A refrigerator comprising a mullion

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2); at least one opening (A) which is surrounded at least partially by a wall (3) of the body (2) and which provides access into the body (2); at least one first door (4) and at least one second door (5) which are pivotally supported from one side on the side walls of the body (2) so as to be positioned side by side and to cover the opening (A) when closed; at least one mullion (9) which is rotatably connected to the first door (4) or the second door (5) by means of at least one hinge (10); and at least one guiding member (6) which is provided on the wall (3) and which has at least one channel (7) with a certain depth.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a mullion which is rotatably attached to one of the doors, wherein the doors open side by side.

[0002] In refrigerators known as "French door" refrigerators, which comprise side-by-side doors, doors are used, which cover the opening on the body, which are positioned side by side and which are attached to the body so as to rotate around a vertical axis with one being hinged at the left edge thereof and the other at right edge thereof. The doors on the left and right sides cover a single compartment, such as the fresh food compartment, accessed through the opening. When closed, the doors press against the frame surrounding the opening, and sealing is achieved by means of gaskets provided between the doors and the frame. To ensure the sealing between the meeting edges of the two doors, a mullion is used, which is connected to one of the doors and rotates around an axis to which the mullion is connected, by entering and exiting a channel on a guiding member provided at one of the upper or lower edges of the frame facing the opening. When both doors are closed, the mullion provides a surface for the gaskets to press against, insulating the cooling volume. When the door is open, the mullion rests against the edge of the door to which the mullion is attached, and as the door closes, the mullion rotates 90 degrees in the channel so as to form a surface against which the other door can bear. When the door is being opened, the mullion again moves in the channel and rotates 90 degrees back to the initial position where the mullion bears against the edge of the door to which the mullion is attached. When the door is closed, a gap is formed between the mullion and the guiding member, and air enters the refrigerator through the said gap, causing condensation. This disrupts the internal temperature balance of the refrigerator, leading to condensation and reduced energy efficiency.

[0003] In the state of the art United States Patent No. US9709316B2, a special gasket system is disclosed, which provides an effective insulation between the doors of a refrigerator, which operates in a compatible manner, and which eliminates the need for a heater.

[0004] In the state of the art European Patent No. EP2247903B1, a mechanism is disclosed, which enables a movable center bar in the refrigerator doors to be forcibly rotated during the opening and closing of the door by means of guiding members.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator which improves insulation by closing the gap between the mullion and the guiding member when the door is closed.

[0006] The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body; at least one opening which is surrounded at least partially by a wall of the body and which provides access into the body; at least one first door and at least one second door which are pivotally supported from one side on the side walls of the body so as to be positioned side by side and to cover the opening when closed; at least one mullion which is rotatably connected to the first door or the second door by means of at least one hinge; at least one guiding member which is provided on the wall and which has at least one channel with a certain depth; the mullion having a fixed body which is secured to the first door and / or the second door, a movable body which is guided on the fixed body so as to move along a first axis, a pin which is provided on the movable body and which moves in the channel so as to rotate the mullion when the door is closed, and at least one elastic member which is provided between the fixed body and the movable body, which is compressed when a force is applied to the movable body along the first axis so as to enable the movable body to approach the fixed body and which enables the movable body to move away from the fixed body when the applied force is removed. Thus, when the door is closed, the mullion moves in the channel of the guiding member and rotates and closes the gap between the mullion and the guiding member to provide insulation, preventing condensation in the refrigerator and improving the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, on the guiding member, a recess is provided, which is arranged adjacent to the channel and deeper than the channel and which is formed so as to receive the pin. Thus, the recess enables the pin to be seated properly, stabilizes the movement of the mullion and helps achieve effective insulation when the door is closed.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one first housing is provided on the movable body, at least one second housing is provided on the fixed body, and an elastic member is provided, bearing at one end against the first housing and at the other end against the second housing. Thus, the housings enable the elastic member to be seated and borne more effectively so as to provide a more efficient connection between the movable body and the fixed body and increase the effectiveness of insulation when the door is closed.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, on the movable body, two elastic members of equal length are provided, which arranged so as to be distanced from one another. Thus, the two elastic members of equal length, spaced apart from each other, ensure that the movable body operates in a more balanced manner, and provide effective compression and insulation when the door is closed.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, a guiding claw is provided on the movable body, and a stopping member is provided on the fixed body, against which the guiding claw bears. Thus, the guiding claw enables the movable body to be properly guided and, together with the stopping member on the fixed body, increases the stability of the system when the door is closed and improves the effectiveness of insulation.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the movable body comprises a first part and a second part which are mounted onto each other and which become flush when joined. Thus, the designing of the first and second parts of the movable body so as to be mountable onto each other provides ease of production and cost advantage. Moreover, the fact that the parts become flush when joined increases structural integrity and ensures proper operation of the system.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, a connection housing is provided on the first part, and a connection claw is provided on the second part, which engages with the connection housing so as to enable the second part to be secured to the first part. Thus, by means of the connection housing and the connection claw, the first and second parts are easily and securely joined, shortening assembly time, providing ease of production, and increasing structural strength.

[0013] By means of the present invention, the gap remaining between the mullion and the guiding member when the door is closed is enabled to be closed, preventing condensation in the refrigerator. Consequently, the operating efficiency of the refrigerator is increased, and energy savings are achieved.

[0014] The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where: Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the refrigerator related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the mullion related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 - is the front cross-sectional view of the mullion related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 - is the sideways cross-sectional view of the mullion related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 - is the front view of the mullion and the guiding member related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 - is the front cross-sectional view of the mullion and the guiding member related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows: 1.Refrigerator 2.Body 3.Wall 4.First door 5.Second door 6.Guiding member 7.Channel 8.Recess 9.Mullion 10.Hinge 11.Fixed body 12.Movable body 13.Pin 14.Elastic member 15.First housing 16.Second housing 17.Guiding claw 18.Stopping member 19.First part 20.Second part 21.Connection housing 22.Connection claw A:Opening B:Gap

[0016] The refrigerator (1) comprises a body (2); at least one opening (A) which is surrounded at least partially by a wall (3) of the body (2) and which provides access into the body (2); at least one first door (4) and at least one second door (5) which are pivotally supported from one side on the side walls of the body (2) so as to be positioned side by side and to cover the opening (A) when closed; at least one mullion (9) which is rotatably connected to the first door (4) or the second door (5) by means of at least one hinge (10); and at least one guiding member (6) which is provided on the wall (3) and which has at least one channel (7) with a certain depth. The mullion (9) ensures that the gap between the doors (4, 5) is closed when the doors are closed. When the doors (4, 5) are closed, the rotation of the mullion (9) is achieved by means of the guiding member (6) provided on the wall (3).

[0017] The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises the mullion (9) having a fixed body (11) which is secured to the first door (4) and / or the second door (5), a movable body (12) which is guided on the fixed body (11) so as to move along a first axis (Y), a pin (13) which is provided on the movable body (12) and which moves in the channel (7) so as to rotate the mullion (9) when the door (4, 5) is closed, and at least one elastic member (14) which is provided between the fixed body (11) and the movable body (12), which is compressed when a force is applied to the movable body (12) along the first axis (Y) so as to enable the movable body (12) to approach the fixed body (11) and which enables the movable body (12) to move away from the fixed body (11) when the applied force is removed. The mullion (9) comprises the fixed body (11) which is attached to the door (4, 5) by means of at least one hinge (10), and the movable body (12) which is attached on the fixed body (11) so as to move in the vertical direction. The elastic member (14) is preferably a compression spring, but may also be manufactured from rubber or other materials. When the door (4, 5) to which the mullion (9) is attached is closed, the pin (13) enters the channel (7) and enables the mullion (9) to rotate. Thus, the gap between the doors (4, 5) is closed by the mullion (9). Moreover, the movable body (12), which is mounted on the fixed body (11) so as to move in the vertical direction, moves in the vertical direction so as to close the gap (B) between the mullion (9) and the guiding member (6). Thus, when the doors (4, 5) are closed, the interior of the body (2) is completely insulated, and condensation in the body (2) is prevented.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a recess (8) which is provided on the guiding member (6), which is arranged adjacent to the channel (7) and deeper than the channel (7) and which is formed so as to allow the pin (13) to be seated therein. The recess (8) is provided at the end of the rotation path of the mullion (9), beyond the channel (7). When the rotation of the mullion (9) is completed, the pin (13) seats into the recess (8) so as to allow the movable body (12) to move upward and bear against the guiding member (6). Moreover, the seating of the pin (13) in the recess (8) enables the rotation of the mullion (9) to be completed in a stable manner.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises at least one first housing (15) which is provided on the movable body (12), at least one second housing (16) which is is provided on the fixed body (11), and the elastic member (14) which bears at one end against the first housing (15) and at the other end against the second housing (165). The first housing (15) and the second housing (16) have a depth sufficient to receive at least a portion of the elastic member (14). This structure allows the mullion (9) to move in a stable and controlled manner, and also contributes to the long life and durability of the system. The bearing of the elastic member (14) in the housings (15, 16) ensures proper operating performance and reduces negative effects such as vibration and wear.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises two elastic members (14) of equal length which are provided on the movable body (12) and which arranged so as to be distanced from one another. By means of this structure, the two elastic members (14) of equal length, arranged with a distance therebetween on the movable body (12), contribute to the balanced and stable operation of the system. When the doors (4, 5) are closed, both elastic members (14) are compressed simultaneously and with equal force so as to enable the movable body (12) to move smoothly and symmetrically toward the fixed body (11). This enables the mullion (9) to interact with the guiding member (6) and to make a correct rotational movement. Thus, possible imbalances and one-sided loads are prevented. Moreover, this structure extends the economic life of the elastic members (14) and reduces the risk of wear and deformation.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a guiding claw (17) which is provided on the movable body (12) and a stopping member (18) which is provided on the fixed body (11) and against which the guiding claw (17) bears. By means of this structure, the guiding claw (17) provided on the movable body (12) interacts with the stopping member (18) provided on the fixed body (11) so as to enable the movable body (12) to stop within a defined limit. The guiding claw (17) enables the movable body (12) to move linearly or in a controlled manner along a defined axis.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the movable body (12) having a first part (19) and a second part (20) which are mounted onto each other and become flush when joined. The first part (19) forms the main structure of the movable body (12), while the second part (20) is mounted onto the first part (19) to complete the movable body (12). The connection points of the two parts (19, 20) allow the surfaces to be properly aligned, thereby achieving a flush structure. Thus, the movable body (12) gains an aesthetic appearance and a more stable and durable structure from a mechanical standpoint. Moreover, the modular structure provides ease of production and assembly, and since the parts (19, 20) can be manufactured separately, production costs are reduced. During the assembly, the parts (19, 20) can be joined in a quick and practical manner. In addition, in the case of maintenance or repair, only the damaged part can be replaced, thus improving the serviceability of the system. As a result, ease of production is achieved and the economic life of the movable body (12) is extended.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a connection housing (21) which is provided on the first part (19), and a connection claw (22) which is provided on the second part (20) and which engages with the connection housing (21) so as to enable the second part (20) to be secured to the first part (19). The combined use of the connection housing (21) and the connection claw (22) creates a stable structure between the parts (21, 22) without the need for an additional connection member. Thus, production costs are reduced during manufacturing, and time is saved during the assembly. Furthermore, as this structure supports modular design, it allows the relevant part (21, 22) to be easily removed and reassembled in case of maintenance or part (21, 22) replacement.

[0024] By means of the present invention, the gap (B) between the mullion (9) and the guiding member (6) is closed by means of the mullion (9) such that the air is prevented from entering the interior of the refrigerator (1) and condensation is eliminated. Thus, the energy efficiency of the refrigerator (1) is increased, and the internal environmental conditions are made more stable.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (1) comprises a body (2); at least one opening (A) which is surrounded at least partially by a wall (3) of the body (2) and which provides access into the body (2); at least one first door (4) and at least one second door (5) which are pivotally supported from one side on the side walls of the body (2) so as to be positioned side by side and to cover the opening (A) when closed; at least one mullion (9) which is rotatably connected to the first door (4) or the second door (5) by means of at least one hinge (10); and at least one guiding member (6) which is provided on the wall (3) and which has at least one channel (7) with a certain depth, characterized by the mullion (9) having a fixed body (11) which is secured to the first door (4) and / or the second door (5), a movable body (12) which is guided on the fixed body (11) so as to move along a first axis (Y), a pin (13) which is provided on the movable body (12) and which moves in the channel (7) so as to rotate the mullion (9) when the door (4, 5) is closed, and at least one elastic member (14) which is provided between the fixed body (11) and the movable body (12), which is compressed when a force is applied to the movable body (12) along the first axis (Y) so as to enable the movable body (12) to approach the fixed body (11) and which enables the movable body (12) to move away from the fixed body (11) when the applied force is removed.

2. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a recess (8) which is provided on the guiding member (6), which is arranged adjacent to the channel (7) and deeper than the channel (7) and which is formed so as to allow the pin (13) to be seated therein.

3. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by at least one first housing (15) which is provided on the movable body (12), at least one second housing (16) which is provided on the fixed body (11), and the elastic member (14) which bears at one end against the first housing (15) and at the other end against the second housing (165).

4. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by two elastic members (14) of equal length which are provided on the movable body (12) and which arranged so as to be distanced from one another.

5. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a guiding claw (17) which is provided on the movable body (12) and a stopping member (18) which is provided on the fixed body (11) and against which the guiding claw (17) bears.

6. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the movable body (12) having a first part (19) and a second part (20) which are mounted onto each other and become flush when joined.

7. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by a connection housing (21) which is provided on the first part (19), and a connection claw (22) which is provided on the second part (20) and which engages with the connection housing (21) so as to enable the second part (20) to be secured to the first part (19).

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