Drawer components for electrical appliances and refrigeration appliances

Abstract

A drawer assembly for an appliance includes a drawer front that provides selective access to a drawer recess, a handle assembly attached to the drawer front, and a slide assembly attached to the drawer front. The slide assembly includes a fixed slide mounted on the appliance, a slide support that couples the drawer front to the fixed slide, and a locking lever operably coupled to the fixed slide and the slide support. The locking lever is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to selectively secure the slide support relative to the fixed slide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a drawer for an appliance, and more particularly to a drawer handle and slide mechanism with a locking feature. Background Art

[0002] Various types of consumer appliances are designed with pull-out compartment drawers. For example, many popular refrigerator models feature a freezer compartment with one or more pull-out drawers that span the width of the appliance and contain storage baskets or bins. Additionally, many popular refrigerators feature additional drawers that are shallower and typically located above the freezer compartment. Conventional pull-out drawers typically consist of side brackets mounted on a slide mechanism with a base mounted on the compartment liner.

[0003] Some shallow-depth drawers may include a front portion that can be tilted, for example, in a forward direction, allowing a user to remove items without having to open the drawer to its full extension. However, there is a concern that when the front portion tilts downward and the drawer retracts inward, damage to the front portion and / or a freezer door located below the shallow-depth drawer may occur. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a tilting drawer front with a locking mechanism to alleviate one or more of these drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present invention.

[0005] In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, a drawer assembly for an appliance is provided, the appliance including a housing defining a drawer recess. The drawer assembly may include a drawer front for providing selective access to the drawer recess, a handle assembly attached to the drawer front, and a slide assembly operably coupling the drawer to the housing. The slide assembly may include a fixed slide mounted on the housing, the fixed slide defining a receiving slot; a slide support slidably coupling the drawer front to the fixed slide; and a locking lever operably coupled to the fixed slide and the slide support, the locking lever being movable between an engaged position in which the slide support is fixed relative to the fixed slide and a disengaged position in which the slide support is slidable relative to the fixed slide.

[0006] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration appliance is provided, comprising a cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a food freezer compartment, and a drawer slidably mounted within one of the fresh food compartment and the food freezer compartment, the drawer defining a drawer recess. The drawer may include a drawer front for providing selective access to the drawer recess, a handle assembly attached to the drawer front, and a slide assembly operably coupling the drawer to the cabinet. The slide assembly may include a fixed slide mounted to the cabinet, the fixed slide defining a receiving slot; a slide support slidably coupling the drawer front to the fixed slide; and a locking lever operably coupled to the fixed slide and the slide support, the locking lever being movable between an engaged position in which the slide support is fixed relative to the fixed slide and a disengaged position in which the slide support is slidable relative to the fixed slide.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A full and enabling disclosure of the invention, including the best mode thereof, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings to those skilled in the art.

[0009] Figure 1 It is a front view of a refrigeration appliance according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigerator with a drawer in an open position and a drawer door in a closed position.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a refrigerator appliance with drawer doors in an open position.

[0012] Figure 4 Including handle assembly Figure 2 Cross-sectional top view of the drawer front of a medium refrigeration appliance.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional top view of the handle trigger of the middle handle assembly.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cutaway perspective view of the plunger assembly of the center handle assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the sliding assembly of a refrigeration appliance.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the locking slide and locking rod of the sliding assembly.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the locking rod of the sliding assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to further generate other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is intended to encompass those modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, rather than to indicate the location or importance of a single component. Terms such as "inside" and "outside" indicate relative directions relative to the inside and outside of a refrigeration appliance, particularly a food storage compartment as defined herein. For example, "inner" or "inward" refers to a direction toward the inside of the refrigeration appliance. Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," or "bottom" are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing the refrigeration appliance. For example, a user stands in front of a refrigerator, opens the refrigerator door, and reaches into the food storage compartment to access items inside.

[0020] As used herein, approximate terms such as "substantially," "approximately," or "approximately" include values ​​within 10% greater than or less than the value. When angles or directions are used, these terms include values ​​within 10° greater than or less than the value or direction, for example, "substantially perpendicular" includes angles of up to 10° clockwise or counterclockwise from the perpendicular V.

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigeration appliance 100 , which has a drawer 125 in an open position to show the interior 126 of the drawer 125 . Figure 31 is a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 having a drawer front 132 of a drawer 125 in an open position to facilitate access to the interior 126 of the drawer 125. The refrigeration appliance 100 extends along a vertical direction V between a top 101 and a bottom 102. The refrigeration appliance 100 also extends along a lateral direction L between a left side 105 and a right side 106. Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the longitudinal direction T may also be defined as being perpendicular to the vertical direction V and the transverse direction L. The refrigeration appliance 100 extends along the longitudinal direction T between the front portion 108 and the rear portion 110 .

[0022] Refrigeration appliance 100 comprises a housing or shell 120, which defines an upper food fresh-keeping chamber 122 and a lower freezer or food freezer 124, which is arranged below the food fresh-keeping chamber 122 along a vertical direction V. Because the food freezer 124 is located below the food fresh-keeping chamber 122, refrigeration appliance 100 is commonly referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator. Based on the teachings disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the technology can also be used for other types of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-side refrigerators) or freezing appliances. Therefore, the description described herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technology in any respect. In fact, it should be noted that the various aspects of the drawer assembly described herein can be used for any other suitable appliance, cabinet, or other applications in which a drawer is required to selectively enter a compartment.

[0023] A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the housing 120 and provides access to the fresh food compartment 122. It should be noted that while two doors 128 are shown in a "French door" configuration, any suitable configuration using one, two, or more doors is within the scope and spirit of the present invention. A freezer door 130 is positioned below the refrigerator door 128 and provides access to the freezer compartment 124.

[0024] The operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 134, which is operably coupled to a user interface panel 136. The user interface panel 136 provides options for a user to manipulate the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100, such as temperature selection. In response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 136, the controller 134 operates various components of the refrigeration appliance 100. The controller may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, which are operable to execute program instructions or microcontroller code related to the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory may represent a random access memory such as DRAM, or a read-only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes program instructions stored in the memory. The memory may be a component separate from the processor or may be included in the processor.

[0025] The controller 134 can be placed in various locations throughout the refrigeration appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 134 can be located in one of the doors 128. In this embodiment, input / output ("I / O") signals can be routed between the controller and the various operating components of the refrigeration appliance 100. In one embodiment, the user interface panel 136 can represent a general purpose I / O ("GPIO") device or function block. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 can include input components, such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices including a rotary dial, buttons, and a touch pad. The user interface 136 can include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to the user. The user interface 136 can communicate with the controller 134 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0026] Figure 2 and 3 An exemplary embodiment of a drawer assembly is shown, referred to herein as a drawer 125 for a refrigeration appliance 100. The drawer 125 can be slidably mounted within the housing 120, for example, with a slider 138. In the example shown, the drawer 125 is a freezer drawer slidably mounted within the food freezer compartment 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100. Thus, the drawer 125 can help store frozen food and provide access to frozen food. For example, compared to when the refrigeration appliance 100 only provides a single section for storing frozen items, smaller foods such as a bag of frozen vegetables can be stored in the freezer drawer 125 to prevent or reduce the obstruction of such items from being hidden below or behind larger items (e.g., a frozen turkey, etc.). In other embodiments, the drawer 125 can be slidably mounted within the fresh food compartment 122, and similar advantages can be achieved in terms of storing and accessing fresh food. As will be described in more detail below, the drawer 125 can have an outwardly tilted drawer front. For example, the drawer front 132 of the drawer 125 can be connected to the drawer body 146 via a hinge or hinge assembly 140 so that the drawer front 132 can rotate relative to the drawer body 146. In addition, the hinge assembly 140 can include a damper assembly 144 that can dampen the drawer front 132 from at least the closed position ( Figure 2 ) to the open position ( Figure 3 )’s rotation.

[0027] like Figure 3As shown, the drawer 125 may include a drawer body 146 including a left wall 148, a rear wall 150, a right wall 152, and a bottom plate 154. The drawer body 146 may be received in a drawer recess 156 defined in the cabinet 120 of the refrigeration appliance 100. The drawer body 146 at least partially defines the interior 126 of the drawer 125, which may provide a storage volume for food, for example. In order to facilitate accessibility to the food that may be stored in the interior 126 of the drawer 125, the drawer front 132 of the drawer 125 may be rotated relative to the drawer body 146 to a position such as Figure 3 The drawer front 132 can rotate relative to the drawer body 146 because the drawer front 132 can be connected to the drawer body 146 via one or more hinges 140.

[0028] For example, the drawer front 132 can be connected to the drawer body 146 by a pair of hinges or hinge assemblies 140, such as the left hinge or hinge assembly 140 connected to the left side wall 148 of the drawer body 146 by the pivot arm 142 of the left hinge 140. The right hinge or hinge assembly 140 is connected to the right side wall 152 of the drawer body 146 by the pivot arm 142 of the right hinge 140. In some embodiments, the drawer 125 can be slidably mounted within the cabinet 120, for example, in one of the fresh food compartment 122 and the food freezer compartment 124, by the left slide assembly 138 on the left side wall 148 and the right slide assembly 138 on the right side wall 152, so that the drawer 125 can be opened in the closed position of the drawer 125 ( Figure 1 ) and the open position of the drawer 125 ( Figure 2 and 3 ) between. In addition, one or more sealing gaskets can be provided on the drawer front 132 of the drawer 125 to sealingly engage with the box 120 when the drawer 125 is in the closed position. The pivot arm 142 ( Figure 7 ) can each be connected to a corresponding slide assembly 138 of each side wall of the drawer body 146. The hinge 140, or each hinge 140 of the pair of hinges 140, can include a damper assembly 144 configured to dampen movement of the drawer front 132 from the closed position ( Figure 2 ) to the open position ( Figure 3 )’s rotation. Figure 7 Only one pivot arm 142 is shown, but it should be understood that a second pivot arm may be included as desired in certain embodiments.

[0029] Figure 4A drawer front 132 and a handle assembly 160 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention are shown. The handle assembly 160 may include a handle body 162. The handle body 162 may be a column extending in a transverse direction. The handle body 162 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the drawer front 132 so that a user can grip the handle body 162 to open the drawer 125. It should be understood that the handle body 162 may have any suitable shape that allows a user to grip the handle body 162. In addition, the handle body 162 may be integrally connected to the drawer front 132. In other words, the handle body 162 may be formed directly into the drawer front 132 as a unit.

[0030] The handle assembly 160 may further include a connecting rod 168. The connecting rod 168 may connect the handle body 162 to the drawer front 132. The connecting rod 168 may extend in the longitudinal direction from the front surface of the drawer front 132. Thus, the connecting rod 168 may define a space between the handle body 162 and the drawer front 132 to allow a user to grip the handle body 162. The connecting rod 168 may also define a through hole extending axially through the connecting rod 168 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the through hole may extend through the connecting rod 168 from the handle body 168 to the drawer front 132.

[0031] The handle assembly 160 may further include a rod 164 disposed within the handle body 162. The rod 164 may extend transversely within the handle body 162. The rod 164 may be movable within the handle body 162. For example, the rod 164 may be movable within the handle body 164 in a transverse direction L (e.g., the rod 164 may translate axially within the handle body 162). In certain embodiments, the rod 164 may be rotatable within the handle body 162. In other words, the rod 164 may rotate about an axis defined transversely within the handle body 162. The rod 164 may include a first end 1641 and a second end 1642 opposite the first end 1641. For example, the first end 1641 of the rod 164 may be located at or near the center of the handle body 162. In certain embodiments, two rods 164 may be disposed within the handle body 162. The two rods 164 may be positioned axially adjacent to each other. In other words, each of the two rods 164 may extend in the transverse direction L within the handle body 164. The two rods 162 may be configured to move in opposite directions relative to each other in the transverse direction L.

[0032] The rod 164 may include a trigger pin 178 disposed at a first end of the rod 164. The trigger pin 178 may extend from the rod 164 in a normal direction (i.e., radial direction) relative to the rod 164 (i.e., relative to the transverse direction L). In one embodiment, the trigger pin 178 extends radially along the rod 164 in the vertical direction V. The trigger pin 178 may be housed within the handle body 162. Specifically, the trigger pin may not protrude outside the handle body 162. The rod 164 may also include a rod spring 170 disposed within the handle body 162. The rod spring 170 may be an elastic member disposed proximate to the distal end of the rod 164 (i.e., the transverse end of the rod 164).

[0033] The handle assembly 160 may further include a trigger 166 disposed within the handle body 162. In certain embodiments, the trigger 166 is located at or near the center of the handle body 162. The trigger 166 may be a push rod. For example, the trigger 166 may be movable relative to the handle body 162. In certain embodiments, the trigger 166 may be movable in a normal direction (or orthogonal direction) within the handle body 162 (for example, the user may squeeze the trigger 166 into the handle body 162). Specifically, the trigger 166 may be movable in a longitudinal direction. The trigger 166 may include a trigger spring 172 disposed within the handle body 162. The trigger spring 172 may be an elastic member that biases the trigger 166 against the handle body 162. For example, the trigger spring 172 may provide a biasing force to push the trigger 166 in a direction away from the handle body 162. In certain embodiments, the trigger spring 172 is a leaf spring. Thus, a first portion of the trigger spring 172 may contact the inner circumferential surface of the handle body 162, and a second portion of the trigger spring 172 may contact the inner surface of the contactor 166 (ie, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the trigger 166 is located within the handle body 162).

[0034] The trigger 166 may also include a slot 176 as defined herein. The slot 176 may be formed as an elongated hole through the trigger 166. In some embodiments, the slot 176 is formed through the trigger 166 in a vertical direction V. The slot 176 may be configured to accommodate a trigger pin 178 as defined herein. For example, the trigger pin 178 may pass through the trigger 166 via the slot 176. The slot 176 may be angled relative to the handle body 162 (i.e., relative to the transverse direction L). For example, the slot 176 may include a first end 1761 and a second end 1762 opposite the first end 1761. The first end 1761 may be positioned proximate to the second end 1642 of the rod 1641. Furthermore, the first end 1761 may be positioned proximate to the housing 120. Thus, the major axis of the slot 176 may extend at an angle relative to the handle body 162 (i.e., relative to the transverse direction L). In some embodiments, the major axis of the slot 176 may extend at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the handle body 162.

[0035] In particular, Figure 6 As shown in FIG, rod 164 may include a protrusion 174. Protrusion 174 may protrude radially from rod 164. In some embodiments, protrusion 174 is tapered. Specifically, protrusion 174 may be shaped such that a first diameter (e.g., of rod 164) closest to second end 1642 of rod 164 is smaller than a second diameter (e.g., of rod 164) closest to first end 1641 of rod 164. However, protrusion 174 may be of any other suitable shape.

[0036] The drawer 125 can include an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism can allow the slider (or sliders) 138 to lock in place when the drawer front 132 is tilted away from the drawer body 146. The actuating mechanism can include a plunger assembly 180. The plunger assembly 180 can be a rod that passes through the drawer front 132 and the connecting rod 168 and into the handle body 162. The plunger assembly 180 can include a first end 1801 located in or on the handle body 162 and a second end 1802 that protrudes through the drawer front 132. The first end 1801 of the plunger assembly 180 can contact the rod 164 in the handle body 162. Specifically, the first end 1801 can contact the protrusion 174 located on the rod 164.

[0037] Thus, when the rod 164 moves from the first position to the second position within the handle body 162, the plunger assembly 180 can also move from the first position to the second position through the drawer front 132. Specifically, when the user depresses the trigger 166, the trigger pin 178 can be pushed in a first direction (e.g., laterally) through the angled slot 176. Thus, the rod 164 can move in the first direction (e.g., laterally) within the handle body. When the rod 164 is moved (i.e., translated laterally), the protrusion 174 pushes the plunger assembly 180 in a second direction (e.g., longitudinally). This second direction can be substantially orthogonal to the first direction. Thus, the plunger assembly 180 can move toward the drawer interior 126 (i.e., translated longitudinally).

[0038] In certain embodiments, the plunger assembly 180 includes a first plunger rod 182 and a second plunger rod 184. The first plunger rod 182 and the second plunger rod 184 can be axially aligned and can abut each other within the connecting rod 168. In other words, the first plunger rod 182 can interface with the second plunger rod 184 within the connecting rod 168.

[0039] The plunger assembly 180 can be biased by a plunger spring 186. For example, the plunger spring 186 can be a resilient member disposed within the handle body 162. The plunger spring 186 can be a leaf spring configured to urge the plunger assembly 180 away from the drawer interior 126. The protrusion 174 on the rod 164 can press against the plunger spring 186 to urge the plunger assembly 180 toward the drawer interior 126.

[0040] Figure 7-9 is a perspective view of the sliding assembly 138. The sliding assembly 138 can be a multi-stage sliding member. For example, the sliding assembly 138 can include a fixed sliding member 190, a sliding support member 192, and a locking rod (locking sliding member) 194. It should be noted that the number of stages included in the sliding assembly 138 is not limited, and more or fewer stages can be included according to application needs. The fixed sliding member 190 can be attached to the cabinet 120 of the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, the fixed sliding member 190 can be fastened to the inside of the cabinet 120 (i.e., in the food freshness compartment 122 or the frozen food storage compartment 124). The fixed sliding member 190 can be fastened using standard means in the art, such as fasteners, clips, adhesives, etc. In certain embodiments, multiple fixed sliding members 190 can be combined, wherein the fixed sliding member 190 is attached to each side of the cabinet 120.

[0041] The sliding support 192 can be attached to the drawer body 146. The sliding support 192 can be slidably received within the fixed slide 190. Specifically, the sliding support 192 can slide relative to the fixed slide 190, allowing the drawer 125 to be withdrawn from the box 120 and inserted therein. Similar to the fixed slide 190, the sliding support 192 can be fastened using standard means in the art, such as fasteners, clips, adhesives, etc. In some embodiments, the sliding support 192 is fixed to the left wall 148 of the drawer body 146. Of course, the sliding support 192 can be fixed to the right wall 152. In addition, multiple sliding supports 192 can be combined, with a sliding support 192 fixed to each of the left wall 148 and the right wall 152. The sliding support 192 may include a pivot arm 142 that allows the drawer front 132 to pivot relative to the sliding support 192. As Figure 7 As shown, the pivot arm 142 can attach the slide support 192 to the bottom of the drawer front 132. However, the connection location between the pivot arm 142 and the drawer front 132 is not limited.

[0042] The locking lever 194 can be connected to the sliding support 192. For example, the locking lever 194 can be rotatably connected to the sliding support 192. Specifically, the locking lever 194 can be configured to rotate about a rotation axis R defined along a horizontal axis (e.g., an axis defined in a transverse direction) relative to the sliding support 192. The locking lever 194 can define a first end 208 and a second end 210 opposite the first end 208. The rotation axis R can be located at a predetermined distance from the second end 210 (i.e., toward the center of the locking lever 194). Thus, when the locking lever 194 rotates about the rotation axis R, each of the first end 208 and the second end 210 of the locking lever 194 can move in a vertical direction.

[0043] The first end 208 of the locking bar 194 can be located near the drawer front 132. When the drawer front 132 is in the closed position, the first end 208 can contact the plunger assembly 180. A first portion 212 of the top edge 196 of the first end 208 of the locking bar 194 can be angled such that, in a vertical direction, a first point 214 proximate the top edge 196 of the drawer front 132 is lower than a second point 216 of the top edge 196. Thus, when the plunger assembly 180 moves in the longitudinal direction T (i.e., toward the drawer interior 126), the plunger assembly 180 can push the top edge 196 of the first end 208 of the locking bar 194 in a vertical direction V (e.g., downward). As a result, the second end 210 of the locking bar 194 can move in the vertical direction V (e.g., upward).

[0044] A locking notch 204 may be defined in a second portion 218 of the top edge 196 of the first end 208 of the locking lever 194. The locking notch 204 may be a groove formed by the locking lever 194 and may be configured to receive the locking pin 202 of the drawer front 132. Thus, when the drawer front 132 is in the closed position, the locking pin 202 is received in the locking notch 204. Advantageously, the engagement between the locking pin 202 and the locking notch 204 can retain the drawer front 132 in the closed position and prevent it from accidentally opening. Furthermore, the engagement between the locking pin 202 and the locking notch 204 can position the locking lever 194 at a specific location within the sliding support 192. When the locking lever 194 is in the center position, the first end 208 may be located at a vertically centered position within the sliding support 192. This center position also indicates an unlocked state or disengaged position, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0045] The second end 210 of the locking rod 194 can be disposed at a distal end of the drawer front 132. A locking tab 198 can extend from the locking rod 194 proximate the second end 210. The locking tab 198 can extend generally in a vertical direction V. In some embodiments, two locking tabs 198 are provided, each extending in the vertical direction V opposite each other (e.g., one upward and one downward).

[0046] The fixed slide 190 may include a plurality of notches 206 formed therein. The notches 206 may be formed through a bottom edge 220 of the fixed slide 190. Furthermore, a notch may be formed through a top edge 222 of the fixed slide 190. The notches 206 may be formed to receive the locking tabs 198 therein. For example, when the drawer front 132 is in the open position, the locking tabs 198 are inserted into one of the notches 206. Thus, the locking bar 194 and the sliding support 192 are secured relative to the fixed slide 190 and, therefore, relative to the drawer body 146. In certain embodiments, the locking bar 194 may be extended so that the locking tabs 198 are removed from the fixed slide 190 (i.e., the locking tabs 198 are positioned forward of the fixed slide 190 in the longitudinal direction T). In this case, the locking tabs 198 may engage the front surface of the fixed slide 190, thereby locking the locking bar 194 relative to the locking slide 190 and preventing the drawer front 132 from being pushed to the closed position.

[0047] The slide assembly 138 may further include a locking lever spring 200. The locking lever spring 200 may be a resilient member positioned between the locking lever 194 and the slide support 192. The locking lever spring 200 may bias the second end 210 of the locking lever 194 in a vertical direction (e.g., downward). The locking lever spring 200 may be any suitable resilient member, such as a coil spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring, etc. When the drawer front 132 is in the open position (i.e., the locking pin 202 is not received in the locking notch 204), the locking lever spring 200 may bias the second end 210 in the vertical direction downward, so that the locking tab 198 is inserted into one of the plurality of notches 206. This may be referred to as the locked position, or the engaged position. When the drawer front 132 is in the closed position (i.e., the locking pin 202 is received in the locking notch 204), the locking lever 194 may be in a non-engaged position. In other words, no locking tab 198 is received in any of the plurality of notches 206. This may also be referred to as the center position of the locking bar 194. Thus, the locking bar 194 and the sliding support 192 are free to slide relative to the fixed slide 190. Thus, advantageously, when the locking pin 202 is received in the locking notch 204, the sliding support 192, the locking bar 194, and therefore the drawer 125, can be removed from and inserted into the cabinet 120 only when the drawer front 132 is in the closed position and the locking bar 194 is in the disengaged position. This prevents damage to the drawer front 132 or the freezer door 130 when attempting to insert the drawer 125 into the cabinet 120 when the drawer front 132 is in the open position.

[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples would be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A drawer assembly for an electrical appliance, the electrical appliance comprising a housing defining a drawer recess, the drawer assembly comprising: a drawer front for providing selective access to the drawer recess; a handle assembly attached to the front of the drawer; as well as A slide assembly operatively coupling the drawer to the box, the slide assembly comprising a fixed slide mounted on the housing, the fixed slide defining a receiving slot; a slide support slidably coupling the drawer front to the fixed slide; as well as a locking lever operatively coupled to the fixed slide and the sliding support, the locking lever being movable between an engaged position in which the sliding support is fixed relative to the fixed slide and a disengaged position in which the sliding support is slidable relative to the fixed slide; An actuating mechanism for releasing the locking bar from the engaged position includes a plunger assembly extending through the drawer front and contacting the locking bar.

2. The drawer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The locking lever comprises: a first end adjacent to the drawer body; a second end opposite the first end; and A locking tab extends from the locking lever proximate the second end, wherein the locking lever is rotatable about a transverse axis extending in a first direction.

3. The drawer assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed slide includes a plurality of notches spaced apart along a longitudinal direction and configured to receive the locking tabs.

4. The drawer assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A first portion of a top edge of the first end of the locking lever is angled such that a first point of the top edge proximate the drawer front is vertically lower than a second point of the top edge.

5. The drawer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plunger assembly contacts the first portion of the top edge of the first end of the locking lever.

6. The drawer assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drawer front includes a locking pin protruding in a first direction, and the locking bar includes a locking notch defined at the top edge of the locking bar, wherein the locking pin is receivable within the locking notch.

7. The drawer assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The sliding support further includes an elastic member configured to bias the second end of the locking lever in a vertical direction.

8. The drawer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The handle assembly comprises: a handle body extending in a first direction, a connecting rod extending in a second direction and connecting the handle body to the drawer front; a rod movably disposed in the handle body; and A trigger is mechanically coupled to the rod, wherein the trigger is configured to move the rod within the handle body in the first direction.

9. The drawer assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rod is configured to move the plunger in a second direction toward the locking slide.

10. The drawer assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The trigger includes a push rod disposed in the handle and defining a slot angled relative to the handle.

11. The drawer assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The lever includes a trigger pin positioned in the slot, wherein when the push lever is pushed, the trigger pin moves laterally to move the lever in a first direction within the handle.

12. The drawer assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The handle body further includes a resilient member biasing the rod toward the trigger in a first direction.

13. The drawer assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The plunger assembly includes a first plunger rod mechanically coupled to the rod and a second plunger rod mechanically coupled to the locking rod, wherein the first plunger rod and the second plunger rod abut within the connecting rod.

14. The drawer assembly of claim 13, further comprising a resilient member biasing the plunger assembly toward the handle in a second direction.

15. The drawer assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The rod includes a protrusion that projects radially from the rod and is located on the plunger assembly.

16. The drawer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The drawer front is pivotally mounted to the slide support.

17. A refrigeration appliance comprising: A cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment; a drawer slidably mounted within one of the fresh food compartment and the food freezer compartment and defining a drawer recess, wherein the drawer comprises: a drawer front for providing selective access to the drawer recess; a handle assembly attached to the drawer front; and A slide assembly operatively coupling the drawer to the box, the slide assembly comprising a fixed slide mounted on the housing, the fixed slide defining a receiving slot; a slide support slidably coupling the drawer front to the fixed slide; and a locking lever operably coupled to the fixed slide and the sliding support, the locking lever movable between an engaged position in which the sliding support is fixed relative to the fixed slide and a disengaged position in which the sliding support is slidable relative to the fixed slide, wherein the drawer front is pivotally mounted on the sliding support; An actuating mechanism for releasing the locking bar from the engaged position includes a plunger assembly extending through the drawer front and contacting the locking bar.

18. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 17, characterized in that: The locking lever comprises: a first end adjacent to the drawer body; a second end opposite the first end; and A locking tab extends from the locking lever proximate the second end, wherein the locking lever is rotatable about a transverse axis extending in a first direction.

Images