EP3786555A1

EP3786555A1 - Refrigerator door with timed spring finger assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3786555A1
Application number: EP20191012.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kapil Ayyawar; Eric Larson
Original assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Current assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Priority date: 2019-08-28
Filing date: 2020-08-13
Publication date: 2021-03-03
Also published as: CN112444044A

Abstract

A refrigerator (2) includes a door (26) that is pivotally coupled to a storage compartment (12) between open and closed positions along a swing path (68) of the door (26). A mullion assembly (30) is coupled to the door (26) and pivots relative to the door (26) between deployed and stowed positions. A spring finger assembly (70) is mounted on the door (26) and includes a spring finger (102). The spring finger (102) engages an engagement member (86) of the refrigerator (2) when the door (26) is in a first position, and the mullion assembly (30) engages the storage compartment (12) when the door (26) is in a second position. A resistance force (RF) of the door (26) from the open position to the closed position increases from the first position of the door (26) to the second position of the door (26).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a refrigerator, and more specifically, to refrigerator having engagement features on a door that are tuned along a swing path of the door to provide a consistent tactile experience to a user when closing the door.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment with an open front portion. A hinge assembly includes a hinge bracket with an engagement member laterally extending therefrom. A door is pivotally coupled to the open front portion of the storage compartment at the hinge assembly. The door is operable between fully open and fully closed positions along a swing path of the door. The swing path of the door includes a first position of the door that is closer to the fully open position of the door as compared to a second position of the door. A mullion assembly is pivotally coupled to the door and operable between stowed and deployed positions. A guide member is disposed within the storage compartment. The mullion assembly engages the guide member to move the mullion assembly to the deployed position from the stowed position when the door is at the second position along the swing path of the door. A spring finger assembly is operably coupled to the door and includes an inwardly curved spring finger. An outer edge of the spring finger engages the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the first position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment with an open front portion. A hinge assembly includes a hinge bracket with an engagement member disposed thereon. A door is pivotally coupled to the open front portion of the storage compartment at the hinge assembly. The door is operable between fully open and fully closed positions along a swing path of the door. The swing path of the door includes a first position of the door and a second position of the door. The second position of the door is closer to the fully closed position of the door as compared to the first position of the door. A mullion assembly is pivotally coupled to the door and operable between stowed and deployed positions. The mullion assembly includes a guide pin. A guide member is disposed within the storage compartment. The guide pin of the mullion assembly engages a first portion of a guide path of the guide member to move the mullion assembly to the deployed position from the stowed position when the door is at the second position along the swing path of the door. A spring finger assembly is operably coupled to the door and includes an inwardly curved spring finger. An outer edge of the spring finger engages the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the first position along the swing path of the door.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a door pivotally coupled to a storage compartment between open and closed positions along a swing path of the door. A mullion assembly is coupled to the door. The mullion assembly pivots relative to the door between deployed and stowed positions. An engagement member is coupled to the storage compartment. A spring finger assembly is mounted on the door and includes an inwardly curved spring finger. An outer edge of the spring finger engages the engagement member when the door is in a first position along the swing path of the door. The mullion assembly engages the storage compartment when the door is in a second position that is closer to the closed position of the door as compared to the first position of the door along the swing path thereof.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present concept;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 with first and second doors shown in fully open positions to reveal a storage compartment;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the refrigerator of FIG. 2 showing a first door in a first position along a swing path of the door;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the refrigerator of FIG. 3 showing the first door in a second position along a swing path of the door;
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the refrigerator of FIG. 4 showing the first door in a fully closed position along a swing path of the door;
FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a force imparted on a door when moving from an open position to a closed position;
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a spring finger mounted on a refrigerator door and disengaged from an engagement member mounted on a refrigerator cabinet; and
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the spring finger mounted on the refrigerator door of FIG. 7 and engaged with the engagement member mounted on the refrigerator cabinet.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a refrigerator. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises a ..." does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
Referring now to FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 general designates a bottom-mount refrigerator for use with the present concept. The refrigerator 2 includes a cabinet 4 having a top wall 6, a bottom wall 7, opposing sidewalls 8 and 9, and a rear wall 10 which cooperate to define first and second compartments 12 and 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first compartment 12 is disposed above the second compartment 14.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the first compartment 12 includes a liner 15 having a top wall 16, a bottom wall 17, opposing sidewalls 18 and 19 and a rear wall 20. A first guide member 22 is shown disposed on a front portion of top wall 16 of the liner 15, and a second guide member 24 is shown disposed on a front potion of the bottom wall 17 of the liner 15. The first and second guide members 22, 24 define upper and lower guide members for guiding rotational movement of a mullion assembly as further described below.
Although not specifically identified, the refrigerator 2 is contemplated to include a refrigeration system for providing above and below freezing temperatures in compartments 12 and 14, respectively. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the first compartment 12 is a fresh food storage compartment, while the second compartment 14 is a freezer compartment. It is further contemplated that the open space configuration of the first compartment 12 may include various shelves, drawers and bins for dividing the open space and for storing items to be refrigerated in a manner known in the art. In FIG. 1, the second compartment 14 is selectively accessed via a door 32, which may be a sliding drawer-style door. Thus, the refrigerator 2 is a bottom mount refrigerator with lower freezer door 32 being adapted to slide in and out of the cabinet 4 to provide access to frozen items stored within second compartment 14.
As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 2 includes a French-style door configuration having first and second doors 26 and 28. The first and second doors 26 and 28 are pivotally coupled to the cabinet 4 to selectively provide access to the first compartment 12. The first and second doors 26, 28 are adapted to seal against an open front portion 40 of the cabinet 4 in an air-tight manner to prevent cold air from escaping the first compartment 12. Specifically, the first and second doors 26, 28 seal against the open front portion 40 of the cabinet 4 via flexible gasket assemblies 42, 44, respectively, which may be elastomeric assemblies that may include sealing magnetic members disposed therein.
As specifically shown in FIG. 2, the first door 26 includes a door liner 50 having an outwardly projecting top portion 52, and outwardly projecting first and second side portions 54, 56 disposed on opposite sides of the top portion 52. A rear portion 58 interconnects the top portion 52 and the first and second side portions 54, 56 to collectively define a storage cavity 60. Within the storage cavity 60, it is contemplated that a variety of shelf members, i.e. adjustable shelves, bins, storage units and the like, can be positioned within the storage cavity 60 as supported between the opposing side portions 54, 56.
Except as otherwise identified below, the structure of each of the first and second doors 26, 28 is substantially identical, however, reversed in configuration as known in the art. As further shown in FIG. 1, the first and second doors 26, 28 include inside edges 62, 64, respectively, which are configured to seal against a mullion assembly 30 when the first and second doors 26, 28 are in a closed position (FIG. 1). The mullion assembly 30 is a flipper mullion shown in an inwardly rotated or stowed position in FIG. 2. Movement of the mullion assembly 30 is contemplated to be a pivoting movement provided via one or more hinge assemblies interconnecting the mullion assembly 30 with the first side portion 54 of the liner 50 of the first door 26. Movement of the mullion assembly 30 between stowed and deployed positions is generally guided by the first and second guide members 22, 24 interacting, respectively, with the upper and lower portions of the mullion assembly 30 as the first door 26 moves to the open position (FIG. 2) from a closed position (FIG. 1), and vice versa. While the mullion assembly 30 is shown coupled to the liner 50 of the first door 26, it is also contemplated that the mullion assembly 30 can be pivotally mounted to a component part of the second door 28, such that the present concept is not limited to a specific right or left door mounting configuration for the mullion assembly 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first and second doors 26, 28 are shown in fully open positions relative to the cabinet 4 of the refrigerator 2.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a fragmentary view of an underside of the refrigerator 2 is shown with the first door 26 in a partially open position. The position of the door 26 in FIG. 3 will be referred to herein as a first position of the door 26 along a swing path of the door 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the door 26 includes an underside 66 having a spring finger assembly 70 fixedly mounted thereto for rotational movement along a swing path of the door 26 as indicated by arrow 68. The door 26 is pivotally mounted to the cabinet 4 by an upper hinge assembly 71 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first door 26 is further pivotally mounted to the cabinet 4 by a lower hinge assembly 72, as shown in FIG. 3, for pivoting movement of the door 26 along the swing path as indicated by arrow 68. The lower hinge assembly 72 includes a hinge bracket 74 having a body portion 76 which outwardly extends from the open front portion 40 of the cabinet 4. The hinge bracket 74 further includes a mounting portion 78 which mounts of the hinge assembly 72 to the open front portion 40 of the cabinet 4. The hinge bracket 74 further includes a receiving aperture 80 for receiving a hinge pin 82 which pivotally interconnects the first door 26 with the lower hinge assembly 72. The hinge bracket 74 further includes an inside edge 84 having a laterally extending engagement member 86. The engagement member 86 includes first and second sides 88, 90 that are opposed to one another and curved inwardly towards the cabinet 4. In this way, the engagement member 86 has a generally wave-shaped profile culminating in a distal end 91. The engagement member 86 of the hinge bracket 74 is specifically positioned to engage the spring finger assembly 70 as the door 26 pivots between open and closed positions relative to the cabinet 4 along the swing path 68 of the door 26, as further described below.
As shown in FIG. 3, the spring finger assembly 70 includes a mounting portion 100 mounted to the underside 66 of the first door 26 via fasteners 101. The spring finger assembly 70 further includes a flexibly resilient spring finger 102 extending outwardly from the mounting portion 100 at a proximal end 104 and curving inwardly to a distal end 106 of the spring finger 102. The spring finger 102 includes inner and outer edges 108, 110 that are opposed to one another. The inner edge 108 is inwardly curved and the outer edge 110 is outwardly curved to provide for an overall inwardly curled configuration of the spring finger 102.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the swing path 68 of the door 26 indicates a closing motion of the door from the fully open position shown in FIG. 2 towards a fully closed position (shown in FIG. 5.) With the door 26 in a first position along the swing path 68 of the door 26, the outer edge 110 of the spring finger 102 is shown as being brought into contact with the first side 88 of the engagement member 86 to engage the same. This contact between the resiliently flexible spring finger 102 and the rigidly mounted engagement member 86 at the first position of the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26 increases a resistance force on the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26 at the first position 1P shown in FIG. 6. As used herein, the term "resistance force" is provided to indicate a force imparted on a door in a closing motion of the door. The resistance force will increase as components of the door and refrigerator engage one another, and will decrease as the various engagements cease.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the mullion assembly 30 includes a guide pin 31 disposed on an underside of the mullion assembly 30. The guide pin 31 is configured to engage guide member 24 of the storage compartment 12 to rotate the mullion assembly 30 along a rotational path 33 from the stowed position of FIG. 3 to a deployed position shown in phantom in FIG. 3. It is further contemplated that the door 26 may include an upper guide pin for engagement with the upper guide member 22 to further guide movement of the mullion assembly 30. In the first position of the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26, the spring finger 102 engages the engagement member 86 to increase a resistance force on the door 26, as noted above. However, in the first position of the door 26, the mullion assembly 30 has not engaged the guide member 24 to further increase the resistance force on the closing motion of the door 26.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the door 26 has moved closer towards the fully closed position shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 4, the door 26 is contemplated to be in a second position of the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26. Thus, the second position of the door 26 along the swing path of the door 26 is closer to the closed position of the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26 than the first position of the door 26. With the door 26 in the second position along the swing path 68 of the door 26, the guide pin 31 disposed on the underside of the mullion assembly 30 is shown engaging the guide member 24 of the storage compartment 12. Specifically, the guide pin 31 has engaged a guide path 24A of the guide member 24 at a first portion 24B thereof. The guide path 24A of the guide member 24 defines a channel through the guide member 24 that the guide pin 31 of the mullion assembly 30 follows to move the mullion assembly 30 from the stowed position to the deployed position when closing the door 26. The guide path 24A includes first and second portions 24B, 24C. The guide pin 31 of the mullion assembly enters the guide path 24A at the first portion 24B of the guide path 24A when initially making contact with the guide member 24 during a door closing movement at the second position of the door 26 along the swing path of the door 26. This physical engagement, much like the engagement of the spring finger 102 and the engagement member 86, increases the resistance force on the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26 at the second position 2P shown in FIG. 6, as the mullion assembly 30 begins rotation to the deployed position. When the mullion assembly 30 is in the deployed position and the door 26 is in the fully closed position, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide pin 31 is disposed in the second portion 24C of the guide path 24A of the guide member 24.
As further shown in FIG. 4, the distal end 106 of the spring finger 102 is shown as being brought into contact with the distal end 91 of the engagement member 86. It is contemplated that a resistance force on the door 26 has increased at the engagement of the spring finger 102 and the engagement member 86 from the initial contact at the first position of the door 26 (FIG. 3) to the second position of the door 26 (FIG. 4). This contact between the resiliently flexible spring finger 102 and the rigidly mounted engagement member 86 increases the resistance force on the door 26 until the closing motion of the door 26 overcomes the engagement between the engagement member 86 and the spring finger 102. The spring finger 102 may flex as the distal end 106 of the spring finger 102 passes the distal end 91 of the engagement member 86. The closing motion of the door 26 overcomes the engagement between the engagement member 86 and the spring finger 102 at a third position of the door 26, indicated by reference numeral 3P in FIG. 6. The third position of the door 25 is disposed between the second position 2P of the door 26 (FIG. 4) and the fully closed position FC of the door 26 (FIG. 5) along the swing path 68 of the door 26.
Referring now to FIG. 5, door 26 is shown in the fully closed position. In the fully closed position of the door 26, the mullion assembly 30 is in the deployed position with the guide pin disposed in the second portion 24C of the guide path 24A of the guide member 24. In the fully closed position, the inner edge 108 of the spring finger 102 engages the second side 90 of the engagement member 86 to retain the door 26 in the fully closed position.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a portion of a closing motion of a door is shown by resistance force 0-10, over time 0-15. The graph of FIG. 6 is meant to show resistance forces involved in closing a door, such as door 26 discussed above. The graph is meant to show increases and decreases in resistance force during a closing motion, but is not meant to indicate a specific force realized on the door, nor a specific closing speed or time to close. In the graph of FIG. 6, the door 26 is contemplated to be at a fully opened position FO and then a first position 1P, where the resistance force RF begins to increase. As noted above, the contact between the resiliently flexible spring finger 102 and the rigidly mounted engagement member 86 at the first position 1P of the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26 increases the resistance force RF realized on the door 26. As the door 26 moves from the first position 1P (shown in FIG. 3) to the second position 2P (shown in FIG. 4) the resistance force RF realized on the door 26 further increases. As noted above, the mullion assembly 30 engages the guide member 24 at the second position 2P of the door 26, while the spring finger 102 and the engagement member 86 remain engaged and with one another. Thus, this dual engagement of features acting against the closing motion of the door 26 increases the resistance force RF further from the second position 2P to the third position 3P of the door 26. At the third position 3P of the door 26, the resistance force RF begins to drop as the spring finger 102 overcomes the distal end 91 of the engagement member 86. Further, the guide pin 31 of the mullion assembly 30 moves towards the second portion 24C of the guide path 24A of the guide member 24 at the third position 3P of the door 26 along the swing path 68 of the door 26 to decrease resistance. It is further contemplated that the mullion assembly 30 can be biased towards the deployed position, such that movement of the mullion assembly 30 from the first portion 24B of the guide member 24 to the second portion 24C of the guide member 24C may further reduce resistance forces given the bias of the mullion assembly 30. The drop or decrease in resistance follows from the third position 3P of the door 26 to the fully closed position FC of the door 26.
In this way, the door 26 of the present concept provides for a closing motion wherein a single resistance increase and a single resistance decrease is experienced by the user. In other known assemblies that are not tuned for simultaneous engagement between features of the door, a first resistance increase is felt at the engagement of a spring finger and an engagement member, followed by a first resistance decrease after the spring finger overcomes the engagement member. Then, in other known systems, a second resistance increase is experienced as the mullion assembly engages a guide member, followed by a second resistance decrease as the mullion assembly is deployed. Between such consecutive rising and decreasing forces, a user can leave a refrigerator door ajar, as an initial decrease in resistance can feel like a completed closing motion in terms of tactile feedback to the user. Thus, the door 26 of the present concept is tuned or timed to provide a consistent engagement between the spring finger 102 and the engagement member 86, and the mullion assembly 30 and the guide member 24 to ensure a singular resistance force increase followed by a singular resistance force decrease when closing the door 26.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment with an open front portion. A hinge assembly includes a hinge bracket with an engagement member laterally extending therefrom. A door is pivotally coupled to the open front portion of the storage compartment at the hinge assembly. The door is operable between fully open and fully closed positions along a swing path of the door. The swing path of the door includes a first position of the door that is closer to the fully open position of the door as compared to a second position of the door. A mullion assembly is pivotally coupled to the door and operable between stowed and deployed positions. A guide member is disposed within the storage compartment. The mullion assembly engages the guide member to move the mullion assembly to the deployed position from the stowed position when the door is at the second position along the swing path of the door. A spring finger assembly is operably coupled to the door and includes an inwardly curved spring finger. An outer edge of the spring finger engages the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the first position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement member of the hinge assembly includes a first side and a second side.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge of the spring finger engages the first side of the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the first position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner edge of the spring finger engages the second side of the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the fully closed position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge of the spring finger engages a distal end of the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the second position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a force imparted on the door to close the door increases at the first and second positions of the door.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the force imparted to close the door decreases at a third position of the door, wherein the third position of the door is positioned between the second position of the door and the fully closed position of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment with an open front portion. A hinge assembly includes a hinge bracket with an engagement member disposed thereon. A door is pivotally coupled to the open front portion of the storage compartment at the hinge assembly. The door is operable between fully open and fully closed positions along a swing path of the door. The swing path of the door includes a first position of the door and a second position of the door. The second position of the door is closer to the fully closed position of the door as compared to the first position of the door. A mullion assembly is pivotally coupled to the door and operable between stowed and deployed positions. The mullion assembly includes a guide pin. A guide member is disposed within the storage compartment. The guide pin of the mullion assembly engages a first portion of a guide path of the guide member to move the mullion assembly to the deployed position from the stowed position when the door is at the second position along the swing path of the door. A spring finger assembly is operably coupled to the door and includes an inwardly curved spring finger. An outer edge of the spring finger engages the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the first position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the engagement member of the hinge assembly includes a first side and a second side, and further wherein the outer edge of the spring finger engages the first side of the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the first position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner edge of the spring finger engages the second side of the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the fully closed position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge of the spring finger engages a distal end of the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the second position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the swing path of the door includes a third position of the door positioned between the second position of the door and the fully closed position of the door, and further wherein the guide pin of the mullion assembly is disposed in a second portion of the guide path of the guide member when the door is in the third position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a resistance force of the door from the fully open position to the closed position increases at the first and second positions of the door.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the resistance force of the door decreases from the third position to the fully closed position of the door.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a door pivotally coupled to a storage compartment between open and closed positions along a swing path of the door. A mullion assembly is coupled to the door. The mullion assembly pivots relative to the door between deployed and stowed positions. An engagement member is coupled to the storage compartment. A spring finger assembly is mounted on the door and includes an inwardly curved spring finger. An outer edge of the spring finger engages the engagement member when the door is in a first position along the swing path of the door. The mullion assembly engages the storage compartment when the door is in a second position that is closer to the closed position of the door as compared to the first position of the door along the swing path thereof.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge of the spring finger engages a first side of the engagement member when the door is in the second position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the storage compartment includes a guide member having a guide path with first and second portions, and further wherein the mullion assembly engages the first portion of the guide path of the guide member of the storage compartment when the door is in the second position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the swing path of the door includes a third position of the door positioned between the second position of the door and the closed position of the door, and further wherein the mullion assembly engages the second portion of the guide path of the guide member when the door is in the third position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring finger overcomes a distal end of the engagement member when the door is in the third position.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner edge of the spring finger engages a second side of the engagement member when the door is in the closed position along the swing path of the door.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a door pivotally coupled to a storage compartment between open and closed positions along a swing path of the door. A mullion assembly is coupled to the door and pivots relative to the door between deployed and stowed positions. An engagement member is coupled to the storage compartment. A spring finger assembly is mounted on the door and includes a spring finger. An outer edge of the spring finger engages the engagement member when the door is in a first position along the swing path of the door. The mullion assembly engages the storage compartment when the door is in a second position that is closer to the closed position of the door as compared to the first position of the door along the swing path of the door. A resistance force of the door from the open position to the closed position increases from the first position of the door to the second position of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge of the spring finger engages a first side of the engagement member when the door is in the second position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the storage compartment includes a guide member having a guide path defined therein. The guide path includes first and second portions.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mullion assembly includes an outwardly extending guide pin that is received in the first portion of the guide path of the guide member when the door is in the second position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the swing path of the door includes a third position of the door positioned between the second position of the door and the closed position of the door. The guide pin of the mullion assembly is received in the second portion of the guide path of the guide member when the door is in the third position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide path of the guide member guides the mullion assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position as the guide pin of the mullion assembly moves from the first portion of the guide path of the guide member to the second portion of the guide path of the guide member.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring finger overcomes a distal end of the engagement member when the door is in the third position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner edge of the spring finger engages a second side of the engagement member when the door is in the closed position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the resistance force decreases from the second position to the third position of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner edge is inwardly curved and the outer edge is outwardly curved to provide for an overall inwardly curled configuration of the spring finger.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly having a hinge bracket. The engagement member laterally extends from the hinge bracket.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer edge of the spring finger engages a distal end of the engagement member of the hinge bracket when the door is in the second position along the swing path of the door.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring finger overcomes the distal end of the engagement member when the door moves from the second position to the third position along the swing path of the door.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring finger is flexibly resilient.

Claims

A refrigerator (2), comprising:
a door (26) pivotally coupled to a storage compartment (12) between open and closed positions along a swing path (68) of the door (26);

a mullion assembly (30) coupled to the door (26), wherein the mullion assembly (30) pivots relative to the door (26) between deployed and stowed positions;

an engagement member (86) coupled to the storage compartment (12); and

a spring finger assembly (70) mounted on the door (26) and having a spring finger (102), wherein an outer edge (110) of the spring finger (102) engages the engagement member (86) when the door (26) is in a first position along the swing path (68) of the door (26), and further wherein the mullion assembly (30) engages the storage compartment (12) when the door (26) is in a second position that is closer to the closed position of the door (26) as compared to the first position of the door (26) along the swing path (68) of the door (26), wherein a resistance force (RF) of the door (26) from the open position to the closed position increases from the first position of the door to the second position of the door (26).
The refrigerator (2) of claim 1, wherein the outer edge (110) of the spring finger (102) engages a first side (88) of the engagement member (86) when the door (26) is in the second position along the swing path (68) of the door (26).
The refrigerator (2) of claim 2, wherein the storage compartment (12) includes a guide member (24) having a guide path (24A) defined therein, wherein the guide path (24A) includes first and second portions (24B, 24C).
The refrigerator (2) of claim 3, wherein the mullion assembly (30) includes an outwardly extending guide pin (31) that is received in the first portion (24B) of the guide path (24A) of the guide member (24) when the door (26) is in the second position along the swing path (68) of the door (26).
The refrigerator (2) of claim 4, wherein the swing path (68) of the door (26) includes a third position of the door (26) positioned between the second position of the door (26) and the closed position of the door (26), and further wherein the guide pin (31) of the mullion assembly (30) is received in the second portion (24C) of the guide path (24A) of the guide member (24) when the door (26) is in the third position.
The refrigerator (2) of claim 5, wherein the guide path (24A) of the guide member (24) guides the mullion assembly (30) from the stowed position to the deployed position as the guide pin (31) of the mullion assembly (30) moves from the first portion (24B) of the guide path (24A) of the guide member (24) to the second portion (24C) of the guide path (24A) of the guide member (24).
The refrigerator (2) of any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the spring finger (102) overcomes a distal end (91) of the engagement member (86) when the door (26) is in the third position.
The refrigerator (2) of claim 7, wherein an inner edge (108) of the spring finger (102) engages a second side (90) of the engagement member (86) when the door (26) is in the closed position along the swing path (68) of the door (26).
The refrigerator (2) of any one of claims 5-8, wherein the resistance force (RF) decreases from the second position to the third position of the door (26).
The refrigerator (2) of any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the inner edge (108) is inwardly curved and the outer edge (110) is outwardly curved to provide for an overall inwardly curled configuration of the spring finger (102).
The refrigerator (2) of claim 1, including:
a hinge assembly (72) having a hinge bracket (74), wherein the engagement member (86) laterally extends from the hinge bracket (74).
The refrigerator (2) of claim 11, wherein the outer edge (110) of the spring finger (102) engages a distal end (91) of the engagement member (86) of the hinge bracket (74) when the door (26) is in the second position along the swing path (68) of the door (26).
The refrigerator (2) of claim 12, wherein the spring finger (102) overcomes the distal end (91) of the engagement member (86) when the door (26) moves from the second position to the third position along the swing path (68) of the door (26).
The refrigerator (2) of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the spring finger (102) is flexibly resilient.