Patent Publication Number: US-8113248-B2

Title: Dispenser related technology

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/950,377, filed on Jul. 18, 2007, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0067635, filed on Jul. 5, 2007, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to dispenser technology. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A refrigerator is a representative food storing apparatus. Generally, a refrigerator includes a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment. The refrigerating compartment is kept at a temperature of about 3 to 4° C., to store food and vegetables in a fresh state for a prolonged period of time. The freezing compartment is kept at a temperature of below zero, to store meat and other food in a frozen state. A refrigerator may include an ice maker configured to make ice and a dispenser configured to dispense liquid water and ice made by the ice maker. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an appliance includes a compartment, a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the compartment, and a dispenser that is positioned on a surface of the door and that is configured to dispense content through a dispenser outlet. The appliance also includes a button tray composite device that includes a moveable receiving tray portion that is configured to move, at least partially toward and away from the door surface, in response to application of force against the moveable receiving tray portion, a dispenser control mechanism configured to respond to repositioning of the moveable receiving tray portion by affecting an amount of content dispensed through the dispenser outlet, and a tray movement control mechanism configured to move the moveable receiving tray portion away from the door surface in the absence of force applied to the moveable receiving tray portion in a direction that is toward the door surface, and to change a position of the moveable receiving tray portion from a first position that is misaligned with the dispenser outlet in response to force that is applied to the moveable receiving tray portion to a receiving position that is aligned with and captures content dispensed through the dispenser outlet in response to removal of force that is applied to promote positioning of the moveable receiving tray portion in the first position. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, affecting an amount of content dispensed through the dispenser outlet may include controlling whether or not content is dispensed through the dispenser outlet. Affecting an amount of content dispensed through the dispenser outlet also may include regulating dispensing of content through the dispenser outlet from among at least three settings. The three settings may include a first setting in which content is not dispensed through the dispenser outlet, a second setting in which content is dispensed through the dispenser outlet at a first rate, and a third setting in which content is dispensed through the dispenser outlet at a second rate that is different than the first rate. 
     In some implementations, the tray movement control mechanism may be configured to move the moveable receiving tray portion away from the door surface by rotating the moveable receiving tray portion away from the door surface about a pivot point. The tray movement control mechanism may be configured to move the moveable receiving tray portion away from the door surface by extending the moveable receiving tray portion away from the door surface in a plane perpendicular to the door surface. 
     In some examples, the moveable receiving tray portion may have a structure defining a content receiving space configured to receive and store content, the dispenser control mechanism may include a button switch configured to facilitate control over the dispenser to dispense content through the dispenser outlet, and the tray movement control mechanism may include a tray drive mechanism configured to move, in response to release of force applied to the moveable receiving tray portion, the moveable receiving tray portion to the receiving position. In these examples, the appliance may include a dispensing switch that is positioned to contact the button switch in response to movement of the moveable receiving tray portion, and that is configured to control the dispenser to dispense content through the outlet in response to being contacted by the button switch. 
     Further, the tray drive mechanism may include an elastic member having an elastic resilience against an external force applied to the moveable receiving tray portion. The button tray composite device also may include a guide member configured to guide the movement of the moveable receiving tray portion along a guided direction. 
     The button tray composite device further may include a moving member that is selectively coupled to the moveable receiving tray portion, which is configured to move together with the moveable receiving tray portion in the guided direction when the moveable receiving tray portion is coupled to the moving member, and which is otherwise configured to remain stationary relative to the moveable receiving tray portion in the guided direction, and a coupler configured to couple the moveable receiving tray portion to the moving member. The coupler may include a first coupling member mounted to one of the moveable receiving tray portion and the moving member, the first coupling member having magnetic properties, and a second coupling member that has metallic or magnetic properties and that is mounted to the other of the moveable receiving tray portion and the moving member such that the second coupling member is configured to be coupled to the first coupling member by a magnetic force. 
     In some implementations, the tray drive mechanism may include a roller configured to rotate, and a wire spring wound around a portion of the roller and configured to unwind from the roller in response to the force applied to the moveable receiving tray portion, and to again wind around the roller and thus promote movement of the moveable receiving tray portion to the receiving position in response to release of the force applied to the moveable receiving tray portion. A first end of the wire spring may be coupled to a moving member that is configured to move together with the moveable receiving tray portion, and a second end of the wire spring may be coupled to the roller. 
     The dispenser may include a moving chute that is configured to move between an operable position in which the moving chute is at least partially positioned on a side of the door surface opposite of the compartment, and a stored position in which the moving chute is positioned entirely on a side the door surface where the compartment is positioned, where the moving chute has structure that defines at least a portion of a passage through which content is discharged from the appliance. The moveable receiving tray portion may have structure defining a content receiving space configured to receive and store content, and the moveable receiving tray portion may be configured to move to a position in which at least a portion of the moveable receiving tray portion is positioned on the side of the door surface opposite of the compartment when the moving chute moves from the stored position to the operable position. 
     A tray holder may be configured to move the moveable receiving tray portion of the button tray composite device into a space defined within a frame of the door when the moving chute moves from the operable position to the stored position. The tray holder may be coupled to one side of a moving member that is configured to move together with the moveable receiving tray portion. 
     In some examples, the dispenser may include a dispensing cover arranged further from the compartment than the moving chute and configured to move with the moving chute, and a cover fixing unit that is configured to, when the moving chute is positioned in the operable position, prevent the dispensing cover from being moved by a force lower than a predetermined force, and that is configured to, when the moving chute is positioned in the operable position, allow the moving chute to move from the operable position toward the stored position in response to a force higher than the predetermined force. In these examples, the cover fixing unit may include an extension member configured to move with the moving chute, a first coupling member mounted to one side of the extension member, and a second coupling member installed in the inner space of the door such that the second coupling member is coupled to the first coupling member to prevent the dispensing cover from being moved by a force lower than the predetermined force and is uncoupled from the first coupling member in response to a force higher than the predetermined force. The first and second coupling members may be coupled by a magnetic force. 
     The door may have at least a portion extending into a dispensing cavity that houses the dispenser positioned on the door surface, and the outlet of the dispenser may be arranged in the dispensing cavity. The outlet of the dispenser may be positioned outside of a surface of the door that is furthest from the compartment. 
     In another aspect, a method for controlling an appliance includes causing a dispenser to dispense content in response to a button tray being pushed at least a particular distance from an original position in which the button tray is aligned with an outlet of the dispenser and configured to receive content dispensed by the dispenser to a first position in which the button tray is misaligned with the outlet of the dispenser, and moving, in response to release of a force that caused the button tray to be pushed at least the particular distance, the button tray from the first position toward the original position in which the button tray is aligned with the outlet of the dispenser and configured to receive content dispensed by the dispenser to enable the button tray to receive a residual content dispensed by the dispenser. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method may include coordinating movement, together with the button tray, of a moving chute that defines a content discharge passage and that is positioned above the button tray when the appliance is oriented in an ordinary operating position. The method also may include, after causing the dispenser to dispense content, receiving the moving chute and the button tray into an inner space defined in a door of the appliance. 
     In yet another aspect, an appliance includes a dispenser a button tray configured to cause the dispenser to dispense content in response to being pushed at least a particular distance from an original position in which the button tray is aligned with an outlet of the dispenser and configured to receive content dispensed by the dispenser to a first position in which the button tray is misaligned with the outlet of the dispenser, and a tray drive mechanism configured to move, in response to release of a force that caused the button tray to be pushed at least the particular distance, the button tray from the first position toward the original position in which the button tray is aligned with the outlet of the dispenser and configured to receive content dispensed by the dispenser. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a food storing apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a part of the food storing apparatus of  FIG. 1  corresponding to a front surface of a door, illustrating a state in which a dispenser included in the food storing apparatus is in an operable position. 
         FIG. 3A  is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a button tray composite device is in a stored position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a button tray composite device is in an operable position. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view illustrating a button tray composite device. 
         FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a button tray composite device. 
         FIG. 5A  is a sectional view of a button tray, illustrating a state in which the button tray is in an operable position. 
         FIG. 5B  is a sectional view of a button tray illustrating a state in which the button tray is being moved from a position illustrated in  FIG. 5A  to a stored position. 
         FIG. 6A  is a sectional view of a dispenser illustrating a state in which the dispenser is in a stored position. 
         FIG. 6B  is a sectional view of a dispenser illustrating a state in which the dispenser is in an operable position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a part of a food storing apparatus illustrating a front surface of a door. 
         FIG. 8A  is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a button tray composite device is in an extended position. 
         FIG. 8B  is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a button tray composite device is in a withdrawn position. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a part of a food storing apparatus illustrating a front surface of a door. 
         FIG. 10A  is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a button tray composite device is in an extended position. 
         FIG. 10B  is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a button tray composite device is in a withdrawn position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a food storing apparatus, such as a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a freezing compartment configured to store food at a temperature below freezing and a refrigerating compartment configured to store food at a cool temperature that is higher than freezing. The refrigerator includes a freezing compartment door  50  arranged at a front side of the freezing compartment and configured to open and close the freezing compartment and refrigerating compartment doors  60  and  70  arranged at a front side of the refrigerating compartment and configured to open and close the refrigerating compartment. The freezing compartment is positioned beneath the refrigerating compartment when the refrigerator is oriented in a typical operating position. The refrigerating compartment may be divided into two blocks. 
     In implementations in which the refrigerating compartment is divided in two blocks, the refrigerating compartment includes a first refrigerating compartment and a second refrigerating compartment. In these implementations, the refrigerating compartment door  60  is a first refrigerating compartment door configured to open and close the first refrigerating compartment, whereas the refrigerating compartment door  70  is a second refrigerating compartment door configured to open and close the second refrigerating compartment. The first and second refrigerating compartment doors  60  and  70  are pivotally coupled to opposite side walls of a refrigerator body by hinges such that the doors  60  and  70  may be pivotally opened and closed. The freezing compartment door  50  is opened and closed in a sliding manner in forward and rearward directions of the refrigerator body. 
     The freezing and refrigerating compartment doors may be arranged at various positions in accordance with the positions of the freezing and refrigerating compartments. For example, the refrigerator may include various styles of refrigerators, for example, a refrigerator with a top mount freezing compartment and side-by-side style refrigerators that include side-by-side refrigerating and freezing compartments. 
     A dispenser  100  is located at a front side of the refrigerating compartment door  60 , and configured to dispense certain content, such as, water or ice. A button tray composite device  200  is located beneath the dispenser  100 , and configured to receive a residual content left in the dispenser  100  after dispensation of water or ice. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a part of the food storing apparatus of  FIG. 1  corresponding to a front surface of a door. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the dispenser is in an operable position. 
     The first refrigerating compartment door  60  includes a front frame  61  and a rear frame  63 . The front frame  61  is partially exposed to the outside of the refrigerator, whereas the rear frame  63  is partially exposed to the inside of the refrigerator body when the refrigerating compartment door  60  is in a closed position. 
     A space is defined between the front frame  61  and the rear frame  63 . In the space, an ice maker (not shown), which produces ice, an ice storing container (not shown), which stores the ice produced by the ice maker, and a water tank, which stores water, are installed. In some examples, the ice maker, ice storing container, and water tank may be installed in the refrigerator body, or installed at the freezing compartment door  50 . 
     The dispenser  100  is positioned on the door and at least a portion of the dispenser is configured to fit in the space defined between the front frame  61  and the rear frame  63  when the dispenser is in a stored position. The dispenser  100  also is connected to the water tank and ice storing container to receive water or ice for dispensing. 
     The dispenser  100  includes a moving chute  120  configured to move between a stored position and an operable position. In the operable position, at least a portion of the moving chute  120  is positioned outside of the front frame  61 , and the moving chute  120  is configured to define a passage for discharging ice through the door. In the stored position, at least a portion of the moving chute  120  is positioned in the space defined between the front frame  61  and the rear frame  63 . The dispenser  100  also includes a dispensing cover  110 , which may be configured to move between a stored position and an operable position together with the moving chute  120 . In the stored position, the dispensing cover  110  may be positioned flush with a surface of the door. 
     Control buttons  113  and a display  111  are arranged on the dispensing cover  110 . The control buttons  113  control various dispenser and/or refrigerator functions. For instance, the control buttons  113  may control a selection of content for dispensing, for example, selection of ice or water. The display  111  displays a content dispensation state and any other information related to the dispenser  100  or the refrigerator. 
     A transparent panel  115  is positioned on the dispensing cover  110 , to allow a user to visually check the button tray composite device at an outside of the refrigerator. Through the transparent panel  115 , the user may visually check how much content discharged through an outlet included in the moving chute  120  is received in a container. The transparent panel  115  enables a user to view ice or water being dispensed into a container to ensure the container is positioned such that the ice or water being dispensed is received in the container and also to determine when to stop dispensing because the container has been filled to a desired level. 
     In some implementations, a separate illumination device may be installed in an inner space of the door. In these implementations, the illumination device may operate to emit light, only when content (e.g., ice or water) is being dispensed, in order to allow the user to check how much content is received in a container. Further, in these implementations, the dispensing cover  110  may be made of a material that allows light to pass through the dispensing cover  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  are structurally connected (e.g., integrated). For instance, the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  constitute a single dispensing housing. The dispensing cover  110  defines an external appearance of the dispensing housing, whereas the moving chute  120  defines an interior of the dispensing housing. In these configurations, the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  move together. In particular, the moving chute  120  moves to enter or exit the inner space of the door. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a button tray composite device in a stored position and  FIG. 3B  illustrates a button tray composite device in an operable position. The dispenser  100  includes a fixed chute  130  having a first end that communicates with the moving chute  120 , and a second end that communicates with the ice storing container, which stores ice. The fixed chute  130  is positioned in the space defined between the front frame  61  and the rear frame  63 . The fixed chute  130  is fixed in the space by fasteners (not shown), for example, bolts and nuts, or hooks. 
     The moving chute  120  has a length enabling the moving chute  120  to communicate with the fixed chute  130  during movement of the moving chute  120 , irrespective of whether the moving chute  120  is in an operable position outside of the front frame  61  or in a stored position in the inner space of the door defined between the front frame  61  and the rear frame  63 . 
     An ice discharge duct (not shown) may be positioned in the space defined between the front frame  61  and the rear frame  63 , to define an ice flow passage from the ice storing container to the fixed chute  130 . A duct cover (not shown) may be located at an end of the ice discharge duct that communicates with the fixed chute  130 , and configured to open and close the ice discharge duct. 
     A mechanical drive mechanism is provided at the refrigerating compartment door  60 . The mechanical drive mechanism is configured to move the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  from a stored position to an operable position in which the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  are positioned outside of the front frame  61 . 
     The mechanical drive mechanism includes a hinge  170  that allows the dispensing cover  110  connected to the moving chute  120  to pivot or rotate with respect to the front frame  61 , and an elastic device (not shown) that provides an elastic force to the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  to promote movement of the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  from the stored position to the operable position in which the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  are positioned outside of the front frame  61 . The mechanical drive mechanism also includes a coupling unit that couples the dispensing cover  110  to the front frame  61  against the elastic force provided by the elastic device, thereby retaining the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  in the stored position when the coupling unit is engaged. 
     The coupling unit includes a first coupler  181  mounted to the dispensing cover  110 , and a second coupler  183  mounted in the inner space of the door. The first and second couplers  181  and  183  operate to be engaged or separated from each other, upon receiving a force from a user. 
     For example, when the first and second couplers  181  and  183  are simultaneously pressed, a coupling hook provided at the second coupler  183  is separated from a coupling groove provided at the first coupler  181 . When the first coupler  181  is separated from the second coupler  183  and pressed, the coupling hook engages the coupling groove, thereby coupling the first coupler  181  to the second coupler  183 . 
     The mechanical drive mechanism may further include a damper (not shown) for adjusting the speed of the dispensing cover during the movement of the dispensing cover  110 . The damper may be any device configured to apply a constant force to the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  such that the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  pivot at a constant speed. For example, a gas spring or a gearing may be used, which may apply a relatively constant force to the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  against the pivotal movement of the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120 . 
     The hinge  170  includes hinge pins (not shown) respectively located at opposite ends of the dispensing cover  110 , and hinge grooves (not shown) located at an inner surface of the front frame  61  such that the hinge grooves correspond to the hinge pins, respectively. Accordingly, the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  pivot about the hinge pins. 
     The refrigerator further may include a water discharge duct (not shown) coupled to the dispensing cover  110 , and configured to discharge water. When the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  are in an operable position outside of the front frame  61  (e.g., in a water dispensing mode), the water discharge duct (not shown) coupled to the dispensing cover  110  is positioned together with the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120 , so that water can be discharged out of an outlet of the water discharge duct outside of the front frame  61 . 
     The button tray composite device  200 , which is located beneath the dispenser  100 , controls the dispensation of content (e.g., ice or water) discharged out of an outlet  121  of the moving chute  120 . The button tray composite device  200  also is configured to receive a residual content discharged from the outlet  121  after the completion of a content dispensing operation. 
     A controller (not shown) is located at one side in the inner space of the door. The controller includes a dispensing switch  270  configured to control dispensation of content, in cooperation with the button tray composite device  200 . 
     The button tray composite device  200  includes a button switch  280  that is selectively connectable to the dispensing switch  270  to control the dispensation of the content. The button tray composite device  200  also includes a button tray  210  having a content receiving space configured to receive content (e.g., residual content after a dispensing operation) from the outlet  121  when the button tray  210  is in an extended position corresponding to and positioned under the outlet  121 . The button tray composite device  200  further includes a tray driving mechanism configured to move the button tray  210 . 
     The button tray composite device  200  includes a guide member  250  configured to guide the movement of the button tray  210 . A moving member  220 , which may be selectively coupled to the button tray  210 , is configured to move, together with the button tray  210 , while being guided by the guide member  250 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a button tray composite device and  FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a button tray composite device. As shown, the button tray  210 , which has the content receiving space configured to receive a residual content, also has a front panel having a curved portion  211  that allows the front panel to easily come into contact with a container to receive the dispensed content. The curved portion  211  defines a concave space in the button tray  210  that is shaped to accommodate a portion of a typical container such that the button tray may be effectively contacted with and thus actuated by a container. 
     The moving member  220  includes a bottom wall  223  that defines a bottom of the button tray  210 , and supports the bottom of the button tray  210 . A rear wall  225  is connected to (e.g., integrated with) the bottom wall  223 , and supports the rear side of the button tray  210 . 
     A guide groove  227  is defined (e.g., formed) in the bottom wall  223  of the moving member  220 , at a lower surface thereof, and corresponds to the guide member  250 . When the moving member  220  moves, the guide groove  227  of the moving member  220  slides along the guide member  250 , thereby guiding the movement of the moving member  220 . 
     The button tray  210  is coupled to the moving member  220  by a coupler. Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the button tray  210 , the moving member  220  is moved, together with the button tray  210 . 
     In some implementations, the coupler includes a first coupling member  261 , which is mounted to a rear panel of the button tray  210 , and has magnetic properties, and a second coupling member  263  mounted to the rear wall  225  of the moving member  220 . The second coupling member  263  may be coupled to the first coupling member  261  by a magnetic force generated from the first coupling member  261 . The first coupling member  261  may comprise a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, whereas the second coupling member  263  may comprise a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a metallic member. 
     In other examples, the coupling between the moving member  220  and the button tray  210  may be achieved using another coupling method that enables the moving member  220  and the button tray  210  to be coupled and uncoupled. For example, the moving member  220  and button tray  210  may be coupled by a hook coupling method or a thread coupling method. 
     The button switch  280  is mounted to the moving member  220  such that it is selectively connectable to the dispensing switch  270 . For example, when the button switch  280  comes into contact with the dispensing switch  270  as the moving member  220  moves, the dispensing switch  270  generates a signal, and sends the generated signal to the controller. In response to the signal, the controller controls the dispensation of the content (e.g., ice, water, etc.). 
     The tray drive mechanism includes an elastic member having an elastic resilience against an external force applied to the button tray  210 . A wire spring may be used for the elastic member. 
     The tray drive mechanism includes a roller  230  installed at one side in the interior of the door, and a wire spring  240  wound around the roller  230 . The wire spring  240  is unwound from the roller  230  when an external force is applied to the tray drive mechanism, and is wound around the roller  230  when the external force is released. When the wire spring  240  is wound around the roller  230 , it applies a force that moves the button tray  210 . As shown in  FIG. 4   a , the tray drive mechanism includes a pair of rollers  230  installed at opposite sides in the interior of the door, and a pair of wire springs  240  wound around the rollers  230 , respectively. Although the description focuses on a single roller  230  and a single wire spring  240 , the described techniques may be applied when two or more rollers and wire springs are used. 
     The wire spring  240  is coupled, at one end thereof, to a spring support  221  provided at the moving member  220 , and is coupled, at the other end thereof, to the roller  230 . The roller  230  includes a rotating body  233 , and a rotating shaft  231  that defines a rotating axis of the rotating body  233 . The tray drive mechanism may further include a torsion spring (not shown) mounted to the roller  230 , to return the rotating body  233  from a rotated state (e.g., a state in which the wire spring  240  is unwound) to an original state (e.g., a state in which the wire spring  240  is wound around the rotating body  233 ). 
     In accordance with the above-described configuration, when the button tray  210  moves in response to an external force applied thereto (e.g., a force applied by a user), the moving member  220  that is coupled to the button tray  210  moves together with the button tray  210 . During movement of the moving member  220 , the wire spring  240  coupled to the moving member  220  is made tense. Namely, a tension is applied to the wire spring  240 , so that the wire spring  240  is gradually unwound from the roller  230  due to rotation of the roller  230  caused by the tension. 
     When the external force is subsequently released, the wire spring  240  is wound around the roller  230  by the resilience of the wire spring  240  or torsion spring. At this time, the moving member  220  coupled to the wire spring  240  moves to an original position where the moving member  220  was positioned before the application of the external force. 
     The elastic member that provides resilience to the tray may have any shape. For example, a spring having a structure different from the above-described structure, such as a coil spring or a plate spring, may be used for the elastic member. 
     In some implementations, the elastic member may be arranged such that one end thereof is coupled to the moving member, and the other end thereof is positioned in the inner space of the door. In these implementations, when the button tray  210  is pushed into the inner space of the door by an external force (e.g., a force applied by a user with a container), the elastic member is completely positioned in the inner space of the door in a compressed state. In the compressed state, the elastic member has a resilience that, when the external force is removed from the button tray  210 , causes the elastic member to return to an original or uncompressed state while pushing the button tray  210  in a direction outside of the inner space of the door. 
     The operation of the button tray composite device will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 4   b.    
     When a user desires to dispense content, e.g., ice or water, the user presses the lower end of the dispensing cover  110 . For instance, the user presses a portion of the dispensing cover  110  that corresponds to a position where the couplers  181  and  183  that couple the dispensing cover  110  to the front frame  61  are arranged. 
     In response to the user pressing the portion of the dispensing cover  110 , the dispensing cover  110  and button tray  210  simultaneously move outward from the front frame  61 . At this time, the dispensing cover  110  is protruded outwardly from the front frame  61  by the resilience of the elastic device mounted to the moving chute drive mechanism, and the button tray  210  is protruded outwardly from the front frame  61  by the resilience of the elastic member included in the tray drive mechanism, e.g., the wire spring  240 . 
     When the user subsequently brings a container into contact with the button tray  210 , and pushes the button tray  210  in a direction into the door with the container, the moving member  220  coupled to the button tray  210  is moved in the direction into the door along the guide member  250 , together with the button tray  210 . During the movement of the moving member  220 , the wire spring  240  is unwound from the roller  230  in accordance with the movement of the moving member  220 . 
     When the moving member  220  reaches a predetermined position, the button switch  280  mounted to the button tray  210  contacts or connects with the dispensing switch  270  arranged in the interior of the door. In response to a signal generated in response to the connection between the button switch  280  and the dispensing switch  270 , the controller performs a control operation to dispense content (e.g., ice or water) through the outlet  121 . 
     In this example, the controller controls dispensing of content in such a manner that the content is dispensed through the outlet  121  only when the moving chute  120  is in an operable position (e.g., rotated outside of the front frame  61 ). That is, the content is not dispensed when the moving chute  120  and button tray  210  are arranged in the interior of the door, even if the button switch  280  mounted to the button tray  210  contacts or connects with the dispensing switch  270 . 
     The signal may be generated, based on information including the contact time of the connection between the button switch  280  and the dispensing switch  270  or the contact position. For instance, content may be dispensed as long as the connection between the button switch  280  and the dispensing switch  270  remains. In some examples, dispensing of content does not begin until the connection between the button switch  280  and the dispensing switch  270  has existed for a threshold period of time (e.g., one second). In these examples, dispensing of content is delayed for the threshold period of time, which may avoid content from being dispensed as a result of an inadvertent movement of the button tray  210 . 
     In other examples, the dispensing of content does not begin until the button switch  280  contacts the dispensing switch  270  at a particular portion of the dispensing switch  270 . For example, dispensing of content may not occur until the button switch  280  contacts a rear portion of the dispensing switch  270  positioned further into the door. In this example, dispensing of content occurs for relatively large movement of the button tray  210 , but does not occur for relatively small movement of the button tray  210 , which may avoid content from being dispensed as a result of an inadvertent movement of the button tray  210 . 
     An amount or a rate of content being dispensed by the dispenser also may be controlled using the button tray  210 . For example, depending on the position of the button tray  210 , the dispensing of content may be regulated from among at least three settings (e.g., an off setting, a fully on setting, and a partially on setting). In this example, no movement of the button tray  210  may result in a first setting in which content is not dispensed, a relatively small movement of the button tray  210  may result in a second setting in which content is dispensed at a first rate, and a relatively large movement of the button tray  210  may result in a third setting in which content is dispensed at a second rate that is different than the first rate. The second rate may be larger than the first rate and allow a container to be filled more quickly in response to a relatively large movement of the button tray. 
     When the user releases the container, in which the content has been received, from the button tray  210  after a dispensing operation, the moving member  220  and button tray  210  move, by the resilience of the wire spring  240 , to the original positions thereof (e.g., positions prior to the movement caused by user application of force with the container in performing the dispensing operation). The original position may be a position beneath the outlet  121 . 
     When the button tray  210  is returned to the original position beneath the outlet  121 , a residual content discharged out of the outlet  121  just after the dispensation of the content is received and contained in the button tray  210 . Accordingly, the residual content is not dropped onto the floor. 
     In other words, the button tray  210  moves from a position in which the button tray  210  is misaligned with the outlet  121  to a position in which the button tray  210  is aligned with the outlet  121 . In the misaligned position, the button tray  210  is not configured to receive content discharged from the outlet  121 . However, in the aligned position, the button tray  210  is configured to receive content discharged from the outlet  121 . By moving the button tray  210  from the misaligned position to the aligned position after dispensing of content (e.g., as or after a user removes force supplied with a container to the button tray  210 ), the button tray  210  may receive residual content dispensed through the outlet  121  in the aligned position. In the aligned position otherwise unguided content dispensed for the outlet  121  falls into the button tray  210  in an ordinary operating orientation and use of the food storing apparatus/refrigerator, and in the misaligned position otherwise unguided content dispensed for the outlet  121  falls into the button tray  210  in an ordinary operating orientation and use of the food storing apparatus/refrigerator. 
     Movement of the button tray  210  may follow a path different from the path of the button tray  210  described above. As described above, the button tray  210  retracts and extends toward and away from a surface of the door in a plane perpendicular to the door surface. In some implementations, the button tray  210  also may rotate or pivot toward and away from the door surface about a pivot point or extend and retract in a plane that is not perpendicular to the door surface. 
     When the user subsequently pushes the dispensing cover  110  in a direction into the door such that the moving chute  120  and button tray  210  are inserted into the inner space of the door, the couplers  181  and  183  are coupled to each other, so that the dispensing cover  110  is coupled to the front frame  61  in a stored position. Even in the stored position, the button tray  210  may receive a residual content, which may be discharged out of the outlet  121 , because the button tray  210  may remain positioned beneath the outlet  121 . 
     Thus, the button tray  210  may reliably receive a residual content that occurs after a dispensing operation because the button tray  210  may always be positioned beneath the outlet  121  (or in another position in which the button tray  210  receives content dispensed from the outlet  121 ), irrespective of whether the button tray  210  is in an operable position protruded outwardly from the front frame  61  or in a closed position inserted into the inner space of the door. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a state in which the button tray is in an operable position, and  FIG. 5B  illustrates a state in which the button tray is being moved from a position illustrated in  FIG. 5A  to a stored position. The food storing apparatus shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  includes a button tray  210 , a moving member  220 , a moving chute  120 , and a dispensing cover  110 , as described above. 
     In the implementation illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , the button tray composite device  200  includes a tray holder  229  coupled to one side of the moving member  220 , to prevent the dispensing cover  110  from coming into contact with the button tray  210  when the moving chute  120  is inserted into the interior of the door. That is, the tray holder  229  is configured to move the button tray  210  into the inner space of the door in accordance with movement of the moving chute  120 . 
     If the tray holder  229  is not used, the inner surface of the dispensing cover  110  may come into contact with the button tray  210  when the user pushes the dispensing cover  110  to cause the moving chute  120  and button tray  210  to be inserted into the inner space of the door. Such contact may result in damage to the dispensing cover  110  and button tray  210 . 
     The tray holder  229  includes a first extension member  229   a  coupled to the rear wall  225  of the moving member  220  or extending from the moving member  220 , and a second extension member  229   b  extending upwardly from the first extension member  229   a  in a bent state. The first extension member  229   a  and the second extension member  229   b  may form an “L” shape. 
     When the moving member  220  moves, the first extension member  229   a  moves together with the moving member  220  because they are coupled to each other. When the moving chute  120  moves, the second extension member  229   b  moves in accordance with the movement of the moving chute  120 . 
     The moving chute  120  and button tray  210  move to an operable position in which at least a portion of the moving chute  120  and button tray  210  are positioned outside of the front frame  61  of the door using the techniques described above. However, when the moving chute  120  moves to a closed position in which the moving chute  120  is inserted into the inner space of the door, the following operation may be performed. 
     When the user pushes the dispensing cover  110 , the moving chute  120  is moved into the inner space of the door, as shown in  FIG. 5A . Based on this movement, the moving chute  120  comes into contact with the second extension member  229   b  before the inner surface of the dispensing cover  110  comes into contact with the button tray  210 . When the user further pushes the dispensing cover  110 , the moving chute  120  pushes the second extension member  229   b.    
     As a result, the second extension member  229   b  is pushed into the inner space of the door in accordance with the movement of the moving chute  120 . The movement of the second extension member  229   b  imparts force to the first extension member  229   a , which causes the first extension member  229   a  and the moving member  220  to move into the inner space of the door. In accordance with the movement of the moving member  220 , the button tray  210  coupled to the moving member  220  also moves into the inner space of the door. 
     A separate pad may be arranged in a region where the second extension member  229   b  comes into direct contact with the moving chute  120 , in order to prevent the moving chute  120  from being damaged in the contact region. The pad may be attached to the second extension member  229   b  or moving chute  120  in the contact region. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a state in which a dispenser is in a stored position, and  FIG. 6B  illustrates a state in which a dispenser is in an operable position. As shown, the refrigerator includes a dispenser configured to move from a stored position to an operable position that is outside of a front frame of the door, and a button tray composite device  200  configured to receive a residual content discharged after the content dispensation through the outlet  121  of the dispenser. The content may include water or ice. 
     The dispenser includes a moving chute  120 , which is configured to move outward from the front frame  61  to form a passage for discharging ice through the door when the moving chute  120  is used to dispense a content, and is configured to be inserted into an inner space of the door when the moving chute  120  is not used and in a stored position. The dispenser  100  also includes a dispensing cover  110  mounted to a front side of the moving chute  120  such that the dispensing cover  110  moves together with the moving chute  120 . 
     The dispenser may further include a cover fixing unit  190  that prevents the dispensing cover  110  from being moved by a force lower than a predetermined external force in a state in which the dispensing cover  110  is protruded outwardly from the front frame of the door. 
     The cover fixing unit  190  includes an extension member  193 , which moves together with the moving chute  120 , a first coupling member  191  mounted to one side of the extension member  193 , and a second coupling member  192  installed in the inner space of the door such that the second coupling member  192  may be selectively coupled to the first coupling member  191 . 
     One of the first and second coupling members  191  and  192  comprises an article having magnetic properties, whereas the other of the first and second coupling members  191  and  192  comprises an article having magnetic properties or a metallic article. That is, the first and second coupling members  191  and  192  are coupled by a magnetic force such that a particular force must be applied to the extension member  193  to overcome the magnetic force between the first and second coupling members  191  and  192  and allow movement of the extension member  193  and moving chute  120 . 
     For example, the first coupling member  191  may comprise a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, whereas the second coupling member  192  may comprise a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a metal member. 
     The coupling force is proportional to the magnetic force. The predetermined external force corresponds to the coupling force of the first and second coupling members  191  and  192 . The coupling force of the first and second coupling members  191  and  192 , (e.g., the predetermined external force needed to move the extension member  193  and moving chute  120 ), is set to a force that is greater than a force typically applied (e.g., by a user) to a control button arranged on the dispensing cover  110 . 
     The cover fixing unit  190  may be used to fix the dispensing cover  110 . First, the dispensing cover  110  and moving chute  120  move to an operable position outside of the front frame of the door, before a content is discharged out of the outlet  121 . In moving to the operable position, the extension member  193  moves together with the moving chute  120 . Simultaneously with the completion of the movement of the moving chute  120  outward from the front frame of the door, the first coupling member  191  is coupled to the second coupling member  192  (e.g., by a magnetic force). 
     When the user presses the control button with a typical force in the coupled state of the first and second coupling members  191  and  192 , for the dispensation of the content such as water or ice, the force applied to the control button is lower than the predetermined external force. Thus, the pressing of the control button does not result in movement of the dispensing cover  110 . 
     When the force applied to the control button by the user is higher than the predetermined external force, the coupled state of the first and second coupling members  191  and  192  is released, and the dispensing cover moves toward a closed or stored position. 
     As described above, the button tray composite device includes a button tray  210 , which controls the dispensation of the content, and receives a residual content, a moving member  220  coupled to the button tray  210 , to move together with the button tray  210 , a spring wire (not shown) for moving the moving member  220 , and a roller  230 , around which the spring wire is wound. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a front surface of a door including a dispenser,  FIG. 8A  illustrates a state in which a button tray composite device is in an extended position, and  FIG. 8B  illustrates a state in which a button tray composite device is in a withdrawn position. The food storing apparatus shown in  FIGS. 7-8   b  includes a dispenser having an outlet  1200  to discharge content, a door  60 , at which the dispenser is installed, and a button tray composite device  2000  to control the dispensation of the content, and to receive a residual content discharged out of the outlet  1200  after content has been dispensed. 
     The button tray composite device  2000  includes a button switch  2800  to control the dispensation of content, a button tray  2100  that defines a content receiving space (e.g., a recess) to receive the residual content, and a tray drive mechanism to move the button tray  2100 . 
     The button tray  2100  and tray drive mechanism (e.g., moving member  2200 , roller  2300 , and spring wire  2400 ) are similar to the button tray and tray drive mechanism described above. Accordingly, further description of the button tray  2100  and tray drive mechanism has not been provided. 
     The button switch  2800  is arranged at a rear end of the moving member. The button switch  2800  interacts with a dispensing switch  2700  installed in the inner space of the door  60 , to generate a signal associated with an operation to control the dispensation of content. 
     In some implementations, the button switch  2800  and dispensing switch  2700  may function as distance sensors. For example, the button switch  2800  may comprise a first distance sensor mounted to a rear wall of the moving member, whereas the dispensing switch  2700  may comprise a second distance sensor arranged at a certain fixed position in the inner space of the door  60 . In these implementations, when the first distance sensor moves, it interacts with the second distance sensor, to sense the movement distance of the button tray  2100 . Based on the sensed movement distance, a controller may generate a signal to control the dispensation of content. 
     The door includes at least a portion extending into the inner space of the door, to form a recess or dispensing cavity S. The outlet  1200  is arranged in the recess or dispensing cavity S. The button tray  2100  is arranged below the outlet  1200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , the button tray  2100  is positioned beneath the outlet  1200  when no content is dispensed (e.g., the button tray  2100  is in an aligned position in which content dispensed from the outlet  1200  is received in the button tray  2100 ). 
     When the user pushes the button tray  2100  toward the inner space of the door  60 , the button tray  2100  is partially inserted into the inner space of the door  60 , as shown in  FIG. 8B . At this time, the button switch  2800  contacts or is connected to the dispensing switch  2700 , thereby enabling the dispensation of content. The button tray  2100  has moved from the aligned position in which content dispensed from the outlet  1200  is received in the button tray  2100  to a misaligned position in which content dispensed from the outlet  1200  is not received in the button tray  2100 . 
     When the user subsequently releases the force pushing the button tray  2100 , namely, when the user releases a container V, which is used to receive the content, from the button tray  2100 , the button tray  2100  moves to an original position thereof (e.g., a position beneath the outlet  1200  or the aligned position). 
     In some examples, the button tray  2100  may be arranged in the interior of the door  60 , even after the use thereof is completed. For example, the button tray  2100  may be configured such that, only when it is desired to use the button tray  2100 , the button tray  2100  is ejected from the interior of the door  60 , for the use thereof. 
     Where the button tray is configured such that, after the content dispensation, the button tray is again inserted into the interior of the door, a separate blocking device may be provided, in order to prevent the discharge of water or ice. 
     The operation of the tray drive mechanism in moving the button tray may use techniques similar to those described above. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a front surface of a door including a dispenser,  FIG. 10A  illustrates a state in which a button tray composite device is in an extended position, and  FIG. 10B  illustrates a state in which a button tray composite device is in a withdrawn position. The food storing apparatus shown in  FIGS. 9-10   b  includes a dispenser having outlets  1210  and  1230  to discharge certain contents, a door  60 , at which the dispenser is installed, and a button tray composite device  3000  to control the dispensation of a desired content, and to receive a residual content discharged out of the outlet  1210  or  1230  after the content dispensation. 
     The button tray composite device  3000  includes a button switch  3800  to control the content dispensation, a button tray  3100  that defines a content receiving space (e.g., a recess) to receive the residual content, and a tray drive mechanism to move the button tray  3100 . 
     The button tray composite device  3000  (including the button tray  3100 , the movable member  3200 , the roller  3300 , and the spring wire  3400 ) is similar to the button tray composite devices (and components) described above. Accordingly, further description of the button tray composite device  3000  has not been provided. 
     The outlets  1210  and  1230 , which discharge contents (e.g., ice and water, respectively), are positioned on or outside of the front surface of the door  60 . The outlet  1210  is an ice outlet  1210  for discharging ice, whereas the outlet  1230  is a water outlet for discharging water. 
     In particular, the water outlet  1230  is positioned further from the front surface of the door  60 , than the ice outlet  1210 . In accordance with this arrangement, a convenience in use may be provided to a user that more frequently desires the dispensation of water, than the dispensation of ice. 
     The button tray  3100  is positioned at or outside of the front surface of the door  60  such that it is arranged beneath the outlets  1210  and  1230 . 
     The food storing apparatus also may include a protective cover  1000  mounted to the front surface of the door  60 , to protect the outlets  1210  and  1230 . A control panel  1100  may be installed at the protective cover  1000 , to control the dispensation of a content. 
     A lower tray  1250  also may be arranged beneath the button tray  3100 , as an auxiliary tray to receive a residual content discharged out of the outlets  1210  and  1230  after the content dispensation. The lower tray  1250  may be mounted to a front frame of the door  60  by hooks  1251  such that the lower tray  1250  is removable and replaceable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A , the button tray  3100  is positioned beneath the outlets  1210  and  1230  when no content is dispensed (e.g., the button tray  3100  is in an aligned position in which content dispensed from the outlets  1210  and  1230  is received in the button tray  3100 ). 
     When the user pushes the button tray  3100  toward the inner space of the door  60 , the button tray  3100  is partially inserted into the inner space of the door  60 . The button tray  3100  has moved from the aligned position in which content dispensed from the outlets  1210  and  1230  is received in the button tray  2100  to a misaligned position in which content dispensed from the outlets  1210  and  1230  is not received in the button tray  2100 . 
     At this time, the button switch  3800  mounted to the rear wall of a moving member  3200  contacts or is connected to a dispensing switch  3700  installed in the inner space of the door  60 , thereby enabling the dispensation of a certain content. 
     The content dispensing operation shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  may be similar to the content dispensing operation described above with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
     It will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. For example, advantageous results still could be achieved if steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different order and/or if components in the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other components. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 
     As apparent from the above description, the button tray composite device functions as a switch for the content dispensation, but also functions to receive a residual content after the completion of the content dispensation. The button tray composite device may be used, irrespective of the position of an outlet, from which a content is discharged. For example, the button tray composite device may be used in the case in which an outlet is tilted out of an interior of a door, the case in which an outlet is protruded outwardly from a front surface of a door, and the case in which an outlet is arranged in a recess formed at a door. 
     The food storing apparatus described above may provide the following effects. First, the food storing apparatus may be able to prevent a residual content, additionally discharged after dispensing of a certain content, from being dropped onto the floor, in accordance with the provision of the button tray composite device, which not only functions as a button enabling content dispensing, but also functions as a tray receiving the residual content. In particular, the tray drive mechanism, which may be included in the button tray composite device, moves the button tray toward the outlet, from which the residual content is discharged, after the dispensing of content, in order to allow the button tray to easily receive the residual content. 
     The button tray composite device may be conveniently used in any case, irrespective of the position of an outlet, from which the content is discharged. For example, the button tray composite device may be used in the case in which the outlet is tilted out of the interior of the door, the case in which the outlet is provided-on a front surface of the door, and the case in which the outlet is arranged in a recess or dispensing cavity formed at the door. 
     The button tray composite device may receive the residual content, not only in a state in which the moving chute is positioned outside of a front surface of the door, but also in a state in which the moving chute is positioned into the interior of the door. 
     The thickness of the door may be reduced, in particular, in a region where the dispenser is installed, by configuring the dispenser such that the outlet of the moving chute, which dispenses ice or water, or the outlet of the water discharge duct is moved outside of the front surface of the door of the food storing apparatus when the dispenser is used, and is inserted into the interior of the door when the dispenser is not used. 
     The dispenser also may prevent the dispensing cover from coming into contact with the button tray when the moving chute is inserted into the inner space of the door, by the using a tray holder functioning to move the button tray, simultaneously with the insertion movement of the moving chute. 
     Also, the dispenser may prevent the dispensing cover from being moved when a button on a control panel is pressed, in a state in which the moving chute is positioned outside of a front surface of the door, by the provision of the cover fixing unit operating to release a fixing state in response to at least a predetermined force.