Abstract:
A storage container of a storage container for a refrigerator, which is configured to mount the storage container for storing articles therein to a storage container seating portion formed in a rear surface of a refrigerator door by using a mounting protrusion and locking mechanism provided on the storage container and a mounting groove and catching protrusion provided on the storage container seating portion. The mounting structure includes a storage container seating portion depressed into a portion of a rear surface of a door; a storage container seated in the storage container seating portion and formed with a space for storing articles therein; a mounting protrusion and mounting groove formed on the storage container seating portion and storage container, respectively, at positions corresponding to each other to be matched in shape with each other and used for fixing the storage container into the storage container seating portion; and a locking mechanism provided on a portion of the storage container for locking the storage container into the storage container seating portion by causing a portion of the locking mechanism to be caught to a protruding portion of the storage container seating portion.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 11/265,283 filed on Nov. 3, 2005 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a storage container for a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a mounting structure of a storage container for a refrigerator which is used for mounting an ice storage container to a rear surface of the refrigerator. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    In general, a refrigerator is an apparatus for storing food therein in a refrigerated or frozen state using cold air generated through the phase change of a refrigerant. Recently, as the standard of living is improved, the consumer wishes to use a large refrigerator having a variety of functions. Accordingly, the function and capacity of refrigerator becomes further increased. 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a front view showing the configuration of a side-by-side refrigerator in which a dispenser, icemaker and the like are provided. Referring to this figure, two doors  10  are installed on a front surface of a main body of a refrigerator. The doors  10  are installed to be pivotal on both ends of the front surface of the refrigerator main body, respectively, such that they can selectively cover spaces partitioned from side to side in the refrigerator main body. Therefore, each of the doors  10  allows the individual storage space to be opened or closed. 
         [0007]    The door  10  is provided with a home bar  20  and a dispenser  30  that are exposed to the outside, if desired, for the sake of user&#39;s convenience. The home bar  20  is provided on one door  10  to be exposed to the outside and is installed such that liquors or drinks can be taken out from the refrigerator without opening the door  10  in order to minimize loss of cold air which may occur when the door  10  is opened. The dispenser  30  is also provided on the other door  10  of the refrigerator to be exposed to the outside such that a user can take ice or purified water directly from the outside. 
         [0008]    A water purification filter  32 , storage tank  34 , water pipe  36  and icemaker  40  are provided on an inner side of the refrigerator such that the purified water and ice can be supplied from the dispenser  30  to the outside. Some of the above components are provided on the door  10  and others are provided on the refrigerator main body. Alternatively, all of the components may be provided on the door  10 . A refrigerator so configured is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,130 and Korean Patent No. 0432752. 
         [0009]    A process of taking water out from the dispenser  30  will be explained. Water supplied from the outside is temporarily stored in the storage tank  34  and then purified in the water purification filter  32 . Then, the purified water is taken out from a dispensing port of the dispenser  30  or flows through the water pipe. 
         [0010]    Further, a process of taking ice out from the dispenser  30  will be explained. The purified water that passed through the storage tank  34  and water purification filter  32  is supplied to the icemaker  40  through the water pipe  36  and then frozen into ice in the icemaker  40 . 
         [0011]    The ice made in the icemaker  40  is stored in a storage container  42  positioned below the icemaker  40 . This storage container  42  is formed integrally with the door  10  or it may be detachably coupled to the door through a simple fitting or coupling process, if necessary. 
         [0012]    However, the related art refrigerator has the following problems. 
         [0013]    That is, the ice storage container  42  should be formed integrally with the door  10  or configured such that the storage container can be detachably coupled to the door through a simple fitting or coupling process, if necessary. 
         [0014]    In a case where the storage container  42  is formed integrally with the door  10 , it is difficult to remove foreign substances from the storage container  42  or clean the interior of the storage container. Thus, there is a problem in that the sanitary conditions in the storage container become worse. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, even though malfunction or failure occurs in the storage container  42  or the adjacent icemaker  40  or dispenser  30 , the storage container  42  cannot be separated from the door for the service works. Therefore, there is another problem in that serviceability is lowered. 
         [0016]    On the other hand, in a case where the storage container  42  is detachably coupled to the door  10  through a simple fitting or coupling process, the coupling state may be loosened or the coupling structure is deformed due to shock, vibration or the like generated by the frequent pivot motions of the door  10 . Therefore, there is also a problem in that the storage container  42  cannot be properly coupled to the door  10 . 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Accordingly, the present invention is contemplated to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure of a storage container for a refrigerator, which allows the storage container to be easily mounted to or separated from a door and a coupled state to be securely maintained. According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the object, there is provided a mounting structure of a storage container for a refrigerator, comprising a storage container seating portion depressed into a portion of a rear surface of a door; a storage container seated in the storage container seating portion and formed with a space for storing articles therein; a mounting protrusion and mounting groove formed on the storage container seating portion and storage container, respectively, at positions corresponding to each other to be matched in shape with each other and used for fixing the storage container into the storage container seating portion; and a locking mechanism provided on a specific portion of the storage container for locking the storage container into the storage container seating portion by causing a portion of the locking mechanism to be caught to a protruding portion of the storage container seating portion. 
         [0018]    Preferably, at least a part of a front surface of the storage container is formed of a transparent material to allow the interior of the storage container to be viewed from the outside. 
         [0019]    More preferably, the locking mechanism comprises: a housing formed with a predetermined space therein; a catching pin received in the housing and supported by an elastic member to slightly protrude toward the outside of the housing, the catching pin including a tip end caught to the protruding portion of the storage container seating portion; and a release lever coming into contact with a portion of the catching pin and cooperating with the catching pin to allow the tip end of the catching pin to come in and out of the housing, the release lever being installed to be exposed to the outside of the storage container at a position adjacent to the housing. 
         [0020]    More preferably, the tip end of the catching pin includes: a catching portion which selectively protrudes to the outside of housing and has a cooperating surface guided along the protruding portion of the storage container seating portion and a contact surface caught to the protruding portion; an extending portion provided at a rear end of the catching portion to pass through the elastic member; and a guide portion formed at a rear end of the extending portion to cooperate with the release lever. 
         [0021]    More preferably, the protruding portion of the storage container seating portion is a catching protrusion including a guide surface which is upward inclined from the entrance to the interior of the storage container seating portion to guide the cooperating surface along the guide surface and a catching surface which extends from an end of the guide surface vertically toward the bottom of the storage container seating portion to be brought into contact with the contact surface. 
         [0022]    More preferably, the release lever is mounted to the storage container in a state where the lever is supported by a restoring member and includes a guide cam having an inclined surface which is formed at a distal end thereof and along which the guide portion formed at the rear end of the catching pin is guided. 
         [0023]    More preferably, the guide portion extends toward at least one end in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the catching pin, and the guide cam of the release lever is formed equal in number to the guide portion. 
         [0024]    More preferably, a direction in which the release lever is pushed is a direction in which the storage container is separated from the storage container seating portion. 
         [0025]    According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there is provided a mounting structure of a storage container for a refrigerator, comprising: a storage container seating portion depressed into a portion of a rear surface of a door and provided with a catching protrusion at a bottom surface thereof; a storage container seated in the storage container seating portion and formed with a space for storing articles therein, the storage container having a specific portion caught to the storage container seating portion to allow the storage container to be seated in the storage container seating portion; and a locking mechanism for locking the storage container into the storage container seating portion by causing a catching portion of a catching pin to be caught to the catching protrusion, the catching pin selectively protruding toward the outside of a housing provided at the specific portion of the storage container. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises: the housing formed with a predetermined space therein; the catching pin received in the housing and supported by an elastic member to slightly protrude toward the outside of the housing, the catching pin including a tip end caught to the catching protruding of the storage container seating portion; and a release lever coming into contact with a portion of the catching pin and cooperating with the catching pin to allow the tip end of the catching pin to come in and out of the housing, the release lever being installed to be exposed to the outside of the storage container at a position adjacent to the housing. 
         [0027]    More preferably, the tip end of the catching pin includes: the catching portion which selectively protrudes to the outside of housing and has a cooperating surface guided along the protruding portion of the storage container seating portion and a contact surface caught to the protruding portion; an extending portion provided at a rear end of the catching portion to pass through the elastic member; and a guide portion formed at a rear end of the extending portion to cooperate with the release lever. 
         [0028]    More preferably, a mounting protrusion and mounting groove are formed on the storage container seating portion and storage container, respectively, at positions corresponding to each other to be matched in shape with each other such that the storage container can be locked and seated into the storage container seating portion. 
         [0029]    With the mounting structure of a storage container for a refrigerator according to the present invention so configured, the storage container can be easily mounted to or separated from a door through a simple operation and be more securely fixed to a container seating portion of the door. Therefore, there is an advantage in that user&#39;s convenience and safety feature can be improved. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a front view showing the configuration of a general refrigerator in which a dispenser and icemaker are provided; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view showing an inner side of a door of a refrigerator to which a mounting structure of a storage container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is employed; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a partial sectional view showing the external appearance of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a partial side sectional view showing the configuration of major components of the embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0036]      FIGS. 6 to 8  are views showing the operation of separating and mounting the storage container from and to a seating portion for the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a mounting structure of a storage container for a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view showing an inner side of a door of a refrigerator to which the mounting structure of the storage container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is employed,  FIG. 3  is a partial sectional view showing the external appearance of the preferred embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 5  is a partial side sectional view showing the configuration of major components of the embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0039]    Referring to these figures, doors  130  are installed on both sides on a front surface of a main body  100  of a refrigerator to selectively open and close the storage spaces  110 , respectively. Each of the doors  130  is opened and closed by means of hinge assemblies  120  coupled to upper and lower ends of the refrigerator main body  130 . 
         [0040]    A plurality of baskets for storing articles necessary to be stored in a refrigerated or frozen state are provided on a rear surface of the door  130 . In the case of a refrigerator mounted with a dispenser for allowing water and ice to be taken out to the outside, a water purification filter, storage tank and water pipe are provided in the interior of the door  130 , while an icemaker  140  is provided on an upper portion of the door  130 . The icemaker  140  may be positioned at an upper portion of the storage space  110  of the refrigerator main body  100 . 
         [0041]    A storage container seating portion  150  to which a storage container  160  to be explained later is mounted is formed at an upper side on the rear surface of the door  130 . The storage container seating portion  150  is depressed into the door  130  at a certain depth. Both upper and lower ends of the storage container seating portion  150  protrude slightly from the rear surface of the door such that the storage container  160  can be sufficiently seated in the storage container seating portion. However, the protruding portions of the storage container seating portion  150  are designed such that they do not interfere with the shelves or other parts installed in the refrigerator main body  100  when the door  130  is closed. 
         [0042]    The storage container  160  stores ice made in the icemaker  140  and takes the shape of a box that matches in external appearance with the interior of the storage container seating portion  150 . When the storage container  160  is seated in the storage container seating portion  150 , a front surface and parts of side surfaces thereof are exposed as well seen from  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The exposed portions of the storage container are preferably formed of a transparent material such that a user can view the interior of the storage container  160 . It is apparent that the storage container  160  is completely formed of a transparent material. 
         [0043]    An ice discharge port  170  is formed at a lower side of the storage container  160 . Ice stored in the storage container  160  is transferred to the dispenser located below the storage container, by its own weight, through the ice discharge port  170 . To this end, the bottom of the storage container  160  is preferably inclined toward the ice discharge port  170 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the storage container  160  has a roughly pentagonal cross-sectional shape in which each of corners is rounded with a predetermined curvature. Of course, the shape of the storage container  160  is not limited thereto, but it is most preferable in consideration of the relationship between the storage container and other components of the refrigerator main body  100 . 
         [0045]    Although it is not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, an upper side of the storage container  160  should be formed open upward in a case where the icemaker  140  for supplying ice to the storage container  160  is provided at the upper portion of the refrigerator main body  110  corresponding to an upper side of storage container  160 . At this time, the icemaker  140  should be designed such that it can be positioned at an open portion of the storage container when the door  130  is closed. 
         [0046]    Now, the constitution of fixedly mounting the storage container  160  to the storage container seating portion  150  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . A mounting protrusion  180  is formed on one of inner surfaces of the storage container seating portion  150 . A mounting groove  190  is formed on an outer surface of the storage container  160  such that the mounting protrusion  180  can be seated in the mounting groove. Of course, the mounting protrusion  180  and the mounting groove  190  may be formed conversely. That is, the mounting protrusion  180  is formed on the storage container  160  and the mounting groove  190  is formed on the storage container seating portion  150 . 
         [0047]    The mounting protrusion  180  is matched in shape with the mounting groove  190  and may have its tip end taking the shape of a round cone. Of course, the mounting protrusion  180  may be formed vertically on the inner side surface of the storage container seating portion  150  in the form of a triangular prism. 
         [0048]    The mounting protrusion  180  and the mounting groove  190  are matched in shape with each other to guide and slightly fix the storage container  160  into the storage container seating portion  150 . For the smooth mounting to and separation from each other, edge portions of the mounting protrusion and mounting groove are rounded with a predetermined curvature. 
         [0049]    An outer surface of the storage container  160 , i.e. at least a part of a surface opposite to the surface of the storage container on which the mounting protrusion  180  or mounting groove  190  is provided, is stepped inward. A locking mechanism  200  is installed on the stepped portion of the storage container  160 . A catching protrusion  185  is also formed on the storage container seating portion  150  at a position corresponding to the locking mechanism  200 . A portion of the locking mechanism  200  is caught to the catching protrusion  185  such that the storage container  160  can be completely locked and fixed in the storage container seating portion  150 . The catching protrusion  185  is formed with a guide surface  186 , which is inclined to be gradually raised as viewed from the rear surface of the door  130 , and a catching surface  187  which extends vertically toward the bottom of the storage container seating portion  150  at a position where the guide surface  186  is terminated. Actually, a portion of the locking mechanism  200  is selectively caught in the catching surface  187 . 
         [0050]    Now, the constitution of the locking mechanism  200  will be described. A housing  210  is provided at a portion of the storage container  160 . The housing  210  has a predetermined internal space and an inlet  212  with a relatively smaller diameter. A support  214  is formed at a portion in the housing  210 . The support  214  is formed around an inner surface of the housing  210  with a predetermined height. A through-hole  214 ′ is formed in the support  214 . 
         [0051]    A catching pin  220  is formed within the housing  210 . The catching pin  220  is configured such that its tip end can be selectively caught to the catching protrusion  185  while it reciprocates in and out of the housing  210 . 
         [0052]    The catching pin  220  is formed with a catching portion  222  at the tip end thereof. The catching portion  222  has a cooperating surface  223  that is guided along the guide surface  186  of the catching protrusion  185  to allow the catching pin  220  to be ascend or descend. A surface opposite to the cooperating surface  223  becomes a contact surface  224 . The contact surface  224  is brought into contact with the catching surface  187  of the catching protrusion  185  such that the catching pin  220  can be kept at a state where it is caught to the catching protrusion  185 . A supporting flange  226  is formed at a rear end of the catching portion  222 . The supporting flange  226  is formed around an outer circumferential surface of the catching portion  222  with a predetermined height such that it can be caught to an inner side of the inlet  212  and prevent the catching pin  220  from being escaped out of the housing  210 . An end of an elastic member  232  to be explained later is also seated on the supporting flange  226 . 
         [0053]    An extending portion  228  extends from the rear end of the catching portion  222 . The extending portion  228  has a relatively smaller diameter and a predetermined length. The extending portion  228  penetrates through the through-hole  214 ′ of the support  214 . 
         [0054]    A guide portion  230  is formed at a rear end of the extending portion  228 . The guide portion  230  extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the extending portion  228  extends. The guide portion  230  penetrates through a side of the housing  210  and protrudes to the outside. In the figure of this embodiment, the guide portion  230  extends toward only one direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the extending portion  228 . However, the guide portion  230  may extend toward opposite directions perpendicular to the extending direction of the extending portion  228 . A slot (not shown) should be formed in the housing  210  such that the guide portion  230  can pass through the housing  210 . 
         [0055]    The catching pin  220  is supported by the elastic member  232  installed in the housing  210 . The elastic member  232  allows the catching portion  222  of the catching pin  220  to come out of the housing  210 . One end of the elastic member  232  is supported on the supporting flange  226 , while the other end of the elastic member is supported on the support  214 . 
         [0056]    A release lever  240  is installed on the storage container  160  such that it is exposed to the outside. That is, the release lever is installed at the stepped portion of the storage container  160  in an exposed state. The release lever  240  is provided with a guide cam  242  at one side thereof. The guide cam  242  cooperates with the guide portion  230  of the catching pin  220 . The guide cam  242  extends in a direction in which the release lever  240  is operated. The guide cam  242  is formed with an inclined surface  243  along which the guide portion  230  is guided. When a user pushes the release lever  240 , the guide portion  230  is guided along the inclined surface  243  of the guide cam  242  and the catching pin  220  is moved accordingly. 
         [0057]    Since the release lever  240  is supported by a restoring member  244 , it is restored to an original position when a force applied by a user is removed. The one end of the restoring member  244  is supported on the storage container  160 , while the other end of the restoring member  244  is supported on the release lever  240 . As well shown in  FIG. 5 , the release lever  240  generally has a “[”-shaped cross-section and is configured such that both tip ends thereof protruding perpendicular to its longitudinal direction can be inserted in the stepped portion of the storage container  160 . 
         [0058]    The guide cam  242  of the release lever  240  cooperates with the guide portion  230  of the catching pin  220 . If the guide portion  230  protrudes toward only one side of the housing  210  as illustrated in this embodiment, only one guide cam  242  is needed. However, if the guide portion  230  protrudes toward opposite sides of the housing  210 , two guide cams  242  are needed. 
         [0059]    Hereinafter, the operation of the mounting structure of the storage container according to the present invention so configured will be described. 
         [0060]    First, a process of separating the storage container  160  from the storage container seating portion  150  is explained. A user pushes the release lever  240  installed on the storage container  160 . A direction in which the release lever  240  is pushed is a direction in which the storage container  160  is separated from the storage container seating portion  150 . 
         [0061]    When the release lever  240  is pushed, the release lever  240  causes the restoring member  244  to be elastically deformed while moving in a direction of an arrow, as shown in  FIG. 6 . As the release lever  240  is moved, the guide cam  242  is also moved. Thus, the guide portion  230  is moved upward along the inclined surface  243 . 
         [0062]    As the guide portion  230  is moved along the inclined surface  243 , the catching pin  220  is gradually raised. That is, the catching pin  220  is moved upward against an elastic force of the elastic member  232 , and thus, the catching portion  222  is received into the housing  210 . 
         [0063]    Therefore, the contact surface  224  of the catching portion  222  is no longer brought into contact with the catching surface  187  of the catching protrusion  185 . Such a state is shown in  FIG. 6 . In such a state, the storage container  160  is seated in the storage container seating portion  150  by means of only the connection between the mounting protrusion  180  and the mounting groove  190 . 
         [0064]    When a user applies a certain force to the storage container  160  in a state of  FIG. 6  in a direction in which the release lever  240  is pushed, the storage container  160  can be separated from the storage container seating portion  150 . Therefore, if a user wishes to separate the storage container  160  from the storage container seating portion  150 , he/she can merely push the release lever  240  in a direction of an arrow A and then keep applying a predetermined force to storage container  160  in the same direction. 
         [0065]    If a user has separated the storage container  160  from the storage container seating portion  150  and then remove the predetermined force applied to the release lever  240 , the release lever  240  is restored to its original position by means of the restoring member  244  and the catching portion  222  of the catching pin  220  also comes out of the housing  210  through the inlet  212 . Such a state is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0066]    Next, a process of mounting the storage container  160  into the storage container seating portion  150  is explained. First, the storage container  160  is pushed into the storage container seating portion  150  such that the mounting protrusion  180  of the storage container seating portion  150  can be inserted into the mounting groove  190  of the storage container  160 . In particular, it is preferable to push an entire surface of the storage container  160  on which the locking mechanism  200  is provided. 
         [0067]    If the storage container  160  is pushed into the storage container seating portion  150 , the cooperating surface  223  of the catching portion  222  of the catching pin  220 , which has protruded through the inlet  212  of the housing  210 , is guided along the guide surface  186  of the catching protrusion  185 . As the cooperating surface  223  is guided along the guide surface  186  of the catching protrusion  185 , the catching pin  220  begins to be received in the housing  210 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0068]    After the cooperating surface  223  formed on the catching portion  222  of the catching pin  220  passed over the guide surface  186  of the catching protrusion  185 , the catching pin  220  protrudes again to the outside of the housing  210  by means of the elastic force of the elastic member  232 . Therefore, it is in a state where the contact surface  224  of the catching portion  222  is brought into contact with and caught to the catching surface  187  of the catching protrusion  185 . Such a state is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0069]    The scope of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of this basic technical spirit of the present invention. 
         [0070]    In the mounting structure of the storage container for a refrigerator according to the present invention as described above, the storage container can be seated in the storage container seating portion when the mounting protrusion is coupled to the mounting groove, and the storage container can be locked in the storage container seating portion when the locking mechanism is caught to the catching protrusion. Therefore, since the storage container is firmly locked in the storage container seating portion, the former is not easily separated from the latter due to the shock, vibration or the like generated by the pivot motion of the door. 
         [0071]    Further, if the release button of the locking mechanism is pushed, the storage container can be easily separated from the storage container seating portion. Therefore, a user can separate the storage container from the storage container seating portion through only a simple operation. Accordingly, an advantage in that use convenience as well as serviceability is improved can be expected. 
         [0072]    Furthermore, since the cleaning work is easily performed and the serviceability is improved, cleaner state and superior operating state can be maintained. Therefore, the storage container can be managed in a more sanitary state.