Automatic door closing device of refrigerator and refrigerator having the same

Abstract

An automatic door closing device of a refrigerator, which allows a drawer unit to automatically close a storage compartment, and a refrigerator having the same. The automatic door closing device is provided at a front lateral region of the drawer unit, thereby being operated even if a user moves the drawer unit only a short distance. Further, since the automatic door closing device is positioned so as not to invade an installation space of a sliding device for sliding opening/closing of the drawer unit, the sliding device may be installed to easily support the weight of the drawer unit. A damper device is provided underneath the automatic door closing device to prevent the automatic door closing device from causing sudden closing motion of the drawer unit. The damper device may adjust the beginning of shock alleviation by adjusting the length of a damper rod.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Applications No. 2009-0101613, filed on Oct. 26, 2009 and No. 2010-0053244, filed on Jun. 7, 2010 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator, which enables automatic closing of a drawer unit of the refrigerator, and a refrigerator having the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a refrigerator serves to keep food cool or frozen using cold air generated via operation of a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator includes doors to open or close the interior of a refrigerator body.

The doors are divided into a rotating type door and a drawer type door. The drawer type door is integrally formed with a storage container. The storage container may be retracted from the refrigerator body simultaneously with opening of the door, allowing a user to easily retrieve items from the storage container.

The drawer type door is movable using, for example, a sliding device installed thereto.

In use of the drawer type door, after the user pulls out the drawer type door to retrieve items from the storage container, the user again pushes the drawer type door, thereby returning the door to an original position thereof. This operation, however, may result in incomplete closing of the drawer type door if the user does not sufficiently push the door.

To prevent the incomplete closing of the drawer type door, an automatic closing device has been installed to the rear of the sliding device. The automatic closing device applies force to the drawer type door when the door is almost closed, thereby accomplishing complete closing of the drawer type door.

However, the conventional automatic closing device may require that the user push the drawer type door until the door is almost closed, and thus, may have a short operating distance.

Further, if the drawer type door is rapidly moved and closed by the automatic closing device, this may cause damage or shock to the refrigerator.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is one aspect to provide an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator, which allows a drawer unit of the refrigerator to close a storage compartment of the refrigerator in an automated manner, and a refrigerator having the same.

It is another aspect to provide an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator in which a drawer unit has a short moving distance required to allow the automatic door closing device to begin an operation to close a storage compartment, and a refrigerator having the same.

It is another aspect to provide an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator, which may support the weight of a drawer unit, and a refrigerator having the same.

It is another aspect to provide an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator, which enables steady-rate closing of a drawer unit, and a refrigerator having the same.

It is a further aspect to provide an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator, which may prevent shock or damage to the refrigerator during automatic closing of a drawer unit, and a refrigerator having the same.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

In accordance with one aspect, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, and an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit to be closed to the storage compartment when the drawer unit reaches a predetermined position in the course of entering the storage compartment, wherein the drawer unit includes a door to open or close the storage compartment, a supporting member provided at a rear surface of the door to support the drawer unit, and a storage container seated in the supporting member, and the automatic door closing device is located at a front lateral region of the drawer unit to reduce a moving distance of the drawer unit required to allow the automatic door closing device to begin an operation to close the storage compartment.

Also, in accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, an automatic door closing device provided at the drawer unit to move the drawer unit to be opened from or closed to the storage compartment, and a holding member provided at the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device, wherein the automatic door closing device includes a case, a slider movable relative to the case, a rotator rotatably provided at one end of the slider to restrain the slider in the case or to release the slider from the case, and an elastic member provided between the case and the slider to provide elasticity, and the rotator is linked to the holding member to restrain the slider in the case or to release the slider from the case, so as to allow the slider to move relative to the case.

The holding member may be provided at an inner wall of the storage compartment and may serve to cause an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit by being caught by the automatic door closing device. The holding member may be provided at a front region of the storage compartment. The rotator may include a holding recess into which the holding member is engaged.

The automatic door closing device may include a case, a slider linearly movable in the case, a rotator rotatably coupled to an end of the slider to be rotated in a predetermined position of the case, and an elastic member connecting the slider and the case to each other.

The case may include the slider and a guide rail to guide movement of the rotator along a predetermined route, and the rotator may include a protrusion inserted into the guide rail so as to be guided along the predetermined route.

The guide rail may include a straight path, and a holding portion provided at an end of the straight path to enable rotation of the rotator, and the slider may be released from the case when the protrusion of the rotator is located on the straight path of the guide rail, and may be restrained in the case when the protrusion of the rotator is located in the holding portion of the guide rail.

The drawer unit may be opened as the elastic member is stretched via relative motion between the slider and the case when the user applies force to the drawer unit, and on the contrary, may be closed via relative motion between the slider and the case as the elastic member is compressed.

The case may include a guide slot formed in a movement path of the rotator to allow the holding member to be engaged into the holding recess.

The protrusion of the rotator may be caught by the holding portion of the guide rail in a retracted state of the drawer unit, and the drawer unit may be moved to close the storage compartment by elasticity of the elastic member if the protrusion of the rotator is separated from the holding portion and reaches the straight path.

The holding member may be separated from the holding recess when the protrusion of the rotator is located in the holding portion of the guide rail, the protrusion of the rotator may be separated from the holding portion as the holding member is engaged into the holding recess, and the holding member may be kept engaged in the holding recess when the protrusion of the rotator is located on the straight path.

The drawer unit may include a supporting member and a sliding device provided at a lateral surface of the supporting member, and the sliding device may include a first rail member fixed to an inner lateral surface of the storage compartment, a second rail member provided movably relative to the first rail member, and a third rail member fixed to a lateral surface of the supporting member so as to be movable relative to the second rail member.

The holding member may be provided at a lower end of a rail guide that surrounds and fixes the first rail member.

In accordance with another aspect, an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator is provided to allow a drawer unit to automatically open or close a storage compartment of the refrigerator, wherein the drawer unit includes a door to open or close a front opening of the storage compartment, a supporting member provided at a rear surface of the door to support the drawer unit, and a storage container seated in the supporting member, and the automatic door closing device is located at a front lateral region of the drawer unit to begin an operation to close the storage compartment even if the drawer unit is inserted only a short distance into the storage compartment.

Also, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit in a given direction to enter the storage compartment, and a holding member provided at the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device, wherein the holding member is located closer to an entrance of the storage compartment than a middle position of the storage compartment, and the holding member operates the automatic door closing device when the drawer unit begins a closing motion.

The holding member may be provided at an inner wall of the storage compartment and may serve to cause an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit by being caught by the automatic door closing device. The holding member may be provided at a front region of the storage compartment. The automatic door closing device may be provided at an outer surface of the drawer unit to interfere with the holding member provided at the inner wall of the storage compartment.

The automatic door closing device may include a case, a slider linearly movable in the case, a rotator rotatably provided at one end of the slider so as to be rotated in a predetermined position of the case, and an elastic member connecting the slider and the case with each other.

The case may include the slider and a guide rail to guide movement of the rotator along a predetermined route.

The guide rail may include a straight path, and a holding portion provided at an end of the straight path to enable rotation of the rotator.

The rotator may include a holding recess into which the holding member is engaged.

The case may include a guide slot formed in a movement path of the rotator to allow the holding member to be engaged into the holding recess.

In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, and an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit to be closed to the storage compartment when the drawer unit reaches a predetermined position in the course of entering the storage compartment, wherein the drawer unit includes a door to open or close the storage compartment, a supporting member provided at a rear surface of the door to support the drawer unit, a storage container seated in the supporting member, and a sliding device provided at a lateral surface of the supporting member, the storage compartment is provided at an inner wall thereof with a holding member to initiate an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit by being caught by the automatic door closing device, and the automatic door closing device is located at a front lateral region of the drawer unit independently of the sliding device to provide an installation space of the sliding device.

Also, in accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, a sliding device provided between the storage compartment and the drawer unit to enable sliding of the drawer unit, an automatic door closing device to slide the drawer unit in a given direction to enter the storage compartment, and a holding member provided at the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device to enable automatic closing of the drawer unit, wherein the automatic door closing device is provided at the drawer unit and is spaced apart from a moving path of the sliding device, and the holding member is spaced apart from the moving path of the sliding device.

The holding member may be located in a front region of the storage compartment to reduce a moving distance of the drawer unit required to allow the automatic door closing device to begin an operation to close the storage compartment. Also, the holding member may be located closer to an entrance of the storage compartment than a middle position of the storage compartment.

In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit to be closed to the storage compartment when the drawer unit reaches a predetermined position in the course of entering the storage compartment, and a damper device to prevent rapid movement of the drawer unit, wherein the drawer unit includes a door to open or close the storage compartment, a supporting member provided at a rear surface of the door to support the drawer unit, and a storage container seated in the supporting member, and the automatic door closing device is located at a front lateral region of the drawer unit to reduce a moving distance of the drawer unit required to allow the automatic door closing device to begin an operation to close the storage compartment, and the damper device is located underneath the automatic door closing device. Also, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit in a given direction to enter the storage compartment, and a damper device to prevent rapid movement of the drawer unit, wherein the damper device operates simultaneously with operation of the automatic door closing device, or operates with a predetermined time delay after operation of the automatic door closing device begins.

The refrigerator may further include a damping protrusion provided at an inner wall of the storage compartment and serving to prevent sudden movement of the drawer unit by interacting with the damper device. Also, the refrigerator may further include a holding member provided at a lateral surface of the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device. The damping protrusion provided at the lateral surface of the storage compartment may serve to operate the damper device, and the holding member and the damping protrusion may be located respectively closer to an entrance of the storage compartment than a middle position of the storage compartment.

The holding member provided at the inner wall of the storage compartment may cause an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit by being caught by the automatic door closing device. The holding member may be located in a front region of the storage compartment, and the damping protrusion may be integrally formed with the holding member to protrude underneath the holding member. A moving distance of the automatic door closing device prior to being operated by the holding member may be a first operation inducing distance, and a moving distance of the damper device prior to being operated by the damping protrusion may be a second operation inducing distance, and the first operation inducing distance may be equal to or smaller than the second operation inducing distance.

The damper device may include a damper case directly coupled to the automatic door closing device, a damper body arranged in the damper case to alleviate external force, and a damper rod connected to an end of the damper body to come into contact with the damping protrusion according to movement of the drawer unit.

The automatic door closing device may include a case, a slider linearly movable in the case, a rotator rotatably coupled to an end of the slider to be rotated in a predetermined position of the case, and an elastic member connecting the slider and the case to each other.

The damper rod may include at least one of a first damper rod having a relatively long length to come into contact with the damping protrusion from an initial stage in which the storage compartment is closed by elasticity of the elastic member, and a second damper rod having a relatively short length to come into close contact with the damping protrusion after the storage compartment is closed to some extent by elasticity of the elastic member. The damper rod of the damper device may include the first damper rod having a relatively long length if the first operation inducing distance is equal to the second operation inducing distance, or may be the second damper rod having a relatively short length if the first operation inducing distance is smaller than the second operation inducing distance.

The damper body may contain at least one of gas, oil and air for shock alleviation.

In accordance with another aspect, an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator is provided to allow a drawer unit to automatically open or close a storage compartment of the refrigerator, wherein the drawer unit includes a door to open or close a front opening of the storage compartment, a supporting member provided at a rear surface of the door to support the drawer unit, and a storage container seated in the supporting member, the automatic door closing device is located at a front lateral region of the drawer unit to begin an operation to close the storage compartment even if the drawer unit is inserted only a short distance into the storage compartment and a damper device is provided underneath the automatic door closing device to alleviate shock generated when the drawer unit closes the storage compartment. Also, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, a damper device to prevent shock or damage to the drawer unit due to sudden collision between the drawer unit and the storage compartment, and a damping protrusion provided at the storage compartment to operate the damper device, wherein the damper device is moved a predetermined operation inducing distance prior to being operated by the damping protrusion, and the damper device includes any one of a first damper rod having a relatively long length to reduce, the operation inducing distance and a second damper rod having a relatively short length to increase the operation inducing distance.

A holding member may be provided at an inner wall of the storage compartment and may cause an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit by being caught by the automatic door closing device. The holding member may be located in a front region of the storage compartment, and the damping protrusion may be integrally formed with the holding member to protrude underneath the holding member.

The damper device may include a damper case directly coupled to the automatic door closing device, a damper body arranged in the damper case to alleviate external force, and a damper rod connected to an end of the damper body to come into contact with the damping protrusion according to movement of the drawer unit.

The automatic door closing device may include a case, a slider linearly movable in the case, a rotator rotatably coupled to an end of the slider to be rotated in a predetermined position of the case, and an elastic member connecting the slider and the case to each other.

The damper rod may include at least one of a first damper rod having a relatively long length to come into contact with the damping protrusion from an initial stage in which the storage compartment is closed by elasticity of the elastic member, and a second damper rod having a relatively short length to come into close contact with the damping protrusion after the storage compartment is closed to some extent by elasticity of the elastic member. The damper rod of the damper device may include the first damper rod having a relatively long length if the first operation inducing distance is equal to the second operation inducing distance, or the second damper rod having a relatively short length if the first operation inducing distance is smaller than the second operation inducing distance.

The damper body may contain at least one of gas, oil and air for shock alleviation.

In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, and an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit to be closed to the storage compartment when the drawer unit reaches a predetermined position in the course of entering the storage compartment, and a damper device to alleviate shock generated during closing of the storage compartment by the automatic door closing device, wherein the drawer unit includes a door to open or close the storage compartment, a supporting member provided at a rear surface of the door to support the drawer unit, a storage container seated in the supporting member, and a sliding device provided at a lateral surface of the supporting member, the storage compartment includes a holding member provided at an inner wall thereof to cause an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit by being caught by the automatic door closing device and a damping protrusion integrally formed with the holding member to interact with the damper device, the automatic door closing device is arranged at a lateral surface of the drawer unit independently of the sliding device, and the damper device is arranged underneath the automatic door closing device.

Also, in accordance with a further aspect, a refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment defined in the body, a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment, a damper device to prevent shock or damage to the drawer unit due to sudden collision between the drawer unit and the storage compartment, and a damping protrusion provided at the storage compartment to operate the damper device, wherein the damper device has a predetermined operation inducing distance prior to being operated by the damping protrusion, and includes any one of a first damper rod having a relatively long length to reduce the operation inducing distance and a second damper rod having a relatively short length to increase the operation inducing distance.

A holding member may be arranged at a front region of the storage compartment to reduce a moving distance of the drawer unit required to allow the automatic door closing device to begin an operation to close the storage compartment. The automatic door closing device may slide the drawer in a given direction to enter the storage compartment, and the holding member provided at the storage compartment may operate the automatic door closing device to enable an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit. The damper device may operate simultaneously with the automatic door closing device when including the first damper rod, or may operate with a predetermined time delay after operation of the automatic door closing device begins when including the second damper rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a drawer unit and an automatic door closing device;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a state in which the drawer unit is inserted to close a second storage compartment;

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a state in which the drawer unit is retracted to open the second storage compartment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the interior configuration of the automatic door closing device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a first rail member mounted inside the second storage compartment;

FIGS. 7A and 7B to 10A and 10B are views illustrating the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of the drawer unit, automatic door closing device and damper device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the drawer unit accommodated in the second storage compartment according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the interior configuration of the automatic door closing device and damper device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a first rail member mounted inside the second storage compartment according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 15A and 15B to 18A and 18B are views illustrating the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device and damper device according to another embodiment; and

FIGS. 19A and 19B to 22A and 22B are views illustrating the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device and damper device according to a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a body 10 having first and second storage compartments 12 and 13 vertically divided by an insulating partition 11, first storage compartment doors 14a and 14b provided at the front of the first storage compartment 12 to open or close the first storage compartment 12, and a drawer unit 20 provided at the front of the second storage compartment 13 to open or close the second storage compartment 13.

The refrigerator basically includes constituent elements of a refrigeration cycle, such as a compressor (not shown), condenser (not shown), expander (not shown) and evaporator (not shown), in the same manner as a general refrigerator.

The first storage compartment 12 may function as a refrigerating compartment and the second storage compartment 13 may function as a freezing compartment. Of course, the roles of the respective storage compartments may be changed as necessary.

The refrigerator 1 of FIG. 1 is a French type refrigerator, which is an example of a Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF) in which a lower storage compartment is a freezing compartment and an upper storage compartment is a refrigerating compartment. In this case, the storage compartments 12 and 13 may receive relatively wide items, such as pizza, and so on.

Shelves 15 to support food are installed at predetermined distances in the first storage compartment 12 such that food is kept on the shelves 15 at a temperature slightly above freezing. The second storage compartment 13 contains a receiving basket 16 slidably provided in an upper region thereof to receive frozen food.

The pair of first storage compartment doors 14a and 14b is pivotally coupled to the first storage compartment 12 so as to be rotatable leftward or rightward.

Hereinafter, the drawer unit 20 and an automatic door closing device 100 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of the drawer unit and automatic door closing device, FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a state in which the drawer unit is inserted to close the second storage compartment, FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a state in which the drawer unit is retracted to open the second storage compartment, FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the interior configuration of the automatic door closing device, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a first rail member mounted inside the second storage compartment.

The drawer unit 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, include a door 21 to open or close the second storage compartment 13, a supporting member 22 provided at a rear surface of the door 21 to support the drawer unit 20, a storage container 23 to store food therein, and a sliding device 30 to enable sliding opening/closing of the drawer unit 20.

The drawer unit 20 takes the form of a drawer type door to be opened or closed in a sliding manner.

The supporting member 22 protrudes from the rear surface of the door 21 and serves as a frame to support the entire drawer unit 20.

The storage container 23 is seated in the supporting member 22 and food is stored therein. The storage container 23 is pulled forward simultaneously with opening of the drawer unit 20, allowing a user to easily place items in or retrieve items from the storage container 23.

The sliding device 30 is provided at either lateral surface of the supporting member 22. The sliding device 30 may take the form of a triple rail consisting of a first rail member 31 fixed to an inner wall of the second storage compartment 13, a second rail member 32 provided movably relative to the first rail member 31, and a third rail member 33 fixed to the lateral surface of the supporting member 22 so as to be movable relative to the second rail member 32.

The triple rail type sliding device 30 serves to increase the maximum opening range of the drawer unit 20. Of course, a dual rail type sliding device may be used.

The second storage compartment 13 is provided at the inner wall thereof with a rail guide 180 to surround and fix the first rail member 31. The rail guide 180 serves to attach the first rail member 31 to the second storage compartment 13 and to assure smooth sliding motion of the sliding device 30.

A holding member 190 protrudes underneath the rail guide 180. The holding member 190 serves to initiate an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit 20 by being caught by the automatic door closing device 100. The holding member 190 is engaged into a holding recess 135 of a rotator 130 that will be described hereinafter.

Bearings (not shown) are provided between the respective rail members 31, 32 and 33 of the sliding device 30 and serve to facilitate easy insertion/retraction of the drawer unit 20 via rolling motion thereof.

The automatic door closing device 100 is arranged at a front region of either lateral surface of the drawer unit 20. The automatic door closing device 100 serves to move the drawer unit 20 to allow the drawer unit 20 to close the second storage compartment 13 when the drawer unit 20 reaches a predetermined position in the course of being inserted into the second storage compartment 13.

Specifically, the automatic door closing device 100 is arranged underneath a lateral front region of the supporting member 22. This arrangement has the effect of reducing a moving distance of the drawer unit 20 required to allow the automatic door closing device 100 to begin an operation to close the second storage compartment 13.

As compared to the above described conventional automatic door closing device that is installed to the rear of the sliding device to begin an automatic closing operation when the drawer unit is almost closed, the automatic door closing device 100 according to the embodiment is installed independently of the sliding device 30 and also, is located in a front region of the drawer unit 20, thereby beginning an automatic door closing operation even if the drawer unit 20 is inserted only a short distance into the second storage compartment 13.

Although the embodiment describes the automatic door closing device 100 as being arranged underneath the lateral front region of the supporting member 22, the automatic door closing device 100 may be arranged above the lateral front region of the supporting member 22.

The automatic door closing device 100 does not invade an installation region of the sliding device 30 on the supporting member 22 and thus, the sliding device 30 may be arranged throughout the supporting member 22 in a longitudinal direction thereof to uniformly support the weight of the drawer unit 20.

Specifically, the drawer unit 20 including the door 21, the storage container 23 and the supporting member 22 is very heavy and moreover, once food is put into the storage container 23, the weight of the drawer unit 20 further increases. The weight of the drawer unit 20 is wholly supported by the sliding device 30. Arranging the automatic door closing device 100 underneath the supporting member 22 independently of the sliding device 30 may assure a sufficient longitudinal arrangement space of the sliding device 30.

The holding member 190, which initiates an automatic closing motion of the drawer unit 20 by being caught by the automatic door closing device 100, is also arranged in a front region of the second storage compartment 13.

The closer the holding member 190 is to the entrance of the second storage compartment 13, the shorter the moving distance of the drawer unit 20 required to allow the automatic door closing device 100 to begin an operation to close the second storage compartment 13. However, this may require to proportionally increase the modulus of elasticity of an elastic member 140 that will be described hereinafter and pressure applied to the drawer unit 20 by the user. Therefore, the position of the holding member 190 is determined within the range of the front region of the second storage compartment 13 in consideration of the above described complex factors.

The automatic door closing device 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, includes a case 110 defining the outer appearance of the automatic door closing device 100, a slider 120 linearly movably arranged in the case 110, the rotator 130 rotatably coupled to one end of the slider 120, and the elastic member 140 connecting the slider 120 and the case 110 to each other.

The case 110 is directly attached to a lower end of the supporting member 22, and accommodates the slider 120, the rotator 130 and the elastic member 140.

The case 110 includes a guide rail 112 to guide the slider 120 and the rotator 130 to move along a predetermined route. The guide rail 112 includes a straight path 113 and a holding portion 114 defined in an end of the straight path 113 by which the rotator 130 is caught to perform a rotating motion.

The case further includes a guide slot 117 parallel to the guide rail 112. The holding member 190 formed at the lower end of the rail guide 180 may be engaged into the holding recess 135 of the rotator 130 through the guide slot 117.

The slider 120 is moved on the straight path 113 of the guide rail 112 by elasticity of the elastic member 140 and the pulling or pushing force of the drawer unit 20 applied by the user.

The rotator 130 is rotatably coupled to one end of the slider 120 by use of coupling pins 125. The rotator 130 has no rotating motion while moving on the straight path 113. However, once caught by the holding portion 114, the entire rotator 130 is rotated as a protrusion 137 of the rotator 130 is fitted into the holding portion 114. The holding recess 135 is indented in an upper surface of the rotator 130 for engagement of the holding member 190. Specifically, as the drawer unit 20 is moved to open or close the second storage compartment 13, the holding member 190 formed at the inner wall of the second storage compartment 13 is engaged into the holding recess 135 of the rotator 130 through the guide slot 117, and the slider 120 and the rotator 130 are moved on the guide rail 120.

One end of the elastic member 140 may be fixed to the case 110 and the other end of the elastic member 140 may be fixed to the slider 120.

The elastic member 140 may be located between the case 110 and the slider 120, to provide the slider 120 with elasticity required for movement relative to the case 110. Specifically, the elastic member 140 may be in a compressed state in the closed state of the drawer unit 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thereafter, the elastic member 140 may be stretched as the slider 120 is moved relative to the case 110 if the user pulls the drawer unit 20 as illustrated in FIG. 4. On the contrary, if the user pushes the drawer unit 20, the slider 120 is moved relative to the case 110 by restoration force of the elastic member 140, thereby allowing the drawer unit 20 to be automatically closed.

Hereinafter, the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 7A and 7B to 10A and 10B are views illustrating the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device according to the embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the interior configuration of the automatic door closing device 100 in a state in which the user pulls the drawer unit 20 forward to open the second storage compartment 13. Specifically, the rotator 130 is rotated as the rotator protrusion 137 is introduced into the holding portion 114 of the guide rail 112. In this case, the drawer unit 20 is pulled out to the maximum extent and also, the elastic member 140 is stretched to the maximum extent. The rotator 130 restrains the slider 120 in the case 110 to prevent the slider 120 from being moved relative to the case 110.

The holding member 190 is separated from the holding recess 135 of the rotator 130. Specifically, the automatic door closing device 100 is spaced apart from the holding member 190 by a first operation inducing distance S1. Here, the first operation inducing distance S1 is a moving distance of the automatic door closing device 100 prior to being operated by the holding member 190.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, if the user pushes the drawer unit 20 in an “X” direction, the drawer unit 20 is pushed inward into the second storage compartment 13 and the automatic door closing device 100 is moved along with the drawer unit 20, causing the holding member 190 to be engaged into the holding recess 135 of the rotator 130 and simultaneously, the rotator 130 to be separated from the holding portion 114. Specifically, the protrusion 137 of the rotator 130 is separated from the holding portion 114 via rotation of the rotator 130, and the slider 120 is released from the case 110 thus being movable relative to the case 110.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a state in which the rotator 130 is completely separated from the holding portion 114 and reaches the straight path 113. In this case, the elastic member 140 is in a stretched state and exerts an elastic restoration force. Since the holding member 190 is still engaged in the holding recess 135, consequently, the restoration force of the elastic member 140 acts to pull the entire drawer unit 20 into the second storage compartment 13, and makes it unnecessary for the user to apply force to the drawer unit 20 to close the drawer unit 20.

The rotator 130 and the slider 120 are moved on the straight path 113 by the restoration force of the elastic member 140 and consequently, the drawer unit 20 completely closes the second storage compartment 13 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). That is, the drawer unit 20 is automatically closed from a position where the rotator 130 is separated from the holding portion 114 even through the user does not apply force to the drawer unit 20.

The above description explains an operation in which the user applies force to the opened drawer unit 20 and the drawer unit 20 is automatically closed after reaching a predetermined position. An operation of opening the closed drawer unit 20 will be performed in reverse. Specifically, if the user pulls the drawer unit 20, the drawer unit 20 will be opened starting from the state of FIGS. 10A and 10B through the sequence of FIGS. 9A and 9B, 8A and 8B and 7A and 7B.

Although the above described embodiment describes the case where the automatic door closing device 100 is provided at the drawer unit 20 and the holding member 190 is provided at the inner wall of the second storage compartment 13, the present embodiment is equally applicable to the opposite case.

For example, even in the case where the arrangement positions of the automatic door closing device 100 and the holding member 190 are changed such that the holding member 190 is provided underneath the supporting member 22 and the automatic door closing device 100 is provided at the inner wall of the second storage compartment 13, the automatic door closing motion of the drawer unit 20 may be accomplished in the same manner as the above description.

Hereinafter, the drawer unit 20, the automatic door closing device 100 and a damper device 200 according to another embodiment will be described. Description of the same configurations as those of the above described embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of the drawer unit, automatic door closing device and damper device according to another embodiment, FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the drawer unit accommodated in the second storage compartment according to another embodiment, FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the interior configuration of the automatic door closing device and damper device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the first rail member mounted inside the second storage compartment according to another embodiment.

The drawer unit 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, further includes the damper device 200 to prevent sudden movement of the drawer unit 20, in addition to the door 21, the supporting member 22, the storage container 23, and the sliding device 30.

The damper device 200 is arranged underneath the case 110 of the automatic door closing device 100 and serves to alleviate shock generated when the drawer unit 20 closes the storage compartment 13 by interacting with a damping protrusion 195 provided at the inner wall of the storage compartment 13.

The damper device 200 includes a damper case 210 directly coupled to the case 110 of the automatic door closing device 100, a damper body 220 arranged in the damper case 210 to alleviate external force, and a damper rod 230 connected to one end of the damper body 220 to come into contact with the damping protrusion 195 according to movement of the drawer unit 20.

The damper case 210 defines the outer appearance of the damper device 200 and is directly coupled to the case 110 of the automatic door closing device 100. The damper case 210 serves to accommodate the damper body 220 therein.

The damper body 220 accommodated in the damper case 210 serves to substantially alleviate external force. To this end, the interior space of the damper body 220 is charged with at least one of gas, oil and air, and a piston (not shown) is moved in the charged space to alleviate shock.

The damper rod 230 extends from the end of the damper body 220. The damper rod 230 is connected to the piston provided in the damper body 220 to move along with the piston. As the damper rod 230 comes into contact with the damping protrusion 195, shock generated when the drawer unit 20 closes the storage compartment 13 is transmitted to the damper body 220.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the holding member 190 protrudes underneath the rail guide 180, and the damping protrusion 195 to interact with the damper rod 230 of the damper device 200 is formed underneath the holding member 190. The damping protrusion 195 is integrally formed with the holding member 190 and is positioned to come into contact with the damper rod 230.

Hereinafter, the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device 100 and the damper device 200 according to another embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 15A and 15B to 18A and 18B are views illustrating the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device and damper device according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the interior configuration of the automatic door closing device 100 in a state in which the user pulls the drawer unit 20 forward to open the second storage compartment 13. Specifically, the rotator 130 is rotated as the rotator protrusion 137 is introduced into the holding portion 114 of the guide rail 112. In this case, the drawer unit 20 is pulled out to the maximum extent and also, the elastic member 140 is stretched to the maximum extent. The rotator 130 restrains the slider 130 in the case 110 to prevent the slider 120 from being moved relative to the case 110.

The holding member 190 is separated from the holding recess 135 of the rotator 130. Specifically, the automatic door closing device 100 is spaced apart from the holding member 190 by the first operation inducing distance S1. Here, the first operation inducing distance 51 is a moving distance of the automatic door closing device 100 prior to being operated by the holding member 190.

In FIGS. 15A and 15B, the damper rod 230 of the damper device 200 protrudes rightward of the damper case 210 by internal pressure of the damper body 220 and is spaced apart from the damping protrusion 195 by the first operation inducing distance S1. In this case, the damper rod 230 may be referred to as a first damper rod 232 having a relatively long length d1 to come into contact with the damping protrusion 195 from an initial stage in which the storage compartment 13 is closed by elasticity of the elastic member 140. Accordingly, the automatic door closing device 100 and the damper device 120 have the same first operation inducing distance S1 and thus, operations thereof occur simultaneously.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, if the user pushes the drawer unit 20 in a “Y” direction, the drawer unit 20 is pushed inward into the second storage compartment 13 and the automatic door closing device 100 is moved along with the drawer unit 20, causing the holding member 190 to be engaged into the holding recess 135 of the rotator 130 and simultaneously, the rotator 130 to be separated from the holding portion 114. In this case, the damper rod 230 almost comes into contact with the damping protrusion 195.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a state in which the rotator 130 is completely separated from the holding portion 114 and reaches the straight path 113. In this case, the elastic member 140 is in a stretched state and exerts an elastic restoration force, thereby acting to pull the entire drawer unit 20 into the second storage compartment 13 and making it unnecessary for the user to apply force to the drawer unit 20 to close the drawer unit 20. The damper device 200 alleviates the restoration force of the elastic member 140, allowing the drawer unit 20 to be closed slowly.

The rotator 130 and the slider 120 are moved on the straight path 113 by the restoration force of the elastic member 140 and the shock alleviation effect of the damper device 200 and consequently, the drawer unit 20 completely closes the second storage compartment 13 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). That is, the drawer unit 20 is automatically and slowly closed from a position where the rotator 130 is separated from the holding portion 114 even though the user does not apply force to the drawer unit 20.

The above description explains an operation in which the user applies force to the opened drawer unit 20 and the drawer unit 20 is automatically and slowly closed after reaching a predetermined position. An operation of opening the closed drawer unit 20 will be performed in reverse. Specifically, if the user pulls the drawer unit 20, the drawer unit 20 will be opened starting from the state of FIGS. 18A and 18B through the sequence of FIGS. 17A and 17B, 16A and 16B and 15A and 15B.

The remaining configurations are identical to those of the above described embodiment.

Hereinafter, configurations and operation sequence of the automatic door closing device 100 and a damper device 200 according to a further embodiment will be described. Description of the same configurations as those of the above described embodiments will be omitted.

FIGS. 19A and 19B and 22A and 22B are views illustrating the operation sequence of the automatic door closing device and damper device according to the further embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the damper device 300 according to the present embodiment includes a damper case 310, a damper body 320, and a damper rod 330, in the same manner as the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 18A and 18B.

Although the damper rod 330 of the damper device 300 protrudes rightward of the damper case 310 by internal pressure of the damper body 320 and is spaced apart from the damping protrusion 195 by a predetermined distance in the same manner as the above described embodiment, the damper rod 330 may be referred to as a second damper rod 332 having a shorter length d2 than the first damper rod 232 of the FIGS. 15A and 15B to 18A and 18B, to come into contact with the damping protrusion 195 after the storage compartment 13 is closed to some extent by elasticity of the elastic member 140.

The second damper rod 332 of the present embodiment is shorter than the first damper rod 232 and therefore, is more distant from the damping protrusion 195 than the embodiment of FIGS. 15A and 15B to 18A and 18B. More specifically, the second damper rod 332 is spaced apart from the damping protrusion 195 by a second operation inducing distance S2. Thus, the damper device 300 begins to alleviate the restoration force of the elastic member 140 later than the embodiment of FIGS. 15A and 15B to 18A and 18B. In this case, the damper device 300 may begin to operate with a time delay after the automatic door closing device begins to operate. That is, the automatic door closing device 100 is operated by the holding operation 190 after being moved by the first operation inducing distance S1, and the damper device 300 is operated by the damping protrusion 195 after being moved by the second operation inducing distance S2. Since the first operation inducing distance S1 of the automatic door closing device 100 is shorter than the second operation inducing distance S2 of the damper device 300, operation of the damper device 300 may begin with a time delay after operation of the automatic door closing device 100 begins.

Considering the time interleaved operation in more detail in terms of the operation sequence, if the user pulls the drawer unit 20 in a “Z” direction in a state of FIGS. 19A and 19B in which the drawer unit 20 has been pulled to open the second storage compartment 13, the holding member 190 is engaged into the holding recess 135 of the rotator 130 and simultaneously, the rotator 130 is separated from the holding portion 114 as illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B.

The second damper rod 332 is spaced apart from the damping protrusion 195 in such a state of FIGS. 20A and 20B, and thus, the damper device 300 does not alleviate the restoration force of the elastic member 140. However, differently, the first damper rod 232 almost comes into contact with the damping protrusion 195 in the state of FIGS. 16A and 16B in which the rotator 130 is separated from the holding portion 114, beginning shock alleviation of the damper device 200.

The second damper rod 332 comes into contact with the damping protrusion 195 in a state of FIGS. 21A and 21B in which the rotator 130 is completely separated from the holding portion 114 and reaches the straight path 113, beginning shock alleviation of the damper device 300. Then, the damper device 300 alleviates the restoration force of the elastic member 140 until the drawer unit 20 completely closes the second storage compartment 13 as illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22b.

As described above, the damper device 300 of the present embodiment begins to alleviate the restoration force of the elastic member 140 later than the damper device 200 of the above secondly described embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B to 18A and 18B.

That is, the damper device 200 of FIGS. 15A and 15B to 18A and 18B may be used when it is desired to alleviate the closing speed and shock of the drawer unit 20 using the damper device 200 from the time when the automatic door closing device 100 causes the drawer unit 20 to close the second storage compartment 13. On the other hand, the damper device 300 of FIGS. 19A and 19B to 22A and 22B may be used when it is desired to alleviate the closing speed and shock of the drawer unit 20 using the damper device 300 after the drawer unit 20 closes the second storage compartment 13 to some extent under assistance of the automatic door closing device 100.

As is apparent from the above description, in an automatic door closing device of a refrigerator and a refrigerator having the same according to the embodiment, a drawer unit may automatically close a storage compartment after reaching a predetermined position in the course of entering the storage compartment even if the user does not apply force to the drawer unit.

Further, the automatic door closing device may allow the drawer unit to perform an automatic closing motion even if the drawer unit is inserted only a short distance into the storage compartment, resulting in enhanced use convenience.

The automatic door closing device is provided at the outside of a supporting member of the drawer unit to provide an arrangement space for the sliding device.

The automatic door closing device may easily support the drawer unit despite the heavy weight of the drawer unit.

Furthermore, through use of a damper device, the drawer unit may be closed at a steady rate.

The steady rate closing of the drawer unit may prevent shock or damage to the refrigerator.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a body;

a storage compartment defined in the body;

a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment;

an automatic door closing device provided at the drawer unit to move the drawer unit to be opened from or closed to the storage compartment; and

a holding member provided at the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device,

wherein the automatic door closing device includes a case; a slider movable relative to the case; a rotator rotatably provided at one end of the slider to restrain the slider in the case or to release the slider from the case; and an elastic member provided between the case and the slider to provide elasticity, wherein the rotator is linked to the holding member to restrain the slider in the case or to release the slider from the case, so as to allow the slider to move relative to the case.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the rotator includes a holding recess into which the holding member is engaged.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein:

the case includes a guide rail to guide movement of the rotator along a predetermined route; and

the rotator includes a protrusion inserted into the guide rail so as to be guided along the predetermined route.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein:

the guide rail includes a straight path and a holding portion provided at an end of the straight path to enable rotation of the rotator; and

the slider is released from the case when the protrusion of the rotator is located on the straight path of the guide rail, and is restrained in the case when the protrusion of the rotator is located in the holding portion of the guide rail.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the drawer unit is opened as the elastic member is stretched via relative motion between the slider and the case when the user applies force to the drawer unit, and

the drawer unit is closed via relative motion between the slider and the case as the elastic member is compressed.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the case includes a guide slot formed in a movement path of the rotator to allow the holding member to be engaged into the holding recess.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion of the rotator is caught by the holding portion of the guide rail in a retracted state of the drawer unit, and

the drawer unit is moved to close the storage compartment by elasticity of the elastic member if the protrusion of the rotator is separated from the holding portion and reaches the straight path.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the holding member is separated from the holding recess when the protrusion of the rotator is located in the holding portion of the guide rail, the protrusion of the rotator is separated from the holding portion as the holding member is engaged into the holding recess, and the holding member is kept engaged in the holding recess when the protrusion of the rotator is located on the straight path.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein:

the drawer unit includes a supporting member and a sliding device provided at a lateral surface of the supporting member; and

the sliding device includes a first rail member fixed to an inner lateral surface of the storage compartment, a second rail member provided movably relative to the first rail member, and a third rail member fixed to a lateral surface of the supporting member so as to be movable relative to the second rail member.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the holding member is provided at a lower end of a rail guide that surrounds and fixes the first rail member.

11. A refrigerator comprising:

a body;

a storage compartment defined in the body;

a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment;

an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit in a given direction to enter the storage compartment; and

a holding member provided at the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device,

wherein the holding member is located closer to an entrance of the storage compartment than a middle position of the storage compartment, and

wherein the holding member operates the automatic door closing device when the drawer unit begins a closing motion.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the holding member is provided at an inner wall of the storage compartment, and the automatic door closing device is provided at an outer surface of the drawer unit to interfere with the holding member.

13. A refrigerator comprising:

a body;

a storage compartment defined in the body;

a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment;

a sliding device provided between the storage compartment and the drawer unit to enable sliding of the drawer unit;

an automatic door closing device to slide the drawer unit in a given direction to enter the storage compartment; and

a holding member provided at the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device to enable automatic closing of the drawer unit,

wherein the automatic door closing device is provided at the drawer unit and is spaced apart from a moving path of the sliding device, and

wherein the holding member is spaced apart from the moving path of the sliding device.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the holding member is located closer to an entrance of the storage compartment than a middle position of the storage compartment.

15. A refrigerator comprising:

a body;

a storage compartment defined in the body;

a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment;

an automatic door closing device to move the drawer unit in a given direction to enter the storage compartment; and

a damper device to prevent rapid movement of the drawer unit,

wherein the damper device operates simultaneously with operation of the automatic door closing device, or operates with a predetermined time delay after operation of the automatic door closing device begins.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, further comprising:

a holding member provided at a lateral surface of the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device; and

a damping protrusion provided at the lateral surface of the storage compartment to operate the damper device,

wherein the holding member and the damping protrusion are located respectively closer to an entrance of the storage compartment than a middle position of the storage compartment.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein:

a moving distance of the automatic door closing device prior to being operated by the holding member is a first operation inducing distance, and a moving distance of the damper device prior to being operated by the damping protrusion is a second operation inducing distance; and

the first operation inducing distance is equal to or smaller than the second operation inducing distance.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein the damper device includes:

a damper case directly coupled to the automatic door closing device; a damper body arranged in the damper case to alleviate external force; and

a damper rod connected to an end of the damper body to come into contact with the damping protrusion according to movement of the drawer unit.

19. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the automatic door closing device includes a case, a slider linearly movable in the case, a rotator rotatably coupled to an end of the slider to be rotated in a predetermined position of the case, and an elastic member connecting the slider and the case to each other.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the damper rod of the damper device includes a first damper rod having a relatively long length if the first operation inducing distance is equal to the second operation inducing distance, or a second damper rod having a relatively short length if the first operation inducing distance is smaller than the second operation inducing distance.

21. The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the damper body contains at least one of gas, oil and air for shock alleviation.

22. A refrigerator comprising:

a body;

a storage compartment defined in the body;

a drawer unit inserted into or retracted from the storage compartment;

a damper device to prevent shock or damage to the drawer unit due to sudden collision between the drawer unit and the storage compartment; and

a damping protrusion provided at the storage compartment to operate the damper device,

wherein the damper device is moved a predetermined operation inducing distance prior to being operated by the damping protrusion, and

wherein the damper device includes any one of a first damper rod having a relatively long length to reduce the operation inducing distance and a second damper rod having a relatively short length to increase the operation inducing distance.

23. The refrigerator according to claim 22, further comprising:

an automatic door closing device to slide the drawer unit in a given direction to enter the storage compartment; and

a holding member provided at the storage compartment to operate the automatic door closing device to enable automatic closing of the drawer unit.

24. The refrigerator according to claim 23, wherein the damper device includes a damper case directly coupled to the automatic door closing device, a damper body arranged in the damper case to alleviate external force, and a damper rod connected to an end of the damper body to come into contact with the damping protrusion according to movement of the drawer unit.

25. The refrigerator according to claim 23, wherein the damper device operates simultaneously with the automatic door closing device when including the first damper rod, or operates with a predetermined time delay after operation of the automatic door closing device begins when including the second damper rod.