U.S. patent application number 12/634543 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for refrigerator.
Invention is credited to Seong Wook KIM.
Application Number | 20100175417 12/634543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42318040 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100175417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Seong Wook |
July 15, 2010 |
REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
Provided is a refrigerator. A dispenser is provided inside the
refrigerator. A water discharge port can be withdrawably disposed
to conveniently utilize the refrigerator.
Inventors: |
KIM; Seong Wook; (Changwon
City, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
42318040 |
Appl. No.: |
12/634543 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61145055 |
Jan 15, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/389 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/126
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/389 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/00 20060101
F25D003/00 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator comprising: a body having a door; and a dispenser
comprising: a dispenser housing; a conduit configured to supply
water; an outlet located at the end of the conduit; a receiving
area located below the outlet; and a button movable in the lateral
direction, wherein the button comprises: a first button part
located within the receiving area; and a second button part located
above the outlet.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first button part and
the second button part are integrally formed as a one-piece unitary
member.
3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is located on
an inner wall of the body.
4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises: a
discharge unit body having an inlet port; and a water hose
connected to the discharge unit body at the inlet port.
5. The refrigerator of claim 4, further comprising: a fixed part
case; and a spring located between the fixed part case and the
discharge unit body, the spring biasing the discharge unit body
outwardly.
6. The refrigerator of claim 5, further comprising: a connection
member located between the discharge unit body and the fixed part
case, the connection unit configured to hold the discharge unit
inwardly.
7. The refrigerator of claim 6, further comprising: a recess
located in a top surface of the fixed part case, the recess forming
a closed figure; and the connection member further comprising a
projection at one end fitting within the recess and a second end
pivotally connected to the discharge unit body.
8. The refrigerator of claim 4, further comprising: a rack formed
on the discharge unit body; and a pinion engaging the rack, wherein
rotation of the pinion causes movement of the discharge unit
body.
9. The refrigerator of claim 8, further comprising: a motor
attached to the pinion.
10. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a valve
configured to open and close to regulate water flow through the
conduit; and a switch configured to open and close the valve.
11. A refrigerator comprising: a body having a door; a dispenser
comprising: a dispenser housing; a conduit configured to supply
water, the conduit comprising a discharge unit body having an inlet
port; an outlet located at the end of the conduit; and a receiving
area located below the outlet; a water hose connected to the
discharge unit body at the inlet port; a fixed part case; and an
elastic member located between the fixed part case and the
discharge unit body, the elastic member biasing the discharge unit
body outwardly.
12. The refrigerator of claim 11, further comprising: a connection
member located between the discharge unit body and the fixed part
case, the connection unit configured to hold the discharge unit
inwardly.
13. The refrigerator of claim 12, further comprising: a recess
located in a top surface of the fixed part case, the recess forming
a closed figure; and the connection member further comprising a
projection at one end fitting within the recess and a second end
pivotally connected to the discharge unit body.
14. A refrigerator comprising: a body having a cooling compartment,
the cooling compartment having an inner wall; a dispenser located
at the inner wall, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser housing; a
conduit configured to supply water, the conduit comprising a
discharge unit body having an inlet port; an outlet located at the
end of the conduit; and a receiving area located below the outlet;
a water hose connected to the discharge unit body at the inlet
port; and a drive unit configured to move the discharge unit
body.
15. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the drive unit comprises:
a rack formed on the discharge unit body; and a pinion engaging the
rack, wherein rotation of the pinion causes movement of the
discharge unit body
16. The refrigerator of claim 15, further comprising: a motor
attached to the pinion to rotate the pinion.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Embodiments relate to a refrigerator.
[0002] In general, a refrigerator is an apparatus for storing foods
at a low temperature, and is configured to store foods according to
type in frozen or refrigerated states.
[0003] The inside of the refrigerator is cooled by continually
supplied cool air generated through heat exchange of refrigerant in
a repeating compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation cycle.
The cool are supplied inside the refrigerator is uniformly
circulated throughout the inside of the refrigerant by means of
convection currents, to enable the foods to be stored in the
refrigerator at a desired temperature.
[0004] A main body of the refrigerator has a rectangular
parallelepiped shape having an opened front surface. The main body
includes a refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment
therein. A refrigerator compartment door and a freezer compartment
door for selectively covering the opened front surface are provided
on the front surface of the main body.
[0005] A plurality of drawers, shelves and receiving boxes is
provided inside the refrigerator to store various foods in an
optimum state. In addition, a plurality of baskets is provided on a
back surface of the refrigerator compartment door or the freezer
compartment door. A storage space within the refrigerator can be
partitioned by the shelves, the receiving boxes, and the baskets to
store suitable foods.
[0006] In recent, a refrigerator including a dispenser on the front
surface of the door is appearing on the market. The dispenser can
allow a user to dispense purified water or ice without opening the
door.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inner structure
of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
configuration of a dispenser according to an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a
fundamental condition of a dispenser according to an
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which a
water button of FIG. 3 is pushed.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a view of a state in which a discharge unit of
FIG. 3 is connected to a fixed part in a state where the discharge
unit is inserted.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which a
discharge unit of FIG. 3 is withdrawn.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a view of a state in which a discharge unit is
connected to a fixed part in a state where the discharge unit is
withdrawn.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which a
discharge unit of a dispenser of a refrigerator is inserted
according to another embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which a
discharge unit of FIG. 8 is withdrawn.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration
specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes
may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in
the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain
information known to those skilled in the art. The following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by
the appended claims.
[0017] Hereinafter, a front direction and a rear direction or
corresponding expressions denote a forward and a rearward of a
refrigerator, respectively. Also, a left side and a right side or
corresponding expressions denote a left direction and a right
direction when a user views the refrigerator at the front.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inner structure
of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.
[0019] Hereinafter, a 3-door bottom freezer type refrigerator will
be described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not
limited thereto. For example, the refrigerator according to this
embodiment may be applied to following various refrigerators: a top
mount type refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment is
disposed under a freezer compartment; a side by side type
refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer
compartment are respectively disposed in left and right sides.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 according to this
embodiment includes a main body 10 defining an outer appearance
thereof, a refrigerator compartment 11 provided in an upper portion
of a storage space defined by the main body 10 to store foods in a
refrigeration state, and a freezer compartment 12 provided in lower
portion of the storage space to store the foods in a freezing
state. Refrigerator compartment doors 13 (hereinafter, referred to
as a "refrigerator compartment door 13" for descriptive
convenience) for selectively covering the refrigerator compartment
11 using a rotary motion are provided on end portions of both sides
of a front surface of the main body 10. A freezer compartment door
15 rotatably coupled to selectively cover the freezer compartment
12 is provided at a lower end portion of the main body 10.
[0021] Although not shown, a plurality of shelves and receiving
boxes may be provided inside the refrigerator compartment 11 and
the freezer compartment 12 to allow a user to conveniently receive
the foods.
[0022] A plurality of baskets 16 for storing foods such as milks
and cheeses that require separate receiving spaces is provided on a
back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 13. In addition,
a freezer compartment basket 18 is provided on a back surface of
the freezer compartment door 15.
[0023] An ice-making device 17 for making ice may be provided on an
upper portion of the back surface of the refrigerator compartment
door 13. The ice-making device 17 is selectively covered by a
rotary motion of an ice-making door 171, and the user opens the
ice-making door 171 to obtain the ice.
[0024] A dispenser 20 for dispensing water is provided in a
sidewall of the inside of the refrigerator compartment 11. The
dispenser 20 may be provided at the front of the refrigerator
compartment 11 such that the user can directly approach the
dispenser 20 after the user opens the refrigerator compartment door
13. In addition, the dispenser 20 is disposed such that the
dispenser 20 does not interfere with the shelves and receiving
boxes provided inside the refrigerator compartment 11.
[0025] The dispenser 20 includes a housing 21 defining an outer
appearance thereof, an insertable and withdrawable discharge unit
40 insertedly installed in the sidewall of the refrigerator
compartment 11, and a button unit 30 including a first button 31
provided over the discharge unit 40 and a second button 32 provided
under the discharge unit 40.
[0026] The housing 21 protrudes distinguishably from an inner case
111 defining the refrigerator compartment 11 to allow the user to
recognize the dispenser 20. The housing 21 has an approximately
rectangular shape extending in a vertical direction. The first
button 31 is disposed on an upper portion of the housing 21, and
the discharge unit 40 is disposed under the first button 31. A
water discharge part 42 for discharging water protrudes downwardly
from an end portion of the discharge unit 40. A container receiving
recess 215 is disposed under the discharge unit 40. The water may
be easily dispensed through the container receiving recess 215
using a relatively small cup. The container receiving recess 215 is
formed by being depressed toward an inner case 111 by a
predetermined depth. The second button 32 is provided inside the
container receiving recess 215. That is, the second button 32 is
provided under the discharge unit 40.
[0027] The user pushes one of the first button 31 and the second
button 32 to dispense the water from the discharge unit 40. Also,
the water may be dispensed by manipulating the first button or the
second button 32 after the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn in a
front direction. A specific explanation with respect to this
operation will be described later.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
configuration of a dispenser according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3
is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a fundamental condition
of a dispenser according to an embodiment.
[0029] A fundamental condition of the dispenser 20 is defined as a
condition in which the first button 31 and the second button 32 are
not pushed, and the discharge unit 40 is inserted.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 21 constitutes a
portion of the inner case 111. The housing 21 protrudes
distinguishably from an inner case 111 toward the refrigerator
compartment 11 to allow the user to easily recognize the dispenser
20. That is to say, a region recognized by the housing 21
corresponds to the dispenser 20. Components constituting the
dispenser 20 are provided inside a circumference of the housing
21.
[0031] The container receiving recess 215 is depressed by the
predetermined depth in an inward direction of the inner case 111,
and an inner surface of the container receiving recess 215 may be
rounded to easily utilize a container such as a cup.
[0032] The housing 21 includes a first button insertion hole 211
through which the first button 31 passes, a first button support
212 provided under the first button insertion hole 211 to support
the first button 31, a first through hole 217 provided under the
first button support 212 and punched such that the discharge unit
40 passes, and a second button insertion hole 213 through which the
second button 32 passes and provided under the first through hole
217.
[0033] In detail, the inner case 111 is punched to form the first
button insertion hole 211 such that the first button insertion hole
211 has a shape corresponding to that of the first button 31. The
first button support 212 is disposed under the first button
insertion hole 211 to stably support the first button 31 in a state
where the first button 31 protrudes from the inner case 111 by a
predetermined length. That is, the first button support 212 has a
shape corresponding to that of an end portion of the first button
31, and the first button support 212 protrudes from the inner
casing 111 by a predetermined length.
[0034] The first through hole 217 through which the discharge unit
40 passes is disposed under the first button support 212. The first
through hole 217 has a shape corresponding to that of the discharge
unit 40 such that the discharge unit 40 is not shaken in a state
where the discharge unit 40 is inserted into the first through hole
217. The first through hole 217 is connected to the second button
insertion hole 213 such that the water discharge part 42 extending
downwardly from the discharge unit 40 passes through the second
button insertion hole 213 to expose the water discharge part 42 to
the inside of the refrigerator compartment 11.
[0035] The second button insertion hole 213 is disposed under the
first through hole 217 and connected to the first through hole 217.
The second button insertion hole 213 extends downwardly from an
approximately central portion of the first through hole 217. The
second button insertion hole 213 has a shape corresponding to that
of the second button 32. The water discharge part 42 passes through
the second button insertion hole 213 and is exposed to the inside
of the refrigerator compartment 11.
[0036] The first through hole 217 and the second button insertion
hole 213 define a portion of an inner surface of the container
receiving recess 215. Thus, the first through hole 217 and the
second button insertion hole 213 may be rounded in
cross-section.
[0037] The discharge unit 40 includes a discharge unit body 411,
the water discharge part 42, and a discharge unit guide bar 415.
The discharge unit body 411 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.
The water discharge part 42 protrudes downwardly from a bottom
surface of a right end portion of the discharge unit body 411, and
the water is discharged through the water discharge part 42. The
discharge unit guide bar 415 extends from a left side surface of
the discharge unit body 411 in a left direction.
[0038] In detail, the discharge unit body 411 is horizontally
disposed in left and right directions, and has a uniform size in
widths of front and rear directions such that the discharge unit
body 411 is slidably moved. At this time, the discharge unit body
411 has a width corresponding to that of the first through hole
217.
[0039] The water discharge part 42 is connected to a discharge
passage 413 that will be described later, extends downwardly from a
bottom surface of the discharge unit body 411, and is exposed to
the outside the refrigerator compartment 11. The water discharge
port 421 connected to the discharge passage 413 is disposed at a
lower end portion of the discharge part 42. The water discharge
port 421 is disposed over the container receiving recess 215 and
opened downwardly such that the water drops from an upper side
toward a lower side.
[0040] The discharge unit guide bar 415 extends along a sliding
movement direction of the discharge unit body 411 at an
approximately central portion of a left side surface of the
discharge unit body 411. That is, the discharge unit guide bar 415
is horizontally disposed in left and right directions. At this
time, the discharge unit guide bar 415 is sufficiently long to pass
through the button unit 30 and a fixed part housing 50 that will be
described later. The discharge unit guide bar 415 may have a
cylindrical shape such that a second elastic member 45 that will be
described later is fitted into the discharge unit guide bar
415.
[0041] A water supply port 417 connected to a water supply tube 47
connected to a water storage tank (not shown) provided inside the
main body 10 and a supply valve 48 is provided in a rear surface of
the discharge unit body 411. That is, the discharge passage 413
passes through the discharge unit body 411 such that the discharge
passage 413 has one end portion connected to the water supply port
417 and the other end portion connected to the water discharge part
42. The water supply port 417 is disposed at a position close to a
left end portion of the discharge unit body 411 such that the water
supply port 417 is disposed in a left side of the fixed part
housing 50 that will be described later in both states of insertion
and withdrawal of the discharge unit 410. That is to say, the water
supply tube 47 and the supply valve 48 does not interfere with the
fixed part housing 50 even if the discharge unit 40 is slidingly
moved.
[0042] The water supply tube 47 connects the water storage tank to
the discharge unit 40 such that the water stored in the water
storage tank flows up to the dispenser 40. Also, the water supply
tube 47 may be formed of a soft material such that the water supply
tube 47 is moved together with the discharge unit 40 when the
discharge unit 40 is moved. The supply valve 48 is provided between
the water supply tube 47 and the water supply port 417. The supply
valve 48 selectively passes the water supplied through the water
supply tube 47 according to a manipulation of the button unit 30.
At this time, a portion of the supply valve 48 may pass through the
water supply port 417 and inserted inside the discharge passage 413
to prevent the water from leaking.
[0043] A depressed connection bar coupling recess 419 to which a
connection bar 81 that will be described later is coupled is
disposed in a left end portion of a top surface of the discharge
unit body 411.
[0044] The button unit 30 includes a button body 35, the first
button 31, a second through hole 34, a second button 32, a switch
push part 36, and a button guide 37. The button body 35 has a
vertically long plate shape. The first button 31 protrudes from an
upper portion of a right side surface of the button body 35. The
second through hole 34 is provided under the first button 31, and
the discharge unit 40 passes through the second through hole 34.
The second button 32 is provided under the second through hole 34
and protrudes in the same direction as the first button 31. The
switch push part 36 is provided on a front surface of the button
unit 30 and operates a switch part 60 that will be described later.
The button guide 37 protrudes from a left side surface of the
button body 35.
[0045] In detail, the first button 31 and the second button 32 have
shapes corresponding to those of the first button insertion hole
211 and the second button insertion hole 213 in vertical section,
respectively. Thus, the buttons 31 and 32 is not well shaken after
the buttons 31 and 32 is fitted into the housing 21. The first
button 31 and the second button 32 protrude further longer than a
thickness of the inner case 111 to expose right end portions of the
first button 31 and the second button 32 to the inside of the
refrigerator compartment 11. Thus, the user can push the first
button 31 and the second button 32 through the inside of the
refrigerator compartment 11. Here, the right end portion of the
first button 31 may be rounded to improve manipulability. Also, the
second button 32 may protrude so as to incline backwardly from an
upper side to a lower side to allow the user to easily press the
second button 32 using the container such as the cup.
[0046] The second through hole 34 through which the discharge unit
40 passes is disposed between the first button 31 and the second
button 32. The second through hole 34 is punched in left and right
directions of the button body 35 such that the second through hole
34 has a shape corresponding to that of the discharge unit 40. The
second through hole 34 is spaced a length corresponding to a height
of the first button support 212 from the first button 31.
[0047] The second through hole 34 may be disposed adjacent to the
second button 32 such that the second button 32 is disposed just
below the discharge unit 40. Thus, the user can smoothly compress
the second button 32 by putting the container such as the cup into
a lower space of the discharge unit 40.
[0048] The switch push part 36 extends forwardly from a front
surface of the button body 35 by a predetermined length, and then,
is bent in a left direction. Thus, when the button unit 30 is moved
in left and right directions, the switch push part 36 is moved
together. Therefore, the switch part 60 turns on/off.
[0049] The button guide 37 guides a movement of the button unit 30
to uniformly move the button unit 30 in the left and right
directions. The button guide 37 sufficiently extends to pass
through the fixed part housing 50. The button guide 37 extends in a
movement direction, i.e., the left and right directions of the
button unit 30. The button guide 37 may have a cylindrical shape
such that an elastic member 38 that will be described later is
fitted into the bottom guide 37. A plurality of button guides 37
may be provided to stably support and move the button unit 30.
[0050] Although two button guides 38 is vertically provided in this
embodiment as an example, the present disclosure is not limited
thereto. In addition, the bottom unit 30 may have one side
hinge-coupled to the fixed part housing 50, and thus, may be
rotatably movable.
[0051] The fixed part housing 50 including the switch part 60 and
the fixed part 70 is provided at a left side of the button unit 30.
The button unit 30 and the discharge unit 40 are movably fixed to
the fixed part housing 50. The fixed part housing 50 is provided in
a space between the inner case 111 and the main body 10.
[0052] In detail, the fixed part housing 50 has a plate shape
parallel to the left side surface of the button body 35. The fixed
part housing 50 includes a button unit support 52 in which the
button guide 37 is inserted and a third through hole 54 through
which the discharge unit 40 passes. The fixed part housing 50 has
one side bent in a left direction to provide the switch part 60.
That is, the switch part 60 is coupled to the bent surface of the
fixed part housing 50.
[0053] In further detail, the button unit support 52 has a
cylindrical shape and protrudes from a right side surface of the
fixed part housing 50. The button unit support 52 is disposed at a
position corresponding to that of the button guide 37. The button
unit support 52 protrudes and is spaced a predetermined distance
from the button body 35 such that the button unit 30 is movable in
a rear direction. Also, a recess in which the button guide 37 is
inserted is defined in the button unit support 52. The recess has a
diameter greater than those of the button guide 37 and a first
elastic member 38.
[0054] A guide through hole 53 through which the button guide 37
passes is defined in the fixed part housing 50. That is, the guide
through hole 53 is concentric with a cross-section of the button
unit support 52 and is disposed in a just rear direction of the
button unit support 52. The guide through hole 53 is punched with a
size corresponding to a diameter of the button guide 37. That is,
the button guide 37 is inserted into the button unit support 52,
and then, passes through the guide through hole 53 to protrude in a
rear direction of the fixed part housing 50.
[0055] Here, the button guide 37 is inserted into the button unit
support 52 in a state where the button guide 37 is fitted in the
first elastic member 38. In detail, a compression spring having a
cylindrical shape and a size greater than a diameter of the button
guide 37 and less than a diameter of the button unit support 52 may
be provided as the first elastic member 38. Thus, the first elastic
member 38 may have one side end portion in contact with the button
body 35 and the other side end portion in contact with the fixed
part housing 50. In this case, when the button unit 30 is pushed in
a left direction, the first elastic member 38 generates a force
pushing the button unit 30 in a right direction. That is, in the
fundamental condition, the first elastic member 38 does not receive
the force in a state where the first elastic member 38 is in
contact with the button body 35 and the fixed part housing 50.
Also, the button unit 30 is compressed while the button unit 30 is
moved in the left direction by the user's manipulation.
[0056] The number of the button unit support 52, the guide through
hole 53, and the first elastic member 38 correspond to that of the
button guide 37, and the button unit support 52, the guide through
hole 53, and the first elastic member 38 are disposed at positions
corresponding to that of the button guide 37.
[0057] The third through hole 54 has a shape corresponding to that
of a cross-section of the discharge unit body 411. Thus, the
discharge unit 40 may be insertedly installed in the third through
hole 54 and be movable in left and right directions.
[0058] The fixed part 70 to which the discharge unit 40 is movably
connected is disposed in a left side of the third through hole 54.
The fixed part 70 includes a fixed part case 71, a guide bar
insertion part 72, a latch guide 73, and a latch guide recess 74.
The fixed part case 71 is connected and supported to a side of the
fixed part housing 50. The guide bar insertion part 72 protrudes
from a right side surface of the fixed part case 71, and the
discharge unit guide bar 415 is inserted into the guide bar
insertion part 72. The latch guide 73 is disposed on a top surface
of the case 72 and guides such that the discharge unit 40 is
maintained in inserted and withdrawn states.
[0059] In detail, the top surface of the fixed part case 71 is
flush with that of the discharge unit 40. The fixed part case 71 is
spaced a predetermined distance from the third through hole 54 in a
left direction.
[0060] A recess of the guide bar insertion part 72 protrudes in a
cylindrical shape in which the discharge unit guide bar 415 is
insertable and extends along a movement direction of the discharge
unit 40. In addition, the recess has a diameter greater than those
of the discharge unit guide bar 415 and the second elastic member
45 that will be described later. A compression spring having a
diameter greater than that of the discharge unit guide bar 415 and
less than that of the guide bar insertion part 72 may be provided
as the second elastic member 45. That is, the second elastic member
45 may have one side end portion in contact with a left side
surface of the discharge unit body 411 and the other side end
portion in contact with a right side surface of the fixed part case
71. A state in which a force is not applied to the second elastic
member 45 is a state in which the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn.
That is, an elastic force due to the second elastic member 45 is
not applied in the state where the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn.
The second elastic member 45 is compressed to apply the elastic
force to a direction in which the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn in
a state where the discharge unit 40 is inserted.
[0061] The latch guide recess 74 is depressed and has a size
corresponding to that of a latch disposed on a connection bar 81
that will be described later. The latch guide recess 74 has a
closed curve with a predetermined shape and is configured to rotate
the latch 83 only in one direction. Also, the latch guide 73 has
one side in which a hook part 731 is disposed to maintain the latch
83 in a state where the latch 83 is moved to a left side and the
other side in which a direction conversion part 732 is disposed to
convert a movement direction of the latch 83. That is to say, the
discharge unit 40 is maintained in an inserted state because the
latch 83 is hooked on the hook part 731 and in a withdrawn state
because the latch 83 is disposed in the direction conversion part
732. Structures of the latch guide and the latch guide recess 74
and insertion and withdrawal operations of the discharge unit 40
will be described later.
[0062] The discharge unit 40 and the fixed part 70 are connected to
each other by the connection bar 81. The connection bar 81 has one
side rotatably fixed to the discharge unit 40 and the other side
connected to the latch guide recess 74. In detail, the connection
bar 81 has one side end portion in which a bolt hole is defined to
rotatably bolt-couple the connection bar 81 to a connection bar
coupling recess 419. Since the top surface of the fixed part case
71 is flush with that of the discharge unit 40, the connection bar
81 is coupled parallel to the top surface of the discharge unit 40.
The connection bar has the other side end portion in which the
latch 83 protrudes from a bottom surface thereof. The latch 83 has
a size corresponding to a width of the latch guide recess 74 such
that the latch 83 is movable in a state where the latch 83 is
inserted into the latch guide recess 74. The latch 83 may have a
circular shape in vertical section such that the latch 83 is
movable in a state where the latch 83 is in contact with the latch
guide 73.
[0063] The switch part 60 is disposed at a position corresponding
to that of the switch push part 36 on the bent surface of the fixed
part housing 50. The switch part 60 includes a pushing part 62 and
a switch body 61. The pushing part 62 is rotatably provided and
pushed by an external force. The switch body 61 detects an
operation in which the pushing part is pushed to generate an
electrical signal and transmit the generated signal to a control
part (now shown) for controlling the refrigerator 1. The pushing
part 62 is disposed in contact with the switch push part 36 in the
fundamental condition such that the pushing part 62 can be pushed
by the switch push part 36. Thus, when the button unit 30 is moved
in a rear direction, the switch push part 36 compresses the pushing
part 62, and the pushing part 62 rotates. As a result, the
electrical signal is generated in the switch body 61, and then
transmitted to the control part. When the control part receives the
signal from the switch body 61, the control part controls a supply
valve 48 that will be described later to supply the water into the
discharge unit 40.
[0064] An assembly process and the fundamental condition of the
dispenser 20 including the above-described components according to
this embodiment will be now described.
[0065] The discharge unit 40 is inserted into the second through
hole 34. The button unit 30 and the discharge unit 40 are coupled
to the inner case 111 through a left side of the inner case 111 to
respectively insert the first button 31, the discharge unit 40, and
the second button 32 into the first button insertion hole 211, the
first through hole 217, and the second button insertion hole
213.
[0066] The fixed part housing 50 is coupled to the button unit
through a left side of the button unit 30 after the first elastic
member 38 is coupled to the button guide 37. At this time, the
button guide 37 and the first elastic member 38 are inserted into
the button unit support 52. The button guide 37 passes through the
guide through hole 53 to protrude toward a left side of the fixed
part housing 50.
[0067] In the fundamental condition, since a displacement of the
first elastic member 38 is zero, any force is not applied. Thus, a
right end portion of the first button 31 is disposed at a position
corresponding to that of a right end portion of the first button
support 212, and the right end portion of the second button 32
protrudes from the container insertion recess 215 by a
predetermined length.
[0068] Since the button unit 30 is coupled to the fixed part
housing 50, the switch push part 36 is in contact with the pushing
part 62 of the switch part 60. Here, the pushing part 62 is not
pushed in the fundamental condition.
[0069] The button unit 30 is coupled to the fixed part housing 50,
and simultaneously, the discharge unit guide bar 415 is inserted
into the guide bar insertion part 72 together with the second
elastic member 45. A displacement of the second elastic member 45
is zero in a state where the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn. Thus,
in order to position the discharge unit 40 in the fundamental
condition, after the connection bar 81 is bolt-coupled to the
connection bar coupling recess 419, the latch 83 is inserted into
the latch guide recess 74 and is positioned at the hook part 731.
Thus, the discharge unit 40 may be maintained in the inserted
state, i.e., the fundamental condition.
[0070] The supply tube 47 and the supply valve 48 are connected to
the water supply port 417. In detail, the water supply port 417 is
disposed at the left side of the fixed part housing 50 in a state
where the discharge unit 40 is fixed to the fixed part 70. Thus,
the supply tube 47 and the supply valve 48 are connected to the
water supply port 417 through the left side of the fixed part
housing 50.
[0071] According to the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, since
the dispenser 20 for dispensing the water is provided inside the
refrigerator compartment 11, water having a low temperature can be
dispensed always without having an influence on a temperature of
the outside of the refrigerator 1.
[0072] Since the dispenser 20 is provided inside the main body 10,
the passage does not need to extend up to the refrigerator door 13.
Thus, the refrigerator 1 can be simply manufactured, and also,
manufacturing costs can be reduced.
[0073] In addition, the user can selectively push the buttons 31
and 32 to dispense the water, and the discharge unit 40 can be
disposed at the right side to further conveniently dispense the
water.
[0074] Hereinafter, operations of the button unit 30 and the
discharge unit 40 will be described in detail with reference to an
accompanying drawing.
[0075] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which a
water button of FIG. 3 is pushed.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, the button unit 30 is moved in a left
direction when one of the first button 31 or the second button 32
is pushed.
[0077] In detail, since the first button 31 and the second button
32 are connected to the button body 35, the whole button unit 30 is
moved in the left direction when one of the first button 31 or the
second button 32 is pushed. That is, the other one button is moved
together with the pushed button.
[0078] In further detail, when the button unit 30 is moved in the
left direction, the switch push part 36 connected to the button
body 35 is moved together. Thus, the switch push part 36 pushes the
pushing part 62 of the switch part 60, and the switch body 61 can
detect the operation in which the pushing part 62 is pushed. The
switch body 61 transmits the electrical signal to the control part,
and the control part opens the supply valve 48. When the supply
valve 48 is opened, the water stored in the water storage tank is
supplied into the discharge unit 40 through the supply tube 47.
Then, the water is moved through the discharge passage 413 and
discharged through the water discharge port 421.
[0079] When the button unit 30 is moved in the left direction, the
button body 35 presses the first elastic member 38. Thus, the
elastic force due to the first elastic member 38 is applied to the
button body 35 in a right direction. That is, if the user does not
continuously push the first button 31 or the second button 32, the
button unit 40 returns to the fundamental condition due to the
elastic force of the first elastic member 38.
[0080] When the button unit 40 returns to the fundamental
condition, since the switch push part 36 does not compress the
pushing part 62, the switch body 61 generates an electrical signal
according to this operation, and thus, the control part closes the
supply valve 48 to prevent the water from being discharged.
[0081] The movement toward the left direction of the buttons 31 and
32 is continuously performed until the button body 35 is moved in
the left direction and in contact with the button unit support 52.
The movement toward the right direction of the buttons 31 and 32 is
continuously performed until the button body 35 interferes with the
inner case 11. That is, the button unit 30 is moved in left and
right directions between the button unit support 52 and the inner
case 11.
[0082] The water can be dispended even through the user pushes only
one of the first button 31 and the second button 32.
[0083] In detail, in case where the water is dispensed using the
small container such as the cup, the second button 32 may be
directly pushed by the small container to dispense the water. In
this case, since the second button 32 is provided inside the
container receiving recess 215, there is no problem.
[0084] However, in case where a large container such as a pot is
used, the second button 32 is not directly pushed using the large
container. In this case, the user positions an opening of the large
container under the water discharge port 421 and pushes the first
button 31 to dispense the water. That is, the water can be
dispensed from the dispenser 20 irrespective of a size of the
container.
[0085] In order to further safely dispense the water using the
containers, the discharge unit 40 may be withdrawn. This will be
described later.
[0086] FIG. 5 is a view of a state in which a discharge unit of
FIG. 3 is connected to a fixed part in a state where the discharge
unit is inserted, FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a state
in which a discharge unit of FIG. 3 is withdrawn, and FIG. 7 is a
view of a state in which a discharge unit is connected to a fixed
part in a state where the discharge unit is withdrawn.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a recess having a predetermined
shape is defined by being depressed from a top surface of the fixed
part case 71. The latch guide 73 is provided in the recess. The
latch guide 73 has a shape corresponding to that of the recess, and
protrudes and is spaced a predetermined distance from an inner
surface of the recess. That is, since the latch guide 73 protrudes,
the latch guide recess 74 in which the latch 83 is movable in the
inserted state is defined.
[0088] The hook part 731 hooked with the latch 83 is depressed in a
left direction at an approximately central portion of a left end
portion of the latch guide 73. The direction conversion part 732
inclined in a different direction with respect to a vertex is
disposed at a right end portion of the latch guide 73.
[0089] In the fundamental condition, the latch guide recess 74 is
configured to move the latch 83 in a front direction (a downward
direction of FIG. 5) when the latch 83 is pushed in a left
direction. In detail, the latch guide recess 74 is configured to
support a rear side of the latch 83 when the latch 83 is hooked on
the hook part 731. Thus, the latch 83 is moved in only one
direction (front direction).
[0090] When the latch 83 is pushed in left and front directions,
and thus, is moved to a position "A", the latch 83 is moved along
the latch guide recess 74 up to the vertex of the direction
conversion part 732 due to the elastic force of the second elastic
member 45.
[0091] In detail, in the fundamental condition, since the second
elastic member 45 is in a compressed state, a force due to the
second elastic member 45 is applied to the discharge unit 40 in a
right direction. Thus, in case where the latch 83 is moved up to
the position "A", the force due to the second elastic member 45 is
applied also to the discharge unit 40. When the latch 83 is
released from the hook part 731, since a restriction of the
discharge unit 40 is released, the discharge unit 40 is moved in
the right direction. Thus, the latch 83 is moved up to the vertex
of the direction conversion part 732.
[0092] When the latch is disposed at the vertex of the direction
conversion part 732, i.e., when the discharge unit 40 is in the
withdrawn state, the discharge unit 40 is moved in the left
direction in case where the user pushes the discharge unit 40 in
the left direction. At this time, the latch 83 is moved along a
rear side surface of the latch guide 73.
[0093] In detail, when the latch 83 is disposed at the vertex of
the direction conversion part 732, the latch guide recess 74
supports a front portion of the latch 83 to move the latch 83 in
only one direction (a rear direction).
[0094] When the latch 83 is moved up to a position "B", the latch
83 is induced to the hook part 731 along a configuration of the
latch guide recess 74.
[0095] In summary, when the user slightly pushes the inserted
discharge unit 40, the latch 83 is released from the hook part 731,
and thus, the latch 83 is moved up to the direction conversion part
732 along a front surface of the latch guide 73 due to the elastic
force of the second elastic member 45. Thus, the discharge unit 40
is moved also in a right direction and becomes in a withdrawn
state. When the user pushes the discharge unit 40 by a
predetermined distance in a left direction, the latch 83 is moved
up to the hook part 731 along the rear surface of the latch guide
73, and thus, is hooked on the hook part 731. Thus, the discharge
unit 40 is moved also in the left direction and becomes in an
inserted state.
[0096] Since the discharge unit 40 is insertably and withdrawably
provided as described above, the user can withdraw the discharge
unit 40 as necessary.
[0097] Particularly, as described above, in case where the water is
directly dispensed from the dispenser 20 into the large container,
the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn, and then the first button 31
may be pushed to dispense the water.
[0098] Also, in case where the water is dispensed using the small
container, when the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn, since a
distance between the second button 32 and the water discharge port
421 is far, it can prevent residual water from dropping into the
outside of the container even though the container is separated
from the second button 32.
[0099] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to another embodiment
will be described with reference to accompanying drawings. When
comparing this embodiment with the previous embodiment, this
embodiment is identical to the previous embodiment except for a
method and a structure for moving the discharge unit 40. Therefore,
the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing to
refer to the same or like parts as those in the previous
embodiment.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which a
discharge unit of a dispenser of a refrigerator is inserted
according to another embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a side
cross-sectional view of a state in which a discharge unit of FIG. 8
is withdrawn.
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a rack 416 is disposed on a left
side of a bottom surface of a discharge unit 40. The rack 416 has a
length corresponding to a movement distance of the discharge unit
40. When the discharge unit 40 is coupled to a fixed part housing
50, the rack 416 is disposed in a left side of the fixed part
housing 50.
[0102] A fixed part 70 is provided in a left side of the fixed part
housing 50. A drive part receiving groove 75 in which a drive part
43 for moving the discharge unit 40 in left and right directions is
installed is defined in the fixed part 70. The drive part receiving
groove 75 has an opened top surface. When discharge unit 40 is
inserted, a left side surface of the drive part receiving groove 75
may be in contact with the discharge unit 40. That is, the left
side surface of the drive part receiving groove 75 functions as a
movement limitation portion of the discharge unit 40. Also, a right
side of the drive part receiving groove 75 is disposed adjacent to
a third through hole 54.
[0103] The drive part 54 includes a drive motor 435 providing a
power for moving the discharge unit 40, a pinion 431 connected to a
rotation shaft 433 of the drive motor 435 and in contact with the
rack 416, and a motor support 437 for supporting the drive motor
435.
[0104] The motor support 437 protrudes from a bottom surface of the
drive part receiving groove 75 and has a predetermined shape. The
motor support 437 supports the drive motor 435 to prevent the drive
motor 435 from being shaken.
[0105] The drive motor 435 is disposed such that the rotation shaft
433 crosses a movement direction of the discharge unit 40.
Considering a diameter of a pinion 431 coupled to the rotation
shaft 433, a rack 416 and the pinion 431 are in contact with each
other, and also cooperate with each other. That is, when the
rotation shaft 433 rotates, the pinion 431 rotates. As a result,
the rack 416 is moved.
[0106] An insertion and withdrawal button 44 for inserting or
withdrawing the discharge unit 40 is provided on a rear surface of
the discharge unit 40. In detail, the insertion and withdrawal
button 44 is provided at an approximately central portion of a
right side surface of a discharge unit body 411. The insertion and
withdrawal button 44 protrudes by a predetermined length such that
a user can push the button 44. In addition, the insertion and
withdrawal button 44 may be connected to a control part along a
wiring disposed inside the discharge unit body 411.
[0107] Although the insertion and withdrawal button 44 is provided
on the discharge unit 40 in this embodiment, the present disclosure
is not limited to a position of the insertion and withdrawal button
44. For example, the insertion and withdrawal button 44 may be
disposed at a right side end portion of a first button support
212.
[0108] Hereinafter, operations of the discharge unit 40 and the
drive part 43 of a refrigerator including the above-described
components according to this embodiment will be described.
[0109] The user may push a first button 31 or a second button 32 to
dispense water. Here, the user may selectively withdraw the
discharge unit 40.
[0110] In detail, in a state where the discharge unit is inserted,
when the user pushes the insertion and withdrawal button 44, an
electrical signal is transmitted to the control part. The control
part operates the drive motor 435 to rotate the pinion 431 in one
direction (a clockwise direction of FIG. 2). The rack 416
cooperates with the pinion 431 to withdraw the discharge unit 40 by
a predetermined length in a right direction.
[0111] In a case where the discharge unit 40 is withdrawn, when the
user pushes the insertion and withdrawal button 44, an electrical
signal is transmitted to the control part. The control part
operates the drive motor 435 to rotate the pinion 431 in the other
direction (a counter-clockwise direction of FIG. 2). The rack 416
cooperates with the pinion 431 to insert the discharge unit 40 in a
left direction.
[0112] As described above, the user can further conveniently
withdraw the discharge unit 40 to utilize the discharge unit
40.
[0113] The spirit of the preset disclosure is not limited to
embodiments described above, and it is possible to modify, add, and
delete the embodiments within the spirit of the present
disclosure.
* * * * *