Patent Publication Number: US-9897368-B2

Title: Refrigerator including a door opening device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0060375, filed on May 17, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to refrigerators including door opening device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Refrigerators are electrical appliances capable of maintaining a storage chamber below room temperature. Food or other objects can be stored in a refrigerator in a cold or frozen state. The space inside the refrigerator is maintained at a low temperature by cool air circulation. Cool air is continuously generated through refrigeration cycles, each cycle including compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation. Cool air is distributed to the inner space of the refrigerator by convection. 
     A top-mount type refrigerator has a freezer disposed above a refrigeration chamber. A bottom-freezer type refrigerator has a freezer disposed below a refrigeration chamber. A side-by-side type refrigerator has a freezer and a refrigeration chamber disposed side by side. 
     Some refrigerators are equipped with a door opening device coupled to a rotatable or pivotable door handle which allows a user to open the refrigerator door easily by turning the handle and without manually pulling the door open. 
     However, a conventional rotatable door opening device only allows the door handle to pivot in a specific direction to open the door. For instance, if a horizontal door handle is designed to pivot downward, a user would not be able to trigger the door opening mechanism by pushing it upward. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator equipped with a door opening device that can be triggered to facilitate door opening when a door handle is moved in either of the two permitted opposite directions. 
     The present disclosure provides a refrigerator comprising: a main body; a refrigerator door rotatably coupled to the main body and configured to cover storage spaces; and a door opening device installed in the refrigerator door, wherein the door opening device includes: a handle configured to rotate in two directions; a link part configured to rotate together with the handle when the handle is rotated in one of the two directions; and a slide member configured to slide in response to rotation of the link part and thereby push the refrigerator door to an open position. 
     The link part may include: a first link member coupled to the handle and configured to rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the handle when the handle is rotated by a user; and a second link member having one end disposed in contact with the first link member and configured to rotate together with the first link member when the first link member is rotated. 
     When the handle is turned by a user in a first direction, the first link member may be configured to press the slide member to slide. When the handle is turned in the second direction by a user, the second link member is rotated by the first link member to press the slide member to move. 
     The second link member may remain stationary when the first link member is rotated in the first direction; and the second link member is rotated when the first link member is rotated in the second direction. 
     A first pressing portion at one side of the first link member is configured to press the slide member to move when the first link member is rotated in the first direction. The first pressing portion is configured to move away from the slide member when the first link member is rotated in the second direction. 
     A tab at the other side of the first link member may be configured to move away from the second link member when the first link member is rotated in the first direction. The tab is configured to press and rotate the second link member when the first link member is rotated in the second direction. 
     A second pressing portion at one side of the second link member may be configured to press the slide member on one side. This side of the sliding member faces the second pressing portion and is depressed inward in conformity with the outer surface of the second pressing portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the refrigerator door taken along line A-A′ in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a partial perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another partial perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates the exemplary door opening mechanism when the door is closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates an exemplary door opening mechanism when the door handle is turned in the first direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates the exemplary door opening mechanism when the door handle is turned in the second direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. 
     One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. As those skilled in the art will realize, the described exemplary embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, which is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. 
     It is noted that the drawings are schematic and are not necessarily dimensionally illustrated. Relative sizes and proportions of parts in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in size, and a predetermined size is just exemplary and not limitating. The same reference numerals designate the same structures, elements, or parts illustrated in two or more drawings in order to exhibit similar characteristics. 
     The exemplary drawings of the present disclosure illustrate ideal exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail. As a result, various modifications of the drawings are expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific form of the illustrated region, and for example, include a modification of a form by manufacturing. 
     Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the refrigerator door taken along line A-A′ in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a partial perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  illustrates a partial perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is viewed at an angle differing from  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates the exemplary door opening mechanism when the door is closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6B  illustrates an exemplary door opening mechanism when the door handle is turned in the first direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6C  illustrates the exemplary door opening mechanism when the door handle is turned in the second direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 6C , the exemplary refrigerator  1  may include a main body  100  having multiple storage chambers. A refrigerator door  200  is coupled to the main body  100  and configured to cover the storage chambers. A door opening device  300  is installed in the refrigerator door  200 . 
     While a bottom-freeze type refrigerator is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various other types of refrigerators, such as a top-mount type or a side-by-side type. 
     The main body  100  serves as the main frame and housing of the refrigerator  1  and includes storage spaces S. The refrigerator door  200  is rotatably (e.g., hingedly) coupled to the main body  100 . 
     The door opening device  300  in the refrigerator door  200  can be triggered to facilitate opening of the door responsive to a user action on the door handle. 
     For example, if the free end of the refrigerator door  200  is coupled to the main body  100  by a magnetic force, a user may open the refrigerator door  200  by rotating the door handle, and yet without manually pulling the door open to overcome the magnetic force. A door opening device  300  according to the present disclosure may be installed in some or all refrigerator doors in a refrigerator. 
     Hereinafter, as an example, description is made based on a door opening device  300  disposed in a lower part of the main body  100  with a horizontal door handle. The door opening device  300  includes a handle  310 , a link part  320  and a slide member  330 . 
     The handle  310  is pivotably (or rotatably) coupled to the refrigerator door  200  through the link part  320 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The handle is partially planted in the door. According to the present disclosure, a user can either push up or push down the handle  310  to trigger the door opening device. Shown in  FIG. 3 , the handle  310  can turn clockwise (CW) as well as counterclockwise (CCW). However, this description is based on the illustration of the drawings. Depending on the arrangement and configuration of the handle  310 , the handle  310  may be turned in any two opposite directions with reference to the refrigerator door, such as up/down or left/right. 
     The link part  320  is inside the door  200  and coupled to the handle  310 . The link part  320  may be rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door  200 . For example, the link part  320  may include a pivot shaft  323 . The refrigerator door  200  may include a pivot shaft coupling member  210  into which the pivot shaft  323  is rotatably inserted. When the handle is turned by a user in either allowed direction, the link part  320  is rotated as a result. 
     When the link part  320  is rotated, it pushes the slide member  330  to slide. The link part  320  may include a first link member  321  and a second link member  322 . The first link member is coupled to the handle  310  and configured to rotate in the same direction as the handle  310 . The second link member  322  has one end in direct contact with the first link member  321  and can be rotated along with the first link member  321 . 
     The first link member  321  may be rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door  200  and operable to press the slide member  330  to slide. For example, the first link member  321  may be coupled to the refrigerator door  200  through a first pivot shaft  323   a  protruding from one surface of the first link member  321 . 
     The first link member  321  may be disposed inside the refrigerator door  200 . When the handle  310  is rotated by a user, the first link member  321  is rotated and presses the slide member  330 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first link member  321  may rotate clockwise (CW) to press the slide member  330  when the handle  310  is rotated clockwise (CW). A first pressing portion  321   a  may protrude from the other surface of the first link member  321 . The first pressing portion  321   a  may operate to push the slide member  330  to slide or move away from the slide member  330  depending on the rotational direction of the first link member  321 . 
     For instance, when the handle  310  is rotated clockwise (CW), the first link member  321  is rotated clockwise (CW) as well. Thus, the first pressing portion  321   a  may press the slide member  330  to slide. Conversely, if the handle  310  is rotated counterclockwise (CCW), the first link member  321  may also be rotated counterclockwise (CCW). Thus, the first pressing portion  321   a  is moved away from the slide member  330  (see  FIG. 6C ). 
     The second link member  322  may be rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door  200 . For example, the second link member  322  may be rotatably installed inside the refrigerator door  200  through a second pivot shaft  323   b.    
     If the handle  310  is rotated in the other direction, the second link member  322  may be rotated by the first link member  321  to press the slide member  330 . In other words, if the handle  310  is rotated counterclockwise (CCW) as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first link member  321  may be rotated counterclockwise (CCW) accordingly. A tab  321   b  protruding from the other surface of the first link member  321  may press the second link member  322  to rotate clockwise (CW). Thus, a second pressing portion  322   a  disposed on one side of the second link member  322  may press the slide member  330  to slide. In this case, the second pressing portion  322   a  may protrude outward in a round shape to reduce resistance. One side portion of the slide member  330  that is contact with the second pressing portion  322   a  may be depressed inward in a round shape in conformity with the contour of the second pressing portion  322   a.    
     Thus, if the first link member  321  is rotated in a particular direction (clockwise in  FIG. 3 ), the second link member  322  may remain stationary. Only when the first link member  321  is rotated in the other direction (counterclockwise in  FIG. 3 ) does the second link member  322  rotate to press the slide member  330 . 
     In other words, if the first link member  321  is rotated clockwise (CW), the tab  321   b  may be moved away from the second link member  322  and therefore the second link member  322  remains stationary. On the other hand, if the first link member  321  is rotated counterclockwise (CCW), the tab  321   b  may press the second link member  322  to rotate, and the second link member  322  then presses the slide member  330  to slide. 
     As a result, if the handle  310  is turned in one direction (e.g., clockwise in  FIG. 3 ), the first link member  321  may press the slide member  330  to move, which pushes the refrigerator door  200  to open. If the handle  310  is rotated in the other direction (e.g., counterclockwise in  FIG. 3 ), the second link member  322  may press the slide member  330  to move, which pushes the refrigerator door  200  to open. 
     When the slide member  330  is pressed to slide by the link part  320 , the slide member  330  presses against the main body  100  to overcome the force that holds the refrigerator door and the main body together. As a result, at least a portion of the slide member  330  protrudes beyond the refrigerator door  200 , thereby causing the refrigerator door  200  to separate from the main body  100 . When the link part  320  is not rotated, the entire slide member  330  is retained in its base position inside the refrigerator door  200  by an elastic member  333 . 
     The slide member  330  may include, for example, a first slide member  331  at least partially exposed to the outside of the refrigerator door  200  by the link part  320 , and a second slide member  332  coupled to one side of the first slide member  331  and disposed within the refrigerator door  200 . The second slide member  323  may directly contact the link part  320 . 
     When the slide member  330  is pressed to slide, the first slide member  331  may protrude out of the refrigerator door  200  and have one end pressed against the main body  100 . Thus, the refrigerator door  200  can be pushed away from the main body  100  to an open position. 
     The second slide member  332  may be coupled to one side of the first slide member  331  and installed inside the refrigerator door  200 . The link part  320  can apply a force on the second slide member  33 . The first slide member  331  and the second slide member  332  may be manufactured as separate components and assembled together during installation. Alternatively, they can be formed integrally at one time, e.g., by molding. 
     The second slide member  332  may include, for example, a first contact portion  332   a  which contacts the first link member  321  and a second contact portion  332   b  which contacts the second link member  322 . The configuration of the first contact portion  332   a  and the second contact portion  332   b  may be configured in various suitable mechanical link structures that are well known in the art. 
     As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a slide member may be triggered to slide and thereby open the refrigerator door  200  when the door handle is rotated in either of the two permitted directions. This advantageously eliminates the restriction that a user can only turn the door handle in a single particular direction to open the door. 
     Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in various manners without changing the necessary features or the spirit of the present disclosure. 
     Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are not limiting, but only exemplary. The scope of the present disclosure is expressed by claims below, not the detailed description, and it should be construed that all changes and modifications achieved from the meanings and scope of claims and equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present disclosure. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will be interpreted by the claims below, and it will be construed that all techniques within the scope equivalent thereto belong to the scope of the present disclosure.