Refrigerator

By designing a structure including a hinge bracket, a door and an automatic closing device on the refrigerator door, using the cooperation of the rod and the elastic member, the problem of the existing refrigerator door closing requires a large force and the automatic closing device is limited, and the problem of the existing refrigerator door closing is achieved. Efficient automatic closing of refrigerator doors.

CN119452223APending Publication Date: 2025-02-14LG ELECTRONICS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380048740.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-06-21
Filing Date
2023-05-09
Publication Date
2025-02-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing refrigerator doors require a greater force when closing, and the setting of the automatic closing device is limited by the rotation center and thickness of the door, resulting in inability to effectively close in some cases.

Method used

A refrigerator structure including a hinge bracket, a door, and an automatic closing device is designed, wherein the automatic closing device acts on the hinge bracket when the door is closed through a rod and an elastic member to realize automatic closing of the door. The key to this device is that the rotation center of the rod is inconsistent with the rotation center of the door, and through the cooperation of the locking member and the pushing member, the automatic closing device is ensured to be effective when the door is closed.

Benefits of technology

Users can close the refrigerator door with a smaller force and prevent the door from staying open when the user releases the force to close the door, improving the automatic closing efficiency of the refrigerator door.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The refrigerator of the embodiment can comprise a refrigerator body with a storage space. The refrigerator can further comprise a hinge support combined with the refrigerator body and provided with a contact face. The refrigerator may further include a door rotatably coupled to a shaft provided on the hinge bracket to open and close the storage space. The refrigerator may further include an automatic closing device provided on the door at a position spaced apart from a rotation center (C1) of the door, the automatic closing device automatically closing the door by acting on the hinge bracket during closing of the door. The automatic closing device may include a lever that rotates with reference to a rotation center (C2) spaced from a rotation center (C1) of the door. The automatic closing device can further comprise an elastic component connected with the rod. The automatic closing device may further include a main body that is provided to the door and rotatably supports the lever. The automatic closing device may further include a lock member that is rotatable about a rotation center (C3) spaced from a rotation center (C2) of the lever, and restricts rotation of the lever by combining with the lever in a state in which the elastic member accumulates an elastic force or during opening of the door.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that can store food at low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a refrigerator door. It is configured to cool the interior of the storage space using cold air generated by heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle, thereby being able to preserve the stored food in an optimal state.

[0003] The refrigerator can be independently placed in a kitchen or a living room, etc., or can be stored in a cabinet in the kitchen.

[0004] With the change of dietary habits and the trend of high-end products, the refrigerator has gradually become larger and more multifunctional, and refrigerators with various structures and convenient devices considering the convenience of users are constantly emerging.

[0005] On the other hand, the refrigerator may include: a box body forming a storage space; and a door connected to the box body and having the storage space. The door may be provided with a door storage portion for storing food. In the case where the door is provided with the door storage portion, in addition to the weight of the door itself, the user needs to use a large force to close the door because of the weight of the food stored in the door storage portion.

[0006] In recent years, refrigerators are provided with hinge devices that can be used to automatically close a door in a state where the door has been closed at a prescribed angle, so that a user can easily close the door.

[0007] In Korean Patent No. 10-0874633, which is a prior art document, a separate automatic return hinge device including a restoration device is disclosed.

[0008] The hinge device may include a main body, a clutch device installed inside the main body, a shaft penetrating the clutch device and being fastened, and a first spring that transmits a restoring force to the shaft when the door is closed.

[0009] The shaft serves to provide a rotation center of the door, and the first spring in the form of a coil spring is arranged in a direction parallel to the shaft.

[0010] In the case of this prior art document, since the restoration device is arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation center of the door, a space equivalent to the height of the restoration device is required inside the door for installing the restoration device, which limits the installation of the restoration device.

[0011] In addition, the position of the rotation center of the door in the door may change as the thickness of the door changes. When the thickness of the door becomes thinner, it may be impossible to set the restoration device in a direction parallel to the rotation center of the door. Summary of the invention

[0012] Problem to be solved

[0013] The present embodiment provides a refrigerator, which, during the process of closing the door, activates an automatic closing device by rotating the door at a minimum angle when the door reaches a reference angle, so that the user can close the door with less force.

[0014] Optionally or additionally, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of preventing the door from remaining open due to the failure of the automatic closing device to operate when the user removes the force to close the door during the process of closing the door.

[0015] Optionally or additionally, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator provided with an automatic closing device, wherein the automatic closing device is provided on the door to provide a force for closing the door regardless of the thickness of the door.

[0016] Technical solutions to the problem

[0017] A refrigerator in one aspect may include a box body having a storage space. The refrigerator may also include a hinge bracket, which is combined with the box body and has a contact surface. The refrigerator may also include a door, which is rotatably combined with a shaft provided on the hinge bracket and opens and closes the storage space. The refrigerator may also include an automatic closing device, which is provided on the door at a position separated from the rotation center C1 of the door, and automatically closes the door by acting on the hinge bracket during the closing process of the door.

[0018] The automatic closing device may include a rod that rotates with a rotation center C2 that is spaced apart from the rotation center C1 of the door as a reference. The automatic closing device may further include an elastic member connected to the rod.

[0019] The automatic closing device may further include a locking member that is coupled to the rod and restricts rotation of the rod. The locking member may be rotatable with a rotation center C3 that is spaced apart from a rotation center C2 of the rod as a reference.

[0020] The locking member may be coupled to the rod in a state where the elastic member accumulates elastic force or in a process where the door is opened.

[0021] The automatic closing device may further include a body supporting the rod to be rotatable.

[0022] In a state where the door is closed, the elastic force of the elastic member may be a second elastic force. In a state where the rotation of the rod is limited, the elastic force of the elastic member may be a first elastic force greater than the second elastic force. The door may be further opened in a state where the rotation of the rod is limited.

[0023] The automatic closing device may further include a cover body, the cover body being combined with the main body or the door and supporting the locking member to be rotatable. The automatic closing device may further include an elastic member, the elastic member elastically supporting the locking member in the cover body.

[0024] The rod may include a locking groove. The locking member may include a hook inserted into the locking groove. If the hook is inserted into the locking groove, the rotation of the rod may be restricted.

[0025] During closing of the door, the rod may move along the contact surface.

[0026] The lever may include an extension portion for rotating the locking member in the other direction during rotation of the lever in one direction with reference to the rotation center C2.

[0027] The locking groove may be formed between a contact portion in the rod that contacts the contact surface and the extension portion.

[0028] A distance from the rotation center C2 to the end of the extension portion may be smaller than a distance from the rotation center C2 to a contact portion of the rod that contacts the contact surface.

[0029] The locking member may further include a receiving groove, in which the extension is received in a locked state where the rotation of the rod is restricted. The locking member may further include a contact protrusion, which is pressed by the extension during the rotation of the rod in the one direction. The receiving groove may be located between the rotation center C3 of the locking member and the contact protrusion.

[0030] The automatic closing device may further include a pushing member, which pushes the rod or the locking member in order to release the locking of the locking member by the rod during the closing process of the door. During the closing process of the door, the pushing member may push the rod, and the rod may rotate in one direction based on the rotation center C2. Through the rotation of the rod in one direction, the locking member may rotate in another direction based on the rotation center C3, thereby releasing the locking of the rod.

[0031] The contact surface may include a first surface. During the process of closing the door after the door has been opened to an angle greater than a reference angle, the rod rotated by the pushing member may contact the first surface. The contact surface may also include a second surface extending to be inclined relative to the first surface. The contact surface may also include a third surface extending obliquely from the second surface. In a state where the door is closed, the rod may contact the third surface.

[0032] The first surface may extend in a direction closer to the front of the case and closer to the rotation center C1. The second surface may extend in a direction closer to the front of the case and closer to the rotation center C1, and the curvature of the second surface may be different from the curvature of the first surface. The third surface may extend from the second surface to be away from the front of the case. During the movement of the rod from the first surface to the second surface, the rod may be spaced apart from the pushing member.

[0033] The locking member may further include a curved surface between the hook and the contact protrusion. During the movement of the rod from the first surface to the second surface, the extension portion may pass through the contact protrusion and contact the curved surface.

[0034] The rod may include a rotatable roller. During the closing of the door, the pushing member may push the roller.

[0035] The pushing member may be spaced apart from the contact surface in a horizontal direction. During the closing process of the door, the rod may pass through a space between the pushing member and the contact surface.

[0036] The pushing member may be disposed on the hinge bracket or the box body.

[0037] A refrigerator on the other hand may include a box body having a storage space. The refrigerator may include a hinge bracket, which is combined with the box body and has a contact surface. The refrigerator may include a door, which is rotatably combined with an axis provided on the hinge bracket and opens and closes the storage space. The refrigerator may also include a main body, which is provided on the door at a position separated from the rotation center of the door. The refrigerator may also include a rod, which is rotatably supported on the main body and rotates with a rotation center C2 separated from the rotation center C1 of the door as a reference. The refrigerator may also include an elastic member connected to the rod.

[0038] The refrigerator may further include a locking member that can rotate with a rotation center C3 that is spaced apart from the rotation center C2 of the rod as a reference, and is used to limit the rotation of the rod. The refrigerator may further include a pushing member that is used to release the locking of the rod based on the locking member during the closing of the door.

[0039] When the door is opened to an angle greater than a reference angle, the lever can be locked by the elastic member with elastic force accumulated therein, and its rotation is restricted by the locking member. When the door is closed after being opened to an angle greater than the reference angle, the pushing member can push the lever or the locking member to unlock the lever.

[0040] When the rod is unlocked, if the rod moves along the contact surface, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member can be reduced. In the interval where the elastic force of the elastic member is reduced, the elastic force of the elastic member acts as a force to close the door, so that the door can be closed.

[0041] A refrigerator on another aspect may include an automatic closing device that automatically closes a door. The automatic closing device may include a rod that rotates based on a rotation center C2 that is separated from a rotation center C1 of the door. The automatic closing device may include an elastic member connected to the rod. The automatic closing device may also include a main body that is disposed on the door and supports the rod so that it can rotate. The automatic closing device may also include a locking member that can rotate based on a rotation center C3 that is separated from the rotation center C2 of the rod. During the process in which the rod rotates in the direction in which the elastic force of the elastic member increases when the door is opened, the locking member may limit the rotation of the rod by combining with the rod.

[0042] The automatic closing device may further include a cover body, the cover body being combined with the main body or the door and supporting the locking member to be rotatable. The automatic closing device may further include an elastic member, the elastic member elastically supporting the locking member in the cover body.

[0043] The rod may include a locking groove. The locking member may include a hook inserted into the locking groove. If the hook is inserted into the locking groove, the rotation of the rod may be restricted.

[0044] The refrigerator may further include a hinge bracket capable of contacting the rod. The hinge bracket may include a contact surface that contacts the rod during the opening and closing process of the door.

[0045] During the movement of the rod along the contact surface when the door is closed, the rod may rotate, and the locking member may rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rod.

[0046] The contact surface may include a first surface, and in the process of closing the door after the door has been opened to an angle greater than a reference angle, the door contacts the first surface when the opening angle reaches the reference angle. In the process of the rod moving along the first surface, the rod may rotate in a direction with the rotation center C2 as a reference. The locking member may rotate in a direction with the rotation center C3 as a reference by the rotation of the rod, thereby releasing the lock of the rod.

[0047] The contact surface may further include a second surface extending to be inclined relative to the first surface. The contact surface may further include a third surface extending obliquely from the second surface and contacting the third surface when the door is closed.

[0048] The first surface may extend in a direction closer to the front of the box and farther from the rotation center C1 of the door. The second surface may extend in a direction closer to the front of the box and closer to the rotation center C1. The third surface may extend from the second surface to be farther from the front of the box.

[0049] The rod may further include an extension portion, which is used to rotate the locking member during the process of the rod rotating in one direction based on the rotation center C2. The locking groove may be formed between the contact portion in the rod that contacts the contact surface and the extension portion. The locking member may include a receiving groove, which receives the extension portion in a locked state where the rotation of the rod is limited. The locking member may further include a contact protrusion, which is pressed by the extension portion during the process of the rod rotating in the one direction based on the rotation center C2. The contact protrusion may be located between the rotation center C3 and the receiving groove.

[0050] During the movement of the rod from the first surface to the second surface, the rod may rotate in another direction based on the rotation center C2, and the locking member may also rotate in another direction based on the rotation center C3.

[0051] During the process of the rod moving from the first surface to the second surface, the extension portion may be received in the receiving groove of the locking member.

[0052] The second surface may include a concave surface connected to the first surface. The second surface may also include a convex surface connected to the third surface.

[0053] During the movement of the rod from the second surface to the third surface, the rod may rotate in the other direction based on the rotation center C2, and the locking member may rotate in the one direction based on the rotation center C3.

[0054] A refrigerator in another aspect may include a box body having a storage space. The refrigerator may also include a hinge bracket coupled to the box body and having a contact surface. The refrigerator may also include a door, the door being rotatably coupled to a shaft provided on the hinge bracket and opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator may also include an automatic closing device, the automatic closing device being provided on the door at a position separated from the rotation center of the door, and in the process of closing the door, the automatic closing device automatically closes the door by acting on the hinge bracket.

[0055] The automatic closing device may include a rod that rotates with a rotation center C2 separated from the rotation center C1 of the door as a reference. The automatic closing device may also include an elastic member connected to the rod. The automatic closing device may also include a main body, which is arranged on the door and supports the rod so that it can rotate. The automatic closing device may also include a locking member, which can rotate with a rotation center C3 separated from the rotation center C2 of the rod as a reference. In a state where the door has been opened to an angle greater than a reference angle, the rod can be in a locked state where rotation is restricted by the locking member in a state where the elastic member has accumulated elastic force. In the process of closing the door after it has been opened to an angle greater than the reference angle, the rod contacts the contact surface and rotates, and the rotational force of the rod is transmitted to the locking member, whereby the locking member rotates, thereby releasing the lock of the rod.

[0056] The locking member can be rotated in the same direction as the rod to unlock the rod. To unlock the rod, the rotation angle of the rod when the rod is rotated in one direction may be different from the rotation angle of the locking member when the rod is rotated in one direction.

[0057] A refrigerator on another aspect may include an automatic closing device, which automatically closes the door by acting on a hinge bracket during the process of closing the door. The automatic closing device may include a rod, which rotates with a rotation center C2 separated from the rotation center C1 of the door as a reference. The automatic closing device may include an elastic member connected to the rod. The automatic closing device may also include a locking member, which can rotate with a rotation center C3 separated from the rotation center C2 of the rod as a reference. In a state where the door has been opened to an angle greater than a reference angle, the rod can be in a locked state in which rotation is restricted by the locking member in a state where the elastic member accumulates a first elastic force. In the process of closing the door after the door has been opened to an angle greater than the reference angle, the elastic force of the elastic member can increase to be greater than the first elastic force during the process of the rod moving along a part of the contact surface, and the locking of the rod based on the locking member can be released. In the process of moving along another part of the contact surface, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member can be reduced. In the interval where the elastic force of the elastic member is reduced, the elastic force of the elastic member can act as a force to close the door.

[0058] In a state in which the door is closed, the elastic force of the elastic member may be maintained at a second elastic force that is smaller than the first elastic force and greater than zero.

[0059] Effects of the Invention

[0060] According to the proposed invention, if the user rotates the door at a minimum angle when the door reaches a reference angle, the automatic closing device operates to automatically close the door, thereby having the advantage that the user can close the door with less force.

[0061] In addition, since the lever is subjected to the elastic force of the elastic member when the lever is unlocked, the door can be automatically closed by the elastic force of the elastic member even if the user does not manually close the door. Therefore, there is an advantage of being able to prevent the door from remaining open when the user lets go of the door during the process of closing the door.

[0062] In addition, since the automatic closing device is arranged to be spaced apart from the rotation center line of the door, even if the thickness of the door is reduced, it is possible to provide a closing force to the door when the door is closed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 It is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified view of part A.

[0065] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is closed.

[0066] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a reference angle.

[0067] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the automatic closing device.

[0068] Figure 6 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a reference angle.

[0069] Figure 7 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to show the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a first angle smaller than a reference angle.

[0070] Figure 8 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to show the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a second angle smaller than the first angle.

[0071] Fig. 9It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a third angle smaller than the second angle.

[0072] Fig.10 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a fourth angle that is smaller than the third angle.

[0073] Fig.11 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is closed.

[0074] Fig.12 A perspective view showing the relative positions of a hinge bracket and an automatic closing device when a door is closed according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a reference angle.

[0076] Fig.14 It is an exploded perspective view of the automatic closing device of the second embodiment.

[0077] Fig.15 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a reference angle.

[0078] Fig.16 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a first angle smaller than a reference angle.

[0079] Fig.17 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a second angle smaller than the first angle.

[0080] Fig.18 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a third angle smaller than the second angle.

[0081] Fig.19 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a fourth angle that is smaller than the third angle.

[0082] Fig. 20 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a fifth angle that is smaller than the fourth angle.

[0083] Fig.21 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified view of part A.

[0085] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment can be independently arranged in the kitchen, or can be arranged in the form of being accommodated in an indoor furniture cabinet. When the refrigerator 1 is to be arranged in an indoor furniture cabinet, the refrigerator 1 can be arranged alone or side by side with other refrigerators.

[0086] The refrigerator 1 may include a housing 10 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door 20 for opening and closing the storage space.

[0087] Although not limited, the storage space may be divided into a first space at an upper side and a second space at a lower side. The refrigerator door 20 may 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.

[0088] The first space may be a refrigerator and the second space may be a freezer, or the first space may be a freezer and the second space may be a refrigerator. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space divided left and right. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, and a single refrigerator door may be used to open and close the storage space.

[0089] At least one of the first door 21 and the second door 22 may be a swing type door. Alternatively, the single refrigerator door 20 may be a swing type door.

[0090] In the case of this embodiment, the refrigerator door 20 may include an automatic closing device 30. During the closing process of the refrigerator door 20, the automatic closing device 30 provides a closing force to the refrigerator door 20. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the automatic closing device 30 is provided at the first door of the first door and the second door arranged in the vertical direction as an example. It should be noted that the position of the automatic closing device 30 is not limited.

[0091] In the case where the first door 21 and the second door 22 are arranged in the up-down direction, a hinge bracket 50 may be provided between the first door 21 and the second door 22. The hinge bracket 50 may be a common bracket that provides the rotation center of each of the first door 21 and the second door 22. Of course, the hinge bracket may be located on the upper side of the first door 21 or on the lower side of the second door 22. The hinge bracket 50 may be fixed to the front side of the box body 10. The hinge bracket 50 may include an axis member 550 described later.

[0092] A gap G of a prescribed size may be formed between the first door 21 and the second door 22. A portion of the hinge bracket 50 may be located between the first door 21 and the second door 22 so that the first door 21 and the second door 22 can rotate without interfering with each other. At least a portion of the hinge bracket 50 may be spaced apart not only from the bottom surface of the first door 21 but also from the top surface of the second door 22.

[0093] The automatic closing device 30 of this embodiment can provide a closing force to the first door 21 during the closing process of the first door 21 by acting on the hinge bracket 50. Of course, when the automatic closing device 30 is disposed on the second door 22, it can also provide a closing force to the second door 22.

[0094] In order for the automatic closing device 30 to provide a closing force to the first door 21, the automatic closing device 30 may be disposed on the first door 21. As an example, the automatic closing device 30 may be disposed on the lower side of the first door 21. In order to act on the hinge bracket 50, a portion of the automatic closing device 30 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the first door 21. Of course, the automatic closing device 30 may also be disposed on the upper side of the first door 21.

[0095] When the automatic closing device 30 is disposed on the lower side of the first door 21, it is difficult to see the automatic closing device 30 from the outside during the opening and closing process of the first door 21. The automatic closing device 30 may be spaced apart from the top surface of the second door 22 to prevent the automatic closing device 30 from interfering with the second door 22.

[0096] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram showing the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is closed. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram showing the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a reference angle. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the automatic closing device.

[0097] Figure 6 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a reference angle.

[0098] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The hinge bracket 50 may include a coupling portion 510 for coupling with the box body 10. The hinge bracket 50 may further include a bracket body 520 extending from the coupling portion 510 in a horizontal direction.

[0099] The coupling portion 510 may include one or more fastening holes 512. The fastening member may penetrate the fastening hole 512 and be coupled to the box body 10. The bracket body 520 may be coupled to an axis member 550. The axis member 550 may include a first axis 554 that provides a rotation center for the first door 21. The axis member 550 may also include a second axis 556 that provides a rotation center for the second door 22. Of course, the second axis 556 may be omitted.

[0100] The shaft member 550 may further include a placement portion 552 placed on the bracket body 520. The first shaft 554 may extend upward from the placement portion 552. The second shaft 556 may extend downward from the placement portion 552. The diameter of the placement portion 552 may be greater than the diameter of the second shaft 556. A hole (not shown) for the second shaft 556 to pass through may be formed in the bracket body 520. The first door 21 may be combined with the first shaft 554. The second door 22 may be combined with the second shaft 556.

[0101] The hinge bracket 50 may further include a cam member 570 detachably coupled to the bracket body 520 .

[0102] The cam member 570 may include a contact surface 576 for contacting the rod 320. When the contact surface 576 is worn, the cam member 570 may be separated from the bracket body 520 and then a new cam member 570 may be coupled to the bracket body 520. If the cam member 570 is detachably coupled to the bracket body 520, only the cam member 570 may be replaced without replacing the entire hinge bracket 50, thereby having the advantage of reducing the cost for maintenance.

[0103] Since the cam member 570 is detachably coupled to the bracket body 520, the cam member 570 can be detached when the first door 21 and the second door 22 are opened, thereby having the advantage of easy maintenance. That is, since there is no need to detach the door, the cam member can be easily replaced. Of course, the cam member 570 and the bracket body 520 can also be formed integrally. In this case, the bracket body 520 can include a contact surface 576.

[0104] The cam member 570 may include a first cam body 572 and a second cam body 573 coupled to the first cam body 572. The first cam body 572 and the second cam body 573 may be fastened by a fastening member with the support body 520 as a medium. As an example, the first cam body 572 and the second cam body 573 may be coupled in a state where a portion of the first cam body 572 is located on the upper side of the support body 520 and a portion of the second cam body 573 is located on the lower side of the support body 520. The first cam body 572 may include one or more fastening holes 574. The second cam body 573 may include one or more fastening holes 575. The support body 520 may also be formed with fastening holes aligned with the respective fastening holes 574, 575.

[0105] A portion of the first cam body 572 may provide a portion of the contact surface 576, and a portion of the second cam body 573 may provide the other portion of the contact surface 576. Alternatively, only one of the first cam body 572 and the second cam body 573 may provide the contact surface 576.

[0106] The automatic closing device 30 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first shaft 554 in the horizontal direction. That is, the automatic closing device 30 may be coupled to the first door 21 at a position spaced apart from the first shaft 554. The automatic closing device 30 rotates together with the first door 21, and during the closing process of the first door 21, the automatic closing device 30 may provide a closing force to the first door 21 by interacting with the bracket body 520.

[0107] Hereinafter, the automatic closing device 30 will be described in detail.

[0108] The automatic closing device 30 of this embodiment may include a main body 310. The automatic closing device 30 may further include a rod 320 rotatably coupled to the main body 310. The automatic closing device 30 may further include an elastic member 350 connected to the rod 320.

[0109] The main body 310 may form the appearance of the automatic closing device 30. The rod 320 may rotate with a center C2 (refer to Figure 6 ) is used as a reference to rotate in the horizontal direction. That is, the first door 21 passes through the rotation center C1 (refer to Figure 6 ) and the line passing through the rotation center C2 of the rod 320 (refer to Figure 6 ) lines may be parallel and spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0110] The main body 310 may accommodate a portion of the rod 320. As an example, the main body 310 may include a first body 311 accommodating a portion of the rod 320. The first body 311 may be provided with a groove 312 for inserting the rod 320. When the rod 320 is inserted into the first body 311, the rod 320 may rotate. Therefore, the groove 312 may extend along the circumferential direction of the first body 311 so that the rod 320 can rotate.

[0111] The body 310 may further include a second body 313 located at an upper side of the first body 311. The second body 313 may be coupled to the first door 21. The second body 313 may be integrally formed with the first body 311 or coupled to the first body 311.

[0112] As an example, the first body 311 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. As an example, the second body 313 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. One or more fastening holes 314 may be formed in the second body 313. The first body 311 and the second body 313 may each include an opening extending in the up-down direction. The opening of the first body 311 may be connected to the opening of the second body 313.

[0113] The body 310 may further include a third body 317 located on the upper side of the second body 313. As an example, the third body 317 may be combined with the upper side of the second body 313.

[0114] The automatic closing device 30 may further include a first connector 340 disposed in the main body 310. The first connector 340 may be connected to the rod 320 inserted into the main body 310. The first connector 340 may be connected to the rod 320 and rotated together with the rod 320. In a state where the rod 320 is inserted into the main body 310 through the groove 312, the first connector 340 may be received in the main body 310 from the upper side of the main body 310 and coupled to the rod 320. A portion of the first connector 340 may penetrate the rod 320 and be coupled to the rod 320.

[0115] The first connector 340 may connect the elastic member 350 to the rod 320. The first connector 340 may include a rod coupling portion 341a. The rod coupling portion 341a may be coupled to the rod 320.

[0116] The first connector 340 may include a first elastic member coupling portion 341b coupled to the elastic member 350. The first connector 340 may further include a partition plate 342 disposed between the rod coupling portion 341a and the first elastic member coupling portion 341b. With the partition plate 342 as a reference, the rod coupling portion 341a may be disposed on the lower side of the partition plate 342, and the first elastic member coupling portion 341b may be disposed on the upper side of the partition plate 342.

[0117] The rod joint portion 341a may include a first rib and a second rib separated in the horizontal direction. A first joint space may be formed between the first rib and the second rib. As another example, the rod joint portion 341a may be formed in the form of a single rib and may be formed in a non-circular shape. The rod 320 may include a plurality of rib holes through which the first rib and the second rib pass respectively. The plurality of rib holes may be separated. In the case where the rod joint portion 341a includes a rib, the rod 320 may also include a rib hole of a shape corresponding to the rib.

[0118] The first elastic member coupling portion 341b may include a third rib and a fourth rib spaced apart in a horizontal direction, a second coupling space may be formed between the third rib and the fourth rib, and a portion of the elastic member 350 may be accommodated in the coupling space.

[0119] The rod 320 may include a first portion 321 coupled to the first connector 340. The first portion 321 may also be referred to as a connector coupling portion. A portion of the first portion 321 may pass through the groove 312 and be accommodated in the body 310. Another portion of the second portion 321 may be located in the body 310. The rib hole may be formed in the first portion 321.

[0120] The rod 320 may further include a second portion 322 extending from the first portion 321 in a horizontal direction. As an example, the second portion 322 may extend while maintaining the same height as the first portion 321. The rod 320 may further include a contact portion for contacting the bracket body 520. As an example, the contact portion may be a roller 327. The roller 327 may be rotatably coupled to the second portion 322 using a roller pin 326. As an example, the roller 327 may be located at a lower side of the second portion 322.

[0121] The rod 320 may further include a third portion 324 extending from the first portion 321 in a direction different from the second portion 322. The third portion 324 may act on a locking member 70 described later. The third portion 324 may be referred to as an extension portion.

[0122] As an example, the elastic member 350 may be a torsion spring. The elastic member 350 may include a main body 352 formed by winding a metal wire a plurality of times. The main body 352 may be formed in a cylindrical or truncated cone shape.

[0123] The elastic member 350 may include a first extension portion 354 extending in a horizontal direction from a lower end of the main body portion 352. The first extension portion 354 may extend toward a center of the main body portion 352. The first extension portion 354 may be combined with the first connector 340. As an example, the first extension portion 354 may be inserted into the second combination space 348 of the first elastic member combination portion 341b. If the first extension portion 354 is accommodated in the second combination space 348, the first elastic member combination portion 341b may be accommodated inside the main body portion 352. In a state where the first extension portion 354 is accommodated in the second combination space 348, the first extension portion 354 and the main body portion 352 may be placed on the partition plate 342. The elastic member 350 may also include a second extension portion 356 extending in a horizontal direction from an upper end of the main body portion 352.

[0124] The automatic closing device 30 may further include a second connector 460 coupled to the elastic member 350. The second extension portion 356 may be coupled to the second connector 360. The second connector 360 may include a second elastic member coupling portion 361a. The second connector 360 may further include a pin coupling portion 361b. The second connector 360 may further include a partition plate 362 disposed between the second elastic member coupling portion 361a and the pin coupling portion 361b. With the partition plate 362 as a reference, the pin coupling portion 361b may be disposed on the upper side of the partition plate 362, and the second elastic member coupling portion 361a may be disposed on the lower side of the partition plate 362.

[0125] The basic structure of the second elastic member combining portion 361 a may be the same as or similar to that of the first elastic member combining portion 341 a , and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0126] The basic structure of the pin coupling portion 361 b may be the same as or similar to that of the second elastic member coupling portion 361 a , and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] The automatic closing device 30 may further include an upper cap 370 covering the upper opening of the main body 310. The upper cap 370 may include a cap body 372, and a hollow 373 is formed inside the cap body 372. The upper cap 370 may further include a flange 374 extending from the upper end of the cap body 372 in a horizontal direction. Of course, the upper cap 370 may be omitted. The cap body 372 may be inserted into the interior of the main body 310. The flange 374 may be placed on the top surface of the main body 310. The pin coupling portion 361b may be inserted into the hollow 373.

[0128] The automatic closing device 30 may further include a fixing pin 380. The fixing pin 380 may limit the rotation of the second connector 360. The fixing pin 380 may fix the upper cap 370 to the body 310.

[0129] The main body 310 may be formed with a pair of first pin holes 318 through which the fixing pin 380 passes. The cap main body 372 may be formed with a pair of second pin holes 375 through which the fixing pin 380 passes. The fixing pin 380 may be inserted into the pin coupling portion 361b. That is, the fixing pin 380 may pass through one first pin hole 318 and one second pin hole 375, then pass through the pin coupling portion 361b, and then pass through another second pin hole and another first pin hole 318.

[0130] The fixing pin 380 can fix the position of the upper cap 370 and the second connector 360 in a state of being connected to the main body 310. That is, the fixing pin 380 can restrict the rotation of the upper cap 370 and the second connector 360.

[0131] In the present embodiment, in the elastic member 350, the second extension portion 356 is a fixed end, and the first extension portion 354 is a movable end. Therefore, the first extension portion 354 can rotate together with the rod 320 in a state where the second extension portion 356 is fixed.

[0132] If the first extension part 354 rotates in one direction while the second extension part 356 of the elastic member 350 is fixed, the elastic member 350 accumulates elastic force. The elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 350 can act on the rod 320 to rotate in another direction opposite to the one direction. In this way, during the closing process of the first door 21, the elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 350 substantially acts on the first door 21, so that the first door 21 is automatically closed at a specified position.

[0133] The automatic closing device 30 may further include a locking unit 70. The locking unit 70 may restrict the rotation of the rod 320 when the first door 21 is opened to a predetermined angle or more.

[0134] During the opening of the first door 21 , the elastic member 350 may accumulate elastic force. During the increase of the elastic force of the elastic member 350 , if the first door 21 reaches a specified angle, the locking unit 70 may be connected to the rod 320 to limit the rotation of the rod 320 .

[0135] The locking unit 70 may include a locking member 730 rotatable relative to the rod 320. The locking member 730 may rotate independently of the rod 320. The locking member 730 may be coupled to the rod 320 or the coupling may be released.

[0136] In a state where the locking member 730 is coupled to the rod 320, the rotation of the rod 320 may be restricted. In a state where the coupling between the locking member 730 and the rod 320 is released, the rod 320 may rotate.

[0137] The locking unit 70 may further include a cover 710, and the locking member 730 may be rotatably connected to the cover 710. The cover 710 may include a hollow 715 extending in the up-down direction. The cover 710 may accommodate a portion of the locking member 730. As an example, the cover 710 may include a first cover 711. The locking member 730 may be accommodated in the first cover 711.

[0138] The first cover body 711 may be provided with a groove 717 for inserting the locking member 730 . A portion of the locking member 730 passing through the groove 717 may be located in the hollow 715 .

[0139] In a state where the locking member 730 is inserted into the first cover body 711, the locking member 730 may be rotated relative to the first cover body 711. Therefore, the groove 717 may extend in a circumferential direction of the first cover body 711 to enable the locking member 730 to rotate.

[0140] The cover body 710 may further include a second cover body 712 located on the upper side of the first cover body 711. The second cover body 712 may be combined with the first door 21 or the main body 310. Hereinafter, the case where the second cover body 712 is combined with the main body 310 is described as an example. The second cover body 712 may include a fastening extension 713 extending in a horizontal direction. The fastening extension 713 may contact the main body 310. As an example, the fastening extension 713 may contact the top surface or the bottom surface of the second main body 313. As an example, a placement groove 315 may be formed in a depression on the top surface of the second main body 313 for placing the fastening extension 713. A first fastening hole 316 may be formed in the placement groove 315. A second fastening hole 714 aligned with the first fastening hole 316 may also be formed in the fastening extension 713. Thus, as the fastening member passes through the fastening holes 316, 714, the cover 710 can be fastened to the main body 310. The fastening member passing through the fastening holes 316, 714 can also be fastened to the first door.

[0141] The locking unit 70 may further include a locking member connector 720 disposed in the cover body 710. The locking member connector 720 may be connected to the locking member 730 inserted into the cover body 710. The locking member connector 720 may be connected to the locking member 730 and rotated together with the locking member 730. The locking member connector 720 may be accommodated in the cover body 710 from the upper side of the cover body 710 and combined with the locking member 730 in a state where the locking member 730 is inserted into the cover body 710 through the groove 717. A portion of the locking member connector 720 may penetrate the locking member 730 and be combined with the locking member 730. The locking member connector 720 may be connected to an elastic member 750 described later.

[0142] The basic structure of the locking member connector 720 may be the same as or similar to the first connector 340 described above, and thus detailed description is omitted. The locking member connector 720 may include a rod coupling portion 720a and an elastic member coupling portion 720b.

[0143] The locking member 730 may include one or more rib holes 732 into which one or more ribs of the rod coupling portion 720 a are inserted.

[0144] The locking unit 70 may further include an elastic member 750. The elastic member 750 may be accommodated in the cover body 710. A portion of the elastic member 750 may be accommodated in the combination space of the elastic member combination portion 720b. As an example, the elastic member 750 may be a torsion spring. The basic structure of the elastic member 750 may be the same or similar to the elastic member 350 accommodated in the main body 310, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0145] The locking unit 70 may further include an elastic member connector 760 coupled to the elastic member 750. The basic structure of the elastic member connector 760 of this embodiment may be the same as or similar to that of the second connector 360, and thus detailed description is omitted.

[0146] The locking unit 70 may further include a fixing pin 780 for fixing the elastic member connector 760 to the cover body 710. The cover body 710 may be formed with a hole 716 for the fixing pin 780 to penetrate. The fixing pin 780 may penetrate the pin hole 716 and then be combined with the elastic member connector 760.

[0147] A hook 734 may be provided at an end of the locking member 730. A locking groove 323 into which the hook 734 is inserted may be formed in the rod 320. In a state where the hook 734 is inserted into the locking groove 323, the rotation of the rod 320 may be restricted by the locking member 730.

[0148] The locking member 730 may include a contact protrusion 735. The contact protrusion 735 may contact the rod 320. As an example, the contact protrusion 735 may contact the third portion 324 of the rod 320. The contact protrusion 735 may be located between a portion of the locking member 730 coupled to the locking member coupling portion 720a or a rotation center C3 of the locking member 730 and the hook 734.

[0149] The locking member 730 may further include a receiving groove 737 for receiving a portion of the rod 320 when the rotation of the rod 320 is restricted. As an example, the third portion 324 may be received in the receiving groove 737. The receiving groove 737 may be located between the contact protrusion 735 and the rotation center C3 of the locking member 730.

[0150] The third portion 324 may be located on the opposite side of the roller 327 (the contact portion of the rod) with respect to the locking groove 323. That is, the locking groove 323 may be located between the third portion 324 and the roller 327. The distance from the rotation center C2 to the end of the third portion 324 may be smaller than the distance from the rotation center C2 to the roller 327 (the contact portion of the rod). As an example, the contact protrusion 735 may protrude in the horizontal direction from the side surface 736 of the locking member 730. When the hook 734 of the locking member 730 is inserted into the locking groove 323, the third portion 324 may contact the contact protrusion 735. When the hook 734 of the locking member 730 is inserted into the locking groove 323, the end of the third portion 324 may be accommodated in the accommodation groove 737.

[0151] The first door 21 may further include a pushing member 540. When the first door 21 is closed, the pushing member 540 is actuated to release the locking state of the rod 320. As an example, the pushing member 540 may push the rod 320 when the first door 21 is closed. The pushing member 540 may be disposed on the hinge bracket 50 or on the box body 10. As an example, Figure 3 The figure shows a situation where the pushing member 540 is disposed on the connecting portion 510 of the hinge bracket 50 .

[0152] The pushing member 540 may include a fastening body 542 fastened to the coupling portion 510. A fastening hole 543 through which a fastening member fastened to the coupling portion 510 passes may be formed in the fastening body 542.

[0153] The pushing member 540 may further include a pushing body 544 extending from the fastening body 542. The pushing body 544 may extend from the fastening body 542 in a horizontal direction. The pushing body 544 may be located at the same height as at least a portion of the rod 320. Therefore, the rod 320 may contact the pushing body 544 during the closing process of the rod 320. As an example, the pushing body 544 may be located at the same height as the roller 327 of the rod 320. The contact surface 576 may also be located at the same height as the roller 327. The pushing body 544 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the contact surface 576 in a horizontal direction. During the closing process of the first door 21, the roller 327 may be located in a space between the contact surface 576 and the pushing body 544. The pushing body 544 may include a pushing surface 545 in contact with the roller 327. The pushing surface 545 may be an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0154] In the process of closing the first door 21, the roller 327 may be pushed by moving along the pushing surface 545. In the process of moving the roller 327 along the pushing surface 545, the roller 327 may be pressed so that the rod 320 rotates.

[0155] The contact surface 576 may include a first surface 576a, and the rod 320 may contact the first surface 576a in the initial stage during the closing process of the first door 21. When the first door 21 is opened more than a predetermined angle, the rod 320 may not contact the first surface 576a. During the closing process of the first door 21, the rod 320 may contact the first surface 576a. At least a portion of the first surface 576a may be a concave surface.

[0156] The contact surface 576 may further include a second surface 576b extending from the first surface 576a. The second surface 576b may be configured to be inclined relative to the first surface 576a. The curvature of the second surface 576b may be greater than the curvature of the first surface 576a. The contact surface 576 may further include a third surface 576c extending from the second surface 576b. The third surface 576c may be configured to be inclined relative to the second surface 576b.

[0157] The first surface 576a may be inclined in a direction closer to the joint portion 510 (or the front of the box 10) and closer to the imaginary line A1 passing through the rotation center C1 of the first door 21 and perpendicular to the joint portion 510. Alternatively, the first surface 576a may extend in a direction farther away from the rotation center C1 as it approaches the joint portion 510 (or the front of the box 10). The third surface 576c may extend in a direction closer to the imaginary line A1 as it is farther away from the joint portion 510. Alternatively, the third surface 576e may extend from the second surface 576b in a direction farther away from the joint portion 510 (or the front of the box 10).

[0158] Next, the operation of the automatic closing device 30 will be described.

[0159] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a first angle less than a reference angle. Figure 8 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to show the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a second angle smaller than the first angle.

[0160] Fig. 9is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a third angle smaller than the second angle. Fig.10 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is opened to a fourth angle that is smaller than the third angle.

[0161] Fig.11 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to indicate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device when the door is closed.

[0162] Figures 6 to 11 The door is omitted.

[0163] Reference Figures 4 to 11 When the first door 21 is opened more than the reference angle, the hook 734 of the locking member 730 is kept inserted into the locking groove 323 of the rod 320 by accumulating elastic force (for example, first elastic force) in the elastic member 350. In this state, the rotation of the rod 320 is restricted.

[0164] In a state where the hook 734 of the locking member 730 is inserted into the locking groove 323 of the rod 320 , the third portion 324 of the rod 320 may contact the contact protrusion 735 of the locking member 730 , and the end portion may be received in the receiving groove 737 .

[0165] A distance from the rotation center C2 of the rod 320 to the receiving groove 737 is greater than a distance from the rotation center C2 of the rod 320 to the contact protrusion 735 .

[0166] Since the locking member 730 receives elastic force from the elastic member 750 , unless external force is applied to the rod 320 or the locking member 730 , a state in which the hook 734 of the locking member 730 is inserted into the locking groove 323 of the rod 320 may be maintained.

[0167] In this embodiment, the state in which the hook 734 is inserted into the locking groove 323 may be referred to as the locking state of the lever 320 , and the state in which the hook 734 is separated from the locking groove 323 may be referred to as the unlocking state of the lever 320 .

[0168] In this embodiment, the direction in which the locking member 730 rotates to insert the hook 734 into the locking groove 323 may be referred to as a locking direction, and the direction in which the locking member 730 rotates to disengage the hook 734 from the locking groove 323 may be referred to as a locking release direction.

[0169] Reference Figure 6, when the first door 21 is along the A direction (as an example, Figure 6 During the closing process (clockwise direction with reference to FIG. 21 ), if the opening angle of the first door 21 reaches the reference angle, the rod 320 may contact the pushing surface 545 of the pushing body 544.

[0170] The rod 320 contacts the pushing surface 545 of the pushing body 544 , and as the rod 320 rotates, the rod 320 may contact the first surface 576 a .

[0171] Reference Figure 7 In the process that the first door 21 further rotates in the direction A while the rod 320 is in contact with the push surface 545, the rod 320 may be pressed by the push surface 545. In this way, the rod 320 may rotate in the direction C (for example, in the direction C2) based on the rotation center C2. Figure 7 Clockwise direction based on the reference).

[0172] When the rod 320 rotates in the direction C, the end of the third portion 324 presses the contact protrusion 735 of the locking member 730. In this way, the locking member 730 rotates in the direction B (for example, in the direction C3) with the rotation center C3 as the reference. Figure 7 That is, the locking member 730 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rod 320. The third portion 324 serves to transmit the rotation force of the rod 320 to the locking member 730.

[0173] If the locking member 730 rotates in the direction B, the hook 734 is disengaged from the locking groove 323. For example, the hook 734 may be disengaged from the locking groove 323 when the opening angle of the first door 21 is a first angle smaller than the reference angle.

[0174] When the hook 734 is disengaged from the locking groove 323 , the lever 320 is in a state of being rotatable in the direction C. When the hook 734 is disengaged from the locking groove 323 , the lever 320 is in contact with the first surface 576 a.

[0175] In the case where the first surface 576 a is a concave surface, when the rod 320 is pressed by the pushing surface 545 and rotated, the rod 320 may move along the first surface 576 a while maintaining contact with the first surface 576 a .

[0176] exist Figure 7, the locking state of the rod 320 is released, so the rod 320 can rotate in the direction C by the elastic force of the elastic member 350. In this state, even if the user does not provide a force to close the first door 21, the first door 21 can be automatically closed by the automatic closing device 30.

[0177] like Figure 8 As shown, if the first door 21 further rotates in the direction A, the rod 320 may be spaced apart from the pushing surface 545. Since the rod 320 is receiving the elastic force of the elastic member 350, the rod 320 may move toward the second surface 576c along the first surface 576a.

[0178] like Figure 8 As shown, during the movement of the rod 320 from the first surface 576a to the second surface 576b, the third portion 324 may be disengaged from the receiving groove 737 and contact the side surface 736 of the locking member 730. At least a portion of the side surface 736 may be an arcuate surface curved in a direction away from the rotation center C2.

[0179] Reference Figures 9 to 11 , utilizing the elastic force of the elastic member 350, the rod 320 can continue to rotate in the C direction and move along the second surface 376b.

[0180] As the accumulated rotation angle of the rod 320 in the C direction (closing process) increases, the elastic force of the elastic member 350 decreases, and the reduced elastic force of the elastic member 350 acts as a closing force for the first door 21 .

[0181] like Fig.11 As shown, if the rod 320 contacts the third surface 376c through the second surface 376b, the first door 21 is completely closed. During the closing process of the first door 21, the locking member 730 may continue to rotate in the unlocking direction, or the rotation of the locking member 730 stops before the first door 21 is about to be closed, or the locking member 730 rotates in the locking direction before the first door 21 is about to be closed.

[0182] like Fig.11 As shown, when the first door 21 is completely closed, the rod 320 is substantially rotated at a predetermined angle relative to the main body 310, thereby maintaining the state in which the elastic member 350 accumulates a second elastic force of a predetermined magnitude. At this time, the second elastic force is smaller than the first elastic force but greater than zero.

[0183] Therefore, when the first door 21 is closed, the elastic member 350 applies a force in the direction of closing the first door 21 , so that the first door 21 can be stably maintained in the closed state.

[0184] According to the present embodiment, when the first door 21 is opened to a reference angle or more, the lever 320 is locked in a state where the elastic member 350 accumulates the first elastic force.

[0185] In this state, if the user manually rotates the first door 21 from the reference angle by the difference between the reference angle and the first angle to close the first door 21, the lever 320 can be unlocked. The difference between the reference angle and the first angle is not limited but may be less than 5 degrees.

[0186] Therefore, the user only needs to manually rotate the first door 21 by an angle of less than 5 degrees from the reference angle, and there is no need to apply additional force to the first door 21 to close the first door 21, thereby having the advantage that the user can close the first door 21 with less force.

[0187] When the lever 320 is unlocked, even if the user does not manually close the first door 21, the first door 21 can be automatically closed by the elastic force of the elastic member 350. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first door 21 from remaining open when the user releases the first door 21 during the process of closing the first door 21.

[0188] On the other hand, a case where the first door 21 is opened will be briefly described.

[0189] If the first door 21 is opened in a state where the first door 21 is closed, the rod 320 may rotate counterclockwise relative to the body 310. If the rod 320 rotates counterclockwise relative to the body 310, the elastic force of the elastic member 350 may increase from the second elastic force. If the opening angle of the first door 21 increases, the rotation angle of the rod 320 increases, and the elastic force of the elastic member 350 may continue to increase.

[0190] When the rod 320 rotates during the process of increasing the opening angle of the first door 21, the locking member 730 rotates in the locking direction (clockwise in the drawing). If the opening angle of the first door 21 increases and reaches the first angle, the rod 320 contacts the pushing surface 545, and the third portion 324 passes through the contact protrusion 735 and is accommodated in the accommodation groove 737. In this state, the hook 734 is located adjacent to the locking groove 323.

[0191] In the process that the opening angle of the first door 21 increases from the first angle to the reference angle, the hook 734 can be inserted into the locking groove 323. In a state where the first door 21 has been opened to the reference angle, the hook 734 can be inserted into the locking groove 323, and the rotation of the rod 320 is restricted in a state where the elastic force of the elastic member 350 accumulates to the first elastic force.

[0192] On the other hand, in the above embodiment, although it is described that the pushing member 540 pushes the rod 320 during the closing process of the first door 21, it is different from this that the pushing member 540 may push the locking member 730. In this case, the locking member 730 may be provided with an extension portion, and during the closing process of the first door 21, the pushing member 540 may push the extension portion, so that the locking member 730 rotates in the unlocking direction.

[0193] Fig.12 is a perspective view showing the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is closed, Fig.13 is a perspective view showing the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a reference angle, Fig.14 It is an exploded perspective view of the automatic closing device of the second embodiment.

[0194] Fig.15 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a reference angle.

[0195] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the only difference is the shape of the rod and the locking member. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the first embodiment.

[0196] Reference Figures 12 to 15 , the refrigerator of this embodiment may include a hinge bracket 1500 and an automatic closing device 30a.

[0197] The hinge bracket 1500 of this embodiment may include: a coupling portion 1510 for coupling with the box body 10 ; and a bracket body 1520 extending from the coupling portion 1510 in a horizontal direction. The hinge bracket 1500 may further include a shaft member 1550 .

[0198] Since the hinge bracket 1500 of this embodiment is the same as or similar to the hinge bracket of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0199] The hinge bracket 1500 may further include a cam member 1570 detachably coupled to the bracket body 1520 .

[0200] The cam member 1570 may include a contact surface 1576 for contacting the rod 320. The basic structure of the cam member 1570 may be the same as that of the cam member of the first embodiment.

[0201] The cam member 1570 may include a first cam body 1572 and a second cam body 1573 coupled to the first cam body 1572. The first cam body 1572 and the second cam body 1573 may be fastened by a fastening member in a state in which the bracket body 1520 is used as a medium.

[0202] Hereinafter, the automatic closing device 30a will be described in detail.

[0203] The automatic closing device 30 a of the present embodiment may include a main body 310 .

[0204] The automatic closing device 30a may further include a rod 1320 rotatably coupled to the body 310. The automatic closing device 30a may further include an elastic member 350 connected to the rod 1320.

[0205] The main body 310 of this embodiment may be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0206] The automatic closing device 30a may further include a first connector 340 disposed in the body 310. The first connector 340 may be connected to the rod 1320 inserted into the body 310. The first connector 340 may connect the elastic member 350 to the rod 1320.

[0207] The rod 1320 may include a first portion 1321 coupled to the first connector 340. The first portion 1321 may also be referred to as a connector coupling portion.

[0208] The rod 1320 may further include a second portion 1322 extending from the first portion 1321 in a horizontal direction. The rod 1320 may further include a contact portion for contacting the support body 1520. The contact portion may be a roller 1327.

[0209] The rod 1320 may further include an extension portion 1324 extending from the first portion 1321 in a direction different from the second portion 1322. The extension portion 1324 may cooperate with a locking member 1700 described below.

[0210] The elastic member 350 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0211] The automatic closing device 30a may further include a second connector 360. The second connector 360 of this embodiment is the same as the second connector of the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

[0212] The automatic closing device 30a may further include an upper cap 370 covering the upper opening of the main body 310. The automatic closing device 30a may further include a fixing pin 380 for fixing the upper cap 370 to the main body 310.

[0213] The automatic closing device 30a may further include a locking unit 1700. The locking unit 1700 may restrict the rotation of the rod 1320 when the first door 21 is opened by more than a predetermined angle.

[0214] The locking unit 1700 may include a locking member 1730 that can rotate relative to the rod 1320. The locking member 1730 may rotate independently of the rod 1320. The locking member 1730 may be coupled to the rod 1320 or the coupling may be released. As an example, the locking member 1730 may rotate with a rotation center C3 that is separated from the rotation center C2 of the rod 1320 as a reference. At this time, the rotation center C2 of the rod 1320 may be located between the rotation center C1 of the first door 21 and the rotation center C1 of the locking member 1730.

[0215] When the locking member 1730 is coupled to the rod 1320, the rod 1320 may be restricted from rotating. When the locking member 1730 is released from coupling with the rod 1320, the rod 1320 may rotate.

[0216] The locking unit 1700 may further include a cover body 1710, and the locking member 1730 is rotatably connected to the cover body 1710. The basic structure of the cover body 1710 is the same as that of the cover body of the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

[0217] The cover body 1710 may include a fastening extension portion 1718 extending in a horizontal direction. The fastening extension portion 1718 may be in contact with the main body 310. As an example, the fastening extension portion 1718 may be in contact with the top surface or the bottom surface of the second main body 313.

[0218] The locking unit 1700 may further include a locking member connector 1720 disposed in the housing 1710. The locking member connector 1720 may be connected to the locking member 1730 and rotate together with the locking member 1730.

[0219] The locking member connector 1720 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0220] The locking unit 1700 may further include an elastic member 750. The locking member connector 1720 may be connected to the elastic member 750.

[0221] The basic structure of the elastic member 750 may be the same as or similar to that of the elastic member 350 accommodated in the body 310 .

[0222] The locking unit 1700 may further include an elastic member connector 760 coupled to the elastic member 750. The elastic member connector 760 of this embodiment may have a basic structure that is the same as or similar to that of the second connector 360.

[0223] The locking unit 1700 may further include a fixing pin 780 for fixing the elastic member connector 760 to the cover body 1710 .

[0224] A hook 1734 may be provided at an end of the locking member 1730. A locking groove 1323 into which the hook 1734 is inserted may be formed in the rod 1320. In a state where the hook 1734 is inserted into the locking groove 1323, the rotation of the rod 1320 may be restricted by the locking member 1730.

[0225] The extension portion 1324 may be located on the opposite side of the roller 1327 (the contact portion of the rod) with respect to the locking groove 1323. That is, the locking groove 1323 may be located between the extension portion 1324 and the roller 1327.

[0226] The locking member 1730 may include a receiving groove 1736 for receiving the extension 1324 of the rod 1320. The receiving groove 1736 may be located between the rotation center C3 of the locking member 1730 and the hook 1734. The receiving groove 1736 may be formed as one side of the locking member 1730 is recessed toward the other side. The recessed surface 1736a of the receiving groove 1736 (or the surface forming the receiving groove) may be curved. As an example, the recessed surface 1736a may be curved in a direction away from the rotation center C2 of the rod 1320 or curved to be convex.

[0227] A contact protrusion 1735 may be formed at a portion of the receiving groove 1736 adjacent to the rotation center C3 of the locking member 1730. That is, the contact protrusion 1735 may be located between the receiving groove 1736 and the rotation center C3 of the locking member 1730. In the process that the end of the extension 1324 is disengaged from the receiving groove 1736 and contacts the contact protrusion 1735, the locking member 1730 may rotate.

[0228] On the other hand, the contact surface 1376 may include a first surface 1576a, and the rod 1320 contacts the first surface 1576a in the initial stage during the closing process of the first door 21.

[0229] When the first door 21 is opened to an angle greater than the reference angle, the rod 1320 does not contact the first surface 1576a. The first surface 1576a may be inclined in a direction closer to the coupling portion 1510 (or the front of the box body 10) and farther from an imaginary line A1 passing through the rotation center C1 of the first door 21 and perpendicular to the coupling portion 1510. Alternatively, the first surface 1576a may extend in a direction closer to the coupling portion 1510 (or the front of the box body 10) and farther from the rotation center C1.

[0230] The contact surface 1576 may further include a second surface 1576b extending from the first surface 1576a. The second surface 1576b may be inclined relative to the first surface 1576a. The second surface 1576b may be inclined in a direction closer to the imaginary line A1 as it approaches the coupling portion 1510 (or the front of the housing 10). Alternatively, the second surface 1576b may extend in a direction closer to the rotation center C1 as it approaches the coupling portion 1510 (or the front of the housing 10).

[0231] The contact surface 1576 may further include a third surface 1576e extending from the second surface 1576b. The third surface 1576e may be inclined relative to the second surface 1576b. The third surface 1576e is configured to be inclined not only relative to the coupling portion 1510 (or the front face of the housing 10), but also relative to the imaginary line A1. The third surface 1576e may be inclined in a direction that is closer to the imaginary line A1 as it is farther away from the coupling portion 1510. Alternatively, the third surface 1576e may extend from the second surface 1576b in a direction away from the coupling portion 1510 (or the front face of the housing 10).

[0232] The second surface 1576b may include a concave surface 1576c and a convex surface 1576d. The concave surface 1576c is a surface connected to the first surface 1576a. The convex surface 1576c is a surface connected to the third surface 1576e. The rod 1320 may sequentially contact the first surface 1576a, the concave surface 1576c, and the convex surface 1576d before contacting the third surface 1576e.

[0233] Next, the operation of the automatic closing device 30a will be described.

[0234] Fig.16 is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a first angle less than a reference angle, Fig.17 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a second angle smaller than the first angle.

[0235] Fig.18 is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a third angle smaller than the second angle, Fig.19 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a fourth angle that is smaller than the third angle.

[0236] Fig. 20 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is opened to a fifth angle that is smaller than the fourth angle. Fig.21 It is a bottom view of the automatic closing device and the hinge bracket, used to illustrate the relative positions of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device of the second embodiment when the door is closed.

[0237] exist Figures 15 to 21 The door is omitted.

[0238] Reference Figures 13 to 21 When the first door 21 is opened to a reference angle or more, the hook 1734 of the locking member 1730 is inserted into the locking groove 1323 of the rod 1320 by accumulating elastic force (for example, first elastic force) in the elastic member 350. In this state, the rotation of the rod 1320 is restricted.

[0239] In a state in which the hook 1734 of the locking member 1730 is inserted into the locking groove 1323 of the rod 1320 , the extension portion 1324 of the rod 1320 may be received in the receiving groove 1737 of the locking member 1730 .

[0240] Since the locking member 1730 receives elastic force from the elastic member 750 , unless external force is applied to the rod 1320 or the locking member 1730 , a state in which the hook 1734 of the locking member 1730 is inserted into the locking groove 1323 of the rod 1320 may be maintained.

[0241] In this embodiment, the state in which the hook 1734 is inserted into the locking groove 1323 may be referred to as the locked state of the rod 1320. The state in which the hook 1734 is disengaged from the locking groove 1323 may be referred to as the unlocked state of the rod 1320. In this embodiment, the direction in which the locking member 1730 rotates for the hook 1734 to be inserted into the locking groove 1323 may be referred to as the locking direction. The direction in which the locking member 1730 rotates for the hook 1734 to be disengaged from the locking groove 1323 may be referred to as the unlocked direction.

[0242] Reference Fig.15 , when the first door 21 faces the direction A (as an example, Fig.15 During the closing process (clockwise direction with reference to FIG. 21 ), if the opening angle of the first door 21 reaches the reference angle, the rod 1320 contacts the first surface 1576a.

[0243] Reference Fig.16 , when the rod 1320 is in contact with the first surface 1576a, if the first door 21 further rotates in the direction A, the rod 1320 rotates in the direction D1 (in Fig.16 counterclockwise direction based on the reference).

[0244] During the process of the rod 1320 rotating in the direction D1, the extension portion 1324 of the rod 1320 disengages from the receiving groove 1736, contacts the contact protrusion 1735 and presses the contact protrusion 1735. In this way, the locking member 1730 rotates in the direction B1 (with the rotation center C3 as the reference). Fig.16 Rotate in the counterclockwise direction (lock release direction) based on the reference.

[0245] That is, the locking member 1730 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the rod 1320. The extension portion 1324 serves to transmit the rotation force of the rod 1320 to the locking member 1730.

[0246] If the locking member 1730 rotates in the B1 direction, the hook 1734 is disengaged from the locking groove 1323. For example, the hook 1734 may be disengaged from the locking groove 1323 when the opening angle of the first door 21 is a first angle smaller than a reference angle.

[0247] If the hook 1734 is disengaged from the locking groove 1323, the rod 1320 can rotate in the direction D2. However, since the rod 1320 is in contact with the first surface 1576a when the hook 1734 is disengaged from the locking groove 1723, the rotation of the rod 1320 in the direction D2 is restricted by the first surface 1576a.

[0248] When the rod 1320 rotates in the direction D1, the elastic force of the elastic member 350 becomes greater than the first elastic force.

[0249] When the hook 1734 is disengaged from the locking groove 1323 and Fig.17 When the rod 1320 is in contact with the first surface 1576a, the first door 21 can further rotate in the direction A (when the opening angle of the first door is the second angle).

[0250] In this way, the rod 1320 can be located at the boundary portion of the first surface 1576a and the second surface 1576b, and the distance between the hook 1734 and the locking groove 1323 can be increased.

[0251] When the opening angle of the first door 21 is the second angle, the elastic force of the elastic member 350 may be maximum.

[0252] When the rod 1320 moves along the first surface 1576a, the rotation angle of the locking member 730 in the B1 direction may be greater than the rotation angle of the rod 1320 in the D1 direction. The reason is to make it easier for the hook 1734 to disengage from the locking groove 1323 when the rod 1320 rotates in the D1 direction.

[0253] The reason for further rotating the rod 1320 in the direction D1 and the locking member 1730 in the direction B1 when the hook 1734 is disengaged from the locking groove 1323 is to prevent the rod 1320 from rotating in the direction D1 for the automatic closing of the first door 21. Fig.18 When the locking member 1730 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction D1 (clockwise in the drawing), the hook 1734 of the locking member 1730 is inserted into the locking groove 1723 .

[0254] Reference Fig.18In the state where the rod 1320 is located at the boundary of the first surface 1576a and the second surface 1576b, if the first door 21 is further rotated in the direction A (the opening angle of the first door is the third angle), the rod 1320 is rotated in the direction D2 (in the state where the opening angle of the first door is the third angle). Fig.18 The rod 1320 is rotated in the clockwise direction with respect to the reference, and the rod 1320 contacts the second surface 1576b. At this time, the rod 3120 first contacts the recessed surface 1576c in the second surface 1576b.

[0255] When the rod 1320 is in contact with the second surface 1576b, the extension portion 1324 can be accommodated in the accommodation groove 1736 of the locking member 730 again. Therefore, the force pressing the contact protrusion 1735 is removed, so that the locking member 1730 can be moved in the B direction (in the direction opposite to B1) by the elastic force of the elastic member 750. Fig.18 Clockwise direction based on the reference).

[0256] When the second surface 1576b adjacent to the first surface 1576a includes a recessed surface 1576c, a difference occurs in the rotation speeds of the rod 1320 and the locking member 1730 during the process of the rod 1320 passing through the boundary portion of the first surface 1576a and the second surface 1576b and moving along the recessed surface 1576c, thereby preventing the hook 1734 of the locking member 1730 from being inserted into the locking groove 1323.

[0257] exist Fig.18 Since the locking state of the rod 1320 is released, the rod 1320 can rotate in the direction D2 by the elastic force of the elastic member 1350. In this state, even if the user does not provide a force to close the first door 21, the first door 21 can be automatically closed by the automatic closing device 30a.

[0258] Reference Fig.19 When the rod 1320 is in contact with the recessed surface 1576c, if the first door 21 further rotates in the direction A due to the elastic force of the elastic member 350 (the opening angle of the first door is the fourth angle), the rod 1320 is in contact with the protruding surface 1573d.

[0259] In a state where the rod 1320 is in contact with the protruding surface 1573d, the hook 1734 of the locking member 1730 may be in contact with the side surface 1325 of the rod 1320. In a state where the rod 1320 is in contact with the protruding surface 1573d, the extension 1324 may be spaced apart from the concave surface 1736c of the receiving groove 1736. The protruding surface 1576d functions as a damper that reduces the rotation speed of the rod 1320.

[0260] In the process of moving along the concave surface 1576c, the rotation speed of the rod 1320 may increase. If the rotation speed of the rod 1320 increases, the speed of closing the first door 21 may be increased.

[0261] If the rod 1320 directly contacts the third surface 1576e while moving along the concave surface 1576c, the first door 21 may generate noise during the closing process. However, when the convex surface 1576d is located behind the concave surface 1576c, the rotation speed of the rod 1320 can be reduced, thereby reducing the closing speed of the first door 21 and eliminating the noise that may be generated when the first door 21 is closed.

[0262] When the rod 1320 is in contact with the protruding surface 1576d, Fig. 20 As shown, the first door 21 can further rotate in the A direction (when the opening angle of the first door is the fifth angle) by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic member 350 .

[0263] In this way, the rod 1320 may be located at the boundary between the second surface 1576 b and the third surface 1576 e . In this state, the extension portion 1324 may contact the concave surface 1736 c of the receiving groove 1736 .

[0264] At the first door 21 from Fig.19 Position to Fig. 20 During the movement of the position A, the locking member 1730 can also rotate in the direction B.

[0265] The elastic force of the elastic member 350 decreases as the cumulative rotation angle of the rod 1320 in the direction D2 increases, and the reduced elastic force of the elastic member 350 acts as a closing force for the first door 21 .

[0266] Finally, if Fig.21 As shown, the first door 21 can further rotate in the direction A by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic member 350. In this way, the rod 1320 contacts the third surface 1576e, and the first door 21 is completely closed.

[0267] At this time, the first door 21 is Fig. 20 Position to Fig.21 When the position of the locking member 1730 is moved, the extension portion 1324 can pressurize the concave surface 1736c of the receiving groove 1736. In this case, the locking member 1730 can rotate toward the B1 direction again.

[0268] Of course, in the first door 21 from Fig. 20The position towards Fig.21 When the locking member 1730 moves to the position A, the locking member 1730 may continue to rotate in the direction B or the rotation of the locking member 1730 may stop.

[0269] like Fig.21 As shown, when the first door 21 is fully closed, the rod 1320 is substantially rotated by a predetermined angle relative to the main body 310, so that the elastic member 350 maintains a state in which a second elastic force of a predetermined magnitude is accumulated. At this time, the second elastic force is smaller than the first elastic force but greater than zero.

[0270] Therefore, when the first door 21 is closed, the elastic member 350 applies force in the direction of closing the first door 21, so that the first door 21 can be stably kept closed.

[0271] On the other hand, a case where the first door 21 is opened will be briefly described.

[0272] If the first door 21 is opened from a closed state, the rod 1320 may rotate in the D1 direction (counterclockwise) relative to the body 1310. If the rod 1320 rotates in the D1 direction (counterclockwise) relative to the body 1310, the elastic force of the elastic member 350 may increase from the second elastic force.

[0273] If the opening angle of the first door 21 increases, the rotation angle of the rod 1320 increases, and the elastic force of the elastic member 350 may continue to increase.

[0274] In the process that the opening angle of the first door 21 increases, the locking member 1730 rotates in the lock releasing direction (B1 direction) when the lever 1320 rotates.

[0275] When the opening angle of the first door 21 increases, the rod 1320 may rotate in the direction D2 and the locking member 1730 may rotate in the locking direction B while the rod 1320 is in contact with the first surface 1376 a .

[0276] In a process in which the opening angle of the first door 21 increases from the first angle to the reference angle, the hook 1734 may be inserted into the locking groove 1323 .

[0277] When the first door 21 is opened by a reference angle, the hook 1734 is inserted into the locking groove 1323 , and the rotation of the rod 1320 may be restricted when the elastic force of the elastic member 350 is accumulated to the first elastic force.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein: include: A box body having storage space; A hinge bracket, combined with the box body, having a contact surface; a door rotatably coupled to a shaft disposed on the hinge bracket to open and close the storage space; and an automatic closing device, arranged on the door at a position separated from the rotation center (C1) of the door, and automatically closing the door by acting on the hinge bracket during the closing process of the door; The automatic closing device comprises: a rod that rotates about a rotation center (C2) that is spaced apart from a rotation center (C1) of the door; an elastic member connected to the rod; a main body, provided at the door, and supporting the rod so as to be rotatable; and The locking member is rotatable with a rotation center (C3) separated from the rotation center (C2) of the rod as a reference, and restricts the rotation of the rod by combining with the rod when the elastic member accumulates elastic force or when the door is opened.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: When the door is closed, the elastic force of the elastic member is a second elastic force; In a state where the rotation of the rod is restricted, the elastic force of the elastic member is a first elastic force greater than a second elastic force; The door is further opened in a rotation-restricted state of the rod.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The automatic closing device also includes: a cover body, combined with the main body or the door, and supporting the locking member to be rotatable; and An elastic member elastically supports the locking member in the cover body.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The rod includes a locking slot; The locking member includes a hook inserted into the locking groove; If the hook is inserted into the locking groove, the rotation of the lever is restricted.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: During the closing process of the door, the rod moves along the contact surface; The rod includes an extension portion for rotating the locking member in the other direction when the rod rotates in one direction with reference to the rotation center (C2).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The locking groove is formed between the contact portion in the rod that contacts the contact surface and the extension portion; Alternatively, the distance from the rotation center (C2) to the end of the extension portion is smaller than the distance from the rotation center (C2) to the contact portion of the rod that contacts the contact surface.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The locking member further comprises: an accommodating groove in which the extension portion is accommodated in a locked state in which rotation of the rod is restricted; and a contact protrusion, wherein the contact protrusion is pressed by the extension portion during the rotation of the rod in the one direction; The receiving groove is located between the rotation center (C3) of the locking member and the contact protrusion.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: Also includes a pushing member; In order to release the locking of the locking member by the rod during the closing process of the door, the pushing member pushes the rod or the locking member.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein: During the process of closing the door, the pushing member pushes the rod, and the rod rotates in one direction based on the rotation center (C2). As the rod rotates in one direction, the locking member rotates in another direction based on the rotation center (C3), thereby releasing the lock of the rod.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein: The contact surface comprises: a first surface with which the rod rotated by the pushing member contacts during closing of the door after the door has been opened by an angle greater than a reference angle; a second surface extending to be inclined relative to the first surface; The contact surface includes a third surface that extends obliquely from the second surface, and the rod contacts the third surface when the door is closed.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein: The first surface extends in a direction closer to the front side of the box and closer to the rotation center (C1); The second surface extends in a direction closer to the front side of the box and closer to the rotation center (C1), and the curvature of the second surface is different from the curvature of the first surface; The third surface extends from the second surface to be away from the front surface of the box.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein: During the movement of the rod from the first surface to the second surface, the rod is spaced apart from the pushing member.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein: The locking member further comprises an arc surface between the hook and the contact protrusion; When the rod moves from the first surface to the second surface, the extension portion contacts the arc surface through the contact protrusion.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein: The rod includes a rotatable roller; During closing of the door, the pushing member pushes the roller.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein: The pushing member is spaced apart from the contact surface in the horizontal direction; During the closing process of the door, the rod passes through the space between the pushing member and the contact surface.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Hinge apparatus separated type with return function

    KR100874633B1