WO2021186457A1

WO2021186457A1 - A gravity self-closure assembly for a door

Info

Publication number: WO2021186457A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050613
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mahesh Kumar; George Alyfantis; Manoj RANA; Rahul Agarwal; Deepak Sharma
Original assignee: Frigoglass India Private Limited
Priority date: 2020-03-16
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: EP4121622A4; EP4121622A1

Abstract

A gravity self-closure assembly for a door is disclosed. The gravity self-closure assembly includes a guiding member fixedly coupled to a support structure. The guiding member includes a guiding member and a guided member coupled to a door and adapted to engage with the guiding member. The guiding member includes a guiding body having a first sliding surface having a first end and a second end distal to the first end. The first sliding surface gradually descends from the first end to the second end. The guided member includes a guided body having a second sliding surface adapted to slide on the first sliding surface. The second sliding surface slides between the first end and the second end of the first sliding surface, when the door moves with respect to the support structure about a fixed axis.

Description

A GRAVITY SELF-CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR A DOOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to door assemblies and in particular, relates to a gravity self closure assembly for a door.

BACKGROUND

Refrigerators are widely used around the world for preservation of commodities, for example, food items, medicines, and any other product that needs to be preserved in a cold environment. A refrigerator is usually made of a main cabinet for storing the commodities and a door generally hinged to the main cabinet providing access to the interiors of the refrigerator, for example, to the stored commodities. Generally, a door mechanism may be provided for enabling opening and closing of the door of the refrigerator. The door mechanism enables the door to move to an open position by applying an external force on the door. Subsequently, in order to close the door, the external force should be applied to the door in an opposite direction.

However, this may be a cumbersome task for a user and might lead to an overall deterioration in user experience while operating the refrigerator. Further, such door mechanism usually lacks any provision for blocking the door in a specific position. For instance, if a user opens the door of the refrigerator in order to load the main cabinet with commodities, then the user may have to hold the door in a specific position and simultaneously load the main cabinet. This may be cumbersome for the user and further leads to a substantial amount of time consumption while loading the refrigerator. Furthermore, the door mechanism deployed in the refrigerator usually requires the involvement of multiple components which leads to an increase in the overall complexity of such mechanism. This may also lead to wear and tear of multiple components which result in a substantial reduction in the overall service life of the door mechanism. Therefore, there is a need for an improved door closure assembly for the door of the refrigerator.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a gravity self-closure assembly for a door is disclosed. The gravity self-closure assembly includes a guiding member fixedly coupled to a support structure. The guiding member includes a guiding member and a guided member coupled to a door and adapted to engage with the guiding member. The guiding member includes a first sliding surface having a first end and a second end distal to the first end. The first sliding surface gradually descends from the first end to the second end. The guided member includes a guided body having a second sliding surface adapted to slide on the first sliding surface. The second sliding surface slides between the first end and the second end of the first sliding surface, when the door moves with respect to the support structure about a fixed axis.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator unit provided with a gravity self-closure assembly for a door of the refrigerator unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate different perspective views of the gravity self-closure assembly coupled to the door of the refrigerator unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate different exploded views of the gravity self-closure assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate different views of a guiding member of the gravity self closure assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of the guiding member of the gravity self-closure assembly with a metallic liner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e illustrate perspective views of the guided member of the gravity self-closure assembly, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e illustrate different views of the guiding member and the guided member coupled together, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate an arrangement of the guided member and the guiding member of the gravity self-closure assembly when the door is in a closed state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d illustrate movement of the guided member and the guiding member of the gravity self-closure assembly when the door is moved at a first predefined angle in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 10a, 10b, 10c, and lOd illustrate movement of the guided member and the guiding member when the door is moved at a second predefined angle in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 11a, lib, 11c, and lid illustrate an arrangement of the guided member and the guiding member when the movement of the door is blocked in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator unit provided with a mechanism for accommodating upward movement of the door, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 13a and 13b illustrate operation of the gravity self-closure assembly and the mechanism when the door is in the closed state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 14a and 14b illustrate operation of the mechanism and the gravity self-closure assembly when the door is moved at a first predefined angle in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 15a and 15b illustrate operation of the mechanism and the gravity self-closure assembly when movement of the door is blocked in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 16a and 16b illustrates perspective views of a portion of the door depicting the guided member coupled to the door, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figures 17a and 17b illustrate perspective view of a portion of the exemplary refrigerator unit depicting the gravity self-closure assembly and arrangement of electrical cables, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator unit 100 provided with a gravity self-closure assembly 102 for a door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary refrigerator unit 100 may interchangeably be referred to as the refrigerator unit 100. The refrigerator unit 100 may be embodied as one of a commercial refrigerator, a household refrigerator, and a freezer unit, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The refrigerator unit 100 may include, but is not limited to a main frame 106 and the door 104 coupled to the main frame 106.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate different perspective views of the gravity self-closure assembly 102 coupled to the door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigerator unit 100 may include the gravity self closure assembly 102 adapted to enable movement of the door 104 with respect to the main frame 106. The door 104 may be adapted to be moved between an open state and a closed state with respect to the main frame 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 may be adapted to be moved about a fixed axis X-X’ of the main frame 106.

In an embodiment, the gravity self-closure assembly 102 may interchangeably be referred to as the closure assembly 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The closure assembly 102 may be adapted to be coupled to the main frame 106 and the door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the door may include an upper end and a lower end distal to the upper end. The closure assembly 102 may be coupled at the lower end of the door. Constructional and operational details of the closure assembly 102 are explained in detail in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate different exploded views of the gravity self-closure assembly 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure assembly 102 includes a guiding member 302, a guided member 304, and a connecting member 306. The guiding member 302 may be adapted to be fixedly coupled to a support structure 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 106 may be embodied as the main frame 106 of the refrigerator unit 100. The guiding member 302 may be adapted to be supported on the support structure 106 through the connecting member 306. Constructional details of the guiding member 302 are explained in detail in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

Further, the guided member 304 may be adapted to be coupled to the door 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the guided member 304 may be coupled to the lower end 204 of the door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100. The guided member 304 may be adapted to move along with the door 104 when the door 104 is operated between the closed state and the open state. Further, the guided member 304 may be adapted to be engaged with the guiding member 302 fixedly coupled to the support structure 106. The guided member 304 may be adapted to move with respect to the guiding member 302 when the door 104 is moved between the closed state and the open state. Constructional and operational details of the guided member 304 are explained in detail in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

Figures 4a and 4b illustrates different views of a guiding member of the gravity self closure assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4a and 4b, the guiding member 302 includes a guiding body 402 having a base portion 406, a first sliding surface 408, and a locking surface 410. The first sliding surface 408 may include a first end 408-1 and a second end 408-2 distal to the first end 408-1. The second end 408-2 of the first sliding surface 408 may be in contact with the base portion 406 of the guiding member 302. The first sliding surface 408 may gradually descend from the first end 408-1 to the second end 408-2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sliding surface 408 may gradually descend such that a curved contour is defined between the first end 408-1 and the second end 408-2.

Further, the guiding member 302 may include the locking surface 410 extending from the base portion 406 of the guiding member 302. The locking surface 410 may be positioned adjacent to the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302. The locking surface 410 may include a peak portion 410-1 and a trough portion 410-2 distal to the peak portion 410-1. The trough portion 410-2 of the locking surface 410 may be in contact with the base portion 406 of the guiding member 302. The locking surface 410 may be adapted to gradually ascend from the trough portion 410-2 to the peak portion 410-1 and descend from the peak portion 410-1 to the trough portion 410-2. In an embodiment, the locking surface 410 may include a second trough portion 410-3 extending from the peak portion 410-1.

Referring to Figure 3a, Figure 4a, and Figure 4b, as explained earlier, the guiding member 302 may be fixedly coupled to the support structure 106 through the connecting member 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 406 of the guiding member 304 may be adapted to be coupled to the support structure 106. The connecting member 306 may include a horizontal member 306-1 and a vertical member 306-2 coupled to the horizontal member 306-1. The horizontal member 306-1 may be adapted to support the guiding member 302. In particular, the horizontal member 306-1 may be adapted to be coupled to the base portion 406 of the guiding member 302 through a plurality of fasteners. Further, the vertical member 306-2 may be adapted to be coupled to the support structure 106 of the refrigerator unit 100 through a plurality of fasteners.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of the guiding member 302 of the gravity self-closure assembly 102 with a metallic liner 504, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3a, Figure 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 5a, and Figure 5b, the guiding member 302 may include a first cylindrical portion 502 extending vertically from the base portion 406 of the guiding member 302. The first cylindrical portion 502 may be adapted to receive a connecting rod 306-3 of the connecting member 306. In particular, the guiding member 302 may be coupled to the connecting member 306 such that the first cylindrical portion 502 receives the connecting rod 306-3 of the connecting member 306. Further, in an embodiment, the guiding member 302 may include the metallic liner 504 adapted to be removably coupled to each of the first sliding surface 408 and the locking surface 410. In one embodiment, the first sliding surface 408 may be formed of a combination of self-lubricating plastic materials. In another embodiment, the first sliding surface 408 may be formed of a combination of plastic materials and metallic materials.

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e illustrate perspective views of guided members of the gravity self-closure assembly 102, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e illustrate different views of the guiding member 302 and the guided member 304 coupled together, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained earlier, the guided member 304 may be coupled to the door 104 and adapted to engage with the guiding member 304.

Referring to Figure 6a, Figure 7a, Figure 7b, Figure 7c, Figure 7d, and Figure 7e the guided member 304 may include an upper portion 602 and a lower portion 604 distal to the upper portion 602. Further, the guided member 304 may include a guided body 606 having a second sliding surface 608 and a locking portion 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 604 may include the guided body 606. The second sliding surface 608 may be adapted to slide on the first sliding surface 408. In the illustrated embodiment, a contour of the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302 may be similar to a contour of the second sliding surface 608 of the guided member 304. In such an embodiment, similar to the first sliding surface 408, the second sliding surface 608 may include a first end 608-1 and a second end 608-2 distal to the first end 608-1.

The second sliding surface 608 may gradually descend from the first end 408-1 to the second end 408-2. The second sliding surface 608 may be adapted to slide between the first end 408-1 and the second end 408-2 of the first sliding surface 408. In one embodiment, the second sliding surface 608 may be formed of a combination of self-lubricating plastic materials. In another embodiment, the second sliding surface 608 may be formed of a combination of plastic materials and metallic materials.

Further, the guided member 304 may include the locking portion 610 extending from the guided body 606. The locking portion 610 may be adapted to slide on the locking surface 410 of the guiding member 302. The locking portion 610 may be adapted to be engaged with the second trough portion 410-3 of the locking surface 410 of the guiding member 302. The locking portion 610 may be adapted to slide between the trough portion 410-2 and the peak portion 410-1 of the locking surface 410. Further, the locking portion 610 may be adapted to slide across the peak portion 410-1 towards the second trough portion 410-3 of the locking surface 410 such that the locking portion 610 engages with the second trough portion 410-3.

Referring to Figure 2b and Figure 7d, the upper portion 602 of the guided member 304 may be adapted to be coupled to the door 104. In particular, the upper portion 602 may be adapted to be coupled to the lower end 204 of the door 104 through a plurality of fasteners. Further, the guided member 304 may include a second cylindrical portion 702 extending vertically through the upper portion 602 of the guided member 304. The guided member 304 and the guiding member 302 may be coupled together in such a manner that the second cylindrical portion 702 may be aligned with the first cylindrical portion 502 of the guiding member 302. The second cylindrical portion 702 may be adapted to receive the connecting rod 306-3 of the connecting member 306 through the first cylindrical portion 502.

In another embodiment, referring to Figure 6b, Figure 6c, Figure 6d, Figure 6e, the guided member, such as a guided member 304-1, may be coupled to the door 104 and adapted to engage with the guiding member 302. Similar to the guided member 304, as shown in Figure 6a, the guided member 304-1 may include the guided body 606 having the second sliding surface 608. However, the guided member 304-1 may not include the locking portion 610. In the present embodiment, the movement of the door 104 cannot be restrained between the open state and the closed state of the door 104. Similarly, in an embodiment, the guiding member 302-1, such as a guiding member 302-1, may be employed in the closure assembly 102. In such an embodiment, the guiding member 302-1 may not include the locking surface 410. Therefore, the movement of the door 104 cannot be restrained between the open state and the closed state of the door 104.

In one implementation, combination of the guided member 304 and the guiding member 302 may be employed in the closure assembly 102. In another implementation, combination of the guided member 304-1 and the guiding member 302 may be employed in the closure assembly 102. In yet another implementation, combination of the guided member 304 and the guiding member 302-1 may be employed in the closure assembly 102. In another implementation, combination of the guided member 304-1 and the guiding member 302-1 may be employed in the closure assembly 102.

Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate an arrangement of the guided member 304 and the guiding member 302 of the gravity self-closure assembly 102 when the door 104 is in a closed state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100 is in a closed state. When the door 104 is in the closed state, the second sliding surface 608 of the guided member 304 is in a rest condition with respect to the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302. Further, the locking portion 610 of the guided member 302 is at the trough portion 410-2 of the locking surface 410 of the guiding member 302, when the door 104 is in the closed state.

Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d illustrate movement of the guided member 304 and the guiding member 302 of the gravity self-closure assembly 102 when the door 104 is moved at a first predefined angle 01 in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 is moved about the fixed axis X-X’ of the support structure 106 at the first predefined angle 01 in the open state from the closed state. The first predefined angle 01 may be embodied as a 90° angle with respect to the closed state of the door 104.

Referring to Figure 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, the second sliding surface 608 of the guided member 304 may slide on the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the first predefined angle 01 from the closed state. For instance, the second sliding surface 608 of the guided member 304 may slide from the second end 408-2 towards the first end 408-1 of the first sliding surface 408 against the gravitational force, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the first predefined angle 01. The second sliding surface 608 may travel a first predefined distance on the first sliding surface 408, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the first predefined angle 01.

In such an instance, the locking portion 610 of the guided member 304 may slide between the trough portion 410-2 and the peak portion 410-1 of the locking surface 410 of the guiding member 302. In particular, the locking portion 610 of the guided member 302 may ascend on the locking surface 410 from the trough portion 410-2 towards the peak portion 410-1 of the locking surface 410, when the door 104 is moved from the closed state to the open state.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 may move to the closed state from the open state at the first predefined angle 01, when no external force is applied on the door 104. In particular, owing to the gravitational force, the second sliding surface 608 may slide towards the second end 408-2 of the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302. Such movement of the second sliding surface 608 may result in the movement of the door 104 to the closed state under the gravitational force, and thereby eliminating the requirement to apply any external force for moving the door 104 in the closed state. Figures 10a, 10b, 10c, and lOd illustrate movement of the guided member 304 and the guiding member 302 when the door 104 is moved at a second predefined angle Q2 in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 is moved about the fixed axis X-X’ of the support structure 106 at the second predefined angle Q2 in the open state from the closed state. The second predefined angle Q2 may be greater than the first predefined angle 01. The second predefined angle Q2 may be embodied as a 100° angle with respect to the closed state of the door 104.

Referring to Figure 10a, Figure 10b, Figure 10c, and Figure lOd, the second sliding surface 608 of the guided member 304 may slide on the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the second predefined angle Q2 from the closed state. For instance, the second sliding surface 608 of the guiding member 302 may slide from the second end 408-2 towards the first end 408-1 of the first sliding surface 408 against the gravitational force, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the second predefined angle Q2.

The second sliding surface 608 may travel a second predefined distance on the first sliding surface 408, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the second predefined angle Q2. The second predefined distance is greater than the first predefined distance. Further, the locking portion 610 of the guided member 304 may further slide on the locking surface 410 towards the peak portion 410-1 of the locking surface 410. The locking portion 610 of the guided member 304 may further ascend on the locking surface 410 towards the peak portion 410-1 of the locking surface 410, when the door 104 is moved at the second predefined angle Q2 at the open state. In particular, when the door 104 is moved at the second predefined angle Q2, the locking portion 610 may reach at the peak portion 410-1 of the locking surface 410 of the guiding member 302.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 may move to the closed state from the open state at the second predefined angle Q2, when no external force is applied on the door 104. In particular, owing to the gravitational force, the second sliding surface 608 may slide towards the second end 408-2 of the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302. Such movement of the second sliding surface 608 results in the movement of the door 104 to the closed state under the gravitational force, and thereby eliminating requirement to apply any external force for moving the door 104 in the closed state.

Figures 11a, lib, 11c, and lid illustrate an arrangement of the guided member 304 and the guiding member 302 when movement of the door 104 is blocked in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 is moved about the fixed axis X-X’ of the support structure 106 beyond the second predefined angle Q2 in the open state from the closed state. As shown in Figure 11a and Figure lib, the door 104 is moved at a third predefined angle Q3 about the fixed axis X-X’ of the support structure 106 in the open state. The third predefined angle Q3 is greater than each of the first predefined angle 01 and the second predefined angle Q2. The third predefined angle Q3 may be in a range of 100° angle to 130° angle with respect to the closed state of the door 104.

Referring to Figure 10a, Figure 10b, Figure 10c, and Figure lOd, the second sliding surface 608 may slide on the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the third predefined angle Q3 from the closed state. For instance, the second sliding surface 608 of the guiding member 302 may further slide from the second end 408-2 towards the first end 408-1 of the first sliding surface 408 against the gravitational force, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the third predefined angle Q3.

The second sliding surface 608 may travel a third predefined distance on the first sliding surface 408, when the door 104 is moved to the open state at the third predefined angle Q3. The third predefined distance is greater than the second predefined distance. Further, when the door 104 is moved beyond the second predefined angle Q2, the locking portion 610 slides across the peak portion 410-1 towards the second trough portion 410-3 such that the locking portion 610 engages with the second trough portion 410-3.

In particular, the locking portion 610 slides across the peak portion 410-1 such that the locking portion 610 engages with the second trough portion 410-3, when the door 104 is moved at the third predefined angle Q3 about the fixed axis X-X’ in the open state. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the door 104 is restrained between the open state and the closed state when the locking portion 610 engages with the second trough portion 410-3. Owing to such engagement of the locking portion 610, the door 104 is held in the open state at the third predefined angle Q3.

Further, the movement of the door 104 is un-restrained between the open state and the closed state when an external force is applied on the door 104. In particular, when the external force is applied on the door 104 to move towards the closed state by un-restraining the movement of the door 104, the locking portion 610 disengages from the second trough portion 410-3 and slide across the peak portion 410-1 towards the trough portion 410-2 of the locking surface 410. The external force may be required to be applied for disengaging the locking portion 610 from the second trough portion 410-3 of the locking surface 410, and allowing the door 104 to move towards the closed state under the gravitational force. In particular, when the locking portion 610 disengages from the second trough portion 410-3, the door 104 may move towards the closed state under the gravitational force without any requirement of applying the external force on the door 104.

Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator unit 100 provided with a mechanism 1200 for accommodating upward movement of the door 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained earlier, the second sliding surface 608 of the guided member 304 may ascend on the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302, when the door 104 is moved from the closed state towards the open state. Owing to such ascending movement of the second sliding surface 608, the door 104 tends to move in an upward direction with respect to the support structure 106. In an embodiment, the door 104 travels a distance in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm against the gravitational force in the upward direction.

In order to accommodate such upward movement of the door 104, the closure assembly 102 may include the mechanism 1200 adapted to be coupled to the support structure 106 and the door 104. Referring to Figure 12, the mechanism 1200 may include but is not limited to, a coupling member 1202 and a rod member 1204. The coupling member 1202 may include a first coupling end 1206 and a second coupling end 1208.

The first coupling end 1206 may be adapted to be coupled to the support structure 106. In an embodiment, the first coupling end 1206 may be coupled to the support structure 106 through fastening members. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling end 1206 may be coupled to the support structure 106 through a plurality of fastening members, such as screws, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the first coupling end 1206 may include a plurality of holes 1206-1 adapted to receive the plurality of fastening members.

Referring to Figure 12, the second coupling end 1208 may be adapted to be coupled to the door 104. In particular, the second coupling end 1208 may be adapted to be coupled to the upper end 202 of the door 104 through the rod member 1204. The second coupling end 1208 may include an opening (not shown) adapted to accommodate the rod member 1204. Further, the upper end 202 of the door 104 may include a slot 1210 adapted to receive the rod member 1204 inserted through the opening of the second coupling end 1208. The rod member 1204 may be received within the slot 1210 of the door 104 such that a relative movement in the upward direction is allowed between the door 104 and the rod member 1204. The coupling member 1202 may be coupled to the upper end 202 of the door 104 such that the opening of the second coupling end 1208 may align with the slot 1210 formed in the upper end 202 of the door 104.

Figures 13a and 13b illustrate operation of the gravity self-closure assembly 102 and the mechanism 1200 when the door 104 is in the closed state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100 is in the closed state. When the door 104 is in the closed state, a gap G1 may be defined between the second coupling end 1208 of the coupling member 1202 and the upper end 202 of the door 104.

Figures 14a and 14b illustrate operation of the mechanism 1200 and the gravity self closure assembly 102 when the door 104 is moved at the first predefined angle 01 in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100 is moved about the fixed axis X-X’ of the support structure 106 at the first predefined angle 01 in the open state from the closed state.

When the door 104 is moved at the first predefined angle 01, a gap G1 may be defined between the second coupling end 1208 of the coupling member 1202 and the upper end 202 of the door 104. The gap G2 between the second coupling end 1208 and the door 104 may be less than the gap Gl. In particular, the door 104 may move against the gravity in the upward direction relative to the rod member 1204 of the mechanism 1200, when the door 104 is moved from the closed state towards the open state at the first predefined angle 01.

Figures 15a and 15b illustrates operation of the mechanism 1200 and the gravity self closure assembly 102 when movement of the door 104 is blocked in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 104 of the refrigerator unit 100 is moved about the fixed axis X-X’ of the support structure 106 at the third predefined angle Q3 in the open state from the closed state. In particular, the door 104 is moved at the third predefined angle Q3 such that the locking portion 610 engages with the second trough portion 410-3 of the locking surface 410 in order to restrain the movement of the door 104 between the open state and the closed state.

When the door 104 is moved at the third predefined angle Q3, a gap G3 may be defined between the second coupling end 1208 of the coupling member 1202 and the upper end 202 of the door 104. The gap G3 between the second coupling end 1208 and the door 104 may be less than the gap G2. In particular, the door 104 may move against the gravity in the upward direction relative to the rod member 1204 of the mechanism 1200, when the door 104 is moved from the closed state towards the open state at the third predefined angle Q3.

Figures 16a and 16b illustrates perspective views of a portion of the door 104 depicting the guided member 304 coupled to the door 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 17a and 17b illustrate perspective view of a portion of the exemplary refrigerator unit 100 depicting the gravity self-closure assembly 102 and arrangement of electrical cables 1602, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As explained earlier, the guided member 304 may be adapted to be coupled to the lower end 204 of the door 104. Referring to Figure 16a and Figure 16b, the guided member 304 may include the upper portion 602 and the lower portion 604. The upper portion 604 may be adapted to be coupled to the lower end 204 of the door 104. In an embodiment, the upper portion 602 may be coupled to the lower end 204 of the door 104 through a plurality of fasteners, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figure 16a, Figure 16b, Figure 17a, and Figure 17b, the upper portion 602 may be adapted to guide at least one electrical cable 1602 extending through the door 104. The at least one electrical cable 1602 may be associated with a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) attached to the door 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 602 may include at least one opening 1604 adapted to receive the at least one electrical cable 1602 through the door 104. Further, the upper portion 602 may include a curved portion 1606 adapted to support the at least one electrical cable 1602 extending through the at least one opening 1604.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure offers the gravity self-closure assembly 102 for a door. The gravity self-closure assembly 102 can be employed for the door deployed in the commercial refrigerators, household refrigerators, and freezer units. Therefore, the gravity self-closure assembly 102 has a wide range of application.

As explained earlier, the closure assembly 102 includes the guiding member 302 and the guided member 304 adapted to slide on the guiding member 302. In particular, the second sliding surface 608 of the guided member 304 slides on the first sliding surface 408 of the guiding member 302. The first sliding surface 408 gradually descends from the first end 408- 1 to the second end 408-2 of the first sliding surface 408. The contour of the first sliding surface 408 and the contour of the second sliding surface 608 are similar to each other. Owing to such constructional detail of the first sliding surface 408 and the second sliding surface 608, the door 104 automatically moves from the open state to the closed state under the gravitational force without applying any external force on the door 104. This substantially reduces the physical effort of the user to close the door 104 by applying any external force on the door 104 and thereby, substantially increases overall user experience while operating the refrigerator 100.

Further, as explained earlier, the guided member 304 includes the locking portion 610 adapted to be engaged with the second trough portion 410-3 of the locking surface 410 of the guiding member 302, when the door 104 is moved to the predefined angle in the open state. Owing to such engagement of the locking portion 610 with the second trough portion 410-3, the movement of the door 104 is restricted between the open state and the closed state. This eliminates the requirement of physically holding the door 104 while loading the refrigerator 100 with commodities and thereby, substantially increases overall user experience.

Further, each the first sliding surface 408, the second sliding surface 608, the locking portion 610, and the locking surface 410 may be provided with leading sharp edges which wipe away any dirt accumulated during usage in the dusty environment during operation of the door 104 between the open state and the closed state. This substantially increases the overall service life of the closure assembly 102 of the door 104. Further, each of the first sliding surface 408 and the second sliding surface 608 is formed of one of a combination of self-lubricating plastic materials and a combination of plastic materials and metallic materials. Owing to the use of such materials, friction and noise are substantially reduced during operation of the door 104 between the open state and the closed state. Therefore, the closure assembly 102 of the present disclosure is flexible in implementation, compact, robust, cost-effective, convenient, and has a wide range of applications.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A gravity self-closure assembly (100) for a door (104), the gravity self-closure assembly (100) comprising: a guiding member (302) fixedly coupled to a support structure (106), the guiding member (302) comprising: a guiding body (402) comprising: a first sliding surface (408) having a first end (408-1) and a second end (408-2) distal to the first end (408-1), wherein the first sliding surface (408) gradually descends from the first end (408-1) to the second end (408- 2); and a guided member (304) coupled to a door (104) and adapted to engage with the guiding member (302), the guided member (304) comprising: a guided body (606) having a second sliding surface (608) adapted to slide on the first sliding surface (408); and wherein the second sliding surface (608) slides between the first end (408-1) and the second end (408-2) of the first sliding surface (408), when the door (104) moves with respect to the support structure (106) about a fixed axis.

2. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second sliding surface (608) ascends on the first sliding surface (408) from the second end (408-2) towards the first end (408-1), when the door (104) is moved from a closed state to an open state, wherein the door (104) travels a distance in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm against a gravitational force in an upward direction, when the second sliding surface (608) ascends on the first sliding surface (408).

3. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a mechanism adapted to be coupled to the support structure (106) and the door (104), wherein the mechanism includes a coupling member and a rod member.

4. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coupling member includes a first coupling end and a second coupling end, the first coupling end is adapted to be coupled to the support structure (106) and the second coupling end adapted to be coupled to an upper end of the door (104) through the rod member, wherein the door (104) moves against gravity in the upward direction relative to the rod member of the mechanism.

5. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door (104) moves from an open state to a closed state, when the second sliding surface (608) descends on the first sliding surface (408) from the first end (408-1) towards the second end (408-2).

6. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guiding body (402) comprises a locking surface having a peak portion and a first trough portion distal to the peak portion and the guided member (304) comprises a locking portion extending from the guided body (606) and adapted to slide on the locking surface, wherein and the locking portion slides between the peak portion and the first trough portion of the locking surface, when the door (104) moves with respect to the support structure (106) about a fixed axis.

7. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking portion ascends on the locking surface from the first trough portion towards the peak portion, when the door (104) is moved from a closed state to an open state.

8. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking surface includes a second trough portion extending from the peak portion, the second trough portion is adapted to be engaged with the locking portion, wherein the locking portion slides across the peak portion towards the second trough portion such that the locking portion engages with the second trough portion, when the door (104) is moved at a predefined angle about the fixed axis in the open state, the predefined angle is in a range of 100° angle to 130° angle.

9. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a movement of the door (104) is restrained between the open state and the closed state when the locking portion engages with the second trough portion.

10. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a metallic liner removably coupled to each of the first sliding surface (408) and the locking surface of the guiding member (302).

11. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a contour of the first sliding surface (408) is similar to a contour of the second sliding surface (608).

12. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door (104) is coupled to one of a commercial refrigerator, a household refrigerator, and a freezer unit, wherein the support structure (106) is a main frame of one of the commercial refrigerator, the household refrigerator, and the freezer unit.

13. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first sliding surface (408) and the second sliding surface (608) is formed of one of a combination of self-lubricating plastic materials and a combination of plastic materials and metallic materials.

14. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guided member (304) includes an upper portion and a lower portion distal to the upper portion, the lower portion includes the guided body (606) and the upper portion is adapted to be coupled to a lower end of the door (104) and to guide at least one electrical cable associated with a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) attached to the door (104).

15. The gravity self-closure assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the upper portion includes at least one opening adapted to receive the at least one electrical cable through the door (104), and a curved portion adapted to support the at least one electrical cable extending through the at least one opening.