of ice wells , the area of the passage may be larger in an ice well in a position closer to the first end and a second end (as exemplified in ) than the area of a passage in an ice well that is closer to the middle of a row of ice wells between the ends. In another embodiment, the ice wells may be staggered as shown in .Referring to , to assemble the ice maker , an operator may attach the bail arm with a fastener such as a screw. The operator may then place the ice tray into the bracket by the first end , and the rotate the second end into the bracket tray interface . The motor may then be snapped into place by hand and without the use of tools, engaging the first end of the ice tray . A wire harness, including a motor connector, may then be connected to the motor . The wire harness is then routed through the wire harness supports , tabs and flanges to the end of the bracket distal the motor . The first thermistor may then be placed on the underside of the ice tray and a thermistor bracket snapped over the first thermistor by hand without the use of tools, thereby holding the first thermistor in place. The thermistor bracket typically includes a thermally resistant layer in contact with the first thermistor . This thermally resistant layer is designed to keep the first thermistor in contact with the ice tray and out of the flow of air over the ice tray . Keeping the first thermistor out of the flow of air prevents the thermistor from reading a frozen temperature before the ice is ready for harvesting. A compartment thermistor, such as the second thermistor , may then be snapped into place by hand, without the use of tools, into the thermistor mounting bracket on the bracket .The ice maker may then be snapped into place on the door of the refrigerator by hand and without the use of tools, and the wire harness may then be connected to a refrigerator wire harness. The ice maker may be held in place by an ice maker snap as shown in . To remove the ice maker , a user may simply actuate the ice maker snap to free the ice maker from the door , and disconnect the wire harness from the refrigerator wire harness. The ice maker is typically less than 12 inches×4 inches×6 inches (305 mm×102 mm×152 mm) and may be 10.6 inches×3.5 inches×5.25 inches (269.2 mm×88.9 mm×133.4 mm).In operation, the ice maker may begin an ice making cycle when a controller in electrical communication with the sensor or ice level input measuring system or device detects that a predetermined ice level is not met. In one embodiment, a bail arm attached to a position sensor is driven, operated or otherwise positioned into the ice storage bin . If the bail arm is prevented from extending to a predetermined point within the ice storage bin , the controller reads this as “full,” and the bail arm is returned to its home position. If the bail arm reaches at least the predetermined point, the controller reads this is as “not full.” The ice in the ice tray is harvested as described in detail below, and the ice tray is then returned to its home position, and the ice making process as described in detail below may begin. In alternative embodiments, the sensor may also be an optical sensor, or any other type of sensor known in the art to determine whether a threshold amount of ice within a container is met. The sensor may signal to the controller, and the controller may interpret that the signal indicates that the threshold is not met.detail the typical ice making process. When power is restored to the icemaker as shown in step , the ice maker checks whether the ice tray is in home position, as shown in step , and as typically exemplified in . Step shows what happens if the ice tray is not in its home position, typically the controller sends a signal to the motor to rotate the ice tray back to its home position. Once the ice tray is determined to be in its home position, as shown in step , the controller determines whether any previous harvests were completed. If the previous harvest was completed, as shown in step , the controller will typically send an electrical signal to open a valve in fluid communication with the ice maker . Either after a predetermined amount of valve open time or when the controller senses that a predetermined amount of water has been delivered to the ice tray , a signal will be sent by the controller to the valve to close the valve and stop the flow of water. The predetermined amount of water may be based on the size of the ice tray and/or the speed at which a user would like ice to be formed, and may be set at the point of manufacture or based on an input from a user into a user interface (). Depending upon the design of the ice tray , the amount of water may be greater than 100 mL, greater than about 110 mL, or may be as high as 150 mL. The valve will open, allowing water to flow out of the water outlet into the ice tray . The valve will stay open typically between 7-10 seconds, ideally for about 7 seconds. The water outlet may be positioned above the ice tray , such that the water falls with the force of gravity into the ice tray . The water outlet may be positioned over the middle of the ice tray , or it may be positioned over the ice wells adjacent the first end or the second end .After step , or if in step , the controller determines that the previous harvest was not completed, the freeze timer typically is started and air at a temperature below the freezing point of water is forced from the freezer compartment to the ice maker . The air may be forced by fan or any other method of moving air known in the art. The air is directed from the freezer to the ice maker via a duct, or a series of ducts, as discussed above, that lead from an inlet in the freezer compartment , through the insulation of the refrigerator , and to an outlet in the fresh food compartment adjacent the ice maker . This air, which is typically at a temperature below the freezing point of water, is directed through the ice maker supply duct of the ice maker , past the deflectors , into at least substantially even distribution over the ice tray to freeze the water within the ice wells into ice pieces .During the freezing process in step , the controller typically determines if a door of the refrigerator has been opened, as shown by step . If the door is determined to be open at any time, the freeze timer is paused until the door of the refrigerator is closed, as shown by step . After some time, substantially all, or all of the water, will be frozen into ice. The controller may detect this by using the first thermistor located on the underside of the ice tray and in thermal contact with the ice tray . During the freezing process in step , the controller also typically determines if the temperature of the ice tray , or the temperature within the ice compartment, is above a certain temperature for a certain amount of time, as shown by step . This temperature is typically between about 20° F. (−6.67° C.) to about 30° F. (−1.11° C.), and more typically about 25° F. (−3.88° C.). The typical time above that temperature is typically about 5-15 minutes, and ideally about 10 minutes. If the controller determines that the temperature was above the specified temperature for longer than the specified time, the freeze timer typically resets.As shown in step , when the freeze timer reaches a predetermined time, and when the first thermistor sends an electrical signal to the controller that a predetermined temperature of the ice tray is met, the controller may read this as the water is frozen, and it typically begins the harvesting process, and the process moves forward to step . As shown in step , the controller first will ensure that an ice storage bin is in place below the ice tray to receive the ice cubes. The ice maker may have a proximity switch that is activated when the ice storage bin is in place. The ice maker may also utilize an optical sensor, or any other sensor known in the art, to detect whether the ice storage bin is in place.As shown by step , when the controller receives a signal that the ice storage bin is in place, it will send a signal to the motor to begin rotating about the axis of rotation X-X, as shown in , such that the ice tray is substantially inverted, as shown in . As the motor begins rotating, the ice tray , which is rotationally engaged with the motor at the first end , rotates with it. The ice tray typically begins at a substantially horizontal and upright position Z-Z. The motor rotates the entire ice tray to an angle α (See ) such that the ice tray is substantially inverted. When the motor and tray reach angle α, the second end of the ice tray may be prevented from rotating any further by a bracket stop on the bracket (See ). With the second end held in place by the bracket stop , the motor continues to rotate the first end of the ice tray to an angle β. By continuing to rotate the first end , a twist is induced in the ice tray . The twist angle θ is an angle defined as:θ=β−αThe twist in the ice tray induces an internal stress between the ice and the ice tray , which separates the ice from the ice tray . The twist angle θ may be any angle sufficient to break the ice apart into ice pieces and also break the ice loose from the ice tray . As shown in , a unique feature of the ice member and ice tray of the present disclosure is the ability to be rotated substantially upside-down and horizontal when dispensing ice pieces . The angle α is preferably greater than 150°, and ideally about 160°, and the angle β is preferably greater than 190° and ideally about 200°. The twist angle θ is preferably greater than 30°, and ideally about 40°.By rotating the ice tray to a position substantially horizontal with the ice facing downward into the ice storage bin before inducing the twist, the ice may be dropped in a substantially uniform and even configuration into the ice bin as shown in . In this manner, more complete ice dispensing is achieved. Dropping ice uniformly into the ice bin avoids ice buildup on one side of the ice storage bin , which could lead to a situation where a sensor indicates that the ice storage bin is full when only half of the ice storage bin is full, or vice versa, as shown in a prior art example of . This enables more ice to be disposed and stored within the ice storage bin . Additionally, by rotating the ice tray to be substantially horizontal and inverted, the ice maker may harvest the ice pieces without the use of a bumper , as shown in the prior art example of . As is generally known in the art, a bumper , or ice guide, aids ice to fall into an ice storage bin or ice bucket when the ice tray is not rotated substantially horizontal, as some of the ice may spill into the fresh food compartment .Referring again to , after the rotation is complete, the motor returns to its home position as indicated at lines Z-Z in . If the controller determines that the ice tray reached the harvest position and is back to the home position, the cycle may begin again at step . The typical harvest cycle takes from about 100 minutes to about 120 minutes, most typically about, or exactly, 115 minutes to complete. As shown in step , if the controller determines that the ice tray did not reach home position, it will re-attempt to move it back to the home position typically every 18-48 hours, and ideally every 24 hours.If in step the temperature measured by first thermistor does not equal a specified predetermined temperature, the controller may determine if the signal from the first thermistor has been lost. If the signal has not been lost, the process reverts back to step and the harvest process is begun again. If the signal has been lost, the ice maker typically turns to a time-based freezing process, as shown by step . As shown in steps and , the controller will determine if the temperature of the ice tray , or ice compartment temperatures, have been above about 20° F. (−6.67° C.) to about 30° F. (−1.11° C.), typically about 25° F. (−3.89° C.), for 5-15 minutes, more typically about or exactly 10 minutes. If either of these have been met, the process reverts back to step and the freezing process is restarted. Once a predetermined time has been met, the harvest process is begun at step .It is presently believed, through experimentation, that using the disclosed design and process for the ice maker of the present disclosure, surprisingly, is capable of producing more than 3.5 pounds of ice per 24-hour period, more typically above 3.9 pounds (or above about 3.9 pounds) per 24-hour period. This ice production rate is achieved during normal (unaltered) operation and not through activation of a “fast-ice” or a temporary ice making condition. It is also presently believed that using a “fast-ice” mode with the disclosed design and process may produce up to as much as about 4.3 lbs. of ice per 24-hour period. This is a surprising and substantial improvement over other heaterless-tray systems that produce ice at a slower rate. As used in this disclosure, “fast-ice” mode is defined as a temporary mode specified by a user on a user interface () that will force a greater amount of cold air to the ice maker receiving space and the ice maker in order to speed up the freezing process.Referring now to , the ice maker and the ice storage bin cooperate to form an ice maker assembly . The ice maker assembly is disposed within the ice maker receiving space defined by the inner liner . The ice maker is positioned within a top or upper portion of the ice maker receiving space . Positioned at a bottom or lower portion of the ice maker receiving space is a mounting plate . The mounting plate includes at least one engagement feature which protrudes in an upward direction into the ice maker receiving space . The mounting plate defines, is coupled to or otherwise includes the chute through which ice may fall to the dispensing area (). The mounting plate includes an auger motor shaft disposed through an auger shaft rib . The auger motor shaft provides rotational movement to an auger within the ice storage bin , as explained in greater detail below. Disposed on opposing side walls of the ice maker receiving space is a rail system on which the ice storage bin may be slidably disposed. In the depicted embodiment, the rail system includes two rails , each disposed on opposite sides of, and extending into, the ice maker receiving space . Each of the rails defines a lateral sliding surface which is vertically offset from, and substantially parallel with, the mounting plate . As will be described in greater detail below, the rail system cooperates with the ice bin base to transition the ice storage bin between a substantially engaged state (inside of the ice maker receiving space , as shown in ) and a substantially disengaged state () with substantially no tilting or rotational movement of the ice storage bin .Referring now to , the ice storage bin includes the ice bin walls positioned on top of the ice bin base . In the depicted embodiment, the ice bin base integrally defines a track system which is recessed into the ice bin base and configured to engage the rail system . It will be understood that the track system includes two mirrored portions; the portions defined on opposites sides of the ice bin base . In the depicted embodiment, the track system includes both an elongate portion and a widened portion . The elongate portion of the track system is partially defined by a guide which cooperates with the ice bin base to define an opening to the track system proximate a rear side of the ice storage bin . The track system is configured to accept the rails through the opening such that the guide is in contact with the sliding surface of the rails . Sliding of the sliding surface along the guide facilitates horizontal motion of the ice storage bin in (toward the engaged state) and out (toward the disengaged state) of the ice maker receiving space . Once the ice storage bin has slid in a sufficient distance into the ice maker receiving space , the rails enter the widened portion of the track system . The widened portion of the track system is widened in the vertical direction relative to the elongate portion . The widened portion may have a width in the vertical direction of greater than a width of the rails , and a length in the horizontal direction greater than a length of the rails . The widened portion is positioned on the opposite side of the elongate portion than the opening toward a front side of the ice storage bin . As the ice storage bin is slid into the ice maker receiving space , the rails move through the elongate portion and enter the widened portion . The vertical widening of the widened portion permits the ice storage bin to move vertically, both in an upward and a downward direction, without any rotation or tilting as the widened portion settles over the rails . The ice storage bin may undergo horizontal motion while moving vertically.Referring now to , an auger assembly is disposed through the ice bin base and includes the auger and auger coupling . As the ice storage bin moves in the vertical direction when the rails move through the widened portion of the track system , the auger coupling is configured to engage or disengage the auger motor shaft . The vertical motion of the ice storage bin allows vertical orientation of the auger motor shaft and auger coupling such that the auger may be powered by mechanics located below the ice storage bin and ice maker receiving space . Disposed on the front side of the ice storage bin is a handle which is defined by, or otherwise coupled to, a latch . The latch is slidably coupled to a lower and/or bottom side or surface of the ice bin base . The latch is spring biased toward the rear side of the ice bin base via a spring such that actuation of the handle moves the latch relative to the ice bin base . The latch is shaped to extend around the auger coupling such that sliding of the latch does not contact the auger coupling . Additionally, the latch is shaped to avoid blocking a bin chute configured to allow ice stored in the ice storage bin to reach the chute . The latch defines one or more retention features configured to engage the engagement features as described in greater detail below. Each of the retention features includes a sloped surface and a retention lip . Actuation of the latch is configured to release the engagement features () from the retention features of the latch . The latch is depicted as defining four retention features , but may define one, two, three or greater than four retention features without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.Referring now to , the auger shaft rib is depicted as integrally defined by the mounting plate and extending in an upward direction into the ice maker receiving space . The auger motor shaft () is configured to mate with the auger coupling () of the ice storage bin in a substantially vertical orientation. As explained above, the engagement features are integrally defined by the mounting plate and extend in an upward direction. Each of the engagement features have a general hook shape and define an angled ramp and an engagement lip . The engagement features are dimensioned such that the retention features may slide over the engagement features when the ice storage bin is in the engaged state. The angle of the angled ramps of the engagement features may be substantially similar to that of the sloped surfaces of the retention features such that the angled ramps and the sloped surfaces may slidably contact one another. The engagement lips are positioned on the engagement features to face outward of the ice maker receiving space .Referring now to , in assembly, the engagement lips of the engagement features are configured to engage or lock with the retention lips of the retention features . Engagement of the engagement lips and the retention lips may aid in securing the ice storage bin within the ice maker receiving space when in the engaged state. To transition the ice storage bin from the engaged state to the disengaged state, a user pulls the handle of the latch in a direction outward from the ice maker receiving space . As the latch moves relative to the ice storage bin , the retention lips are disengaged from the engagement lips and the sloped surfaces of the retention features contact the angled ramps of the engagement features . As the sloped surfaces contact the angled ramps , an upward force is generated on the ice storage bin which causes the ice storage bin to move vertically. As such, horizontal motion of the handle results in a vertical motion of the ice storage bin . The vertical motion of the ice storage bin moves the widened portion vertically over the rails . As the ice storage bin moves vertically, the auger coupling is disconnected from the auger motor shaft . Once the sloped surface has slid the length of the angled ramp , the elongate portion of the track system is aligned with the rails such that continued pulling of the handle of the latch results in the elongate portion running along the rails until the ice storage bin is in the disengaged state.Use of the disclosure may offer several advantages. For example, use of this disclosure may allow for a more efficient use of space. Additionally or alternatively, by utilizing the track system , the rail system and the disclosed ice storage bin , the ice storage bin may not tilt or rotate as it transitions from the engaged state and disengaged state. By not tilting or rotating the ice storage bin , a decrease in the chance of contacting and damaging the ice maker may be achieved. Further, the vertical motion of the ice storage bin while transitioning between the engaged and disengaged states allows for vertical orientation of the auger motor shaft , auger and auger coupling which may provide increased agitation of ice within the ice storage bin .It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate the many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.It will be understood that any described processes or steps within the described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.