U.S. patent application number 12/597429 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-10 for basket for refrigerator.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Jin-Yong Kim.
Application Number | 20100140284 12/597429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39875608 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100140284 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Jin-Yong |
June 10, 2010 |
BASKET FOR REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
Provided is a basket for a refrigerator. The basket includes a
case, a cover, and a rotation guide. The case defines a storage
space. The cover is rotatably coupled to the case to selectively
open and close the storage space. The rotation guide contacts the
cover at one side of the case and increases a contact area in a
rotation direction of the cover when the cover rotates.
Inventors: |
Kim; Jin-Yong; (Changwon
City, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
39875608 |
Appl. No.: |
12/597429 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 31, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR08/01808 |
371 Date: |
February 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/810 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/04 20060101
B65D051/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 24, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0039675 |
Claims
1. A basket for a refrigerator, comprising: a case defining a
storage space; a cover rotatably coupled to the case, to
selectively open or close the storage space; and a rotation guide
formed to contact the cover at a side of the case and increase a
contact area in a rotating direction of the cover when the cover
rotates.
2. The basket according to claim 1, wherein the rotation guide is
disposed at a lower side portion of the cover.
3. The basket according to claim 1, wherein the cover is supported
by the rotation guide when the cover is in an opened or closed
position.
4. The basket according to claim 1, wherein the rotation guide
comprises: a first guide portion guiding a closing of the cover;
and a second guide portion guiding an opening of the cover.
5. The basket according to claim 4, wherein the first guide portion
and the second guide portion are rounded at different
curvatures.
6. The basket according to claim 5, wherein the cover comprises: a
first contacting portion corresponding in shape to the first guide
portion; and a second contacting portion corresponding in shape to
the second guide portion.
7. The basket according to claim 5, wherein the first guide portion
is rounded upward in a convex shape, and the second guide portion
is rounded downward in a concave shape.
8. The basket according to claim 6, wherein the second guide
portion and the second contacting portion are separated when the
cover is closed, and the first guide portion and the first
contacting portion are separated when the cover is opened.
9. The basket according to claim 4, wherein the first guide portion
and the second guide portion are differentiated with respect to a
rotation axis of the cover.
10. The basket according to claim 1, wherein the rotation guide
protrudes inward from the side of the case.
11. The basket according to claim 1, wherein a lower end of the
cover and a lower portion of the case are separated when the cover
is closed.
12. The basket according to claim 1, wherein, a portion of the
cover that contacts the rotation guide has a thickness equal to or
less than a thickness of the rotation guide.
13. A basket for a refrigerator comprising: a case coupled to a
door; a cover rotatably coupled to the case; and a rotation guide
protruding inward from each side of the case; wherein the rotation
guide comprises: a first guide portion having a contact area
contacting the cover that increases during closing of the cover;
and a second guide portion having a contact area contacting the
cover that increases during opening of the cover.
14. The basket according to claim 13, wherein the cover is
supported by the first guide portion when the cover is in a closed
position, and the cover is supported by the second guide portion
when the cover is in an opened position.
15. The basket according to claim 13, wherein the cover comprises:
a first contacting portion corresponding in shape to the first
guide portion; and a second contacting portion corresponding in
shape to the second guide portion.
16. The basket according to claim 13, wherein the first guide
portion is rounded upward in a convex shape, and the second guide
portion is rounded downward in a concave shape.
17. A basket for a refrigerator comprising: a case; a cover
rotatably coupled to the case; and a rotation guide formed at the
case; wherein the rotation guide comprises: a first guide portion
guiding a closing of the cover; and a second guide portion guiding
an opening of the cover.
18. The basket according to claim 17, wherein the second guide
portion is continuously formed with the first guide portion and
curves in a direction opposite to the direction of the curvature of
the first guide portion.
19. The basket according to claim 17, wherein the first guide
portion is rounded upward at a frontal portion of either side of
the case, and the second guide portion is rounded downward in a
concave shape from a rear end of the first guide portion to a rear
of the case.
20. The basket according to claim 17, wherein the rotation guide
contacts a side of the cover during rotating of the cover.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a basket for a
refrigerator.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A refrigerator generally stores foods in a storage space
that is shielded by a refrigerator door in order to keep foods at
low temperatures, and enables foods to be stored in a fresh state
by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated
through heat exchange with refrigerant that circulates through a
cooling cycle.
[0003] As dietary habits evolve and become more indulgent,
refrigerators are being made larger, with diversified functions and
configurations in order to improve user convenience.
[0004] A plurality of drawers, shelves, and baskets are provided in
the storage space and the rear of a refrigerator door in order to
conveniently store a wide variety of foods in their optimal states.
For this purpose, such drawers, shelves, and baskets divide the
inside of the refrigerator into a plurality of storage spaces, and
corresponding foods are stored in the storage spaces.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] The present disclosure provides a basket for a refrigerator
for minimizing noise generated in an opening and closing
operation.
Technical Solution
[0006] In one embodiment, a basket for a refrigerator includes: a
case forming a receiving space; a cover rotatably coupled to the
case, to open or close the receiving space selectively; and a
rotation guide formed to contact the cover at one side of the case
and increase a contact area in a rotation direction of the cover
when the cover rotates.
[0007] In another embodiment, a basket for a refrigerator includes:
a case coupled to a door; a cover rotatably coupled to the case;
and a rotation guide protruding inward from each side of the case;
wherein the rotation guide includes: a first guide portion having a
contact area between the first guide portion and the cover that
increases during a closing operation of the cover; and a second
guide portion having a contact area between the second guide
portion and the cover that increases during an opening operation of
the cover.
[0008] In a further embodiment, a basket for a refrigerator
includes: a case; a cover rotatably coupled to the case; and a
rotation guide formed at the case; wherein the rotation guide
includes: a first guide portion guiding a closing of the cover; and
a second guide portion guiding an opening of the cover.
Advantageous Effects
[0009] In a basket according to embodiments of the present
disclosure, the contacting area between lower ends of both sides
lower end of the cover and the rotation guide of the case gradually
increases in an opening or closing operation, so that frictional
force between them gradually increases, which prevents the cover
from suddenly opening or closing.
[0010] Accordingly, noise and damage generated by collisions due to
rapid cover rotation can be minimized. Accordingly, consumer
dissatisfaction arising from excessive noise can be prevented,
thereby improving user satisfaction.
[0011] Moreover, shock from collisions between the cover and the
case can be minimized, thereby preventing damage of the cover and
improving durability of the basket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present embodiments can be understood clearly with
reference to following drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with a basket and
its doors are opened, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting
structure for the basket according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the basket.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a basket when a cover is
closed.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a basket when a cover is
opened.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0018] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described in detail with reference to accompanying
drawings.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a refrigerator with a
basket and its doors are opened, according to embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 100 with a basket 400
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a
main body 200 having a storage space 220 and a main body door 300
selectively opening or closing the storage space 220.
[0021] Specifically, a barrier 240 is provided inside the main body
200 to divide the inner space of the main body 200 into left and
right sections. That is, the barrier 240 divides the storage space
220 of the main body 200 into left and right sections to form a
freezer compartment and a refrigeration compartment. According to
the shape of the refrigerator 100, the barrier 240 may divide the
storage space 220 into upper and lower sections.
[0022] In order to store foods, a plurality of drawers, shelves,
and baskets are provided in the storage space 220 of the main body
200 and the rear of the main body door 300.
[0023] In other words, though not illustrated in detail, a
plurality of shelves are provided in the main body 200 to divide
the storage space 220 into a plurality of sections, and a plurality
of drawers are provided in the main body 200 to form independent
receiving spaces.
[0024] A basket 400 is provided at the rear of the main body door
300 to store foods such as dairy products. A portion of the basket
400 may be rotatably configured to selectively open or seal the
inner space of the basket 400, so that foods stored in the basket
400 can be protected from excessive exposure to cold air and also
to inhibit evaporation of moisture.
[0025] The basket 400 will be described in detail below.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
mounting structure for the basket 400 according to embodiments of
the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view
of the basket 400.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the basket 400 includes a case
500 that forms a receiving space, and a cover 600 that is rotatably
coupled to the case 500 for selectively opening or closing the
receiving space.
[0028] In order to form the receiving space, the case 500 is formed
in a substantially hexahedral shape having a fully opened top, a
fully opened front, and a partly opened rear. That is, the case 500
includes a bottom 520, sides 540, and a rear 560.
[0029] The bottom 520 serves as the floor of the case 500 and is
rectangular with a predetermined size. The sides 540 respectively
extend a predetermined height vertically from the left and right
ends of the bottom 520.
[0030] The side 540 is almost triangular when viewed from above.
The width of the side 540 widens toward the rear. The rear end of
the side 540 may be configured to contact the rear of the main body
door 300, so that the basket 400 closely contacts the main body
door 300.
[0031] A mounting portion 320 is provided at the rear of the main
body door 300 to receive a portion of the case 500. In order to
receive the rear end of the side 540, the mounting portion 320
protrudes from the rear of the main body door 300 and has a shape
corresponding to the shape of the rear end of the side 540.
[0032] Specifically, when the basket 400 is mounted on the mounting
portion 320, the rear end of the side 540 is fitted to the front
end of the mounting portion 320, so that the side of the mounting
portion 320 and the side of the basket 400 constitutes a single
plane.
[0033] The side 540 has a bent portion 542 at its rear side. The
bent portion 542 is mounted at the rear of the main body door 300,
i.e., the inside of the mounting portion 320 when the case 500 is
mounted in the mounting portion 320.
[0034] A projection receiving hole 544 is defined at the proximate
center of the inner surface of the side 540 to enable the cover 600
mounted in the case 500 to rotate. The projection receiving hole
544 corresponds in size to a projection 662.
[0035] The case 500 is provided with a rotation guide 580. The
rotation guide 580 protrudes inward from the inner surface of the
side 540 to contact one side of the cover 600, specifically the
lower end of the cover 600, when the cover 600 rotates.
[0036] The thickness of the rotation guide 580 may be equal to or
greater than the thickness of a cover side 660 in order that the
rotation guide 580 stably contacts the cover 600. The cover 600 is
supported by the rotation guide 580 when the cover 600 is opened or
closed.
[0037] The rotation guide 580 includes a first guide portion 582
that curves outward with respect to the projection receiving hole
544 and a second guide portion 584 that curves inward with respect
to the projection receiving hole 544.
[0038] The first guide portion 582 is provided at the front of the
side of the case 500 and the second guide portion 584 is provided
at the rear of the side of the case 500. The second guide portion
584 is continuously formed with the first guide portion 582 and
curves in a direction opposite to the direction of the curvature of
the first guide portion 582.
[0039] Specifically, the first guide portion 582 extends roundly
from the front-lower edge of the side 540 to the proximity of the
projection receiving hole 544. That is, the first guide portion 582
is approximately quarter circular in shape. The first guide is
rounded upward in a convex shape.
[0040] The second guide portion 584 extends from the rear end of
the first guide portion 582 to the rear end of the side 540 and is
rounded downward with a predetermined curvature. That is, the
second guide portion 584 is rounded downward in a concave
shape.
[0041] The rear end of the second guide portion 584 extends a
distance equal to the height of the rear 560.
[0042] The curvature of the second guide portion 584 corresponds to
the curvature of the rear at both sides of the cover 600, so that
the cover 600 is stably mounted on the second guide portion 584
when the cover 600 is fully opened.
[0043] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
rotation guide 580 may protrude inward from the inner surface of
the side 540 and the entire portion of the rotation guide 580 may
protrude. However, the rotation guide 580 can be formed in a rim
shape according to the curved contour of the upper end of the
rotation guide 580.
[0044] If the rotation guide 580 has a curvature that supports one
side of the cover 600 when the cover 600 rotates, the rotation
guide 580 can be formed in various shapes.
[0045] The cover 600 is rotatably installed at the sides 540. The
cover 600 may be made of transparent or semi-transparent material
to allow foods stored in the inside of the case 500 to be easily
identified from the outside.
[0046] Specifically, the cover 600 includes a cover top 620, a
cover front 640, and cover sides 660.
[0047] The cover top 620 forming the upper portion of the cover 600
has a substantially rectangular shape and shields the opened top of
the case 500. The cover front 640 is formed at the front of the
cover top 620. The cover front 640 forming the front of the case
500 extends vertically from the front end of the cover top 620 and
shields the opened front of the case 500.
[0048] A grasping portion 642 is formed at the lower end of the
cover front 640. The grasping portion 642 may be formed to protrude
forward for grasping convenience.
[0049] The cover sides 660 are formed at each side of the cover
front 640 and contact the cover front 640 and the cover top 620.
Each cover side 660 has a projection 662 that is a rotational
center of the cover 600. The projection 662 protrudes vertically
outward from the outer surface of the cover side 660 and has a
shape corresponding to the shape of the projection receiving hole
544.
[0050] The lower portion of the cover side 660 is rounded in order
to contact the rotation guide 580 in the opening and closing of the
cover 600.
[0051] Specifically, the cover side 660 can be divided into a front
section and a rear section with respect to the projection 662. A
first contacting portion 664 is formed at the front section of the
cover side 660, and a second contacting portion 666 is formed at
the rear section of the cover side 660.
[0052] The first contacting portion 664 contacts the first guide
portion 582 of the rotation guide 580 when the cover 600 is closed,
so that the shape of the first contacting portion 664 is formed to
correspond to the shape of the first guide portion 582. The first
contacting portion 664 is formed to be rounded from the front lower
end of the cover side 660 to the proximity of the projection 662.
The second contacting portion 666 contacts the second guide portion
584 of the rotation guide 580 when the cover 600 is opened, so that
the shape of the second contacting portion 666 is formed to
correspond to the shape of the second guide portion 584. The second
contacting portion 666 is formed to be rounded from the rear end of
the first contacting portion 664 (adjacent to the projection 662)
to the rear upper portion of the cover side 660.
[0053] Hereinafter, the function of the refrigerator basket 400
having the above-described configuration will be described.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the basket 400 when the
cover 60 is closed and FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the
basket 400 when the cover 600 is opened.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the cover 600 is closed, a
state is maintained in which the first contacting portion 664 of
the cover side 660 contacts the first guide portion 582 of the
rotation guide 580.
[0056] In this state, the lower end of the cover front 640 is
spaced from the front lower end of the case 500, which prevents
colliding therebetween when the cover 600 is closed.
[0057] When the cover 600 is closed, in order to store foods inside
the case 500 or remove foods therefrom, a user grasps the grasping
portion 642 and lifts the cover 600. Then, the cover 600 rotates in
a clockwise direction about the projection 662.
[0058] In the clockwise rotation of the cover 600, the first
contacting portion 664 gradually recedes from the first guide
portion 582 and the contact area between them gradually
decreases.
[0059] At the same time, the second contacting portion 666
gradually approaches the second guide portion 584 and the
contacting area between the second contacting portion 666 and the
second guide portion 584 gradually increases.
[0060] Specifically, with the clockwise rotation of the cover 600,
the second contacting portion 666 of the cover 600 descends and
contacts the second guide portion 584 from its left end.
[0061] As described above, as the contact area between the second
contacting portion 666 and the second guide portion 584 gradually
increases, frictional force between them increases, so that the
cover 600 rotates at a suitably slow speed. Therefore, the cover
600 is prevented from being violently opened, thereby minimizing
noise generated from colliding of the cover 600 and the case
500.
[0062] When the cover 600 is fully opened, the second contacting
portion 666 of the cover 600 is mounted on the second guide portion
584 of the case 500.
[0063] Then, the cover 600 can maintain its opening state, which
prevents sudden closing of the cover 600 while food is being stored
or removed.
[0064] Conversely, in order to close the cover 600, a user grasps
the grasping portion 642 of the cover 600 and pulls down the cover
600. Then, the cover 600 rotates in counter clockwise
direction.
[0065] In counter clockwise rotation of the cover 600, the second
contacting portion 666 of the cover 600 gradually recedes from the
second guide portion 584 of the case 500, and at the same time, the
first contacting portion 664 of the cover 600 gradually approaches
the first guide portion 582 of the case 500.
[0066] Accordingly, the first contacting portion 664 begins to
contact the first guide portion 582 from its right end, and the
contact area between the first contacting portion 664 and the first
guide portion 582 gradually increases.
[0067] Therefore, the cover 600 can rotate at a suitable speed
counterclockwise, and noise generated from the cover 600 and the
case 500 colliding can be minimized.
* * * * *