refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to this embodiment includes: a cabinet having a storage space; a hinge bracket connected to the cabinet; a door rotatably connected to a shaft disposed at the hinge bracket, and the door opening / closing the storage space; and an automatic closing device disposed at the door at a position spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door, and operating together with the hinge bracket during the closing of the door to automatically close the door, wherein the automatic closing device includes: a rod rotatable about a rotation center line spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door; an elastic member connected to the rod; and a body disposed at the door and rotatably supporting the rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a refrigerator is a household appliance used to store food at low temperatures in an internal storage space covered by the refrigerator door. Here, cold air is used to cool the interior of the storage space, which is generated by heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle, in order to store the food in optimal condition.

[0003] The refrigerator can be placed independently in the kitchen or living room, or it can be housed within a space defined by kitchen furniture cabinets.

[0004] Refrigerators are getting bigger and bigger, and with changes in diet and lifestyle and the pursuit of high quality, refrigerators are becoming more multifunctional. Therefore, considering user convenience, refrigerators of various structures have been introduced to the market.

[0005] A refrigerator may include a cabinet defining storage space and a door connected to the cabinet and having storage space. A door storage section for storing food may be located within the door. When a door storage section is provided, the user requires considerable force to close the door due to the weight of the food stored in the door storage section and the weight of the door itself.

[0006] To make it easier for users to close the door, modern refrigerators are equipped with hinges that automatically close the door when it is closed at a certain angle.

[0007] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0874633, which is prior art, discloses an automatic return hinge device including a recovery mechanism.

[0008] The hinge assembly may include a body, a clutch assembly mounted within the body, a shaft connected to the clutch assembly, and a first spring that transmits restoring force to the shaft when the door is closed.

[0009] The shaft provides the center of rotation for the door, and the first spring, in the form of a helical spring, is positioned parallel to the shaft.

[0010] In the existing literature, since the restoration device is set in a direction parallel to the rotation center of the door, a space is required in the door to position the restoration device at the same height as the restoration device, which limits the installation of the restoration device.

[0011] In addition, the position of the door's rotation center can vary depending on the door's thickness, and when the door's thickness becomes thinner, it is impossible to install a restoration device in a direction parallel to the door's rotation center. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] One embodiment provides a refrigerator equipped with an automatic closing device installed in the door, regardless of the door thickness, to provide a closing force for the door.

[0014] Additionally or optionally, the embodiment also provides a refrigerator in which an automatic closing device prevents the door from being closed and then reopened due to excessive closing force when the door is closed.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet having a storage space; a hinge bracket connected to the cabinet; a door rotatably connected to a shaft disposed on the hinge bracket and configured to open and close the storage space; and an automatic closing device mounted in the door at a position spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door and configured to interact with the hinge bracket to automatically close the door during closing. Therefore, a closing force can be provided to the door by the automatic closing device regardless of the door's thickness.

[0017] The automatic closing device may include a rod configured to rotate based on a rotation centerline spaced apart from the rotation centerline of the door. The automatic closing device may further include a resilient member connected to the rod. The automatic closing device may further include a body mounted in the door to rotatably support the rod.

[0018] The elastic member may include a torsion spring, and due to the rotation of the rod, it can prevent the door from closing with excessive force when closed, thus preventing the door from reopening after it has been closed.

[0019] The rotation center line of the rod can extend in the vertical direction. The rotation center line of the rod can be parallel to the rotation center line of the door.

[0020] A portion of the rod may be housed within the body and connected to the resilient member, and another portion of the rod may be configured to extend to the exterior of the body and contact the contact surface of the hinge bracket during closing of the door.

[0021] The rod can be bent one or more times in the horizontal direction, and a roller can be rotatably connected to the end of the rod.

[0022] The automatic closing device may also include a connector configured to connect a resilient member to a rod in the body.

[0023] The rod may include: a first component connected to the connector in the body; a second component configured to extend outward from the first component; and a third component configured to extend from the second component and to which a roller is coupled.

[0024] The second component can be bent one or more times in the horizontal direction and has a height that varies in the longitudinal direction. The third component can be arranged higher than the first component, and the roller can be attached to the underside of the third component.

[0025] A portion of the main body can be accommodated in a receiving portion provided on the lower side of the door, and another portion of the main body can protrude downward from the door. The rod can be rotatably connected to the portion of the main body that protrudes downward from the door.

[0026] The connector may include: a rod connecting portion connected to the rod; an elastic member connecting portion connected to the elastic member; and a partition disposed between the rod connecting portion and the elastic member.

[0027] The rod connection can be connected to the rod by passing through the rod from the upper side of the rod, the partition can be seated on the rod, and the elastic member connection can be arranged above the partition.

[0028] The elastic member may include: a main body portion disposed by repeatedly winding a metal wire; and an extension portion configured to extend horizontally from the underside of the main body portion. The extension portion may be connected to the connecting portion of the elastic member.

[0029] The automatic shut-off device may further include a connector having a fixed position in the body, and the elastic member being connected to the connector.

[0030] One end of the elastic member can be connected to the connector and fixed in place, and the other end can be connected to the rod to rotate together with the rod.

[0031] With the door closed, the rotation center line of the rod can be arranged closer to the front surface of the cabinet than the rotation center line of the door.

[0032] With the door closed, the main body can be arranged closer to the front surface of the door than to the rear surface of the door. The portion of the rod that contacts the contact surface is arranged closer to the rear surface of the door than the rotation center line of the rod.

[0033] The hinge bracket may include: a connecting portion fixed to the cabinet; and a bracket body configured to extend horizontally from the connecting portion and having a contact surface that contacts the rod.

[0034] When the door is closed, as the rod moves along a portion of the contact surface, elastic force can accumulate in the elastic member, and in other portions of the contact surface, the elastic force of the elastic member can act on the rod, causing the door to close automatically.

[0035] In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet having a storage space; a hinge bracket connected to the cabinet; a door rotatably connected to a shaft disposed on the hinge bracket and configured to open and close the storage space; and an automatic closing device mounted in the door at a position spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door and configured to interact with the hinge bracket to automatically close the door during closing, wherein the automatic closing device includes: a rod configured to rotate based on a rotation center line spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door; and a torsion spring connected to the rod.

[0036] In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a door; and an automatic closing device operable to automatically close the door, wherein the automatic closing device includes: a rod configured to rotate based on a rotation center line spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door; and an elastic member connected to the rod, wherein, in the closed state, the rotation center line of the door is arranged closer to the front surface of the door than to the rear surface of the door, and the rotation center line of the rod is arranged closer to the rear surface of the door than to the rotation center line of the door.

[0037] The refrigerator may also include a hinge bracket connected to the cabinet and provided with a shaft configured to provide a center of rotation for the door. The hinge bracket may include a contact surface that contacts a rod during door closing.

[0038] With the door closed, the portion of the contact surface that contacts the rod can be arranged closer to the front surface of the door than the rotation center line of the rod.

[0039] Beneficial effects

[0040] According to the proposed implementation, since the automatic closing device is arranged to be spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door, a closing force can still be provided to the door when it is closed, even when the thickness of the door is reduced.

[0041] According to this embodiment, when the door is closed by the automatic closing device, it can prevent the door from closing and then reopening due to excessive closing force.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the height of the automatic closing device can be reduced, and when the height of the lever is bent to be variable, interference with other doors during the operation of the lever can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A magnified view of part A.

[0045] Figure 3 This shows what happens when viewed from the X direction. Figure 2 The constructed view.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a hinge bracket and an automatic closing device according to one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an automatic shut-off device when viewed from above, according to one embodiment.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an automatic shut-off device when viewed from below, according to one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an automatic shut-off device according to one embodiment.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a side view of an automatic shut-off device according to one embodiment.

[0051] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of an automatic shut-off device according to one embodiment.

[0052] Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 10-10.

[0053] Figure 11 This is a view showing the hinge brackets fixed to the cabinet when viewed from below.

[0054] Figure 12 This is a view showing the position of the lever of the automatic closing device when the first door is closed.

[0055] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view taken from line 13-13.

[0056] Figure 14 This is a view showing the state in which the rod begins to contact the first surface of the bracket body during the closing of the first door.

[0057] Figure 15 This is a view showing the state in which the rod moves along the first surface and rotates in one direction while the first door is being closed.

[0058] Figure 16 This is a view showing the state in which the rod moves along the second surface while rotating in another direction during the closing of the first door.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the position of the lever when the first door is closed. Detailed Implementation

[0060] In the following, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are indicated by reference numerals, the same components will be represented by the same reference numerals as much as possible, even if the components are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the description of embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions will be omitted when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions would interfere with the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Furthermore, in the description of embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Each term is used only to distinguish the corresponding component from other components and does not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components. It should be understood that when a component is "connected," "joined," or "engaged" to another component, the former may be directly connected or engaged to the latter, or may be "connected," "joined," or "engaged" to the latter while sandwiching a third component.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A magnified view of part A, and Figure 3 This shows what happens when viewed from the X direction. Figure 2 The constructed view.

[0063] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 1 can be installed independently in a kitchen or in an indoor furniture cabinet or wall. When the refrigerator 1 is installed in an indoor furniture cabinet or wall, the refrigerator 1 can be installed alone or arranged side by side with another refrigerator.

[0064] The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 with storage space and a refrigerator door 20 for opening and closing the storage space.

[0065] The storage space can be unlimited, but it can be divided into an upper first space and a lower second space, and the refrigerator door 20 can also include a first door 21 for opening and closing the first space and a second door 22 for opening and closing the second space.

[0066] The first compartment can be a refrigerator compartment, and the second compartment can be a freezer compartment, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space can include a first compartment and a second compartment divided into left and right sides. Alternatively, the storage space can be a single space, and a single refrigerator door can open and close the storage space.

[0067] At least one or more of the first door 21 and the second door 22 may be a revolving door. Alternatively, a single refrigerator door 20 may be a revolving door.

[0068] In this embodiment, the rotating refrigerator door 20 may include an automatic closing device 40, which provides a closing force to the refrigerator door 20 when the refrigerator door 20 is open and then closes again at a certain angle.

[0069] exist Figure 2 This document describes an embodiment in which the automatic closing device 40 is installed in the first door of a first door and a second door arranged in a vertical direction. It should be noted that the location of the automatic closing device 40 is not limited.

[0070] When the first door 21 and the second door 22 are arranged vertically, the hinge bracket 30 is positioned between the first door 21 and the second door 22.

[0071] The hinge bracket 30 may be a common bracket that provides the center of rotation for each of the first door 21 and the second door 22. Alternatively, the hinge bracket may be located above the first door 21, and the hinge bracket may also be located below the second door 22. Alternatively, the hinge bracket 30 may provide the center of rotation for the first door 21, and a separate hinge bracket may provide the center of rotation for the second door 22.

[0072] The hinge bracket 30 can be secured to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. The hinge bracket 30 may include a shaft member 350. The shaft member 350 may include a shaft for the first door 21 (described later) and a shaft for the second door 22 (described later).

[0073] A gap G of a predetermined size is defined between the first door 21 and the second door 22. A portion of the hinge bracket 30 is arranged between the first door 21 and the second door 22 such that the first door 21 and the second door 22 can rotate without interfering with each other, and is also spaced apart from the top surface of the second door 22 and the bottom surface of the first door 21.

[0074] The automatic closing device 40 according to this embodiment can provide closing force to the first door 21 while acting together with the hinge bracket 30 to close the first door 21. Alternatively, the automatic closing device 40 can provide closing force to the second door 22.

[0075] In order for the automatic closing device 40 to provide closing force to the first door 21, the automatic closing device 40 can be installed in the first door 21.

[0076] For example, the automatic closing device 40 may be installed on the underside of the first door 21, and in order to interact with the hinge bracket 30, a portion of the automatic closing device 40 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the first door 21.

[0077] When the automatic closing device 40 is installed on the lower side of the first door 21, the automatic closing device 40 is not well visible from the outside when the first door 21 is opened and closed.

[0078] The automatic closing device 40 can be spaced apart from the top surface of the second door 22 so that the automatic closing device 40 does not interfere with the second door 22.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a hinge bracket and an automatic closing device according to one embodiment.

[0080] For example, Figure 4 The relative positions of the automatic closing device 40 and the hinge bracket are shown when the first door 21 is closed.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The hinge bracket 30 may include a connecting portion 310 connected to the cabinet 10 and a bracket body 320 extending horizontally from the connecting portion 310. For example, the connecting portion 310 may be connected to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0082] The connecting part 310 may include one or more connecting holes 312. The connecting member can be connected to the cabinet 10 through the connecting holes 312.

[0083] The height of the bracket body 320 may be less than the height of the connecting portion 310. The bracket body 320 may extend horizontally from a position spaced apart from the upper and lower ends of the connecting portion 310. For example, the bracket body 320 may extend from the middle portion of the connecting portion 310.

[0084] The shaft member 350 can be connected to the bracket body 320.

[0085] The shaft member 350 may include a seat 352 seated on the bracket body 320, a first shaft 354 extending upward from the seat 352, and a second shaft 356 extending downward from the seat 352.

[0086] Alternatively, the second shaft 356 can be omitted from the shaft member 350.

[0087] The diameter of the seat 352 may be larger than the diameter of the second shaft 356. A hole (not shown) through which the second shaft 356 passes may be defined in the bracket body 320.

[0088] The second shaft 356 can pass through the hole in the bracket body 320 from the upper side of the bracket body 320, and the seat 352 can sit on the top surface of the bracket body 320.

[0089] The diameter of the first shaft 354 is smaller than the diameter of the seat 352. The diameter of the first shaft 354 may be the same as or different from the diameter of the second shaft 356.

[0090] The first door 21 can be connected to the first shaft 354, and the second door 22 can be connected to the second shaft 356.

[0091] Therefore, the first axis 354 can provide the rotation center of the first door 21, and the second axis 356 can provide the rotation center of the second door 22.

[0092] The automatic closing device 40 can be arranged at a position spaced apart from the first axis 354 in the horizontal direction. That is, the automatic closing device 40 can be connected to the first door 21 at a position spaced apart from the first axis 354.

[0093] The automatic closing device 40 rotates together with the first door 21, and during the closing of the first door 21, the automatic closing device 40 interacts with the bracket body 320 to provide a closing force to the first door 21.

[0094] The automatic shut-off device 40 will be described in detail below.

[0095] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an automatic closing device when viewed from above. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an automatic closing device when viewed from below. Figure 7 This is a plan view of an automatic shut-off device according to one embodiment, and Figure 8 This is a side view of an automatic shut-off device according to one embodiment. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of an automatic shut-off device according to one embodiment, and Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 10-10.

[0096] Reference Figures 5 to 10 The automatic closing device 40 according to this embodiment may include a main body 410, a rod 420 rotatably connected to the main body 410, and an elastic member 450 connected to the rod 420.

[0097] The main body 410 can define the appearance of the automatic shut-off device 40.

[0098] The main body 410 can accommodate a portion of the rod 420. With a portion of the rod 420 accommodated in the main body 410, the rod 420 can rotate. For example, the rod 420 can rotate in the horizontal direction based on a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction. That is, the rotation center line of the first door 21 and the rotation center line of the rod 420 can be parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0099] The body 410 may include a groove 415 into which a portion of the rod 420 is inserted. The rod 420 may pass through the groove 415 and be inserted into the body 410 in a transverse direction.

[0100] The slot 415 may be extended circumferentially (or elongated circumferentially) so that the rod 420 rotates while passing through the slot 415.

[0101] The main body 410 may include a first main body 411 and a second main body 417 connected to the first main body 411.

[0102] The second body 417 can be connected to the first body 411 from the upper side. The first body 411 includes an upper opening and a lower opening, and the lower side of the second body 417 can be inserted through the upper opening of the first body 411.

[0103] The first body 411 may include a mounting groove 412 for mounting the second body 417. When the second body 417 is mounted in the mounting groove 412 of the first body 411, the inner circumferential surface of the second body 417 may define a continuous surface in a direction perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface of the first body 411.

[0104] The slot 415 can be confined within the first body 411.

[0105] One or more connecting extensions 413 may be provided on the first body 411. Connecting holes 414 may be defined in the connecting extensions 413. While not limited thereto, multiple connecting extensions 413 may be arranged to extend horizontally from the first body 411. As an example, Figure 9 A pair of connecting extensions 413 are shown extending from the first body 411 in a direction away from each other. The connecting extensions 413 can be connected to the first door 21.

[0106] The connecting extension 413 may be provided at a position spaced upward from the lower end of the first body 411 at a predetermined distance. The connecting extension 413 extends horizontally from the first body 411, and the groove 415 is provided in the first body 411 below the connecting extension 413.

[0107] The upper end 415a of the groove 415 can be configured to be lower than the lower end 413a of the connecting extension 413.

[0108] The automatic shut-off device 40 may also include a first connector 440 connected to the rod 420 within the body 410.

[0109] The first connector 440 can be connected to the rod 420 to rotate with the rod 420. The first connector 440 can be connected to the rod 420 by passing downward through the rod 420 from the upper side of the rod inserted into the body 410. For example, the first connector 440 can be inserted into the first body 411 through the upper opening of the first body 411 and connected to the rod 420.

[0110] The first connector 440 can connect the elastic member 450 to the rod 420. The first connector 440 may include a rod connecting portion 441a and a first elastic member connecting portion 441b.

[0111] The first connector 440 may further include a partition 442 disposed between the rod connecting portion 441a and the first elastic member connecting portion 441b. The rod connecting portion 441a may be disposed below the partition 442 based on the partition 442, and the first elastic member connecting portion 441b may be disposed above the partition 442 based on the partition 442.

[0112] The rod connection portion 441a may include a first rib 443 and a second rib 444 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. A first connection space 445 may be defined between the first rib 443 and the second rib 444. The surfaces of the first rib 443 and the second rib 444 facing each other may include planes. The outer surface of each of the first rib 443 and the second rib 444 may include a circular surface that is circular in the horizontal direction.

[0113] Therefore, each of the first rib 443 and the second rib 444 has a semi-circular or semi-circular shape in the horizontal cross section.

[0114] The rod 420 may include a first rib hole 421a through which a first rib 443 passes and a second rib hole 421b through which a second rib 444 passes. The first rib hole 421a may have a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the first rib 443, and the second rib hole 421b may have a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the second rib 444.

[0115] Since the first rib hole 421a and the second rib hole 421b are spaced apart from each other, there is a connecting rib 421c between the first rib hole 421a and the second rib hole 421b.

[0116] When the first rib 443 passes through the first rib hole 421a and the second rib 444 passes through the second rib hole 421b, the connecting rib 412c can be accommodated in the first connecting space 445, and thus the rod connecting part 441a and the rod 420 are fully connected to each other. Here, the partition 442 is located on the top surface of the rod 420.

[0117] The first body 411 includes a lower opening 416, and the rod connection portion 441a passing through the rod 420 is accommodated in the lower opening 416.

[0118] The first elastic member connecting portion 441b may include a third rib 446 and a fourth rib 447 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The second connecting space 448 may be defined between the third rib 446 and the fourth rib 447.

[0119] The separation direction between the third rib 446 and the fourth rib 447 can intersect with the separation direction between the first rib 443 and the second rib 444.

[0120] The surfaces of the third rib 446 and the fourth rib 447 facing each other may include planes. The outer surface of each of the third rib 446 and the fourth rib 447 may include a circular surface that is circular in the horizontal direction. Therefore, each of the third rib 446 and the fourth rib 447 has a semi-circular or semi-circular shape in the horizontal cross section.

[0121] A portion of the elastic member 450 may be accommodated in the second connection space 448.

[0122] The rod 420 may include a first portion 421 that is connected to the first connector 440. The first portion 421 may also be referred to as the connector connection portion.

[0123] The first part 421 can pass through the slot 415 and be inserted into the main body 410.

[0124] The rod 420 may include a second portion 422 extending horizontally from the first portion 421. The second portion 422 may extend while maintaining the same height as the first portion 421.

[0125] The second portion 422 is the portion extending outward from the main body 410. In this embodiment, either the first portion 421 or the second portion 422 is disposed in the groove 415. Hereinafter, a configuration in which the first portion 421 is disposed in the main body 410, a portion of the second portion 422 is disposed in the groove 415, and the other portion is disposed outside the main body 410 will be described as an example.

[0126] The rod 420 may also include a third portion 423 that bends horizontally from the second portion 422. The third portion 423 may be curved while being circular at the second portion 422, and the second portion 422 and the third portion 423 may be arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0127] The rod 420 may also include a fourth part 424 that extends upward from the third part 423.

[0128] The rod 420 may also include a fifth portion 425 extending horizontally from the fourth portion 424. The fifth portion 425 may be positioned higher than the third portion 423. The fifth portion 425 may extend substantially parallel to the third portion 423.

[0129] The rod 420 may also include a sixth part 426, which is inclined at a predetermined angle in the horizontal direction from the fifth part 425.

[0130] Part 6, 426, can be extended from Part 5, 425, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

[0131] The sixth part 426 may contact the bracket body 320. Alternatively, the rod 420 may include a roller 430 connected to the sixth part 426 and in contact with the bracket body 320.

[0132] In this specification, a portion of the rod 420 that contacts the bracket body 320 may be referred to as the contact portion. In this case, the sixth part 426 may be the contact portion, or the roller 430 may be the contact portion. Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which the roller 430 is disposed on the sixth portion 426. The roller 430 may be rotatably coupled to the sixth portion 426. When the rotating roller 430 contacts the bracket body 320, the frictional force may be reduced more than when the sixth portion 426 contacts the bracket body 320, and wear due to friction may be reduced.

[0133] In this embodiment, since the sixth part 426 is configured to be higher than the first part 421 to the third part 423, the roller 430 is rotatably connected to the lower side of the sixth part 426 to prevent the roller 430 from interfering with the second door 22.

[0134] As described above, when the roller 430 is connected to a portion that is higher than the portion connected to the main body 410, the height of the automatic closing device 40 can be prevented from increasing, and wear on the portion in contact with the bracket body can be reduced.

[0135] Roller 430 can be connected to sixth part 426 via pin 436. Connection hole 427 can be defined in sixth part 426.

[0136] According to another aspect, the rod 420 includes a first component connected to the first connector 440 within a body 410, a second component extending outward from the first component, and a third component extending from the second component and connected to the roller 430.

[0137] The second component can be bent once or multiple times in the horizontal direction and has a height that varies in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the third component can be stepped with the first component and, for example, can be positioned higher than the first component.

[0138] For example, the first component may include a first part 421, the second component may include second parts 422 to fifth parts 425, and the third component may include a sixth part 426.

[0139] The thickness (vertical width) of roller 430 can be at least greater than the thickness (vertical width) of the sixth part 426. The diameter of roller 430 can be at least greater than the width of the sixth part 426.

[0140] The thickness of roller 430 can be greater than the thickness (vertical width) of bracket body 320.

[0141] The elastic member 450 may be, for example, a torsion spring. The elastic member 450 may include a body portion 452 provided by repeatedly winding a metal wire. The body portion 452 may be cylindrical or truncated conical.

[0142] The vertical cross-section of the metal wire defining the main body 452 may be non-circular. For example, the vertical cross-section of the metal wire may be quadrilateral.

[0143] In this embodiment, when the vertical cross-section of the metal wire defining the main body 452 has the same elastic modulus as when the vertical cross-section is circular, the diameter of the main body 452 can be reduced.

[0144] The elastic member 450 may include a first extension 454 that extends horizontally from the lower end of the main body portion 452.

[0145] The first extension 454 may extend toward the center of the main body 452. The first extension 454 may be connected to the first connector 440. For example, the first extension 454 may be inserted into the second connection space 448 of the first elastic member connection portion 441b.

[0146] The vertical length of the second connecting space 448 is greater than the height of the first extension 454. Therefore, it prevents the first extension 454 from falling out of the second connecting space 448 when it is accommodated in the second connecting space 448.

[0147] Furthermore, when the first extension 454 is accommodated in the second connection space 448, the first elastic member connection portion 441b can be accommodated within the main body portion 452. That is, the main body portion 452 can be connected to the first elastic member connection portion 441b while surrounding it.

[0148] With the first extension 454 accommodated in the second connecting space 448, the first extension 454 and the main body 452 can be placed on the partition 442.

[0149] The elastic member 450 may also include a second extension 456 that extends horizontally from the upper end of the main body portion 452.

[0150] The automatic closing device 40 may also include a second connector 460 connected to the elastic member 450. A second extension 456 may be connected to the second connector 460.

[0151] The second connector 460 can be configured to have the same or similar shape as the first connector 440.

[0152] The second connector 460 may include a second elastic member connecting portion 461a and a pin connecting portion 461b. The second connector 460 may also include a partition 462 disposed between the second elastic member connecting portion 461a and the pin connecting portion 461b.

[0153] The pin connection part 461b can be disposed above the partition plate 442 based on the partition plate 462, and the second elastic member connection part 461a can be disposed below the partition plate 462 based on the partition plate 462.

[0154] The second elastic member connecting portion 461a may include a first rib 463 and a second rib 464 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. A first connecting space 465 may be defined between the first rib 463 and the second rib 464. The surfaces of the first rib 463 and the second rib 464 facing each other may include planes. The outer surface of each of the first rib 463 and the second rib 464 may include a circular surface that is circular in the horizontal direction.

[0155] The second extension 456 of the elastic member 450 can be inserted into the first connecting space 465. The vertical length of the first connecting space 465 is greater than the height of the second extension 456. Therefore, the second extension 456 is prevented from falling out of the first connecting space 465 when it is accommodated therein.

[0156] Furthermore, when the second extension 456 is accommodated in the first connection space 465, the second elastic member connection portion 461a can be accommodated in the main body portion 452. That is, the main body portion 452 can be connected to the second elastic member connection portion 461a while surrounding it.

[0157] The pin connection portion 461b may include a third rib 466 and a fourth rib 467 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The second connection space 468 may be defined between the third rib 466 and the fourth rib 467.

[0158] The separation direction between the third rib 466 and the fourth rib 467 can intersect with the separation direction between the first rib 463 and the second rib 464.

[0159] The surfaces of the third rib 466 and the fourth rib 467 facing each other may include planes. The outer surface of each of the third rib 466 and the fourth rib 467 may include a circular surface that is circular in the horizontal direction. Therefore, each of the third rib 466 and the fourth rib 467 has a semi-circular or semi-circular shape in the horizontal cross section.

[0160] The automatic closing device 40 may also include an upper cap 470 that covers the upper opening of the body 410.

[0161] The cap 470 may include a cap body 472 having a hollow portion 473 therein and a flange 474 extending horizontally from the upper end of the cap body 472.

[0162] The cap 472 can be inserted into the body 410, and the flange 474 can sit on the top surface of the body 410. The pin connector 461b is inserted into the hollow part 473.

[0163] The automatic closing device 40 may also include a retaining pin 480 for securing the upper cap 470 to the body 410.

[0164] A pair of first pin holes 418 through which the retaining pin 480 passes can be confined in the body 410.

[0165] The cap body 472 may include a pair of second pin holes 475 through which the retaining pin 480 passes.

[0166] The retaining pin 480 can be inserted into the second connection space 468. That is, after passing through a first pin hole 418 and a second pin hole 475, the retaining pin 480 can pass through the second connection space 468 and through another second pin hole 475 and another first pin hole 418.

[0167] The positions of the upper cap 470 and the second connector 460 are fixed to the body 410 by a retaining pin 480. That is, the rotation of the upper cap 470 and the second connector 460 is restricted by the retaining pin 480.

[0168] That is, in this embodiment, the second extension 456 of the elastic member 450 is a fixed end, and the first extension 454 is a movable end. Therefore, when the second extension 456 is fixed, the first extension 454 can rotate together with the rod 420.

[0169] When the first extension 454 of the elastic member 450 rotates in one direction while the second extension 456 remains fixed, the elastic member 450 accumulates elastic force. The elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 450 can act on the rod 420, causing the rod 420 to rotate in another direction opposite to the first direction.

[0170] In this way, during the closing of the first door 21, the elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 450 acts essentially on the first door 21, causing the first door 21 to close automatically at the predetermined position.

[0171] The structure of the second extension 456 for fixing the elastic member 450 described above is merely an embodiment, and various fixing structures can be applied, such as those in which the second extension 456 is directly fixed to the main body 410 or the cap 470.

[0172] Unlike the embodiments described above, one or more of the first connector 440 and the second connector 460 may be omitted. For example, the elastic member 450 may be directly connected to the rod 420, and the elastic member 450 may be directly connected to the cap 470.

[0173] Figure 11 This is a view showing the hinge brackets fixed to the cabinet when viewed from below.

[0174] Reference Figure 11 The bracket body 320 of the hinge bracket 30 may include a contact surface 321 that contacts the rod 420.

[0175] For example, the roller 430 of the rod 420 can contact the contact surface. The rod 420 can rotate as it moves along the contact surface 321.

[0176] The contact surface may include a first surface 322, on which the lever 420 initially contacts the contact surface 321 during the closing of the first door 21. When the first door 21 is open at a predetermined angle or greater, the lever 420 may not contact the first surface 322, and during the closing of the first door 21, the lever 420 may contact the first surface 322.

[0177] The first surface 322 is not only arranged to be inclined relative to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, but also to be inclined relative to a virtual line L1 that passes through the rotation center or rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and is perpendicular to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. The rotation center line C1 is a line that passes through the rotation center of the first door 21.

[0178] When the first surface 322 approaches the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, the first surface 322 can tilt in a direction away from the virtual line L1. The first surface 322 is tilted at a first angle θ1 with the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0179] The contact surface 321 may further include a second surface 323 extending from the first surface 322. The second surface 323 may be inclined relative to the first surface 322. The length of the second surface 323 may be less than the length of the first surface 322.

[0180] The second surface 323 can be tilted not only relative to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, but also relative to the virtual line L1.

[0181] When the second surface 323 approaches the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, the second surface 323 may tilt in a direction closer to the virtual line L1.

[0182] The contact surface may also include a third surface 324 extending from the second surface 323. The third surface 324 may be inclined relative to the second surface 323.

[0183] The third surface 324 can be tilted not only relative to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, but also relative to the virtual line L1.

[0184] The third surface 324 extends in the direction of approaching the virtual line L1 as the distance from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 increases.

[0185] The contact surface 321 may also include a fourth surface 325 extending from the third surface 324. The fourth surface 325 may be inclined relative to the third surface 324.

[0186] The fourth surface 325 may be tilted in the direction of the virtual line L1 as the second surface 323 approaches the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0187] The contact surface 321 may also include a fifth surface 326 extending from the fourth surface 325. The fifth surface 326 may be inclined relative to the fourth surface 325. The fifth surface 326 may extend in a direction that approaches the virtual line L1 as the second surface 323 moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0188] In the contact surface 321, the third surface 324 and the fifth surface 326 are arranged to face each other in a spaced-apart manner. Therefore, in the contact surface, the third surface 324, the fourth surface 325, and the fifth surface 326 define a portion of the rod 420, namely, a receiving groove 327 for receiving the roller 430. That is, when the door is closed, the roller 430 can be disposed in the receiving groove 327. Here, when the roller 430 is received in the receiving groove 327, one or more of the fourth surface 325 and the fifth surface 326 may not be in contact with the roller 430.

[0189] In order to position the roller 430 within the receiving groove 327, the distance between the third surface 324 and the fifth surface 326 can be greater than the diameter of the roller 430.

[0190] Figure 12 This is a view showing the position of the lever of the automatic closing device when the first door is closed. Figure 12 This shows a view of the automatic closing device as seen from the bottom of the first door.

[0191] Reference Figure 12 When the refrigerator according to this embodiment is installed in a furniture cabinet, preferably, the thickness of the first door 21 is reduced to reduce the forward protrusion of the first door 21 from the front surface of the furniture cabinet.

[0192] When the thickness of the first door 21 decreases, in order to install the automatic closing device 40 in the first door 21, the automatic closing device 40 can be installed at a position spaced apart from the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21.

[0193] For example, when the first door 21 is closed, the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and the rotation center line C2 of the rod 420 are separated from each other. The rotation center line C2 of the rod 420 is a line that passes through the rotation center of the rod 420.

[0194] In addition, when the refrigerator is installed in the furniture cabinet, it is necessary to ensure the opening angle, and that the first door 21 does not collide with the furniture cabinet during rotation.

[0195] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 can be arranged close to the front and side surfaces of the first door 21.

[0196] For example, when the first door 21 is closed, the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 can be arranged to be closer to the front surface 21a than the rear surface 21b of the first door 21.

[0197] The distance between the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and the rear surface 21b of the first door 21 can be more than twice the distance between the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and the front surface 21a of the first door 21.

[0198] With the first door 21 closed, the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 can be arranged to be closer to the first side surface 21d of the two surfaces of the first door 21.

[0199] When the first door 21 is closed, the distance between the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and the first side surface 21d can be less than the distance between the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and the rear surface 21b of the first door 21.

[0200] When the first door 21 is closed, the distance between the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and the front surface 21a of the first door 21 can be less than the distance between the front surface 21a of the first door 21 and the rotation center line C2 of the rod 420.

[0201] With the first door 21 closed, the distance between the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 can be greater than the distance between the rotation center line C2 of the rod 420 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0202] With the first door 21 closed, the roller 430 of the rod 420 can be positioned in the area between the virtual line L1 (first virtual line) and the virtual line L2 (second virtual line), with the virtual line L2 passing through the rotation center line C2 of the rod 420 and perpendicular to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0203] When the first door 21 is closed, the washer 21c that contacts the cabinet 10 can be provided on the rear surface of the first door 21. In order to attach the washer 21c to the first door 21, a groove can be defined in the rear surface of the first door 21 to accommodate a portion of the washer 21c.

[0204] When the thickness of the first door 21 is thin, the distance between the washer 21c and the front surface of the first door 21 is short. In this embodiment, the body 410 can be configured to be closer to the front surface 21a than the rear surface 21b of the first door 21 to prevent the body 410 from interfering with the groove used to connect the washer 21c.

[0205] Furthermore, when the first door 21 is closed, the roller 430 of the lever 420 can be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the rotation center line C2 of the lever 420. The roller 430 of the lever 420 can be positioned closer to the rear surface 21b of the first door 21 than the rotation center line C2 of the lever 420.

[0206] A portion of the rod 420 may be arranged between the surface extending from the rear surface 21b of the first door 21 and the rotation center line C2.

[0207] With the first door 21 closed, a portion of the first surface 322 can be arranged closer to the front surface 21a of the first door 21 than the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21. With the first door 21 closed, other portions of the first surface 322 can be arranged closer to the rear surface 21b of the first door 21 than the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21.

[0208] With the first door 21 closed, the second surface 323 and the third surface 324 can be arranged to be closer to the rotation center line C1 of the first door 21 than the rear surface 21b of the first door 21.

[0209] With the first door 21 closed, the second surface 323 and the third surface 324 can be arranged to be closer to the rotation center line C2 of the rod 420 than the rear surface 21b of the first door 21.

[0210] When accommodated in the receiving groove 327, the roller 430 of the rod 420 can maintain contact with the third surface 324 and / or the fourth surface 325.

[0211] Since the point of contact between the roller 430 and the third surface 324 and / or the fourth surface 325 can be larger than the boundary between the second surface 323 and the third surface 324, the cabinet 10 can stably maintain the closed state of the first door 21 when the first door 21 is closed.

[0212] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view taken from line 13-13.

[0213] Reference Figure 13 In this embodiment, the second body 417 and the connecting extension 413 can be accommodated in the receiving portion 210 arranged on the bottom surface of the first door 21.

[0214] In this state, a portion of the first body 411, located at the lower part of the connecting extension 413, protrudes downward from the first door 21. Since the groove 415 is arranged in the first body 411 at the portion protruding downward from the first door 21, the rod 420 can rotate without interfering with the first door 21.

[0215] The first door 21 may include a lower frame, and the lower frame may define the receiving portion 210.

[0216] Figure 14 This is a view showing the state in which the rod begins to contact the first surface of the bracket body during the closing of the first door, and Figure 15 This is a view showing the state in which the rod moves along the first surface and rotates in one direction while the first door is being closed. Figure 16This is a view showing the state in which the rod moves along the second surface while rotating in another direction during the closing of the first door, and Figure 17 This is a view showing the position of the lever with the first door closed.

[0217] Reference Figures 14 to 17 When the rod 420 is separated from the bracket body 320 during the process of closing the first door 21 after opening it, the external force may not act on the rod 420.

[0218] During the closing of the first door 21 in direction A, when the first door 21 is at an angle of about 60 degrees relative to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, the rod 420 can contact the first surface 322 of the bracket body 320.

[0219] When the first door 21 rotates further along direction A while the rod 420 contacts the first surface 322 of the bracket body 320, the rod 420 can rotate in the opposite direction B by tilting the first surface 322.

[0220] The first surface 322 applies resistance to the rod 420, causing the rod 420 to rotate in direction B.

[0221] When the rod 420 rotates in direction B, the first extension 454 of the elastic member 450 also rotates in direction B, causing the elastic member 450 to accumulate elastic force.

[0222] As the second door 21 closes and the rod 420 approaches the second surface 323, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 increases.

[0223] When the rod 420 contacts the second surface 323 while the first door 21 is closed, the rod 420 rotates in direction A. As the rod 420 rotates in direction A, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 decreases.

[0224] Here, since the length of the second surface 323 is shorter than the length of the first surface 322, the angle at which the rod 420 rotates along direction B when it contacts the second surface 323 is smaller than the angle at which it rotates along direction A.

[0225] When the rod 420 is in contact with the second surface 323, the rod 420 can rotate inertially in direction A, and the rotation angle of the rod 420 in direction A is small, which can reduce the torque loss of the rod 420, or minimize the reduction width of the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450.

[0226] According to this embodiment, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 is greatest when the rod 420 is in contact with the first surface 322. The elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 when the rod 420 is in contact with the second surface 323 is less than the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 when the rod 420 is in contact with the first surface 322.

[0227] Alternatively, when the tilt angle of the second surface 323 changes, the rod 420 can rotate additionally in direction B while in contact with the second surface 323. When the rod 420 rotates additionally in direction B while moving along the second surface 323, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 can be maximized while the rod 420 is in contact with the second surface 323.

[0228] When the lever 420 deviates from the second surface 323 during the closing of the first door 21, the resistance applied to the lever 420 is removed, and the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 can act on the lever 420 to increase the rotation angle of the lever 420 in direction A, thus the first door 21 can be automatically closed. That is, when the lever 420 moves along the third surface 324, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 decreases. The reduced elastic force serves as the closing force of the first door 21.

[0229] Here, since the rod 420 rotates when the roller 430 of the rod 420 is accommodated in the receiving groove 327, the elastic force of the elastic member 450 acts in the direction intersecting with the third surface 324 or in the normal direction when the roller 430 is in contact with the third surface 324. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the elastic force from concentrating at a specific point on the third surface 324, and the efficiency of transmitting the elastic force to the third surface 324 is very high.

[0230] As described above, when the elastic force of the elastic member 450 acts in the direction intersecting with the third surface 324, it can prevent the first door 21 from making a rattling sound or the first door 21 from closing and then reopening due to excessive elastic force at the time the first door 21 closes.

[0231] In this embodiment, such as Figure 17 As shown, when the door is closed, the roller 430 of the lever 420 contacts the third surface 324 and the fourth surface 325.

[0232] The third surface 324 and the fourth surface 325 can provide resistance to the rod 420, and thus, when the first door 21 is closed, the rod 420 is in a state of approximately rotation by a predetermined angle, so that the elastic member 450 remains in a state of accumulating a certain amount of elastic force. Therefore, since the elastic member 450 applies a force in the direction of closing the first door 21 when the first door 21 is closed, the closed state of the first door 21 can be stably maintained.

[0233] When the first door 21 is closed and the rod 420 is in contact with the third surface 324, or when the first door 21 is open at a predetermined angle and the rod 420 is spaced apart from the first surface 322, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 can be equal to or greater than the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450.

[0234] In summary, when the first door 21 is closed, as the lever 420 moves along a portion of the contact surface 321, the elastic force accumulates and is maximized in the elastic member 450, and the elastic force of the elastic member 450 acts on the lever 420 in different sections of the contact surface, causing the first door 21 to close automatically.

[0235] Furthermore, when the lever 420 moves along a portion of the contact surface 321 based on the rear surface 21b of the first door 21, the roller 430 moves closer to the rear surface 21b, and when the lever 420 moves along another portion of the contact surface 321, the contact surface 321 of the bracket body 320 is defined such that the roller 430 moves away from the rear surface 21b.

[0236] Furthermore, when the rod 420 moves along a portion of the contact surface 321 based on the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, the roller 430 approaches the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, and when the rod 420 moves along another portion of the contact surface 321, the contact surface 321 of the bracket body 320 is defined such that the roller 430 moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0237] The opening of the first door 21 will be briefly described.

[0238] When the first door 21 is initially opened from the closed state, the rod 420 moves along the third surface 324. As the rod 420 moves along the third surface 324, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 increases.

[0239] As the opening angle of the first door 21 increases, the rod 420 moves from the third surface 324 to the second surface 323, and then moves along the second surface 323.

[0240] When rod 420 moves along second surface 323, the elastic force accumulated in elastic member 450 may decrease slightly. Alternatively, when rod 420 moves along second surface 323, the elastic force accumulated in elastic member 450 may increase.

[0241] As the opening angle of the first door 21 increases further, the rod 420 moves from the second surface 323 to the first surface 322, and then along the first surface 322. As the rod 420 moves along the first surface 322, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 decreases. When the rod 420 is spaced apart from the first surface 322, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 450 is minimized.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: A cabinet with storage space; A hinge bracket, which is connected to the cabinet body; A door, rotatably connected to a shaft disposed on the hinge bracket, and configured to open and close the storage space; as well as An automatic closing device is installed in the door at a position spaced apart from the door's rotation center line and is configured to interact with the hinge bracket during the closing process to automatically close the door. The automatic shut-off device includes: A rod, the rod being configured to rotate based on a rotation center line spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door; An elastic member, the elastic member being connected to the rod; A main body, which is installed in the door to rotatably support the rod; A connector configured to connect the resilient member to the rod within the body. The elastic member is housed within the main body, and The rod includes: A first component, which is connected to the connector in the body; A second component, the second component being configured to extend outward from the first component; and A third component is configured to extend from the second component and to which a roller is connected.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The rotation center line of the rod extends in the vertical direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the rod is housed within the body and connected to the elastic member, and Another portion of the rod is configured to extend to the outside of the body and contact the contact surface of the hinge bracket during the closing of the door.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The rod is bent horizontally once or more, and a roller is rotatably connected to the end of the rod.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The second component bends once or more in the horizontal direction and has a height that varies in the longitudinal direction.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The third component is arranged higher than the first component, and The roller is connected to the lower side of the third component.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, A portion of the main body is housed in a receiving portion provided on the lower side of the door, and another portion of the main body protrudes downward from the door. The rod is rotatably connected to the portion of the body that protrudes downward from the door.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes: A rod connecting part, which is connected to the rod; The elastic member connecting portion is connected to the elastic member; and A partition is disposed between the rod connection and the elastic member.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The rod connection is attached to the rod by passing through the rod from the top side. The partition sits on the rod, and The elastic member connection is arranged above the partition.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic member includes: The main body portion, which is provided by repeatedly winding metal wire; and An extension portion, the extension portion being configured to extend horizontally from the lower side of the main body portion, The extension is connected to the elastic member connection portion.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic shut-off device further includes a connector having a fixed position within the body, and the elastic member is connected to the connector.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic component includes a torsion spring.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, With the door closed, the rotation center line of the rod is arranged closer to the front surface of the cabinet than the rotation center line of the door.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge bracket includes a contact surface that contacts the rod during the opening of the door, and With the door closed, the main body is arranged closer to the front surface of the door than to the rear surface of the door, and the portion of the rod that contacts the contact surface is arranged closer to the rear surface of the door than the rotation center line of the rod.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge bracket includes: The connecting part is fixed to the cabinet; and The bracket body is configured to extend horizontally from the connecting portion and has a contact surface that contacts the rod. During the closing of the door, as the rod moves along a portion of the contact surface, elastic force accumulates in the elastic member, and in another portion of the contact surface, the elastic force of the elastic member acts on the rod, causing the door to close automatically.

16. A refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: A cabinet with storage space; A hinge bracket, which is connected to the cabinet body; A door, rotatably connected to a shaft disposed on the hinge bracket, and configured to open and close the storage space; as well as An automatic closing device is installed in the door at a position spaced apart from the door's rotation center line and is configured to interact with the hinge bracket during the closing process to automatically close the door. The automatic shut-off device includes: A rod, the rod being configured to rotate based on a rotation center line spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door; A torsion spring connected to the rod; and A connector, which has a fixed position within the body, and a torsion spring connected to the connector. The rod as a whole rotates based on the rotation center line of the rod, or the rotation center line of the rod is fixed at a position in the door.

17. A refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: A cabinet with storage space; A hinge bracket, which is connected to the cabinet body; A door, rotatably connected to a shaft disposed on the hinge bracket, and configured to open and close the storage space; as well as An automatic closing device is installed in the door at a position spaced apart from the door's rotation center line and is configured to interact with the hinge bracket during the closing process to automatically close the door. The automatic shut-off device includes: A rod, the rod being configured to rotate based on a rotation center line spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door; An elastic member, the elastic member being connected to the rod; and The main body, which is installed in the door, A portion of the main body is housed within a receiving portion located at the door, while other portions of the main body protrude from the door. The rod can be rotatably connected to the other parts of the body. The body includes a groove, and a portion of the rod is inserted into the groove. The rod passes through the slot in the transverse direction of the body and is inserted into the body. The groove extends circumferentially, allowing the rod to rotate while passing through the groove. In the closed state, the rotation center line of the door is arranged to be closer to the front surface of the door than to the rear surface of the door, and the rotation center line of the rod is arranged to be closer to the rear surface of the door than to the rotation center line of the door.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein, The hinge bracket includes a contact surface that contacts the rod during the closing of the door, and With the door closed, the portion of the contact surface that contacts the rod is arranged closer to the rear surface of the door than the rotation center line of the rod.

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