U.S. patent application number 11/398764 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for refrigerator having home bar.
Invention is credited to Suk Hyoun Cho, Sang Bae Kim, Jeong Youl Lee.
Application Number | 20060226750 11/398764 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37082541 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060226750 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Jeong Youl ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
Refrigerator having home bar
Abstract
A refrigerator having a home bar, whose assembly efficiency and
aesthetic external appearance are improved, is disclosed. The home
bar includes a home bar frame tightly mounted at the inside of an
opening, which is formed at a door of the refrigerator door such
that the opening communicates with the inside of the refrigerator,
a home bar door mounted to the home bar frame such that the home
bar door can be hingedly rotated for opening and closing the
opening, a coupling-and-releasing unit for coupling the home bar
door to the home bar frame and releasing the home bar door from the
home bar frame, and at least one hinge member having a rotary shaft
movable in the inward and outward directions of the home bar door
or the home bar frame such that the rotary shaft can be inserted
into or separated from a hinge hole formed at the home bar frame or
the home bar door.
Inventors: |
Lee; Jeong Youl;
(Changwon-si, KR) ; Kim; Sang Bae; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; Cho; Suk Hyoun; (Gimhae-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLESHNER & KIM, LLP
P.O. BOX 221200
CHANTILLY
VA
20153
US
|
Family ID: |
37082541 |
Appl. No.: |
11/398764 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/405.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/12 20130101;
F25D 23/02 20130101; F25D 2323/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/405.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/04 20060101
A47B096/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 8, 2005 |
KR |
P2005-0029416 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
KR |
P2005-0029418 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
KR |
P2005-0029419 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
KR |
P2005-0029421 |
May 7, 2005 |
KR |
P2005-0038231 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator having a home bar, the home bar comprising: a
home bar frame tightly mounted at the inside of an opening, which
is formed at a door of the refrigerator such that the opening
communicates with the inside of the refrigerator; a home bar door
mounted to the home bar frame such that the home bar door can be
hingedly rotated for opening and closing the opening; a
coupling-and-releasing unit for coupling the home bar door to the
home bar frame and releasing the home bar door from the home bar
frame; and at least one hinge member having a rotary shaft movable
in the inward and outward directions of the home bar door or the
home bar frame such that the rotary shaft can be inserted into or
separated from a hinge hole formed at the home bar frame or the
home bar door.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
hinge member includes: a fixing case fixed to the home bar door or
the home bar frame; a damping part coupled to the fixing case such
that the damping part can be moved in the longitudinal direction of
the fixing case, the rotating shaft being rotatably mounted to one
end of the damping part; and an elastic member for elastically
supporting the damping part with respect to the fixing case.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the at least one
hinge member further includes: a damping mechanism mounted in the
damping part for reducing the rotating speed of the rotating shaft,
when the rotating shaft is rotated in one direction, and
restricting the rotating angle of the rotary shaft.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the at least one
hinge member further includes: a guide slot formed at one side of
the fixing case such that the guide slot extends in the moving
direction of the rotary shaft; a manipulation slot formed at the
home bar door or the home bar frame such that manipulation slot
communicates with the guide slot; and a movable pin formed at the
damping part such that the movable pin protrudes outward from the
damping part, the movable pin being exposed to the outside through
the guide slot and the manipulation slot.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the at least one
hinge member further includes: a pin hole formed at one side of the
fixing case such that the pin hole is bored through the side of the
fixing case; a manipulation pin hole formed at the home bar door or
the home bar frame such that manipulation pin hole communicates
with the pin hole; and a movable pin formed at the damping part
such that the movable pin protrudes outward from the damping part,
the movable pin being exposed to the outside through the pin hole
and the manipulation pin hole, the movable pin being movable in the
inward and outward directions of the damping part.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the at least one
hinge member further includes: a coupling part formed at one side
of the fixing case such that the coupling part extends outward from
the fixing case, the coupling part having a plurality of
screw-coupling holes, through which the coupling part is coupled to
the home bar door or the home bar frame by means of screws.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
hinge member includes: a fixing case fixed to the home bar door or
the home bar frame, the fixing case being formed in the shape of a
box; a driving part rotatably mounted in the rear part of the
fixing case, the driving part being provided at one side thereof
with concave parts and convex parts, which have inclined surfaces;
a lever formed at the driving part, the lever protruding outside
the fixing case such that the lever can be movable; an actuating
part mounted in the fixing case such that the actuating part can be
linearly moved, the actuating part being provided at one side
thereof with concave parts and convex parts, which have inclined
surfaces corresponding to the inclined surfaces of the concave
parts and the convex parts of the driving part, the rotating shaft
being mounted to the other side of the actuating part such that the
rotating shaft protrudes outside the fixing case; and an elastic
member for elastically supporting the actuating part with respect
to the fixing case.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the at least one
hinge member further includes: a guide protrusion formed at one
side of the actuating part such that the guide protrusion protrudes
from the actuating part; and a guide groove formed inside the
fixing case, while the guide groove extends along the moving
direction of the actuating part such that the guide protrusion is
engaged in the guide groove, for guiding the movement of the
actuating part.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the lever
protrudes through a lever hole, formed at the rear side of the
fixing case, which extends in the rotating direction of the lever,
and the home bar door or the home bar frame is provided at one side
thereof, to which the fixing case is fixed, with a manipulation
slot, which is formed in the same shape as the lever hole, such
that the lever is exposed to the outside through the manipulation
slot.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the concave
parts and the convex parts of the driving part and the concave
parts and the convex parts of the actuating part are formed in
pairs.
11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the hinge hole,
which is formed at the home bar frame or the home bar door such
that the rotating shaft can be securely inserted into the hinge
hole, is concaved toward the interior of the home bar frame or the
home bar door, and a reinforcing member is mounted in front and
rear of the hinge hole for preventing the separation of the
rotating shaft from the hinge hole and reinforcing the strength of
the rear part of the hinge hole.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the reinforcing
member includes: a front plate 142 coupled to the front of the home
bar frame or the home bar door for closing the open front part of
the hinge hole; and a reinforcing bracket securely coupled to the
home bar frame or the home bar door, the reinforcing bracket
including a rear plate for covering the tip end of the rear part of
the hinge hole, and side plates for covering opposite sides of the
rear part of the hinge hole.
13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the rear plate
and the side plates are integrally formed.
14. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the front plate
and the side plates are fixed to each other by means of the same
fixing unit.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the
coupling-and-releasing unit includes: a fastening member formed at
the home bar door such that the fastening member protrudes toward
the inside of the opening; and a latch assembly fixedly mounted to
the home bar frame, the latch assembly having a holding mechanism
for catching the tip end of the fastening member by the pressing
force of the fastening member.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2005-0029416, filed Apr. 8, 2005; Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2005-0029418, filed Apr. 8, 2005; Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2005-0029419, filed Apr. 8, 2005; Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2005-0029421, filed Apr. 8, 2005; and Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2005-0038231, filed May 7, 2005, which
are hereby incorporated by reference as set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a
home bar, and more particularly, to a refrigerator having a home
bar wherein the home bar is mounted to a door of the refrigerator,
such that the home bar can be hingedly rotated upward and downward,
and therefore, the home bar can be closed and opened, for allowing
foods or beverages to be easily and conveniently put into the door
of the refrigerator and allowing foods or beverages to be easily
and conveniently taken out of the door of the refrigerator.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a refrigerator includes a plurality of storage
compartments, in which foods are stored in a frozen state or in a
chilled state. To the front of the refrigerator are mounted doors
for opening and closing the storage compartments.
[0006] In recent years, a home bar has been provided at one of the
doors in order to prevent leakage of chilled air due to frequent
opening/closing of the door and to allow for a user to easily and
conveniently put foods or beverages, which the user wishes to
frequently have, into the inside of the door of the refrigerator
and take such foods or beverages out of the inside of the door of
the refrigerator.
[0007] The home bar includes a home bar door mounted at one side of
an opening formed at the door, such that the home bar door can be
hingedly rotated upward and downward, for opening and closing the
opening. The opening communicates with the interior of the storage
compartment of the refrigerator.
[0008] Consequently, the user can hingedly rotate the home bar door
of the home bar upward and downward to open and close the opening
of the door while the door of the storage compartment of the
refrigerator is closed, and then take foods or beverages out of a
basket mounted at the inside of the door or put foods or beverages
into the basket.
[0009] Hereinafter, the construction and the operation of the
conventional home bar will be described in more detail.
[0010] The conventional home bar includes a home bar frame formed
along the inside of the opening of the door, and a home bar door
mounted to the home bar frame such that the home bar door can
hingedly rotated by means of hinge shafts and links. The links
serve to restrict the rotating angle of the home bar door.
[0011] The hinge shafts are formed at the lower ends of the
opposite sides of the home bar door such that the hinge shafts
protrude outward from the home bar door. The hinge shafts are
rotatably inserted into hinge holes formed at the lower ends of
opposite sides of the home bar frame. Also, one-side ends of the
links are rotatably coupled to the inner walls of opposite sides of
the home bar frame, and the other-side ends of the links are
rotatably coupled to the vicinity of the hinge shafts. As a result,
the links are folded and unfolded with respect to the home bar
frame as the home bar door is hingedly rotated.
[0012] Also, the home bar door includes a grip, a latch, a lever,
and a latch fixing member. The grip is formed at the outside of the
upper end of the home bar door such that the grip is depressed
approximately in the shape of a hemisphere. As a result, the user
can insert his/her fingers into the grip to easily hold the home
bar door.
[0013] The latch is formed at one side end of the home bar door,
for example, at the center of the upper end of the home bar door,
such that the latch is formed in the shape of a hook in the inward
direction of the opening. The latch is rotated by the operation of
the lever at the inside of the grip such that the latch can be
caught by a fastening member disposed inside the home bar frame or
the latch can be released from the fastening member.
[0014] When the user wishes to open the home bar door such that the
opening formed at the refrigerator door is opened, he/she presses
the lever while holding the grip of the home bar door. As a result,
the latch, which is connected to the lever, is hingedly rotated
about a rotating shaft, and therefore, the latch is released from
the fastening member. In this state, the user can hingedly rotate
the home bar door in the outward direction of the door while he/she
keeps holding the grip, with the result that the opening of the
door is opened.
[0015] When the home bar door is hingedly rotated, the links are
unfolded. When the home bar door is placed horizontally after the
home bar door is hingedly rotated by 90 degrees, the links are
maximally unfolded. As a result, the hinged rotation of the home
bar door is stopped, and the home bar door is supported by the
links.
[0016] However, the conventional home bar of the refrigerator has
the following problems.
[0017] First, the user must hingedly rotate the home bar door,
while he/she keeps holding the grip, in order to open the
conventional home bar door. As a result, the user cannot use one
hand while the home bar door is being opened. Consequently, the
convenience of use is lowered.
[0018] Secondly, when the user looses his/her hold of the grip of
the home bar door for a certain reason while the home bar door is
being opened, the home bar door rapidly drops due to its own
weight. At this time, the load caused by the drop of the home bar
door is directly transmitted to the links. Consequently, great
impacts are applied to the links and the coupling structure between
the home bar door and the home bar frame.
[0019] When such impacts are repeatedly applied to the coupling
structure over a long period of time, the links may be broken. As a
result, it is impossible to use the home bar.
[0020] Thirdly, the links of the conventional home bar are exposed
to the outside. As a result, the aesthetic external appearance of
the home bar is deteriorated when the home bar is opened.
[0021] Fourthly, the conventional home bar has a structure in which
the hinge shafts protrude outward from the opposite sides of the
home bar door. As a result, the hinge shafts cannot be inserted
into the hinge holes of the home bar frame. For this reason, the
home bar door is assembled to the home bar frame before the
assembly of the home bar frame, and then the home bar frame is
assembled to the refrigerator. In this way, the home bar is
assembled according to the conventional art.
[0022] In the case that the home bar frame is integrally
manufactured with the door, or the external ornament of the home
bar frame and the external ornament of the door are integrally
manufactured, however, it is not possible to use the
above-mentioned conventional assembly process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a
refrigerator having a home bar that substantially obviates one or
more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related
art.
[0024] An object of the present invention is to provide a
refrigerator having a home bar that is capable of accomplishing
easy opening of a home bar door simply by a user pushing thereon,
thereby improving the convenience of use.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
refrigerator having a home bar that is capable of preventing the
malfunction of a home bar door and relative components due to the
rapid dropping of the home bar door when the home bar door is
opened and closed.
[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
refrigerator having a home bar having improved assembly efficiency
and aesthetic external appearance.
[0027] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0028] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a refrigerator has a home bar comprising:
a home bar frame tightly mounted at the inside of an opening, which
is formed at a door of the refrigerator door such that the opening
communicates with the inside of the refrigerator; a home bar door
mounted to the home bar frame such that the home bar door can be
hingedly rotated for opening and closing the opening; a
coupling-and-releasing unit for coupling the home bar door to the
home bar frame and releasing the home bar door from the home bar
frame; and at least one hinge member having a rotary shaft movable
in the inward and outward directions of the home bar door or the
home bar frame such that the rotary shaft can be inserted into or
separated from a hinge hole formed at the home bar frame or the
home bar door.
[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, in part, illustrating a
preferred embodiment of a refrigerator having a home bar according
to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
structure of a preferred embodiment of a home bar frame of the home
bar of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
preferred embodiment of a home bar door of the home bar of the
refrigerator shown in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the home
bar door shown in FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
coupling structure of a hinge member of the home bar door shown in
FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
structure of a preferred embodiment of a hinge member according to
the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a sectional view, in part, illustrating an example
of the operation of the hinge member shown in FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating an example of the
operation of the hinge member shown in FIG. 6;
[0039] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
structure of another preferred embodiment of a hinge member
according to the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a home bar door,
to which yet another embodiment of a hinge member according to the
present invention is applied;
[0041] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
structure of the hinge member shown in FIG. 10;
[0042] FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views, partially cutaway,
illustrating an example of the operation of the hinge member shown
in FIG. 10;
[0043] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another
preferred embodiment of a home bar frame of a refrigerator having a
home bar according to the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the
home bar frame shown in FIG. 14;
[0045] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view, in part,
illustrating the home bar frame shown in FIG. 14 when seen from the
rear of the home bar frame; and
[0046] FIG. 17 is a sectional view, in part, illustrating the home
bar frame shown in FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0048] First, a preferred embodiment of a refrigerator having a
home bar according to the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, a storing chamber (not shown) is formed
inside a refrigerator body 10 at a door 20 of the refrigerator body
10. An opening 30 is formed at the door 20 of the refrigerator body
10 such that the opening 30 communicates with shelves mounted
inside the door 20 of the refrigerator body 10. To the door 20 is
mounted a home bar door 50, which can be hingedly rotated upward
and downward for closing and opening the opening 30.
[0050] Specifically, the home bar door 50 is coupled to the door 20
such that the home bar door 50 can be hingedly rotated by means of
a pair of hinge members 80, which are mounted at the lower ends of
opposite sides of the home bar door 50.
[0051] At the inside of the opening 30 is mounted a home bar frame
40, which is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame.
[0052] At the center of the upper end of the home bar door 50 is
formed a fastening member 70, which protrudes toward the opening
30. At the center of the upper end of the home bar frame 40 is
mounted a latch assembly 60, which is actuated, by a pushing
operation, for holding or releasing the fastening member 70.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the home bar frame 40 is attached to the
inner circumferential surface of the opening 30. To the front of
the home bar frame 40 is coupled an external ornament, which is
formed in the same shape as the front of the door 20.
[0054] In opposite sides of the home bar frame 40 are formed hinge
holes 42, in which rotating shafts 84 of the hinge members 80 (see
FIG. 3) are securely inserted, respectively. At the center of the
upper end of the home bar frame 40 is formed an insertion groove
61, in which the latch assembly 60 is securely inserted.
[0055] At the front of the latch assembly 60 is formed a slot 62,
in which the fastening member 70 is fitted. Although not shown in
the drawing, the latch assembly 60 has a holding mechanism for
holding or releasing the fastening member 70 when the home bar door
50 is pushed, and therefore, the fastening member 70 is pushed.
Specifically, the holding mechanism is constructed in the latch
assembly 60. When the fastening member 70 is pushed, the holding
mechanism is rotated, while the holding mechanism is in contact
with the fastening member, such that an opening formed at the tip
end of the fastening member 70 is hooked by the holding mechanism
or the hooked state of the fastening member 70 is released.
Specifically, when the fastening member 70, which is inserted into
the slot 62 of the latch assembly 60, is pressed by an external
force, the tip end of the fastening member 70 pushes a hook of the
holding mechanism, and therefore, the hook is caught in the opening
formed at the tip end of the fastening member 70 while the hook is
rotated. As a result, the fastening member 70 is securely held.
When the fastening member 70 is pressed again, the hook of the
holding mechanism is rotated, and therefore, the hooked stated of
the fastening member 70 is released. As a result, the home bar door
50 is set free.
[0056] Also, the latch assembly 60 is inserted in a latch groove 61
of the home bar frame 40. Furthermore, the latch assembly 60 is
buried in a filling material, such as an insulating material,
filled in the home bar frame 40, whereby the latch assembly 60 is
securely mounted in the home bar frame 40.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the home bar door 50 is made of a
plate member having the same shape as the opening 30 such that the
front of the opening 30 can be covered by the home bar door 50.
[0058] The fastening member 70 is formed in the shape of a plate
having an opening formed at the center thereof. The fastening
member 70 is assembled at the inside of a fastening groove 71
formed at the center of the upper end of the home bar door 50 in
the outward direction.
[0059] The home bar door 50 includes a base plate 51, a cover plate
52, and a foam material 53.
[0060] The base plate 51 is formed in the shape of a box having one
surface opened to the home bar frame 40. At the lower ends of
opposite sides of the base plate 51 are formed pluralities of
screw-coupling bosses 55, which are used to fix the hinge members
80. At the lower end of at least one side of the base plate 51 is
also formed a manipulation slot 58, into which a tool used to move
the rotating shaft 84 of the corresponding hinge member 80 in the
inward and outward directions of the base plate 51 is inserted. The
manipulation slot 58 extends in the extending direction of the
rotating shaft 84 of the hinge member 80.
[0061] The cover plate 52 has the same size as the open part of the
base plate 51 such that the cover plate 52 can be fitted in the
base plate 51. The cover plate 52 faces the front of the door 20 of
the refrigerator 10 while the home bar door 50 is closed. At this
time, it is preferable that the outer surface of the cover plate 52
constitute the same surface as the outer surface of the door 20 of
the refrigerator 10.
[0062] The foam material 53 is a filling material, which is filled
between the base plate 51 and the cover plate 52. The foam material
53 serves as a heat shield for shielding the home bar door 50 from
heat. Also, the foam material 53 supports the insides of the base
plate 51 and the cover plate 52. The foam material 53 is
constructed such that a liquid-state filling material can be
hardened to a predetermined hardness, after a predetermined period
of time elapses, to securely support the hinge members 80.
[0063] On the other hand, each hinge member 80 is movable at the
corresponding side of the home bar door 50 in the inward and
outward directions of the home bar door 50 such that one end of
each hinge member 80 can be easily inserted into and separated from
the corresponding hinge hole 42 of the home bar frame 40 while each
hinge member 80 is coupled to the home bar door 50.
[0064] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate the construction and the operation
of a preferred embodiment of the hinge member 80 as described
above.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hinge member 80 includes a
fixing case 81, which is fixed to the home bar door 50, a hinge
part 82 mounted in the fixing case 81 such that the hinge part 82
can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the fixing case 81,
the hinge part 82 being inserted into or separated from the hinge
hole 42 of the home bar frame 40, and a spring 86 for elastically
supporting the hinge part 82 inside the fixing case 81.
[0066] The hinge part 82 includes a damping part 83 coupled to the
fixing case 81 such that the damping part 83 can be moved in the
longitudinal direction of the fixing case 81, but cannot be
rotated, and a rotating shaft 84 mounted to the damping part 83
such that the rotating shaft 84 can be rotated relative to the
damping part 83. Consequently, when the home bar door 50 is
rotated, the fixing case 81 and the damping part 83 are rotated
about the rotating shaft 84.
[0067] Although not shown in the drawings, the rotating shaft 84 is
constructed such that the rotating shaft 84 can be slowly rotated
relative to the damping part 83 while the rotating shaft 84 runs
into resistance caused by a damping mechanism mounted in the
damping part 83, for example, a spring mounted in the damping part
83 or oil filled in the damping part 83. Furthermore, the rotating
shaft 84 is constructed such that the rotation of the rotating
shaft 84 is restricted within a predetermined range of angle, for
example, an angle of 90 degrees. When the rotating shaft 84 is
rotated in the reverse direction with respect to the damping part
83, on the other hand, it is preferable that the resistance between
the rotating shaft 84 and the damping part 83 be not generated.
[0068] A movable pin 85 is mounted to one side of the damping part
83 such that the movable pin 85 can be elastically moved in the
inward and outward directions of the damping part 83.
[0069] The fixing case 81 is formed in the shape of a rectangular
box opened at opposite ends thereof. At one side of the fixing case
81 is formed a horizontally-elongated guide slot 87, in which the
movable pin 85 is inserted such that the movable pin 85 can be
guided along the guide slot 87. The guide slot 87 is formed at the
position corresponding to the manipulation slot 58, which is formed
at the corresponding side of the home bar door 50. Consequently,
when the damping part 83 is coupled to the fixing case 81, the
movable pin 85 is inserted through the guide slot 87 and then
through the manipulation slot 58, or is exposed to the outside at
least through the manipulation slot 58.
[0070] The spring 86 may be constructed using a normal compression
coil spring having an elastic force such that one end of the spring
86 is supported by the inner end of the fixing case 86, and the
other end of the spring 86 is elastically supported by the rotating
shaft 84.
[0071] At the upper and lower parts of the fixing case 81 are
integrally formed upper and lower coupling parts 88 for fixing the
fixing case 81 to the home bar door 50, respectively. Pluralities
of screw-coupling holes 89 are formed at the upper and lower
coupling parts 88, respectively. The screw-coupling holes 89 are
formed at the positions corresponding to the screw-coupling boss 55
of the home bar door 50. Screws are threadedly inserted into the
screw-coupling boss 55 through the screw-coupling holes 89. As a
result, the hinge member 80 is securely fixed to the home bar door
50.
[0072] Hereinafter, the assembly process of the home bar of the
refrigerator with the above-stated construction according to the
present invention will be described in detail.
[0073] The home bar frame 40 is coupled to the inner
circumferential surface of the opening 30 of the refrigerator door
20. Subsequently, an engineer moves at least one of the rotating
shafts of the hinge members 80 mounted at the opposite sides of the
home bar door 50 in the inward and outward directions of the home
bar door 50 such that the hinge members 80 can be easily inserted
into the hinge holes 42 formed in the opposite sides of the home
bar frame 40.
[0074] The above assembly process will be described in more detail.
The engineer inserts a tool through the manipulation slot 58 of the
home bar door 50, as shown in FIG. 8, while the engineer inserts
the rotating shaft 84 of one of the hinge members 80 in the
corresponding hinge hole 42 of the home bar frame 40.
[0075] As the engineer moves the movable pin 85 along the guide
slot 87 and the manipulation slot 58 using the tool, the damping
part 83 and the rotating shaft 84 mounted to the damping part 83
are moved inward along the fixing case 81. As a result, the tip end
of the rotating shaft 84 is moved to the inside of the home bar
door 50, and therefore, the part protruding from the home bar door
50 disappears. Of course, when the tip end of the movable pin 85
extrudes outward from the manipulation slot 58, it is possible for
the engineer to manipulate the movable pin 85 by hand, instead of
using the tool.
[0076] In this state, the engineer inserts the other side of the
home bar door 50 into the home bar frame 40. As a result, the
rotating shafts 84 of the hinge members 80 are aligned with the
hinge holes 42 of the home bar frame 40. At this time, when the
engineer removes the tool, the damping parts 83 are moved outward
by the operation of the springs 86 disposed inside the hinge
members 80, and therefore, the rotating shafts 84 are securely
inserted into the hinge holes 42. Consequently, the home bar door
50 is rotatably coupled to the home bar frame 40.
[0077] The separation of the home bar door 50 from the home bar
frame 40 is carried out in reverse order of the above-described
assembly process. Specifically, the engineer inserts the tool into
the manipulation slot 58 formed at one side of the home bar door 50
to manipulate the movable pin 85 such that the rotating shaft 84 of
one of the hinge members 80 is separated from the corresponding
hinge hole 42 formed at one side of the home bar frame 40, and
therefore, the home bar door 50 is partially separated from the
home bar frame 40. Subsequently, the engineer separates the
rotating shaft 84 of the other hinge member 80 from the
corresponding hinge hole 42. In this way, the home bar door 50 can
be fully separated from the home bar frame 40 with ease and
convenience.
[0078] Hereinafter, the operation of the home bar of the
refrigerator according to the present invention will be
described.
[0079] When a user presses the home bar door 50 while the home bar
door 50 is closed, the home bar door 50 is moved a predetermined
distance into the refrigerator. At this time, the fastening member
70 is also pressed. As the fastening member 70 is pressed, the tip
end of the fastening member 70 pushes a hook actuating part (not
shown) provided in the latch assembly 60. As a result, the hook
actuating part is rotated, and therefore, the hook (not shown) is
separated from the opening of the fastening member 70.
Consequently, the fastening member 70 is released.
[0080] At this time, the hook actuating member (not shown)
elastically pushes the tip end of the fastening member 70.
[0081] As a result, the home bar door 50 is pushed outward, and is
then hingedly rotated while the home bar door 50 drops due to its
own weight. At this time, the home bar door 50 is hingedly rotated
about the rotating shafts 84 of the hinge members 80. While the
home bar door 50 is hingedly rotated, the hinge members 80 run into
resistance caused by the springs (not shown) mounted in the damping
parts 83 or the oil filled in the damping parts 83. As a result,
the dropping speed of the home bar door 50 is decreased, and
therefore, the home bar door 50 is hingedly rotated at low
speed.
[0082] When the home bar door 50 is hingedly rotated by
approximately 90 degrees, the restricting force is generated
between the damping parts 83 and the rotating shafts 84 of the
hinge members 80. As a result, the further rotation of the home bar
door 50 is prevented. Consequently, the home bar door 50 is placed
almost horizontally. In this state, the user can take foods out of
the refrigerator through the opening 30 of the refrigerator door 20
or put foods into the refrigerator through the opening 30 of the
refrigerator door 20.
[0083] When the user wishes to close the opening formed at the
refrigerator door 20, on the other hand, he/she holds the upper end
of the home bar door 50 and hingedly rotates the home bar door 50
upward. As a result, the home bar door 50 is hingedly rotated about
the rotating shafts 84 of the hinge members 80. At this time, it is
preferable that the resistance between the rotating shafts 84 and
the damping parts 83 be not generated as described above.
[0084] When the user hingedly rotates the home bar door 50 by
approximately 90 degrees such that the upper end of the home bar
door 50 is brought into contact with the upper end of the home bar
frame 40, the fastening member 70 of the home bar door 50 is
inserted into the latch assembly 60 of the home bar frame 40. At
this time, the tip end of the fastening member 70 pushes the hook
actuating part (not shown) of the latch assembly 60. As a result,
the hook actuating part is rotated, and therefore, the hook (not
shown) is caught in the opening of the fastening member 70.
Consequently, the fastening member 70 is securely held in the latch
assembly 60.
[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the fastening member 70
is mounted at the home bar door 50. However, it is also possible
that the fastening member 70 is mounted at the home bar frame 40
while the latch assembly 60 is mounted at the home bar door 50.
[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the fastening member 70
and the latch assembly 60 are mounted to the upper ends of the home
bar door 50 and the home bar frame 40, respectively. However, it is
also possible that the fastening member 70 and the latch assembly
60 are mounted to the sides of the home bar door 50 and the home
bar frame 40, respectively.
[0087] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another
preferred embodiment of the hinge member as described above. The
hinge member 180 according to this embodiment is substantially
identical in construction to the hinge member 80 according to the
previous embodiment.
[0088] However, the hinge member 180 according to this second
embodiment is different from the hinge member 80 according to the
previous first embodiment in that a circular pin hole 187, instead
of the elongated guide slot 87 (see FIG. 6), is formed at a fixing
case 181.
[0089] Consequently, in this embodiment, the engineer does not move
a movable pin 185 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing case
181, but the engineer pushes the movable pin 185 into a damping
part 183 such that the movable pin 185 can be separated from the
pin hole 187, and then the engineer pushes a rotating shaft 184 by
hand such that the damping part 183 can be moved inward into the
fixing case 181.
[0090] When the engineer removes an external force after the
damping part 183 is pushed into the fixing case 181, the damping
part 183 is returned to its original position, where the damping
part 183 is disposed outside the fixing case 181, by the elastic
force of a spring (not shown). At this time, the movable pin 185 is
inserted again into the pin hole 187 by its elastic force, whereby
the position of the damping part 183 is fixed.
[0091] Hereinafter, yet another embodiment of a hinge member 280 of
a home bar of a refrigerator according to the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.
[0092] The hinge member 280 according to this third embodiment
includes a fixing case 281, which is fixed to the home bar door 50,
a driving part 282, a damping part 284, a rotating shaft 286, and a
spring 287.
[0093] The fixing case 281 is formed in the shape of a hollow
rectangular box. At one side of the fixing case 281 is formed a
shaft hole 281a, through which the rotating shaft 286 is inserted.
At the other side of the fixing case 281 is formed a lever hole
281b. Inside the fixing case 281 is formed a guide groove 281c,
which extends along the moving direction of the damping part
284.
[0094] The driving part 282 has a body, which is formed
approximately in the shape of a cylinder such that the body can be
rotatably inserted in the fixing case 281. At one end of the
driving part 282 is formed a lever 283, which is inserted through
the lever hole 281b. The lever 283 protrudes outward from the end
of the driving part 282 in the radial direction of the driving part
282. The tip end of the lever 283 is exposed to the outside through
a manipulation slot 258 formed at the home bar door 50 such that a
user can manipulate the lever 283 using a tool.
[0095] At the body of the driving part 282 are alternately formed
concave parts 282a and convex parts 282b. The concave parts 282a
are formed at the body of the driving part 282 such that the
concave parts 282a are depressed approximately in the shape of a
triangle. On the other hand, the convex parts 282b are formed at
the body of the driving part 282 such that the convex parts 282b
protrude approximately in the shape of a triangle. The concave
parts 282a and convex parts 282b are arranged such that the concave
parts 282a and convex parts 282b are symmetrical to each other.
[0096] One concave part 282a and one convex part 282b may be formed
at the body of the driving part 282 such that a single inclined
surface is formed by the front of the driving part 282. In this
embodiment, however, it is preferable that two concave parts 282a
and two convex parts 282b be formed at the body of the driving part
282, whereby the operation accuracy of the driving part 282 is
guaranteed.
[0097] Also, each convex part 292b has a flat tip end.
Consequently, when the tip ends of the convex parts 292b are
brought into contact with the tip ends of convex parts 284b of the
damping part 284, which will be described hereinafter, the tip ends
of the convex parts 292b and the tip ends of the convex parts 284b
are not moved so long as any particular external force is not
applied to the tip ends of the convex parts 292b and the tip ends
of the convex parts 284b.
[0098] The damping part 284 is generally formed in the same shape
as the driving part 282. Specifically, concave parts 284a and
convex parts 284b, which have the same shape as the concave parts
282a and convex parts 282b of the driving part 282, are formed at
the damping part 284. At one side of the damping part 284 is formed
a guide protrusion 285, which is engaged in the guide groove 281c
of the fixing case 281.
[0099] The rotating shaft 286 is securely inserted in the hinge
hole 42 formed at the home bar frame 40. The rotating shaft 286 is
connected to one side of the damping part 284 such that the
rotating shaft 286 can be rotated relative to the damping part 284.
Like the hinge member 80 according to the previous embodiment, the
hinge member 280 according to this embodiment is preferably
constructed such that a spring is mounted in the damping part 284,
or hydraulic oil is filled in the damping part 284, the rotation of
the hinge member 280 is slowly accomplished after the rotating
shaft is rotated by an angle of predetermined degrees relative to
the damping part 284, and the rotating angle is restricted to 90
degrees.
[0100] Of course, unlike this embodiment, the rotating shaft 286
and the damping part 284 may be integrally formed. In this case,
the rotating shaft 284 is not fixed to the home bar frame 40, but
is rotatably connected to the home bar frame 40. Also, the rotating
shaft cannot serve to decrease the rotating speed of the home bar
door 50 when the home bar door 50 is hingedly rotated while the
home bar door 50 drops downward.
[0101] On the other hand, the spring 287 is fitted on the rotating
shaft 286. One end of the spring 287 is brought into contact with
one side of the damping part 284, and the other end of the spring
28 is supported by the inner wall of one side of the fixing case
281. Consequently, the spring 287 serves to push the damping part
284 toward the driving part 282.
[0102] Hereinafter, the operation of the hinge member 280 with the
above-stated construction will be described in detail.
[0103] When an engineer inserts a tool into the manipulation slot
258 of the home bar door 50 to move the lever 283 in one direction,
as shown in FIG. 12, the driving part 282 is rotated in one
direction. As a result, the convex parts 282b of the driving part
282 are engaged with the concave parts 284a of the damping part
284, and therefore, the damping part 284 and the rotating shaft 286
are moved inward into the fixing case 281 by the elastic force of
the spring 287.
[0104] Consequently, the end of the rotating shaft 286 is inserted
inward into the home bar door 50, and therefore, no part protrudes
from the home bar door 50. In this state, the engineer can easily
and conveniently separate the home bar door 50 from the home bar
frame 40 or easily and conveniently push the home bar door 50
inward into the home bar frame 40.
[0105] When the engineer moves the lever 282 in the reverse
direction as shown in FIG. 13, on the other hand, the driving part
282 is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotating direction
of FIG. 12. Before the driving part 282 is rotated in the opposite
direction, the convex parts 282b of the driving part 282 are
engaged with the concave parts 284a of the damping part 284. When
the driving part 282 is rotated in the opposite direction, the
inclined surfaces of the convex parts 282b of the driving part 282
push the corresponding inclined surfaces of the concave parts 284a
of the damping part 284. As a result, the damping part 284 is moved
toward the outside of the fixing case 281 against the elastic force
of the spring 287.
[0106] At this time, the guide protrusion 285 of the damping part
284 is moved along the guide groove 281c of the fixing case 281 for
guiding the movement of the damping part 284.
[0107] When the damping part 284 is fully moved toward the outside
of the fixing case 281, the tip ends of the convex parts 284b of
the damping part 284 are brought into contact with the
corresponding tip ends of the convex parts 282b of the driving part
282. As described above, the tip ends of the convex parts 284b of
the damping part 284 and the corresponding tip ends of the convex
parts 282b of the driving part 282 are flat. Consequently, the
damping part 284 does not slip on the driving part 282, and
therefore, the damping part 284 is maintained at the position where
the damping part 284 is fully moved outward.
[0108] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a home bar frame 140
constituting a home bar of a refrigerator according to the present
invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 19.
[0109] The home bar frame 140 according to this embodiment includes
hinge holes 141, into which the rotating shafts 84 (see FIG. 3) of
the hinge members 80 (see FIG. 3) are inserted, and reinforcing
members for securely supporting the rotating shafts 84 inserted in
the hinge holes 141.
[0110] The hinge holes 141 are formed at the lower ends of opposite
sides of the home bar frame 140 such that the hinge holes 141 are
opened at the front part thereof. The hinge holes 141 are formed in
the sectional shape of a polygon, which is identical or similar to
the sectional shape of the rotating shafts 84, whereby the rotating
shafts 84 of the hinge members 80 are prevented from being
fixed.
[0111] Each of the reinforcing members includes a front plate 142
coupled to the open front part of the corresponding hinge hole 141
for supporting the front part of the corresponding rotating shaft
84 inserted in the corresponding hinge hole 141, and a reinforcing
bracket 143 coupled to the home bar frame 140 at the rear of the
corresponding hinge hole 141 for reinforcing the rear part of the
corresponding hinge hole 141.
[0112] The front plate 142 is made of a rectangular metal plate.
The front plate 142 is fixed to the home bar frame 140 while the
front plate 142 is located in a locating groove 141a, which is
formed in the shape of a concave above and below the front part of
the corresponding hinge hole 141.
[0113] The reinforcing bracket 143 is made of a metal material. As
shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the reinforcing bracket 143 includes a
rear plate 144 for covering the rear part of the corresponding
hinge hole 141, which protrudes toward the rear of the home bar
frame 140, a pair of side plates 145, and a fixing part 146, which
is fixed to the home bar frame 40.
[0114] The rear plate 144 is formed in the shape of a plate such
that the rear plate 144 can be adjacent to the rear part of the
corresponding hinge hole 141. The side plates 145 support the upper
and lower sides of the rear part of the corresponding hinge hole
141. The side plates 145 are securely fixed to the front plate 142
by means of screws coupled from the outside of the front plate
142.
[0115] The fixing part 146 is fixed to the home bar frame 140 by
means of screws while the upper end and one side of the fixing part
146 is in contact with the home bar frame 140. The fixing part 146
serves to fix the reinforcing bracket 143 to the home bar frame
140.
[0116] The hinge holes 141 and the reinforcing members are covered
by an external ornament or an insulating material after the home
bar frame 140 is coupled to the inside of the opening 30 (see FIG.
1) of the refrigerator door 20 (see FIG. 1).
[0117] When the reinforcing members 142 and 143 are coupled to the
hinge holes of the home bar frame 140 as described above, the
breakage of the home bar frame 40 is prevented, and therefore, the
home bar door 50 is prevented from not being hingedly rotated, even
though strong impacts or repetitive loads are applied to the hinge
holes 141, in which the rotating shafts 84 of the hinge members 80
are fitted, due to a certain cause when the home bar door is
hingedly rotated.
[0118] Furthermore, even when the rotating shafts 84 of the hinge
members 80 cannot be moved inward and outward, it is possible to
fit the rotating shafts 84 of the hinge members 80 into the hinge
holes 141 and then to couple the reinforcing members 142 and 143 to
the hinge holes 141, whereby the hinge members 80 can be easily and
conveniently coupled to the home bar frame 40.
[0119] As apparent from the above description, the home bar door
mounted to the refrigerator door is opened and closed simply by a
user pushing thereon. Consequently, the present invention has the
effect of accomplishing easy opening/closing of the home bar door,
and therefore, improving the convenience of use.
[0120] According to the present invention, the rotating shafts of
the hinge members are constructed such that the rotating shafts of
the hinge members can be moved in the inward and outward direction
of the home bar door, and therefore, it is possible to couple the
home bar door to the home bar frame, while the home bar frame is
mounted to the refrigerator door, without changing the structure of
the home bar frame or disassembling the home bar frame.
Consequently, the present invention has the effect of allowing an
easy assembly process of the home bar frame and the home bar
door.
[0121] Furthermore, the home bar door is slowly opened by the
damping units mounted in the hinge members. Consequently, the
present invention has the effect of preventing the occurrence of
excessive impacts applied to the hinge members due to the abrupt
opening of the home bar door and preventing the home bar door due
to the breakdown of the hinge members.
[0122] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *