REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE AND ICE MAKER HAVING A SPRING-BIASED WIRE

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance or ice maker may include an assembly frame, a rotating body, a thermistor wire, and a biasing spring. The rotating body may be rotatably attached to the assembly frame to rotate about an axial direction. The thermistor wire may extend between a static end and a movable end fixed to the rotating body to move therewith. The biasing spring may be fixed to the thermistor wire between the static end and the movable end. The biasing spring may be in biased engagement with the thermistor wire to motivate the movable end toward the static end.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to ice makers, and more particularly to ice maker for refrigerator appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice makers, such as those included within refrigerator appliances, can produce a variety of ice types depending upon the particular ice maker used. For example, certain ice maker include an ice tray for receiving liquid water. One or more rotating bodies may be provided to help eject or remove ice once the liquid water has frozen. Some ice maker include an ejector that can rotate and scrape ice off an internal surface of the ice tray to form ice cubes. Other ice makers are configured to rotate or twist the ice tray such that ice cubes are able to fall out of the ice tray (e.g., as motivated by gravity).

Typically, one or more temperature sensors are used to help direct or control ice making operations. For instance, a temperature sensor on or near the ice maker can be used to measure the temperature, and from the measured temperature, the system may be able to determine when ice cubes are fully frozen and ready to be ejected or expelled from the ice maker. In such cases, the measurements of the temperature may be most relevant or accurate if taken near to where the ice will form. In many cases, having a temperature sensor directly attached to the ice maker is desirable. This can create various issues, though, that may result in frustrations for users or compromises for the assembled appliance. As an example, wires connecting the temperature sensor to an electric power source or controller may risk interfering with one or more other portions of the appliance. One or more wires may be exposed to the surrounding environment (e.g., a chilled chamber in which they are mounted), which leaves such wires at risk for being inadvertently struck or snagged, such as by a user or ice bin being moved near to the ice maker. Additionally or alternatively, such wires may need to be movable such that temperature sensor can move with one or more portion of the ice maker.

As a result, it would be useful to have a refrigerator appliance or ice maker with one or more features to address some or all of the above issues. In particular, it may be advantageous to provide a refrigerator appliance or ice maker with features for managing an electrical wire near the ice maker. Additionally or alternatively, it may be useful if such features may prevent relative movement of at least one portion of the wire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ice maker is provided. The ice maker may include an assembly frame, a rotating body, a thermistor wire, and a biasing spring. The rotating body may be rotatably attached to the assembly frame to rotate about an axial direction. The thermistor wire may extend between a static end and a movable end fixed to the rotating body to move therewith. The biasing spring may be fixed to the thermistor wire between the static end and the movable end. The biasing spring may be in biased engagement with the thermistor wire to motivate the movable end toward the static end.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, an internal liner positioned within the cabinet, and an ice maker. The internal liner may be positioned within the cabinet and define a chilled chamber. The ice maker may be mounted within the chilled chamber. The ice maker may include an assembly frame, a rotating body, a thermistor wire, and a biasing spring. The rotating body may be rotatably attached to the assembly frame to rotate about an axial direction. The thermistor wire may extend between a static end and a movable end fixed to the rotating body to move therewith. The biasing spring may be fixed to the thermistor wire between the static end and the movable end. The biasing spring may be in biased engagement with the thermistor wire to motivate the movable end toward the static end.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance shown in FIG. 1, wherein a refrigerator door is in an open position according to an example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a bottom plan view of an ice maker according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a bottom plan view of an ice maker according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the ice tray of the exemplary ice makers of FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the exemplary ice maker of FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 7 provides a section view of a wire assembly in an expanded state according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 provides a section view of a wire assembly in a contracted state according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). 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.

Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of an exemplary appliance (e.g., a refrigerator appliance 100). FIG. 3 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of refrigerator appliance 100. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a housing or cabinet 102 having an outer liner 118. As shown, cabinet generally extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

As shown, cabinet 102 generally defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 defines a fresh food chamber 122 proximal to bottom 106 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged proximal to top 104 of cabinet 102. Freezer chamber 124 is spaced apart from fresh food chamber 122 along the vertical direction V. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a top mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, for example, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular appliance configuration.

According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122. Bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 are positioned to receive of food items (e.g., beverages, solid food items, etc.) and may assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 172 can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items. In some embodiments, a lateral mullion 116 is positioned within cabinet 102 and separating freezer chamber 124 and the fresh food chamber 122 along a vertical direction V.

A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122 and extending across at least a portion of fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged above refrigerator door 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124 and extending across at least a portion of freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are each shown in the closed position in FIG. 1 (i.e., a first closed position corresponding to door 128, and a second closed position corresponding to door 130). In FIG. 2, refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are each shown in the closed position (i.e., a first open position corresponding to door 128, and a second open position corresponding to door 130).

Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 can be generally controlled or regulated by a controller 190. In some embodiments, controller 190 is operably coupled to a user interface panel 148 (e.g., mounted within fresh food chamber 122) or various other components of refrigerator appliance 100. In some embodiments, user interface panel 148 provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance 100. As an example, user interface panel 148 may provide for selections of temperature settings or specific modes of operation. In response to one or more input signals (e.g., from user manipulation of user interface panel 148 or one or more sensor signals), controller 190 may operate various components of the refrigerator appliance 100 according to the current mode of operation.

Controller 190 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate appliance 100. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 190 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry—such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 190, or portions thereof, may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance 100. In example embodiments, controller 190 is located within the user interface panel 148. In other embodiments, the controller 190 may be positioned at any suitable location within refrigerator appliance 100, such as for example within cabinet, a door 128 or 130, etc. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 190 and various operational components of refrigerator appliance 100. For example, user interface panel 148 may be operably coupled to controller 190 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

As illustrated, controller 190 may be operably coupled to the various components of dispensing assembly 140 and may control operation of the various components. For example, the various valves, switches, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller 190. As discussed, interface panel 148 may additionally be operably coupled to the controller 190. Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller 190 instruction.

As shown, an ice making assembly or ice maker 152 may be positioned or mounted within freezer chamber 124, along with an optional storage bin 154. As will be described in greater detail below, ice maker 152 is generally configured for generating ice (e.g., ice cubes) from liquid water. Ice storage bin 154 may be positioned to receive or store ice from ice maker 152. In the illustrated embodiments, ice storage bin 154 is positioned below ice maker 152 and receives ice therefrom.

An internal liner 120 generally defines fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124. Specifically, an inner surface 141 of internal liner 120 may define one or both of fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124. An opposite outer surface 143 of internal liner 120 may face away from inner surface 143 and the respective fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. Internal liner 120 may be formed from a single continuous integral component or, alternatively, from multiple connected pieces.

In the illustrated embodiments, internal liner 120 includes a plurality of walls defining chambers 122, 124. Specifically, internal liner 120 includes a first and a second fresh food sidewall (310 and 312) spaced apart along the lateral direction L, as well as an upper and a lower fresh food wall (314 and 316) spaced apart along the vertical direction V. A rear fresh food wall 318 may join upper fresh food wall 314, lower fresh food wall 316, and fresh food sidewalls 310, 312 to define an internal extreme of fresh food chamber 122 along the transverse direction T (i.e., a point or plane of fresh food chamber 122 most proximal to rear side 114 of cabinet 102). Rear fresh food wall 318 may further be positioned opposite an opening defined between the transverse fresh food walls 310, 312, 314, 316 and selectively covered by door 128. Internal liner 120 may further include a first and a second freezer sidewall (320 and 322) spaced apart along the lateral direction L, as well as an upper and a lower freezer wall (324 and 326) spaced apart along the vertical direction V. A rear freezer wall 328 may join upper freezer wall 324, lower freezer wall 326, and freezer sidewalls 320, 322 to define an internal extreme of freezer chamber 124 along the transverse direction T (i.e., a point or plane of freezer chamber 124 most proximal to rear side 114 of cabinet 102). Rear freezer wall 328 may further be positioned opposite an opening defined between the transverse freezer walls 320, 322, 324, 326 and selectively covered by door 130.

Turning now generally to FIGS. 3 through 6, FIGS. 3 and 4 provide bottom plan views of an ice maker 200 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an ice tray 212 of ice maker 200 in isolation. FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of ice maker 200. As would be understood, exemplary ice maker 200 may be provided as (or as part of) ice maker 152.

As shown, ice maker 200 includes an assembly frame 210 and one or more rotating bodies 202 that are attached to assembly frame 210. For instance, assembly frame 210 may support an ice tray 212 in which ice (e.g., ice cubes) may be formed. In some embodiments, ice maker 200 defines an axial direction X about which ice tray 212 may rotate. When assembled, assembly frame 210 extends along the axial direction X between a first frame end 216 a second frame end 218. One or more end walls 220, 222 may be provided on either end 216, 218. Optionally, assembly frame 210 may further include a pair of radial walls 224 extending between first frame end 216 and second frame end 218. In some such embodiments, the radial walls 224 (either alone or with the end walls 220, 222) may define an interior cavity within which ice tray 212 is rotatably attached and within which splash cover 214 is slidably attached.

As shown, ice tray 212 extends along the axial direction X between a first body wall 238 and a second body wall 240. When assembled, first body wall 238 is located proximal to first frame end 216 while second body wall 240 is located proximal to second frame end 218. A pair of radial body walls 244 and a bottom body wall 242 extend between first body wall 238 and second body wall 240. As shown, the radial body walls 244 are positioned at opposite radial sides of ice tray 212. Moreover, bottom wall 242 defines an upper face 250 (e.g., directed upward during ice formation) and a lower face 252 (e.g., directed downward during ice formation).

When assembled, ice tray 212 defines one or more cells 230 within which liquid water may be received and frozen (e.g., when ice tray 212 is in a receiving position). Specifically, the body walls 238, 240, 244 define cell 230 as open on one side (e.g., at an upper face 250 opposite bottom body wall 242) and enclosed on the opposite side (e.g., bottom body wall 242) to define the shape for frozen ice within cell 230. In the illustrated embodiments, cell 230 defines a relatively cube shape. However, any suitable shape may be provided. Optionally, a splash cover 214 may further be attached (e.g., slidably attached) to assembly frame 210. Generally, splash cover 214 is attached to assembly frame 210 above at least a portion of ice tray 212 or a cell 230 (e.g., to prevent water thereto or therefrom from splashing and passing to the surrounding environment.

In some embodiments, an ice maker motor 228 is further attached to assembly frame 210 or ice tray 212 to selectively rotate ice tray 212 relative to assembly frame 210. For instance, as shown, ice tray 212 may be rotatably attached to ice maker motor 228 at second frame end 218, or at another suitable location. When activated, ice maker motor 228 may thus rotate at least a portion of ice tray 212 about the axial direction X on assembly frame 210. Specifically, motor 228 may rotate ice tray 212 between an ice-making receiving and an ice-dispensing evacuation position. As would be understood, in the receiving position, ice tray 212 may be positioned such that each cell 230 is directed upward open to receive water from above, which may then freeze as ice cubes. By contrast, in the evacuation position at least a portion of one or more cells 230 is directed downward (e.g., open from below) such that ice within the cells 230 may fall from ice tray 212

In certain embodiments, an electronic sensor is mounted ice maker 200. For instance, a temperature sensor 260 may be mounted or attached to a rotating body 202. In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, temperature sensor 260 is mounted to ice tray 212 (e.g., at the lower surface of bottom wall 242). Separate from or in addition to temperature sensor 260, or more wires may be provided to establish an electrical connection to temperature sensor 260 (e.g., to connect temperature sensor 260 to controller 190—FIG. 2). In particular, a thermistor wire 262 may be provided with or as part of temperature sensor 260 to connect temperature sensor 260 to controller 190 (e.g., via an electronic plug 268).

Generally, thermistor wire 262 extends between a static end 264 and a movable end 266. When assembled, movable end 266 may be attached to a rotating body 202 (e.g., ice tray 212). In turn, movable end 266 may be generally fixed relative to ice tray 212. Thus, as ice tray 212 rotates about the axial direction X, movable end 266 may also rotate. In certain embodiments, ice tray 212 (e.g., with motor 228) is configured to rotate movable end 266 inwards towards static end 264 as ice tray 212 moves from the receiving position to the evacuation position. Contrarily, as ice tray 212 moves from the evacuation position to the receiving position, ice tray 212 may be rotated in the opposite direction about axial direction X such that movable end 266 is moved outwards away from static end 264.

In contrast to movable end 266, static end 264 may be fixed relative to another portion of ice maker 200 or refrigerator appliance 100, generally. For instance, static end 264 may be attached to an electronic plug 268 held on a relatively stationary member within refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., assembly frame 210 or internal liner 120—FIG. 2). As would be understood, electronic plug 268 may be in electrical communication with controller 190 (or another suitable portion of refrigerator appliance 100) and is configured to remain in the same location during operation of ice maker 200. Thus, as ice tray 212 rotates about the axial direction X, static end 264 may remain in the same location (e.g., unmoved). Moreover, the portion of thermistor wire 262 between movable end 266 and static end 264 may stretched or rearranged to accommodate the movement of movable end 266 relative to static end 264. Nonetheless, a provided biasing spring 270 may be in biased engagement with the thermistor wire 262 to motivate the movable end 266 toward the static end 264 and advantageously maintain orderly placement of thermistor wire 262. As described in greater detail below, biasing spring 270 may be provided as any suitable spring for guiding or motivating thermistor wire 262 within a low-temperature environment. For instance, biasing spring 270 may be provided as or include a coiled tension spring (e.g., formed from steel or another suitable material, such as would be provided with a steel tension spring) disposed within freezer chamber 124 (FIG. 2).

Turning especially to FIG. 3, biasing spring 270 may extend between two discrete anchor points 272, 274. Specifically, biasing spring 270 may be held in selective tension between a wire anchor 272 and a static anchor 274. As shown, wire anchor 272 may be attached to thermistor wire 262 between movable end 266 and static end 264. For instance, a first mechanical joint or coupler 276 (e.g., clip, adhesive, compressed sleeve, hook, etc.) may hold wire anchor 272 to a static or variable point on thermistor wire 262. Optionally, first mechanical joint 276 may be further attached to bottom wall 242, further holding thermistor wire 262 to ice tray 212. Apart from wire anchor 272, static anchor 274 may be attached to a stationary portion of ice maker 200 or refrigerator appliance 100, generally. For instance, static anchor 274 may be attached to a radial wall 224 of assembly frame 210 (e.g., at a location inwards away from movable end 266). In particular, a second mechanical joint or coupler 278 (e.g., clip, adhesive, compressed sleeve, hook, etc.) may hold static anchor 274 to the radial wall 224.

During use, biasing spring 270 may be held in selective tension to motivate wire anchor 272 toward static anchor 274 and, thus, bias movable end 266 generally towards static end 264. As ice tray 212 rotates about the axial direction X, wire anchor 272 may be stretched (e.g., longitudinally expanded) apart from static end 264, increasing the tension in biasing spring 270 as thermistor wire 262 is straightened or pulled taut by the rotation of movable end 266.

Turning now to FIG. 4, in further embodiments, biasing spring 270 may extend between two discrete anchor points 272, 274 that are spaced apart from each other and proximal to movable end 266 and static end 264, respectively. Specifically, biasing spring 270 may be held in selective tension between a wire anchor 272 and a static anchor 274. As shown, wire anchor 272 may be attached to thermistor wire 262 between movable end 266 and static end 264 proximal to movable end 266 (i.e., closer to movable end 266 than the opposite static anchor 274). For instance, a first mechanical joint or coupler 276 (e.g., clip, adhesive, compressed sleeve, hook, etc.) may hold wire anchor 272 to a static or variable point on thermistor wire 262 that is closer to movable end 266 than static end 264. Optionally, first mechanical joint 276 may be further attached to bottom wall 242, further holding thermistor wire 262 to ice tray 212. Apart from wire anchor 272, static anchor 274 may be attached to a stationary portion of ice maker 200 or refrigerator appliance 100, generally. For instance, static anchor 274 may be attached to electronic plug 268 and, thus, proximal to static end 264 (i.e., closer to static end 264 that the opposite wire anchor 272). A second mechanical joint or coupler 278 (e.g., clip, adhesive, compressed sleeve, hook, etc.) may hold static anchor 274 to electronic plug 268 (e.g., separate from or in addition to the connection attaching thermistor wire 262 to electronic plug 268).

During use, biasing spring 270 may be held in selective tension to motivate wire anchor 272 toward static anchor 274 and, thus, bias movable end 266 towards static end 264. As ice tray 212 rotates about the axial direction X, wire anchor 272 may be stretched (e.g., longitudinally expanded) apart from static end 264, increasing the tension in biasing spring 270 as thermistor wire 262 is straightened or pulled taut by the rotation of movable end 266.

Turning especially to FIGS. 7 and 8, although FIG. 4 illustrates thermistor wire 262 as being apart from or generally outside of biasing spring 270, further embodiments can provide at least a portion of thermistor wire 262 within biasing spring 270. For instance, biasing spring 270 may be coiled about thermistor wire 262 (e.g., such that thermistor wire 262 is jacketed by biasing spring 270). Such coiling or jacketing may include thermistor wire 262 within a central void defined by biasing spring 270. Alternatively, such coiling or jacketing may provide biasing spring 270 as being integrated with thermistor wire 262 such that thermistor wire 262 is coiled with or as biasing spring 270. When biasing spring 270 is in a state of increased tension (e.g., FIG. 7), thermistor wire 262 may be relatively taut or straight along a common axis with biasing spring 270. By contrast, when biasing spring 270 is in a relatively relaxed or equilibrium state (FIG. 8), thermistor wire 262 may include a fair amount of slack that is bunched or contained within biasing spring 270.

In optional embodiments, a conduit casing 280 further holds at least a portion of thermistor wire 262 or biasing spring 270 therein. For instance, conduit casing 280 may be formed as a flexible or resilient sleeve (e.g., of a continuous fabric or polymer) that defines an internal passage 282 within which both thermistor wire 262 and biasing spring 270 extend. Thus, at least a portion of thermistor wire 262 between static end 264 and movable end 266 may extend through internal passage 282. Moreover, at least a portion of biasing spring 270 between wire anchor 272 and static anchor 274 may extend through internal passage 282. Such portions of thermistor wire 262 and biasing spring 270 may thus be prevented from being inadvertently struck or contacted.

Advantageously, the embodiments of ice maker 200 described herein may reduce exposed slack in thermistor wire 262 to ensure thermistor wire 262 is not struck or snagged, such as by a user or ice bin being moved near to the ice maker 200 (e.g., even when ice bin 154 is removably disposed directly beneath thermistor wire 262. Moreover, thermistor wire 262 may notably be permitted to directly attach to (and thus increase measurement accuracy at) ice tray 212.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. An ice maker comprising:

an assembly frame;

a rotating body rotatably attached to the assembly frame to rotate about an axial direction;

a thermistor wire extending between a static end and a movable end fixed to the rotating body to move therewith; and

a biasing spring fixed to the thermistor wire between the static end and the movable end, the biasing spring being in biased engagement with the thermistor wire to motivate the movable end toward the static end.

2. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the rotating body comprises an ice tray defining a cell for receipt of water for freezing.

3. The ice maker of claim 2, wherein the ice tray comprises an upper face and a lower face opposite to the upper face, wherein the cell is defined as a recess at the upper face, and wherein the movable end of the thermistor wire is attached to the lower face.

4. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the rotating body is configured to rotate about the axial direction between an ice-making receiving position to an ice-dispensing evacuation position, and wherein the rotating body rotates towards the static end of the thermistor wire from the fill position to the expel position.

5. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the biasing spring is attached to the assembly frame.

6. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising an electronic plug spaced apart from the assembly frame, wherein the static end of the thermistor wire is attached to the electronic plug, and wherein the biasing spring is attached to the electronic plug.

7. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the biasing spring is jacketed over the thermistor wire.

8. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising a conduit casing within which the biasing spring and the thermistor wire are held.

9. The ice maker of claim 1, further comprising a storage bin removably positioned below the rotating body and the thermistor wire to receive ice from the ice maker.

10. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein the biasing spring comprises a steel tension spring.

11. A refrigerator appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

an internal liner positioned within the cabinet, the internal liner defining a chilled chamber; and

an ice maker mounted within the chilled chamber, the ice maker comprising an assembly frame, a rotating body rotatably attached to the assembly frame to rotate about an axial direction, a thermistor wire extending between a static end and a movable end fixed to the rotating body to move therewith, and a biasing spring fixed to the thermistor wire between the static end and the movable end, the biasing spring being in biased engagement with the thermistor wire to motivate the movable end toward the static end.

12. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the rotating body comprises an ice tray defining a cell for receipt of water for freezing.

13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the ice tray comprises an upper face and a lower face opposite to the upper face, wherein the cell is defined as a recess at the upper face, and wherein the movable end of the thermistor wire is attached to the lower face.

14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the rotating body is configured to rotate about the axial direction between an ice-making receiving position to an ice-dispensing evacuation position, and wherein the rotating body rotates towards the static end of the thermistor wire from the fill position to the expel position.

15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the biasing spring is attached to the assembly frame.

16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, further comprising an electronic plug spaced apart from the assembly frame, wherein the static end of the thermistor wire is attached to the electronic plug, and wherein the biasing spring is attached to the electronic plug.

17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the biasing spring is jacketed over the thermistor wire.

18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, further comprising a conduit casing within which the biasing spring and the thermistor wire are held.

19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, further comprising a storage bin removably positioned below the rotating body and the thermistor wire to receive ice from the ice maker.

20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the biasing spring comprises a steel tension spring.