MXPA96005261A - Apparatus for the leveling of a refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for leveling a refrigerator, comprising: means for determining whether the refrigerator is at a level and, if not at a level, and towards which direction it is inclined, said determination means being mounted on a surface of a base plate of a refrigerator, four motors mounted on the respective corners of the base plate and connected to said determining means for the generation of an electromotive force, and four means for leveling the cooler, said leveling means being mounted on the respective corners of the base plate, said motors operating said leveling means respectively, wherein said determining means comprise a housing with an upper plate, a lower plate and with a plurality of side walls that connect the upper plates and lower, and a switch device with four upper terminals fastened to the lower surface of the upper plate of the housing, with four lower terminals attached to the upper surface of the lower plate of the housing at locations corresponding to the locations of the upper terminals, a connecting member for the selective connection of one of the upper terminals with one of the lower terminals corresponding to the upper terminal, or two of the upper terminals with two of the lower terminals corresponding to the upper terminals, when the refrigerator is not full

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE LEVELING OF A REFRIGERATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for leveling a refrigerator, and more particularly to an apparatus that determines if the refrigerator is inclined and which levels the refrigerator if it is.

Description of the State of the Art A refrigerator includes a cabinet that forms compartments for storing food at a low temperature. There are generally two types of compartments in a refrigerator, a refrigerant compartment for storing food at low temperature and a freezer compartment for freezing food. Shelves are installed in the refrigerant compartment on which the food is placed. However, if the surface on which the refrigerator is resting is not level, the refrigerator is tilted. Then, it is possible that the food on the shelves of the refrigerator will move from one side to another and that vibration and noise will be generated during the operation of the refrigerator. The vibration of a refrigerator can cause abnormal operation and can also cause it to stop working. Therefore, it is necessary to level the refrigerator according to the different support surfaces on which it is located. The refrigerator usually comes with a leveling device for this purpose. In addition, the refrigerator generally comes with wheels such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,270 requested by Crowe on January 7, 1975, located on the back of the base of the refrigerator cabinet to make it easy to move. The leveling apparatus is mounted on the surface of the base of the cabinet and includes a frame that attaches to the surface of the base of the cabinet and legs mounted so that they can rotate on the frame. Each leg has holes that have a thread, formed on the frame and the support members that contact the support surface are fixed to the lower end of the legs respectively. Each of the support members has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of each of the support members is greater than that of each of the legs, so that the weight of the refrigerator is distributed over the entire support area of the support members to prevent the support surface from yielding. If the support surface is not level, the refrigerator tilts. To be able to level the refrigerator, the legs are rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise in order to regulate the length of the same. The refrigerator is leveled by means of the regulation of the length of the legs. Therefore, it is possible that the distance between each side of the base of the cabinet and the supporting surface, as well as the length of the legs are different from each other. According to the leveling device, the user can determine if the refrigerator is level by shaking it slightly or simply by looking at it. Then, it is possible to level the refrigerator by manually raising one of the sides of the refrigerator to adjust the length of one of the legs. However, the refrigerator is so heavy that it is not easy to level it manually and the person attempting to do so may be injured during the leveling work. Also, it is difficult to determine if the refrigerator has been properly leveled.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus that determines if a refrigerator is level, that determines in which direction the refrigerator is tilted and then levels it. In order to meet the objective, the present invention provides a leveling apparatus comprising: a determination section, to determine if a refrigerator is level and to determine the direction in which it is tilted if it is not level, where the members for these determinations are mounted on the upper surface of the base plate of the refrigerator; four motors mounted on the respective angles of the base plate and connected to the determination means for the generation of a motive force; and four leveling sections each of which is mounted on the angles of the base plate and driven by each of the motors. The determination section comprises a housing, a plurality of upper terminals fixed to the housing that correspond to a respective plurality of lower terminals and a connection member for selectively connecting one of the upper terminals to the lower terminal corresponding to the upper terminal, or for the connection of two of the upper terminals with the two lower terminals corresponding to the two upper terminals, when the refrigerator is not level. Each of the leveling sections comprises an adjustable shaft that rotates thanks to the driving force generated by a motor and leveling the cooler, and a supporting member that holds the refrigerator and into which the adjustable shaft is inserted. The upper and lower terminals are electrically connected to each other and thus said connection operates the motor corresponding to the terminals. The motor rotates the adjustable shaft, thus leveling the refrigerator. The leveling apparatus according to the present invention has advantages in that its structure is quite simple and easy to manufacture, and can easily level a refrigerator, thereby preventing a safety accident during the leveling work.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects mentioned above and other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent with a detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view where the installed state of a leveling apparatus in a refrigerator is shown, according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the level determination section of the leveling apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view, partially cut away, showing the level determination section of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view used to explain how the power generation and leveling sections of the leveling apparatus of Figure 1 work; and Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an electrical connection between the determination section and the power generation section of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In Figure 1 there is shown a refrigerator in which a leveling apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is installed. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view where the level determination section of the leveling apparatus of Figure 1 can be seen. Figure 3 is a perspective view, partially cut away, showing the level determination section of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view that serves to explain how the power generation and leveling sections of the leveling apparatus of Figure 1 work. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the electrical connection between the determination section and the driving force generation section of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2 to 5, the leveling apparatus 100 of a refrigerator 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention , includes a determination section 110, which is mounted on the upper surface of the base plate of the refrigerator 10, which determines whether the refrigerator is flush and also s determines the direction in which the refrigerator 10 tilts, if it is not level, four engines 130 each of which generates a driving force and is mounted on one of the angles of the base plate 20 and is connected to the determination section 110, and includes four leveling sections 150, each of which is driven by a motor 130 corresponding thereto. As shown in Figure 2, the determination section 110 is mounted on the upper or lower surface of the refrigerator cabinet 10, preferably on the base plate 20, which is parallel to the shelves of the refrigerator 10 and said determination section. 110 determines if the refrigerator 10 is level and determines the direction in which the refrigerator 10 is tilted, if it is not level. The determination section 110, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, includes a housing 112 having an upper plate 116, a lower plate 114 and a plurality of side walls 118 connecting the upper and lower plates 116 and 114. , and includes a switch device 120 that electrically connects the motor 130 to a power source (not shown). The switch device 120 includes four upper terminals 122 which are fastened to the lower surface of the upper plate 116 of the housing 112, four lower terminals 124 which are clamped to the upper surface of the lower plate 124 of the housing 112 at the locations corresponding to the locations of the upper terminals 122, and which includes a connecting member 126 which selectively connects one of the upper terminals 122 to one of the lower terminals 124 corresponding to the upper terminal 122 or, which connects two of the upper terminals 122 with two of terminals 124 corresponding to terminals 122, if the refrigerator is not level.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, each of the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124 is arc-shaped in a cross section and installed in such a way that its external surface is directed towards an angle of the housing 112. The upper and lower terminals 122 and 124 are separated by a space, respectively, from the center of the base plate 20 and each of them is arranged separately in different quadrants. The connecting member 126 is cylindrical in shape and slides over the lower plate 114. If the refrigerator 10 is inclined towards F, R, B, L, FL, FR, BR or BL, then the connecting member 126 slides and is moves towards the direction F, R, B, L, FL, FR, BR or BL. Then, the connecting member 126 selectively connects one of the upper terminals 122 to one of the lower terminals 124 corresponding to that upper terminal 122 or connects two of the upper terminals 122 to the two lower terminals 124 corresponding to those two upper terminals. 122. The motor 130 is electrically connected to a switching device 120 and generates a driving force, the shaft 132 of the motor 130 is inserted into a drive gear 134. Since the leveling sections 150, which are located at the angles of the base plate of the base and which are respectively connected to the motors 130, are of similar structure, next only a leveling section 150 connected to the motor corresponding thereto will be explained, with reference to Figures 2 to 4. The section of leveling 150 includes a first reduction gear 140 which is linked to the drive gear 134 in order to reduce the speed Rotation rate of the motor 130 to a predetermined rotation speed, includes a second reduction gear 142 mounted aligned with respect to the first reduction gear 140, and includes a drive gear 144 which is linked to the second reduction gear 142. The diameter of the base of the circle of the first reduction gear 140 linked to the control gear 134 is greater than that of the control gear 134, and the diameter of the base of the circle of the second reduction gear 140, mounted on the same axis as the first reduction gear 140 is smaller than that of the first reduction gear 140. The driving gear 144 is inserted into the base plate 20 so that it can rotate and is fixed to an adjustable shaft 152 on which a Spiral groove on the outer peripheral surface, in the lower portion of the shaft. Thus, the drive gear 144 rotates the adjustable shaft 152. The adjustable shaft 152 is rotatably mounted on the base plate 20 by means of bearings 156, which are mounted in turn to the upper surfaces and bottom of the base plate 20. The portion of the spiral groove 154 of the adjustable shaft 152 is engaged in the projecting portion 158, which holds the refrigerator 10. A threaded hole is formed in the projecting portion 158, and the lower end the projecting portion 158 conforms to the upper portion of the support members 160 contacting the support surface, while the adjustable shaft 152 is rotating. The support member 160 does not rotate due to the friction it makes against the support surface, and the adjustable shaft 152 is rotated and screwed into the threaded hole of the protruding portion 158 of the support member 160. The operation will be explained below. of the leveling apparatus 100 of the refrigerator 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. If the supporting surface on which the refrigerator 10 is located is not level such that the refrigerator 10 is tilted, e.g. forward, the connecting member 126 of the determining section 1 10 slides and moves. forward F, between the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124. Then, the connecting member 126 contacts both the upper terminals 122 and the lower terminals 124 in the left front quadrant and with the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124 in the right front quadrant. Thus, the connecting member 126 contacts the upper and lower terminals 122, 124, and electrically connects the respective upper terminals 122 with the respective lower terminals 124, thereby making the respective motors 130 operate. When the forward motors 130 rotate, the rotation speed of the motors 130 is reduced by the gears 140, 142, 144 and 146 and the rotation force of the motors 130 is transferred respectively to the adjustable axes 152. Then, as rotating the portion of the spiral groove 154 of each of the adjustable shafts 152, so that the adjustable shaft 152 rises away from the projecting portion 158 of the support member 160, the forward portion of the refrigerator 10 rises. the adjustable shafts 152 are raised, the connecting member 126 interrupts contact with the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124 of the left and right front quadrants, thereby causing the motors 130 to stop working. Then, the refrigerator 10 is leveled and supported by the adjustable shafts 152 and the support members 160. On the other hand, if for example, the refrigerator 10 tilts forward and the left FL, the connecting member 126 moves towards forward and to the left and makes contact with the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124 located in the left front quadrant FL. Then the motor 130, electrically connected to the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124 in the left front quadrant FL, starts to work and the motive power of the motor 130 rotates the adjustable shaft 152 of the left front angle causing the forward portion to rise left of the refrigerator. Then, if the refrigerator 10 is level, the contact member 126 interrupts the contact with the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124, and the motor 130 which is electrically connected to the upper and lower terminals 122 and 124, stops working. In this way the refrigerator 10 was leveled and the support member 160 continues to keep the refrigerator 10 in a level position. As already described in the mentioned embodiment, the structure of the leveling apparatus according to the present invention is simple. Furthermore, the leveling of the refrigerator can be easily controlled, thus avoiding any damage that could be caused to a person. While the present invention has been described with special reference to the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in shape and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims (6)

Novelty of the Invention

1. An apparatus for leveling a refrigerator, characterized in that it comprises: means for determining if the refrigerator is at level and for determining the direction in which it is inclined if it is not level, said determination means being mounted on the upper surface of a base plate of the refrigerator. Four motors mounted on the respective angles of the base plate and connected to said determining means for the generation of an electromotive force; and four means for leveling the refrigerator, said leveling means being mounted on the respective angles of the base plate, where said engines operate said leveling means respectively.

2. The apparatus for leveling a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that said determining means comprise a housing with an upper plate, with a lower plate and with a plurality of side walls connecting the upper and lower plates, and a device switch with four upper terminals attached to the lower surface of the upper plate of the housing, with four lower terminals attached to the upper surface of the lower plate of the bearing housing in the locations corresponding to the locations of the upper terminals and with one member connection for the selective connection of one of the upper terminals with the lower terminal corresponding to the upper terminal or, for the connection of two of the upper terminals with the two lower terminals corresponding to said upper terminals, when the refrigerator is not level .

3. The apparatus for leveling a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper and lower terminals are arc-shaped in a cross section.

4. The apparatus for leveling a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting member is a cylinder.

5. The apparatus for leveling a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said leveling members comprises a control gear in which the shaft of one of said motors is inserted; a first reduction gear linked to the drive gear to reduce the rotation speed of said motor to a predetermined rotation speed; a drive gear linked to the second reduction gear; an adjustable shaft that is inserted, so that it can rotate, in the base plate, in which a spiral groove is formed on the lower external surface thereof and the drive gear in turn is inserted and fixed to the shaft adjustable for the transfer of the motive power of said motor; and a support member for holding the refrigerator which has a threaded hole in which the spiral portion of the adjustable shaft is screwed.

6. The apparatus for leveling a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the adjustable axes is mounted with at least two bearings, so that it can rotate, said bearings being mounted on the upper and lower plates.