US20190032984A1

US20190032984A1 - Refrigerator appliances having multiple freezer chambers

Info

Publication number: US20190032984A1
Application number: US15/659,702
Authority: US
Inventors: Lauren Nicole Platts
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2017-07-26
Filing date: 2017-07-26
Publication date: 2019-01-31

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance is generally provided herein. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet extending along a vertical direction from an upper portion to a lower portion. The cabinet may also extend along a transverse direction from a rear portion to a front portion. The cabinet may define a plurality of operably-independent chilled chambers and, optionally, a modular ice making assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to refrigerator appliances having multiple freezer chambers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain refrigerator appliances utilize sealed systems for cooling chilled chambers of the refrigerator appliances. A typical sealed system includes an evaporator and a fan, the fan generating a flow of air across the evaporator and cooling the flow of air. The cooled air is then provided through an opening into the chilled chamber to maintain the chilled chamber at a desired temperature. Air from the chilled chamber is circulated back through a return duct to be re-cooled by the sealed system during operation of the refrigerator appliance, maintaining the chilled chamber at the desired temperature.
Certain refrigerators appliances also include one or more fresh food and/or freezer chambers configured for maintaining different temperatures for storing different types of food and drink. For example, a conventional refrigerator appliance may be formed as a side-by-side configuration wherein a fresh food chamber is positioned beside a freezer chamber. Both the fresh food chamber and the freezer chamber will generally extend from the top of the refrigerator appliance to the bottom of the refrigerator appliance. As another example, a conventional refrigerator appliance may be formed as a bottom-mount refrigerator appliance wherein a freezer chamber is positioned below a fresh food chamber.
However, problems exist with conventional refrigerator appliances. In the case of side-by-side refrigerator appliances, usable space is generally limited by the width of the chambers. In other words, a user may be unable to place certain objects within the fresh food chamber since its width of is necessarily limited by the width of the freezer chamber. In the case of a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, it may be difficult to organize and/or access certain items. Small items, as an example, may fall to the bottom of the freezer chamber, where they may become lost or inaccessible. What's more, any components for making ice may significantly and permanently limit the volume within the refrigerator appliance that would otherwise be available for storage.
In turn, further improvements for refrigerator appliances would be beneficial. For instance, it would be beneficial to have a refrigerator appliance addressing one or more of the above issues. Moreover, it may be beneficial to have a refrigerator appliance with one or more features for varying the amount or size of chilled storage space within a cabinet.

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 aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet extending along a vertical direction from an upper portion to a lower portion. The cabinet may also extend along a transverse direction from a rear portion to a front portion. The cabinet may define a plurality of operably-independent chilled chambers, including a top freezer chamber, a fresh food chamber, and a bottom freezer chamber. The top freezer chamber may be positioned at the upper portion and accessible through a top freezer opening at the front portion. The fresh food chamber may be positioned below the top freezer chamber and accessible through a middle fresh food opening at the front portion. The bottom freezer chamber may be positioned at the lower portion below the fresh food chamber and accessible through a bottom freezer opening at the front portion.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet and a modular ice making assembly. The cabinet may extend along a vertical direction from an upper portion to a lower portion. The cabinet may also extend along the transverse direction from a rear portion to a front portion, the cabinet defining a plurality of operably-independent chilled chambers. The modular ice making assembly may include a housing defining an ice storage cavity and an icemaker enclosed within the housing. The modular ice making assembly may be removably mounted within a complementary portion of one of the operably-independent chilled chambers.
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 front view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 with the refrigerator and freezer doors shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a front perspective view of a modular icemaker of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 provides a side schematic view of the exemplary modular icemaker of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the exemplary modular icemaker of FIG. 3, wherein a dispenser actuator is in a dispensing position.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the exemplary modular icemaker of FIG. 3, wherein a bulk cavity door is in an uncovered position.

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 or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.
Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 provide multiple views of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100. FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 with multiple doors 128, 130, and 132 shown in an open position.
Refrigerator appliance 100 generally includes a cabinet or cabinet 102 that extends between an upper portion 104 and a lower portion 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side portion 108 and a second side portion 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front portion 112 and a rear portion 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.
Cabinet 102 defines a plurality of chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In some embodiments, cabinet 102 defines a fresh food chamber 122 and one or more freezer chambers 124, 126. For instance, in some embodiments, fresh food chamber 122 is defined between discrete top and bottom freezer chambers 124, 126. In turn, a top freezer chamber 124 may be positioned at the upper portion 104 of cabinet 102 while a bottom freezer chamber 126 is positioned at the lower portion 106 of cabinet 102. Each chilled chamber 122, 124, 126 is generally accessible (e.g., to add or remove items within refrigerator appliance 100 along the transverse direction T) through a separate opening 134, 136, 138 at the front portion 112 of cabinet 102. Specifically, a top freezer opening 134 is in communication with (and permits access to) top freezer chamber 124; a middle fresh food opening 128 is in communication with (and permits access to) fresh food chamber 122; and a bottom freezer opening 136 is in communication with (and permits access to) bottom freezer chamber 126. It is understood that each chamber 122, 124, 126 is generally separated by one or more horizontal mullions formed from an insulating material such as foam. In addition, to provide structural support, a rigid injection molded liner or a metal frame may surround the insulating foam and further separate the chambers 122, 124, 126. In turn, each chamber 122, 124, 126 may be maintained at a unique temperature (e.g., between around 0° F. and 57° F.).
Advantageously, fresh food chamber 122 is provided at a comfortable and readily accessible height (e.g., such that most users will be able to view the entire height of fresh food chamber 122 without bending over). Moreover, at least a portion of the total freezer space (i.e., combined total volume of freezer chambers 124, 126) is provided at an elevated height that may be easily viewed and accessed (e.g., without bending over).
In certain embodiments, the total freezer space may be further segmented or divided into discrete compartments. As an example, a first top freezer compartment 162 may be provided separately from a second top freezer compartment 164. One portion of top freezer chamber 124 (e.g., first top freezer compartment 162) may be proximal the first side portion 108 of cabinet 102, while another portion of top freezer chamber 124 (e.g., second top freezer compartment 164) is proximal the second side portion 110 of cabinet 102. An upper mullion 170 may extend between top freezer compartments 162, 164 along the transverse direction T (e.g., from the front portion 112 to the rear portion 114 of cabinet 102). In other words, the top freezer compartments 162, 164 may be separated and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. Upper mullion 170 may generally be formed from an insulating material such as foam. In addition, to provide structural support, a rigid injection molded liner or a metal frame may surround the insulating foam. Additionally or alternatively, upper mullion 170 may be a vacuum insulated panel or may contain a vacuum insulated panel to minimize heat transfer between first top freezer compartment 162 and second top freezer compartment 164.
As another example, a first bottom freezer compartment 166 may be provided separately from a second bottom freezer compartment 168. One bottom freezer chamber 126 (e.g., first bottom freezer compartment 166) may be proximal the first side portion 108 of cabinet 102, while the other bottom freezer chamber 126 (e.g., second bottom freezer compartment 168) is proximal the second side portion 110 of cabinet 102. A lower mullion 172 may extend between bottom freezer compartments 166, 168 along the transverse direction T (e.g., from the front portion 112 to the rear portion 114 of cabinet 102). In other words, the bottom freezer compartments 166, 168 may be separated and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. Lower mullion 172 may generally be formed from an insulating material such as foam. In addition, to provide structural support, a rigid injection molded liner or a metal frame may surround the insulating foam. Additionally or alternatively, lower mullion 172 may be a vacuum insulated panel or may contain a vacuum insulated panel to minimize heat transfer between first bottom freezer compartment 166 and second bottom freezer compartment 168.
In additional or alternative embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 2, fresh food chamber 122 is advantageously provided as a single continuous chilled chamber within cabinet 102. Fresh food chamber 122 may occupy the full internal width of cabinet 102. In other words, fresh food chamber 122 may extend in the lateral direction L from the first side portion 108 to the second side portion 110.
According to the illustrated embodiments, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chambers 124, 126 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins 146, drawers 148, and shelves 150 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chambers 124, 126. Bins 146, drawers 148, and shelves 150 are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items.
Various doors may be mounted to cabinet 102 to selectively open and close a portion of the one or more chilled chambers 122, 124, 126. As an example, a top door 130 may be rotatably mounted to cabinet 102. One or more top doors 130, such as a pair of French doors, may be rotatably mounted at the upper portion 104 of cabinet 102. Top doors 130 may selectively move (e.g., pivot) between an open position (FIG. 2) and a closed position (FIG. 1). As shown the open position of each top door 130 may generally permit access to a corresponding portion of top freezer chamber 124 (e.g., through top freezer opening 134). In some such embodiments, a first top door 130 mounted proximal the first side portion 108 covers first top freezer compartment 162 in a closed position and permits access to first top freezer compartment 162 in an open position. A second top door 130 mounted proximal the second side portion 110 covers second top freezer compartment 164 in a closed position and permits access to second top freezer compartment 164 in an open position.
As another example, one or more bottom doors 132, such as a pair of French doors, may be rotatably mounted at the lower portion 106 of cabinet 102. Bottom doors 132 may selectively move (e.g., pivot) between an open position (FIG. 2) and a closed position (FIG. 1). As shown the open position of each bottom door 132 may generally permit access to a corresponding portion of bottom freezer chamber 126 (e.g., through bottom freezer opening 136). In some such embodiments, a first bottom door 132 mounted proximal the first side portion 108 covers first bottom freezer compartment 166 in a closed position and permits access to first bottom freezer compartment 166 in an open position. A second bottom door 132 mounted proximal the second side portion 110 covers second bottom freezer compartment 168 in a closed position and permits access to second bottom freezer compartment 168 in an open position.
As yet another example, one or more middle doors 128, such as a pair of French doors, may be rotatably mounted between top freezer chamber 124 and bottom freezer chamber 126. Middle doors 128 may selectively move (e.g., pivot) between an open position (FIG. 2) and a closed position (FIG. 1). As shown the open position of each middle door 128 may generally permit access to a corresponding portion of fresh food chamber 122 (e.g., through a portion of middle fresh food opening 128). In some such embodiments, a first middle door 128 mounted proximal the first side portion 108 covers one portion of half of fresh food chamber 122 in a closed position and permits access to fresh food chamber 122 in an open position. A second middle door 128 mounted proximal the second side portion 110 covers another portion or half of fresh food chamber 122 in a closed position and permits access to fresh food chamber 122 in an open position.
In order to prevent or restrict leakage of cool air, doors 128, 130, 132 and/or cabinet 102 may define one or more sealing mechanisms at the interface where the doors 128, 130, 132 meet cabinet 102. In some such embodiments, each door comprises a discrete perimeter gasket 174 (e.g., foam seal or rubber gasket) to sealingly engage the cabinet 102 in a closed position and isolate the corresponding chilled chamber from the other chilled chambers 122, 124, 126.
Refrigerator appliance 100 further includes a controller 144. Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 is generally regulated by controller 144. Controller 144 may be provided in communication (e.g., electrically coupled) with a panel. In exemplary embodiments, a control panel is included as general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In other exemplary embodiments, a control panel is included with multiple input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, touch pads, and touch screens. The control panel may be in communication (e.g., electrically coupled) with controller 144 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Moreover, controller 144 may be in communication with a sealed refrigeration system (not pictured) directing cooling operations of refrigerator appliance 100. During use, controller 144 may initiate cooling operations (e.g., cooling airflows) within the various chilled chambers 122, 124, 126. Optionally, each chilled chamber 122, 124, 126 may be operably independent such that a discrete operating temperature may be selected for each chilled chamber 122, 124, 126. For instance, refrigerator appliance 100 is able to maintain top freezer chamber 124 at separate temperature from bottom freezer chamber 126. Additionally or alternatively, the separate freezer compartments 162, 164, 166, 168 may be maintained at separate or unique temperatures. As an example, one freezer compartment (e.g., first top freezer compartment 162) may be maintained at a specific relatively low temperature (e.g., around 0° F.), while allowing another freezer compartment (e.g., second top freezer compartment 164) of the same chamber (e.g., top freezer chamber 124) may be selectively adjusted anywhere between the freezer temperature and a fresh food compartment temperature (e.g., between around 0° F. and 37° F.). Additionally or alternatively, the bottom freezer compartments 166, 168 may be maintained at similar unique temperatures.
Controller 144 includes memory and one or more processing devices such as 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 can represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The processor executes non-transitive programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 144 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/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.
Turning now to FIGS. 2 through 6, some embodiments include one or more modular components that may be selectively used within or separate from the rest of refrigerator appliance 100. For instance, some embodiments include a modular ice making assembly 200. Modular ice making assembly 200 may generally provide a self-contained assembly for producing and/or storing ice. In turn, modular ice making assembly 200 may be selectively mounted within one of the chilled chambers 122, 124, 126 (FIG. 2) or removed from cabinet 102 and used independently (e.g., on a counter top or table spaced away from and outside of cabinet 102).
Modular ice making assembly 200 includes a housing 202 that encloses an icemaker 204. An ice storage cavity 206 may be defined within housing 202 to receive ice as it is produced in icemaker 204. As shown in FIG. 2, one of the freezer compartments (e.g., first top freezer compartment 162) may be formed to complement and receive the housing 202 of modular ice making assembly 200. In turn, modular ice making assembly 200 may occupy substantially all of the corresponding freezer compartment volume. Thus, the ice making assembly 200 may be easily and securely mounted for use within, for instance, first top freezer compartment 162. During instances where additional storage within refrigerator appliance 100 would be desirable, ice making assembly 200 may be advantageously removed from cabinet 102, coupled to a discrete electrical power source, and operated independently of the rest of refrigerator appliance 100.
Turning specifically to FIGS. 3 through 6, exemplary embodiments of modular ice making assembly 200 are illustrated separately from the rest of refrigerator appliance 100. As shown, housing 202 defines a mutually-perpendicular vertical direction V′, lateral direction L′, and transverse direction T′. When modular ice making assembly 200 is mounted within cabinet 102 (FIG. 2), it is understood that each of the vertical direction V′, lateral direction L′, and transverse direction T′ are parallel to the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T, respectively.
In some embodiments, a water reservoir 208 enclosed by housing 202 is in fluid communication with icemaker 204. Water may be supplied to reservoir 208 (e.g., from an attached water source or, alternatively, manually by a user) and directed to icemaker 204 (e.g., by a separate pump—not pictured). Optionally, water reservoir 208 may be in fluid communication with ice storage cavity 206 to receive water melted from stored ice. Within icemaker 204, water may be frozen (e.g., as nugget or cube ice) before being directed to ice storage cavity 206. For instance, a chute 210 extending between icemaker 204 and ice storage cavity 206 may guide ice as it is motivated (e.g., by gravity) from icemaker 204.
In certain embodiments, a dispenser actuator 212 is mounted to housing 202. For instance, dispenser actuator 212 may be movably (e.g., slidably) mounted below ice storage cavity 206 at a forward portion of housing 202. Moreover, housing 202 may define a dispensing passage 213 between ice storage cavity 206 and dispenser actuator 212. In turn, dispenser actuator 212 may move (e.g., slide along the transverse direction T′) to selectively expose ice storage cavity 206 through dispensing passage 213 (e.g., while dispenser actuator 212 is in a dispensing position, as illustrated in FIG. 5). Ice within ice storage cavity 206 may travel through dispensing passage 213 and out of ice making assembly 200. Thus, dispenser actuator 212 may selectively permit the dispensing of ice from the ice storage cavity 206.
In further embodiments, a cavity door 214 is mounted to housing 202. For instance, cavity door 214 may be movably (e.g., pivotably) mounted in front of ice storage cavity 206 at a forward portion of housing 202. When assembled, cavity door 214 may selectively move between a covered position (FIG. 3) restricting access to the ice storage cavity 206 and an uncovered position (FIG. 6) permitting access to the ice storage cavity 206.
Optionally, an electrical plug 216 or socket may further be mounted to the housing 202, as illustrated. The plug 216 may be electrically coupled with icemaker 204 to supply power thereto. A corresponding mated socket (not pictured) may be provided within cabinet 102 (e.g., within a rear portion 114 of first top freezer compartment 162) and electrically coupled to a power source. Accordingly, when the plug 216 is connected or electrically coupled with the socket within cabinet 102, power may be supplied from the power source to icemaker 204, thereby facilitating ice making operations. Similarly, plug 216 may be electrically coupled to another power source and socket (not pictured) provided outside of cabinet 102 for independent use apart from the rest of refrigerator appliance 100.
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 refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a transverse direction, and a lateral direction defining a mutually orthogonal direction system, the refrigerator appliance comprising:

a cabinet extending along the vertical direction from an upper portion to a lower portion, the cabinet extending along the transverse direction from a rear portion to a front portion, the cabinet defining a plurality of operably-independent chilled chambers, the plurality of operably-independent chilled chambers comprising

a top freezer chamber positioned at the upper portion and accessible through a top freezer opening at the front portion,

a fresh food chamber positioned below the top freezer chamber and accessible through a middle fresh food opening at the front portion, and

a bottom freezer chamber positioned at the lower portion below the fresh food chamber and accessible through a bottom freezer opening at the front portion; and

a modular ice making assembly comprising

a housing slidably mounted within the top freezer chamber,

an icemaker enclosed within the housing, and

a cavity door fixed to the housing and selectively movable between a covered position restricting access to the ice storage cavity and an uncovered position permitting access to the ice storage cavity.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a top door rotatably mounted to the cabinet to selectively move between an open position permitting access through the top freezer opening and a closed position restricting access to the top freezer chamber;

a middle door rotatably mounted to the cabinet to selectively move between an open position permitting access through the middle fresh food opening and a closed position restricting access to the fresh food chamber; and

a bottom door rotatably mounted to the cabinet to selectively move between an open position permitting access through the bottom freezer opening and a closed position restricting access to the bottom freezer chamber.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the top door comprises a pair of top French doors, wherein the middle door comprises a pair of middle French doors, and wherein the bottom door comprises a pair of bottom French doors.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein each door comprises a perimeter gasket to sealingly engage the cabinet in a closed position and isolate a corresponding chilled chamber from the other chilled chambers.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, wherein the top door, the middle door, or the bottom door comprises a pair of French doors rotatably mounted to the cabinet to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position permits access to the top door, the middle door, or the bottom door, and wherein the closed position restricts access to the top door, the middle door, or the bottom door.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the top freezer chamber comprises a first top freezer compartment and a second top freezer compartment operably-independent of the first top freezer compartment.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the bottom freezer chamber comprises a first bottom freezer compartment and a second bottom freezer compartment operably-independent of the first bottom freezer compartment.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the cabinet extends along the lateral direction between a first side portion and a second portion, and wherein the fresh food chamber extends in the lateral direction from the first side portion to the second side portion.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the modular ice making assembly comprises a dispenser actuator mounted to the housing to selectively dispense ice from the ice storage cavity.

12. (canceled)

13. A refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a transverse direction, and a lateral direction defining a mutually orthogonal direction system, the refrigerator appliance comprising:

a cabinet extending along the vertical direction from an upper portion to a lower portion, the cabinet extending along the transverse direction from a rear portion to a front portion, the cabinet defining a plurality of operably-independent chilled chambers; and

a modular ice making assembly comprising a housing defining an ice storage cavity and an icemaker enclosed within the housing, the housing and the icemaker enclosed therein being slidably mounted within a complementary portion of one of the operably-independent chilled chambers and selectively removable therefrom, wherein the modular ice making assembly is operable outside of the one of the operably-independent chilled chambers.

14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, wherein the plurality of operably-independent chilled chambers comprises

a fresh food chamber positioned and accessible through a fresh food opening at the front portion, and

a freezer chamber positioned accessible through a freezer opening at the front portion, wherein the freezer chamber defines the complementary portion to selectively receive the modular ice making assembly.

15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 14, wherein the freezer chamber is a top freezer chamber defined above the fresh food chamber, and wherein the freezer opening is a top freezer opening.

16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 15, further comprising a bottom freezer chamber positioned at the lower portion below the fresh food chamber and accessible through a bottom freezer opening at the front portion.

17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 16, further comprising:

18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 16, further comprising a pair of French doors rotatably mounted to the cabinet to move between an open position permitting access to one or more of the plurality of chilled chambers and a closed position restricting access to the one or more of the plurality of chilled chambers.

19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, wherein the modular ice making assembly comprises a dispenser actuator mounted to the housing to selectively dispense ice from the ice storage cavity.

20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, wherein the modular ice making assembly comprises a cavity door movably mounted to the housing to selectively move between a covered position restricting access to the ice storage cavity and an uncovered position permitting access to the ice storage cavity.

21. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising an electrical plug-socket connection formed between the top freezer chamber and the housing of the modular ice making assembly to couple the modular ice making assembly to a common power source with the cabinet.

22. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, further comprising an electrical plug-socket connection formed between the one of the operably-independent chilled chambers and the housing of the modular ice making assembly to couple the modular ice making assembly to a common power source with the cabinet.