US20160018155A1 - Leaf spring flipper mullion - Google Patents
Leaf spring flipper mullion Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160018155A1 US20160018155A1 US14/331,783 US201414331783A US2016018155A1 US 20160018155 A1 US20160018155 A1 US 20160018155A1 US 201414331783 A US201414331783 A US 201414331783A US 2016018155 A1 US2016018155 A1 US 2016018155A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- recess
- mullion
- leaf spring
- hinge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/028—Details
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/025—Secondary closures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/02—Details of doors or covers not otherwise covered
- F25D2323/021—French doors
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to refrigerator assemblies, and, more particularly, to a refrigerator assembly having a mullion assembly attached to a door.
- Refrigerators incorporating side by side doors may use a mullion assembly to improve a seal between the doors and refrigerator cabinet.
- magnets such as Neodymium magnets
- magnets have been used to pull (e.g., flip) the mullion assembly between an opened and closed position.
- magnets can be expensive and relatively difficult to incorporate. As such, it would be beneficial to reduce the use of magnets in the mullion assembly.
- a refrigerator assembly comprising a cabinet comprising one or more compartments and a door configured to provide access to the one or more compartments.
- the refrigerator assembly further comprises a mullion portion movably attached with respect the door and a hinge assembly attaching the mullion portion to the door such that the mullion portion is rotatably movable with respect to the door about a rotational axis between a first position and a second position.
- the refrigerator assembly further comprises a leaf spring and a cam structure.
- the cam structure comprises a first recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the first position.
- the cam structure further comprises a second recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the second position.
- a mullion assembly for a refrigerator assembly comprising one or more compartments and a door configured to provide access to the one or more compartments.
- the mullion assembly comprises a mullion portion and a hinge assembly for movably attaching the mullion portion to the door.
- the hinge assembly comprises a hinge plate and is configured such that the mullion portion is rotatably movable with respect to the hinge plate about a rotational axis between a first position and a second position.
- the mullion assembly further comprises a leaf spring and a cam structure.
- the cam structure comprises a first recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the first position.
- the cam structure further comprises a second recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the second position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example refrigerator assembly with an example mullion assembly
- FIG. 2 is a an enlarged view of the mullion assembly attached to the door
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mullion assembly in which a mullion portion of the mullion assembly is in a first position
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mullion assembly in which a mullion portion of the mullion assembly is in a second position.
- Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present examples. For example, one or more aspects can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present examples. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals can be employed for designating the same elements.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 includes a cabinet 12 having one or more compartments, such as a fresh food compartment 14 and a freezer compartment 16 .
- the refrigerator assembly 10 further comprises one or more doors 18 configured to provide access to the one or more compartments.
- a mullion assembly 20 is provided in attachment with at least one of the doors 18 for improved sealing.
- the mullion assembly 20 includes a mullion portion 22 having an elongated mullion body that extends along substantially the entire length of the door 18 .
- the mullion portion 22 is movably attached with respect to the door 18 such that the mullion portion 22 is rotatably movable with respect to the door about a rotational axis between a first (closed) and a second (open) position.
- the mullion assembly 20 has a cam structure that cooperates with a leaf spring to hold the mullion portion 22 in either of the first or second positions.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises one possible example of a refrigerator assembly.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 is a French door bottom mount freezer assembly.
- a French door bottom mount freezer assembly includes the fresh food compartment 14 provided at an upper portion of the refrigerator assembly 10 .
- the freezer compartment 16 is provided at a lower portion and underneath the fresh food compartment 14 .
- the refrigerator assembly 10 could be provided with multiple compartments or with compartments located above and/or laterally with respect to one another.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 could further include a side by side fresh food compartment and freezer compartment, such that the refrigerator assembly 10 is not limited to the shown French door bottom mount freezer.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 could include the fresh food compartment 14 positioned laterally next to the freezer compartment 16 .
- the refrigerator assembly 10 may include only a freezer compartment provided without the fresh food compartment or a fresh food compartment without the freezer compartment. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the refrigerator assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises only one possible example, as any number of designs and configurations are contemplated.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 includes the fresh food compartment 14 maintained at a first temperature.
- the fresh food compartment 14 is somewhat generically depicted and defines a substantially hollow interior portion and may include shelves, drawers, or the like.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 can include a pair of doors 18 , such as French doors, configured to provide access to the fresh food compartment 14 . It is to be appreciated, however, that the refrigerator assembly 10 could include other door assemblies, and is not limited to having the French doors shown in FIG. 1 . Rather, in further examples, the refrigerator assembly 10 could include a single door, or the like.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 can further include the freezer compartment 16 positioned adjacent and underneath the fresh food compartment 14 .
- the freezer compartment 16 can be maintained at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature of the fresh food compartment 14 .
- the refrigerator assembly 10 can further include a guide element 24 .
- the guide element 24 is configured to engage a guide member 26 of the mullion assembly 20 during opening and closing of the door 18 that the mullion assembly 20 is attached to.
- the guide element 24 and guide member 26 are shown to be positioned at upper portions of the fresh food compartment 14 and the mullion assembly 20 .
- the guide element 24 and guide member 26 are not limited to these upper portions, and instead could be positioned at lower portions of the fresh food compartment 14 and the mullion assembly 20 , or at both upper and lower portions.
- the guide element 24 and guide member 26 are illustrated schematically and may include any number of configurations. Indeed, the guide element 24 and guide member 26 could be larger or smaller than as shown.
- the refrigerator assembly 10 includes the mullion assembly 20 .
- the mullion assembly 20 is attached to one of the doors 18 , in particular, an edge surface 28 of the door 18 .
- the million portion 22 of the mullion assembly 20 is rotatably movable between a first (closed) position and a second (open) position about a rotational axis X.
- the mullion portion 22 will generally be in the first position, as shown in FIG. 3 , whereupon the mullion portion 22 is arranged generally parallel to a horizontal axis Y of the door 18 (e.g., in a similar position as shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the mullion portion 22 will likewise move to the second position, as shown in FIG. 4 , whereupon the mullion portion 22 extends generally perpendicular to the horizontal axis Y.
- the mullion portion 22 is shown to be in the first position in FIGS. 1 and 2 for illustrative purposes and to more clearly depict portions of the mullion assembly 20 in spite of the door 18 being in the opened position.
- the mullion portion 22 will be arranged in the second position such that the mullion portion 22 is perpendicular to the horizontal axis Y.
- the mullion assembly 20 can include one or more hinge assemblies 30 configured to movably attach the mullion assembly 20 to the door 18 .
- the hinge assemblies 30 can allow for pivotable movement of the mullion portion 22 with respect to the door 18 .
- the hinge assemblies 30 can include any number of configurations. In the shown example, two hinge assemblies 30 are depicted, however in further examples, the door 18 and mullion assembly 20 could be attached via one or more hinge assemblies 30 . Further, the hinge assemblies 30 are not limited to the shown position, and in further examples, could be positioned closer to a top, bottom, or center portion along a length of the door 18 .
- the hinge assembly 30 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 may be used for one or more of the hinge assemblies 30 of the mullion assembly 20 though all of the hinge assemblies 30 of the mullion assembly 20 need not have the same configuration.
- the hinge assembly 30 can include a hinge plate 32 that is elongated, generally planar and extends along the door 18 .
- the hinge plate 32 can have a first side 34 and an opposing second side 36 .
- the first side 34 can be attached to the edge surface 28 of the door 18 such that the first side 34 is flush with the edge surface 28 .
- the hinge plate 32 can be attached to the door 18 with various types of fasteners, such as mechanical fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.), adhesives (epoxy, glue, etc.) or by a snap fit structure. While the hinge plate 32 is shown to be attached at substantially upper location of the door 18 (in FIG. 2 ), the hinge plate 32 could be positioned higher or lower in further examples. Moreover, while the hinge plate 32 in the present example is separately attached to the edge surface 28 of the door 18 , the hinge plate 32 in other examples can be integral with and defined by the edge surface 28 of the door 18 .
- fasteners such as mechanical fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.), adhesives (epoxy, glue, etc.) or by a snap fit structure. While the hinge plate 32 is shown to be attached at substantially upper location of the door 18 (in FIG. 2 ), the hinge plate 32 could be positioned higher or lower in further examples. Moreover, while the hinge plate 32 in the present example is separately attached to the edge surface 28
- the hinge assembly 30 can comprise a leaf spring 40 that has a substantially arcuate shape, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the leaf spring 40 can have a fixed end 42 that is fixed relative to the hinge plate 32 and a free end 44 that is movable relative to the hinge plate 32 , though in some examples, both ends 42 , 44 may be fixed relative to the hinge plate 32 .
- the leaf spring 40 may be integral with the hinge plate 32 or the leaf spring 40 may be a separately attached to the hinge plate 32 with one or more fasteners.
- the leaf spring 40 is configured such that the leaf spring 40 projects from the hinge plate 32 in a direction generally perpendicular to the edge surface 28 and toward the rotational axis X.
- the free end 44 of the leaf spring 40 may be provided within a recess 48 of the hinge plate 32 such that when a force is applied to the leaf spring 40 in a direction toward the edge surface 28 and away from the rotational axis X, the arcuate shape of the leaf spring 40 will flatten and the free end 44 will translate within the recess 48 in a direction away from the fixed end 42 .
- the hinge plate 32 is configured to retain the free end 44 within the recess 48 and guide the free end 44 away from the fixed end 42 as the leaf spring 40 is flattened.
- the mullion portion 22 includes a cam structure 52 configured to cooperate with the leaf spring 40 as the mullion portion 22 is rotated between the first and second positions.
- the cam structure 52 defines an outwardly projecting protuberance extending from the main body of the mullion portion 22 .
- the cam structure 52 has a generally quadrilateral shaped cross-section with rounded edges.
- the cam structure 52 can include a square shaped or rectangular shaped cross-section or the like.
- the cam structure 52 includes one or more stop structures for controlling movement of the mullion portion 22 .
- the one or more stop structures can include, for example, a first recess 56 and a second recess 58 .
- the stop structures are not so limited to including the recesses, and in further examples, the stop structures could include extensions, projections, openings, etc.
- the first recess 56 defines an inward recess extending towards an interior of the cam structure 52 .
- the first recess 56 has a substantially arcuate shape, though in further examples, the first recess 56 could have linearly extending portions, or the like.
- the first recess 56 could be larger (e.g., projecting deeper into the cam structure 52 ) or smaller (e.g., projecting shallower into the cam structure 52 ) than as shown.
- the one or more stop structures of the cam structure 52 further includes the second recess 58 .
- the second recess 58 is positioned approximately 90° from the first recess 56 about the rotational axis X. In further examples, however, the second recess 58 could be positioned at various other angles closer to or further from the second recess 58 .
- the second recess 58 can have substantially the same size and shape as the first recess 56 .
- the second recess 58 defines an inward recess extending towards an interior of the cam structure 52 .
- the second recess 58 has a substantially arcuate shape, though in further examples, the second recess 58 could have linearly extending portions, or the like.
- the second recess 58 could be larger (e.g., projecting deeper into the cam structure 52 ) or smaller (e.g., projecting shallower into the cam structure 52 ) than as shown.
- the one or more stop structures of the cam structure 52 further includes a stopper 60 .
- the stopper 60 is positioned at an edge of the cam structure 52 between the first recess 56 and second recess 58 .
- the stopper 60 defines an outwardly projecting protuberance, such that the stopper 60 projects outwardly more from the rotational axis X than both the first recess 56 and the second recess 58 .
- the stopper 60 can be rounded (as shown) or may include linearly extending portions.
- the hinge assembly 30 can further include one or more attachment structures 62 .
- the hinge assembly 30 shown in FIG. 2 comprises an attachment structure 62 positioned at a lower end of the hinge plate 32 .
- the attachment structure 62 is not limited to such a location, and could be positioned closer towards a center or upper end of the hinge plate 32 .
- the hinge plate 32 in FIG. 2 comprises one attachment structure 62 , though in further examples, any number of attachment structures are envisioned (e.g., two or more).
- the attachment structure 62 projects from the second side 36 in a direction away from the hinge plate 32 .
- the attachment structure 62 can further include engagement structures, projections, or the like for movably (e.g., pivotably) attaching to another structure.
- the mullion portion 22 can further include one or more attachment portions 64 for attaching to the hinge assembly 30 .
- the mullion portion 22 shown in FIG. 2 comprises an attachment portion 64 having a bore (not shown) for receiving a portion of the attachment structure 62 , thus allowing the mullion portion 22 to move (e.g., pivot) with respect to the hinge assembly 30 when the portion of the attachment structure 62 is received therein.
- the mullion assembly 20 is not limited to including the attachment structures 62 and the attachment portions 64 . Instead, in further examples, the mullion assembly 20 could include any number of structures that allow for pivotable movement of the mullion portion 22 relative to the hinge assembly 30 and door 18 .
- the mullion assembly 20 in FIG. 3 is depicted when the mullion portion 22 is in the first (i.e. closed) position and parallel with the horizontal axis Y.
- the mullion assembly 20 in FIG. 4 is depicted when the mullion portion 22 is in the second (i.e. opened) position and perpendicular with the horizontal axis Y.
- the leaf spring 40 is respectively received within the first recess 56 and the second recess 58 .
- the rotational axis X of the mullion portion 22 can be distanced from the hinge assembly 30 such that there is little or no interference between the leaf spring 40 and the first and second recesses 56 , 58 .
- a shape of the leaf spring 40 in its natural state can substantially match the shapes of the first and second recesses 56 , 58 such that the leaf spring 40 can be removably received within the first and second recesses 56 , 58 with little or no interference therebetween.
- the stopper 60 projects outwardly more from the rotational axis X than the first and second recesses 56 , 58 . Accordingly, rotation of the mullion portion 22 between the first and second positions will cause the stopper 60 to interfere with and press against the leaf spring 40 .
- the leaf spring 40 can flatten to accommodate for this interference with the stopper 60 and allow the mullion portion 22 to complete its rotation between the first and second positions.
- the bias of the leaf spring 40 will tend to cause the mullion portion 22 to remain in the first or second position unless sufficient rotational force is applied to the mullion portion 22 to overcome the bias of the leaf spring 40 .
- the mullion portion 22 When the door 18 is in the closed position, the mullion portion 22 will be in the first position, as shown in FIG. 3 , and the guide member 26 of the mullion portion 22 will be engaged with the guide element 24 of the refrigerator assembly 10 .
- the guide element 24 As the door 18 is rotated to the opened position, the guide element 24 is configured to cooperate with and guide the guide member 26 of the mullion portion 22 in a manner that causes the mullion portion 22 to rotatably move with respect to the door 18 and hinge plate 32 about the rotational axis X from the first position to the second position.
- the bias of the leaf spring 40 will tend to cause the mullion portion 22 to remain in the first position. However, this bias may be overcome by applying sufficient rotational force to the door 18 .
- the mullion portion 22 When the door 18 is in the opened position, the mullion portion 22 will be in the second position, as shown in FIG. 4 , and the guide member 26 of the mullion portion 22 will be disengaged with the guide element 24 of the refrigerator assembly 10 . As the door 18 is rotated to the closed position, the guide member 26 of the mullion portion 22 will eventually cooperate with and engage the guide element 24 of the refrigerator assembly 10 in a manner that causes the mullion portion 22 to rotatably move with respect to the door 18 and the hinge plate 32 about the rotational axis X from the second position to the first position. As described above, the bias of the leaf spring 40 will tend to cause the mullion portion 22 to remain in the second position. However, this bias may be overcome by applying sufficient rotational force to the door 18 .
- the mullion portion 22 can be held in position with respect to the hinge assembly 30 and the door 18 .
- the bias of the leaf spring 40 can hold the mullion portion 22 such that the leaf spring 40 remains within the first recess 56 and second recess 58 .
- the bias of the leaf spring 40 can limit the likelihood of the mullion portion 22 inadvertently moving with respect to the hinge assembly 30 and door 18 . Rather, movement of the mullion portion 22 can be limited to when sufficient rotational force is applied to the door 18 to overcome the bias of the leaf spring 40 .
- leaf spring 40 and the cooperating cam structure 52 of the mullion assembly 20 described above are oppositely provided on the hinge assembly 30 and the mullion portion 22 such that the leaf spring 40 is provided on the hinge assembly 30 and the cam structure is oppositely provided on the mullion portion 22
- the leaf spring 40 and cam structure 52 in other embodiments can be oppositely provided on the hinge assembly 30 and the mullion portion 22 such that the leaf spring 40 is provided on the mullion portion 22 and the cam structure 52 is oppositely provided on the hinge assembly 30 .
- the leaf spring 40 can similarly cooperate with the cam structure 52 as the mullion portion 22 is rotated about the rotational axis to bias the mullion portion 22 toward the first and second positions.
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Field
- The present invention relates generally to refrigerator assemblies, and, more particularly, to a refrigerator assembly having a mullion assembly attached to a door.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Various types of refrigerators include side by side doors (“French Door”). Refrigerators incorporating side by side doors may use a mullion assembly to improve a seal between the doors and refrigerator cabinet. In the past, magnets, such as Neodymium magnets, have been used to pull (e.g., flip) the mullion assembly between an opened and closed position. However, magnets can be expensive and relatively difficult to incorporate. As such, it would be beneficial to reduce the use of magnets in the mullion assembly.
- The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
- In accordance with one aspect, a refrigerator assembly is provided comprising a cabinet comprising one or more compartments and a door configured to provide access to the one or more compartments. The refrigerator assembly further comprises a mullion portion movably attached with respect the door and a hinge assembly attaching the mullion portion to the door such that the mullion portion is rotatably movable with respect to the door about a rotational axis between a first position and a second position. The refrigerator assembly further comprises a leaf spring and a cam structure. The cam structure comprises a first recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the first position. The cam structure further comprises a second recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the second position.
- In accordance with another aspect, a mullion assembly is provided for a refrigerator assembly comprising one or more compartments and a door configured to provide access to the one or more compartments. The mullion assembly comprises a mullion portion and a hinge assembly for movably attaching the mullion portion to the door. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge plate and is configured such that the mullion portion is rotatably movable with respect to the hinge plate about a rotational axis between a first position and a second position. The mullion assembly further comprises a leaf spring and a cam structure. The cam structure comprises a first recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the first position. The cam structure further comprises a second recess for receiving the leaf spring when the mullion portion is in the second position.
- The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present examples relate upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example refrigerator assembly with an example mullion assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a an enlarged view of the mullion assembly attached to the door; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mullion assembly in which a mullion portion of the mullion assembly is in a first position; and -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mullion assembly in which a mullion portion of the mullion assembly is in a second position. - Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present examples. For example, one or more aspects can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present examples. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals can be employed for designating the same elements.
- Referring to the example of
FIG. 1 , an example of arefrigerator assembly 10 is shown. In short summary, therefrigerator assembly 10 includes acabinet 12 having one or more compartments, such as afresh food compartment 14 and afreezer compartment 16. Therefrigerator assembly 10 further comprises one ormore doors 18 configured to provide access to the one or more compartments. Amullion assembly 20 is provided in attachment with at least one of thedoors 18 for improved sealing. Themullion assembly 20 includes amullion portion 22 having an elongated mullion body that extends along substantially the entire length of thedoor 18. As will be described in more detail below, themullion portion 22 is movably attached with respect to thedoor 18 such that themullion portion 22 is rotatably movable with respect to the door about a rotational axis between a first (closed) and a second (open) position. Themullion assembly 20 has a cam structure that cooperates with a leaf spring to hold themullion portion 22 in either of the first or second positions. - The
refrigerator assembly 10 shown inFIG. 1 comprises one possible example of a refrigerator assembly. In this example, therefrigerator assembly 10 is a French door bottom mount freezer assembly. A French door bottom mount freezer assembly includes thefresh food compartment 14 provided at an upper portion of therefrigerator assembly 10. Thefreezer compartment 16 is provided at a lower portion and underneath thefresh food compartment 14. In further examples, therefrigerator assembly 10 could be provided with multiple compartments or with compartments located above and/or laterally with respect to one another. Therefrigerator assembly 10 could further include a side by side fresh food compartment and freezer compartment, such that therefrigerator assembly 10 is not limited to the shown French door bottom mount freezer. In particular, therefrigerator assembly 10 could include thefresh food compartment 14 positioned laterally next to thefreezer compartment 16. In yet another example, therefrigerator assembly 10 may include only a freezer compartment provided without the fresh food compartment or a fresh food compartment without the freezer compartment. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that therefrigerator assembly 10 shown inFIG. 1 comprises only one possible example, as any number of designs and configurations are contemplated. - The
refrigerator assembly 10 includes thefresh food compartment 14 maintained at a first temperature. Thefresh food compartment 14 is somewhat generically depicted and defines a substantially hollow interior portion and may include shelves, drawers, or the like. Therefrigerator assembly 10 can include a pair ofdoors 18, such as French doors, configured to provide access to thefresh food compartment 14. It is to be appreciated, however, that therefrigerator assembly 10 could include other door assemblies, and is not limited to having the French doors shown inFIG. 1 . Rather, in further examples, therefrigerator assembly 10 could include a single door, or the like. Therefrigerator assembly 10 can further include thefreezer compartment 16 positioned adjacent and underneath thefresh food compartment 14. Thefreezer compartment 16 can be maintained at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature of thefresh food compartment 14. - The
refrigerator assembly 10 can further include aguide element 24. Theguide element 24 is configured to engage aguide member 26 of themullion assembly 20 during opening and closing of thedoor 18 that themullion assembly 20 is attached to. Theguide element 24 andguide member 26 are shown to be positioned at upper portions of thefresh food compartment 14 and themullion assembly 20. However, in further examples, theguide element 24 and guidemember 26 are not limited to these upper portions, and instead could be positioned at lower portions of thefresh food compartment 14 and themullion assembly 20, or at both upper and lower portions. Theguide element 24 and guidemember 26 are illustrated schematically and may include any number of configurations. Indeed, theguide element 24 and guidemember 26 could be larger or smaller than as shown. - Turning now to
FIGS. 2-4 , therefrigerator assembly 10 includes themullion assembly 20. Themullion assembly 20 is attached to one of thedoors 18, in particular, anedge surface 28 of thedoor 18. The millionportion 22 of themullion assembly 20 is rotatably movable between a first (closed) position and a second (open) position about a rotational axis X. For example, when thedoor 18 is in a closed position, themullion portion 22 will generally be in the first position, as shown inFIG. 3 , whereupon themullion portion 22 is arranged generally parallel to a horizontal axis Y of the door 18 (e.g., in a similar position as shown inFIG. 1 ). Conversely, when thedoor 18 is rotated to an open position, themullion portion 22 will likewise move to the second position, as shown inFIG. 4 , whereupon themullion portion 22 extends generally perpendicular to the horizontal axis Y. It is to be appreciated that themullion portion 22 is shown to be in the first position inFIGS. 1 and 2 for illustrative purposes and to more clearly depict portions of themullion assembly 20 in spite of thedoor 18 being in the opened position. However, in operation, when thedoor 18 is in the opened position, themullion portion 22 will be arranged in the second position such that themullion portion 22 is perpendicular to the horizontal axis Y. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , themullion assembly 20 can include one ormore hinge assemblies 30 configured to movably attach themullion assembly 20 to thedoor 18. For example, thehinge assemblies 30 can allow for pivotable movement of themullion portion 22 with respect to thedoor 18. Thehinge assemblies 30 can include any number of configurations. In the shown example, twohinge assemblies 30 are depicted, however in further examples, thedoor 18 andmullion assembly 20 could be attached via one ormore hinge assemblies 30. Further, thehinge assemblies 30 are not limited to the shown position, and in further examples, could be positioned closer to a top, bottom, or center portion along a length of thedoor 18. - Referring to
FIGS. 2-4 , one of thehinge assemblies 30 will now be described in further detail. Thehinge assembly 30 illustrated inFIGS. 2-4 may be used for one or more of thehinge assemblies 30 of themullion assembly 20 though all of thehinge assemblies 30 of themullion assembly 20 need not have the same configuration. As shown, thehinge assembly 30 can include ahinge plate 32 that is elongated, generally planar and extends along thedoor 18. Thehinge plate 32 can have afirst side 34 and an opposingsecond side 36. Thefirst side 34 can be attached to theedge surface 28 of thedoor 18 such that thefirst side 34 is flush with theedge surface 28. Thehinge plate 32 can be attached to thedoor 18 with various types of fasteners, such as mechanical fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.), adhesives (epoxy, glue, etc.) or by a snap fit structure. While thehinge plate 32 is shown to be attached at substantially upper location of the door 18 (inFIG. 2 ), thehinge plate 32 could be positioned higher or lower in further examples. Moreover, while thehinge plate 32 in the present example is separately attached to theedge surface 28 of thedoor 18, thehinge plate 32 in other examples can be integral with and defined by theedge surface 28 of thedoor 18. - The
hinge assembly 30 can comprise aleaf spring 40 that has a substantially arcuate shape, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Theleaf spring 40 can have a fixedend 42 that is fixed relative to thehinge plate 32 and afree end 44 that is movable relative to thehinge plate 32, though in some examples, both ends 42, 44 may be fixed relative to thehinge plate 32. Theleaf spring 40 may be integral with thehinge plate 32 or theleaf spring 40 may be a separately attached to thehinge plate 32 with one or more fasteners. Theleaf spring 40 is configured such that theleaf spring 40 projects from thehinge plate 32 in a direction generally perpendicular to theedge surface 28 and toward the rotational axis X. Thefree end 44 of theleaf spring 40 may be provided within arecess 48 of thehinge plate 32 such that when a force is applied to theleaf spring 40 in a direction toward theedge surface 28 and away from the rotational axis X, the arcuate shape of theleaf spring 40 will flatten and thefree end 44 will translate within therecess 48 in a direction away from the fixedend 42. Indeed, thehinge plate 32 is configured to retain thefree end 44 within therecess 48 and guide thefree end 44 away from the fixedend 42 as theleaf spring 40 is flattened. - The
mullion portion 22 includes acam structure 52 configured to cooperate with theleaf spring 40 as themullion portion 22 is rotated between the first and second positions. Thecam structure 52 defines an outwardly projecting protuberance extending from the main body of themullion portion 22. Thecam structure 52 has a generally quadrilateral shaped cross-section with rounded edges. In further examples, thecam structure 52 can include a square shaped or rectangular shaped cross-section or the like. - The
cam structure 52 includes one or more stop structures for controlling movement of themullion portion 22. The one or more stop structures can include, for example, afirst recess 56 and a second recess 58. The stop structures are not so limited to including the recesses, and in further examples, the stop structures could include extensions, projections, openings, etc. Thefirst recess 56 defines an inward recess extending towards an interior of thecam structure 52. Thefirst recess 56 has a substantially arcuate shape, though in further examples, thefirst recess 56 could have linearly extending portions, or the like. Likewise, thefirst recess 56 could be larger (e.g., projecting deeper into the cam structure 52) or smaller (e.g., projecting shallower into the cam structure 52) than as shown. - The one or more stop structures of the
cam structure 52 further includes the second recess 58. The second recess 58 is positioned approximately 90° from thefirst recess 56 about the rotational axis X. In further examples, however, the second recess 58 could be positioned at various other angles closer to or further from the second recess 58. The second recess 58 can have substantially the same size and shape as thefirst recess 56. For example, the second recess 58 defines an inward recess extending towards an interior of thecam structure 52. The second recess 58 has a substantially arcuate shape, though in further examples, the second recess 58 could have linearly extending portions, or the like. Likewise, the second recess 58 could be larger (e.g., projecting deeper into the cam structure 52) or smaller (e.g., projecting shallower into the cam structure 52) than as shown. - The one or more stop structures of the
cam structure 52 further includes astopper 60. Thestopper 60 is positioned at an edge of thecam structure 52 between thefirst recess 56 and second recess 58. Thestopper 60 defines an outwardly projecting protuberance, such that thestopper 60 projects outwardly more from the rotational axis X than both thefirst recess 56 and the second recess 58. Thestopper 60 can be rounded (as shown) or may include linearly extending portions. - The
hinge assembly 30 can further include one ormore attachment structures 62. For example, thehinge assembly 30 shown inFIG. 2 comprises anattachment structure 62 positioned at a lower end of thehinge plate 32. In further examples, however, theattachment structure 62 is not limited to such a location, and could be positioned closer towards a center or upper end of thehinge plate 32. Thehinge plate 32 inFIG. 2 comprises oneattachment structure 62, though in further examples, any number of attachment structures are envisioned (e.g., two or more). Theattachment structure 62 projects from thesecond side 36 in a direction away from thehinge plate 32. Theattachment structure 62 can further include engagement structures, projections, or the like for movably (e.g., pivotably) attaching to another structure. - The
mullion portion 22 can further include one ormore attachment portions 64 for attaching to thehinge assembly 30. For example, themullion portion 22 shown inFIG. 2 comprises anattachment portion 64 having a bore (not shown) for receiving a portion of theattachment structure 62, thus allowing themullion portion 22 to move (e.g., pivot) with respect to thehinge assembly 30 when the portion of theattachment structure 62 is received therein. Themullion assembly 20, however, is not limited to including theattachment structures 62 and theattachment portions 64. Instead, in further examples, themullion assembly 20 could include any number of structures that allow for pivotable movement of themullion portion 22 relative to thehinge assembly 30 anddoor 18. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the operation of themullion assembly 20 will now be described in detail. Themullion assembly 20 inFIG. 3 is depicted when themullion portion 22 is in the first (i.e. closed) position and parallel with the horizontal axis Y. Meanwhile, themullion assembly 20 inFIG. 4 is depicted when themullion portion 22 is in the second (i.e. opened) position and perpendicular with the horizontal axis Y. In the first and second positions, theleaf spring 40 is respectively received within thefirst recess 56 and the second recess 58. The rotational axis X of themullion portion 22 can be distanced from thehinge assembly 30 such that there is little or no interference between theleaf spring 40 and the first andsecond recesses 56, 58. Indeed, a shape of theleaf spring 40 in its natural state can substantially match the shapes of the first andsecond recesses 56, 58 such that theleaf spring 40 can be removably received within the first andsecond recesses 56, 58 with little or no interference therebetween. - As mentioned above, the
stopper 60 projects outwardly more from the rotational axis X than the first andsecond recesses 56, 58. Accordingly, rotation of themullion portion 22 between the first and second positions will cause thestopper 60 to interfere with and press against theleaf spring 40. Theleaf spring 40 can flatten to accommodate for this interference with thestopper 60 and allow themullion portion 22 to complete its rotation between the first and second positions. However, the bias of theleaf spring 40 will tend to cause themullion portion 22 to remain in the first or second position unless sufficient rotational force is applied to themullion portion 22 to overcome the bias of theleaf spring 40. - When the
door 18 is in the closed position, themullion portion 22 will be in the first position, as shown inFIG. 3 , and theguide member 26 of themullion portion 22 will be engaged with theguide element 24 of therefrigerator assembly 10. As thedoor 18 is rotated to the opened position, theguide element 24 is configured to cooperate with and guide theguide member 26 of themullion portion 22 in a manner that causes themullion portion 22 to rotatably move with respect to thedoor 18 and hingeplate 32 about the rotational axis X from the first position to the second position. As described above, the bias of theleaf spring 40 will tend to cause themullion portion 22 to remain in the first position. However, this bias may be overcome by applying sufficient rotational force to thedoor 18. - When the
door 18 is in the opened position, themullion portion 22 will be in the second position, as shown inFIG. 4 , and theguide member 26 of themullion portion 22 will be disengaged with theguide element 24 of therefrigerator assembly 10. As thedoor 18 is rotated to the closed position, theguide member 26 of themullion portion 22 will eventually cooperate with and engage theguide element 24 of therefrigerator assembly 10 in a manner that causes themullion portion 22 to rotatably move with respect to thedoor 18 and thehinge plate 32 about the rotational axis X from the second position to the first position. As described above, the bias of theleaf spring 40 will tend to cause themullion portion 22 to remain in the second position. However, this bias may be overcome by applying sufficient rotational force to thedoor 18. - By providing the
leaf spring 40 and thecam structure 52 as described above, themullion portion 22 can be held in position with respect to thehinge assembly 30 and thedoor 18. In particular, the bias of theleaf spring 40 can hold themullion portion 22 such that theleaf spring 40 remains within thefirst recess 56 and second recess 58. The bias of theleaf spring 40 can limit the likelihood of themullion portion 22 inadvertently moving with respect to thehinge assembly 30 anddoor 18. Rather, movement of themullion portion 22 can be limited to when sufficient rotational force is applied to thedoor 18 to overcome the bias of theleaf spring 40. - Although the
leaf spring 40 and the cooperatingcam structure 52 of themullion assembly 20 described above are oppositely provided on thehinge assembly 30 and themullion portion 22 such that theleaf spring 40 is provided on thehinge assembly 30 and the cam structure is oppositely provided on themullion portion 22, it is to be appreciated that theleaf spring 40 andcam structure 52 in other embodiments can be oppositely provided on thehinge assembly 30 and themullion portion 22 such that theleaf spring 40 is provided on themullion portion 22 and thecam structure 52 is oppositely provided on thehinge assembly 30. In such embodiments, theleaf spring 40 can similarly cooperate with thecam structure 52 as themullion portion 22 is rotated about the rotational axis to bias themullion portion 22 toward the first and second positions. - The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/331,783 US9234695B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2014-07-15 | Leaf spring flipper mullion |
AU2015289934A AU2015289934B2 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-07-13 | Flipper mullion comprising a leaf spring |
BR112017000618-9A BR112017000618B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-07-13 | TRAY ASSEMBLY FOR A REFRIGERATOR ASSEMBLY AND REFRIGERATOR ASSEMBLY |
EP15745314.3A EP3169952B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-07-13 | Flipper mullion comprising a leaf spring |
PCT/US2015/040133 WO2016010891A1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-07-13 | Flipper mullion comprising a leaf spring |
CN201580038414.6A CN106796075B (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-07-13 | Roll-over mullion including leaf springs |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/331,783 US9234695B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2014-07-15 | Leaf spring flipper mullion |
Publications (2)
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US9234695B1 US9234695B1 (en) | 2016-01-12 |
US20160018155A1 true US20160018155A1 (en) | 2016-01-21 |
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US14/331,783 Active US9234695B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2014-07-15 | Leaf spring flipper mullion |
Country Status (6)
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US (1) | US9234695B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3169952B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106796075B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2015289934B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112017000618B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016010891A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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DE102017128851A1 (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-02 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz Gmbh | Fridge and / or freezer |
US10458695B2 (en) * | 2016-01-14 | 2019-10-29 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US11359856B2 (en) * | 2019-05-17 | 2022-06-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
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KR102104521B1 (en) * | 2014-01-07 | 2020-04-27 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
KR101644438B1 (en) * | 2014-11-20 | 2016-08-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US9989297B1 (en) * | 2016-11-23 | 2018-06-05 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Home appliance door |
US10267554B2 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2019-04-23 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Mullion for a refrigerator appliance |
KR102415653B1 (en) * | 2017-08-21 | 2022-07-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
US10422571B2 (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2019-09-24 | Midea Group Co., Ltd | Method and apparatus for sealing french doors for a freezer compartment |
US10837695B2 (en) | 2017-12-04 | 2020-11-17 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigerator assembly |
US10982897B2 (en) * | 2019-04-03 | 2021-04-20 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Appliance having an articulating mullion and damping assembly |
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CN113494800A (en) * | 2020-04-03 | 2021-10-12 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Refrigerator with a door |
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-
2014
- 2014-07-15 US US14/331,783 patent/US9234695B1/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-07-13 BR BR112017000618-9A patent/BR112017000618B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-07-13 EP EP15745314.3A patent/EP3169952B1/en active Active
- 2015-07-13 CN CN201580038414.6A patent/CN106796075B/en active Active
- 2015-07-13 WO PCT/US2015/040133 patent/WO2016010891A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-07-13 AU AU2015289934A patent/AU2015289934B2/en active Active
Cited By (6)
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US10458695B2 (en) * | 2016-01-14 | 2019-10-29 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US10871321B2 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2020-12-22 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
DE102017128851A1 (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-02 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz Gmbh | Fridge and / or freezer |
US11359856B2 (en) * | 2019-05-17 | 2022-06-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
US20220268510A1 (en) * | 2019-05-17 | 2022-08-25 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
US11709012B2 (en) * | 2019-05-17 | 2023-07-25 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2016010891A1 (en) | 2016-01-21 |
CN106796075B (en) | 2020-03-24 |
CN106796075A (en) | 2017-05-31 |
BR112017000618B1 (en) | 2022-08-09 |
AU2015289934A1 (en) | 2017-02-02 |
AU2015289934B2 (en) | 2019-07-18 |
EP3169952A1 (en) | 2017-05-24 |
US9234695B1 (en) | 2016-01-12 |
EP3169952B1 (en) | 2020-08-05 |
BR112017000618A2 (en) | 2017-11-14 |
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