Household electrical appliance

Abstract

Provided is a household electrical appliance comprising: a case providing a storage chamber that is open to the front; a door rotatably disposed in front of the box to open and close the storage chamber; the hinge comprises a first hinge shaft, is fixed on the box body and rotatably supports the door; a guide member disposed on the door and including a shaft insertion groove into which the first hinge shaft is inserted; and a first speed reduction part disposed on the guide member and having a first protruding part protruding toward the shaft insertion groove. A shaft insertion groove extending and having a width corresponding to a diameter of the first hinge shaft, the first hinge shaft relatively sliding along the shaft insertion groove as the door rotates with respect to the box body; the first protruding part can move in the width direction of the shaft insertion groove.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a home appliance product such as a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a home appliance product having a door. BACKGROUND

[0002] Home appliance products have an internal storage or treatment chamber, and can perform a function of supplying cold air, hot air, steam, or water, etc. to the chamber to adjust or maintain the state of the items contained therein. These home appliance products can include, for example, a refrigerator for fresh storage of foodstuffs or beverages, a laundry treatment apparatus (e.g., a laundry care machine) for deodorizing, drying, or refreshing laundry, etc.

[0003] A door is provided in front of the storage or treatment chamber. Recently, cases where home appliance products are used in parallel with furniture or other home appliance products are increasing. In this case, in order to make the depth in the front-rear direction consistent with the furniture or other home appliance products, home appliance products having a door thinner than the conventional door thickness have appeared on the market.

[0004] On the other hand, if the door is quickly closed, an impact can occur between the door and the cabinet.

[0005] Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2018-0119985 (hereinafter, Prior Art Document 1) discloses a refrigerator including a damper installed to a cabinet and protruding forward. The damper of Prior Art Document 1 has a portion exposed to the outside when the door is opened.

[0006] On the other hand, in the case where the door of a home appliance product such as a refrigerator is not completely closed, cold air of the storage chamber can be leaked, and in order to solve such a problem, an "auto-close" function is required to guide the door to be automatically closed in a state where the door is opened at a constant angle or less.

[0007] In the case where the device providing the auto-close function is fastened to the hinge shaft and directly provides a torque to the hinge shaft, a large force can be required to rotate the door. Due to this, the device can be large in volume in order to provide a large force. Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2024-0057859 (hereinafter, Prior Art Document 2) discloses an auto-close device acting on a bracket body of a hinge. The auto-close device of Prior Art Document 2 can have a problem in that the force provided by the auto-close device to the door acts in the direction in which the door is opened, depending on the shape of the bracket body of the hinge.

[0008] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0009] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0010] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2018-0119985

[0011] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0057859 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this disclosure is to resolve the aforementioned problems and other issues.

[0013] Another objective is to provide a home appliance that guides the closing of the door to reduce impact on the cabinet and door, thus closing it gently.

[0014] Another objective is to provide a home appliance that achieves shock absorption without compromising appearance or thermal insulation performance.

[0015] Another objective is to provide a household appliance that includes a speed reduction unit that can be adapted to doors of a wide variety of structures.

[0016] For example, a home appliance product including a deceleration unit can be provided, which is applicable to doors whose rotation center changes with the opening angle of the door or to doors that are thinner than conventional doors.

[0017] Another objective is to provide a home appliance with an automatic closing device that provides a closing force to the door when the door's opening angle is below a constant angle.

[0018] Another objective is to provide a household appliance product that includes an automatic shut-off device and a deceleration unit.

[0019] The problems of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0020] According to one aspect of this disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, a household appliance product may be provided that includes a deceleration unit that slows down the closing speed of the door when it is closed.

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, a home appliance includes: a housing providing a storage compartment that opens forward; a door rotatably disposed at the front of the housing to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge including a first hinge shaft fixed to the housing and rotatably supporting the door; a guide member disposed on the door, including a shaft insertion slot for inserting the first hinge shaft; and a first deceleration portion disposed on the guide member, having a first protrusion projecting toward the shaft insertion slot; the shaft insertion slot extends with a width corresponding to the diameter of the first hinge shaft, and as the door rotates relative to the housing, the first hinge shaft slides relative to the shaft insertion slot; the first protrusion is movable along the width direction of the shaft insertion slot.

[0022] When the door is closed, the first hinge shaft can be located between one end of the shaft insertion slot and the first protrusion.

[0023] The home appliance may further include a second deceleration unit, which is disposed separately from the first deceleration unit on the guide member, and the second deceleration unit has a second protrusion protruding into the shaft insertion groove.

[0024] The shaft insertion slot may include: a first curved portion that extends rearward toward the outer end of the door in the width direction of the door; and a second curved portion that extends from the first curved portion toward the outer end of the door and extends forward toward the outer end of the door.

[0025] The first deceleration unit may be located in the first curved section, and the second deceleration unit may be located in the second curved section.

[0026] The hinge also includes a second hinge axis spaced apart from the first hinge axis. The second hinge axis may be arranged vertically. The second hinge axis may have the same diameter as the first hinge axis.

[0027] With the door open, the second hinge shaft can be located between the other end of the shaft insertion slot and the second protrusion.

[0028] The protrusion may include: a first inclined surface located on the opposite side of the one-sided end; and a second inclined surface located on the one-sided end side.

[0029] The first inclined surface can be inclined more gently than the second inclined surface.

[0030] The guide member may further include: a deceleration cover disposed on the outer side of the guide member to accommodate the first deceleration part; and a through hole penetrating the outer side of the guide member to connect the internal space of the deceleration cover and the shaft insertion groove, wherein the protrusion is inserted into the through hole.

[0031] The first deceleration part further includes an elastic part, which is disposed in the deceleration cover and can apply pressure to the protrusion on the shaft insertion groove side.

[0032] The details of other embodiments can be found in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance product can be provided that guides the closing of the cabinet and door to reduce impact and close gently. For example, the home appliance product may include a deceleration unit capable of reducing the speed at which the door closes.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a deceleration section is disposed in the guide member of the shaft accommodating the hinge, thereby providing a home appliance product including a deceleration section implemented in a manner that does not impede appearance or thermal insulation performance.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a deceleration part is arranged in the guide member of the shaft accommodating the hinge, thereby enabling the provision of a door whose rotation center changes according to the opening angle of the door, or a household appliance that achieves a deceleration function even in doors that are thinner than conventional doors.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance product can be provided having an automatic closing device that provides a closing force to the door when the door's opening angle is below a constant angle.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a household appliance product including an automatic shut-off device and a deceleration unit can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a clothing processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a 3D view and an enlarged view of the door.

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded perspective view shown is an exploded perspective view of the door, hinge, guide member, and automatic closing device of a household appliance product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the portion shown in the image. Figure 5 (a) is the inside of the door. Figure 5 (b) is the front of the lid removed. Figure 5 (c) is the main view.

[0043] Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the automatic shut-off device shown in the figure.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of a door of an automatic closing system for a household appliance, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 9 (a) to (d) are Figure 8The diagram shows the position of the lever and reference pin according to the opening angle of the door.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a curve showing the torque of the drive unit, the engagement and disengagement of the clutch, and the limitation of the lever in a household appliance product according to the door opening angle, as per an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a lever of a household appliance product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing an automatic shut-off device for a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 13 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the guide member and deceleration unit is shown.

[0050] Figure 14 (a) to (b) and Figure 15 Figures (a) to (b) are diagrams illustrating the function of the lever and deceleration unit according to the opening angle of the door of a household appliance, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, regardless of the drawing numbers, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0052] When a constituent element is referred to as being "connected" or "combined" with another constituent element, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or combined with the other constituent element, but there may also be other constituent elements between them. Conversely, when a constituent element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly combined" with another constituent element, it should be understood that there are no other constituent elements between them.

[0053] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the household appliance product may be a refrigerator. The refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 10 providing a storage compartment 11 and a door 2 for opening and closing the storage compartment 11.

[0055] Storage room 11 may open to the front. Storage room 11 may provide space and / or configuration for storing food or beverages. Storage room 11 may be configured to open to the front to facilitate user access and food storage.

[0056] The storage compartments 11 can be configured in multiples. For example, the storage compartments 11 may include an upper storage compartment 12 and a lower storage compartment 13 separated vertically. The upper storage compartment 12 may be configured as a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage compartment 13 may be configured as a freezer compartment. However, the configuration of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment is not limited to this.

[0057] Door 2 can be positioned at the front of the housing 10, allowing the storage compartment 11 to be opened and closed. Door 2 is rotatably positioned at the front of the housing 10, allowing the storage compartment 11 to be opened and closed.

[0058] Door 2 may include an upper door 20 for opening and closing the upper storage compartment 12. Door 2 may include a lower door 25 for opening and closing the lower storage compartment 13.

[0059] Multiple doors 2 can be configured. Multiple doors 2 can open and close a storage room. For example, an upper storage room 12 can be opened and closed simultaneously by a first door 21 and a second door 22. That is, the first door 21 can open and close a portion of the upper storage room 12. Figure 1 The second door 22 can open and close another part of the upper storage room 12 (left side). Figure 1 (Right side).

[0060] In contrast, doors 20 are configured in multiples, and a storage room can be opened and closed by a single door. For example, the lower storage room 13 is divided into left and right sections, configured as two storage rooms 131 and 132. The lower door 25 for opening and closing the lower storage room 13 can include the first lower door 26 for opening and closing the first lower storage room 26 and the second lower door 27 for opening and closing the second lower storage room 132.

[0061] The storage rooms 11 and doors 2, which consist of the aforementioned plurality, can be configured differently. For example, the upper storage room 12 may be divided into left and right sections, or the lower storage room 13 may be configured as a single unit without being divided into left and right sections.

[0062] Storage room 11 can store food. Storage room 11 can be supplied with cold air. Door 20 closes storage room 11, preventing cold air from escaping to the outside.

[0063] Refrigerator 1 may include a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle allows for heat exchange between air and refrigerant, which in turn supplies cold air to the storage compartment.

[0064] Shelves and / or drawers may be installed inside the storage compartment 11. Shelves may also be installed on the door 2 for storing food.

[0065] The inside of door 2 can also form storage space to increase storage capacity.

[0066] Door 2 may also include a viewing window 24. The viewing window 24 is made of a transparent or translucent material to allow the interior of the storage room to be visually confirmed from the outside.

[0067] Window 24 can be configured to identify food inside from the outside when the door or storage room lighting is on.

[0068] Window 24 may include display functionality. Therefore, window 24 may also be referred to as display 24. Window 24 can display the status of refrigerator 1 and the status of the interior of storage compartment 11.

[0069] Window 24 is a user interface device that can receive instructions from the user. For example, window 24 may include a touch display that operates by sensing the user's touch input.

[0070] The refrigerator 1 may include a hinge 3 connecting the cabinet 10 and the door 2. The hinge 3 can support the door 2 so that it can rotate relative to the cabinet 10. The door 2 can be rotatably attached to the cabinet 10 by means of the hinge 3.

[0071] Hinges 3 can connect the upper and lower parts of door 2 to the housing 10. For example, hinges 3 can be provided on the upper and lower parts of the upper door 20, and hinges 3 can also be provided on the upper and lower parts of the lower door 25.

[0072] The refrigerator 1 may include an automatic closing device 4 that provides a closing force to the door 2. The automatic closing device 4 may be disposed on the upper part or the lower part of the door 2, or may be disposed on both the upper and lower parts respectively. A detailed description of the automatic closing device 4 will be given later.

[0073] Figure 1 The left and right directions (the direction in which the first door 21 and the second door 22 are arranged) can be referred to as the width direction of the refrigerator, the width direction of the cabinet 10, or the width direction of the door 2.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the household appliance product may be a garment processing device 1'. The garment processing device 1 includes a housing 100 providing a processing chamber 110, a door 200 for opening and closing the processing chamber 110, and a hinge 300 rotatably connecting the door 200 to the housing 100. The hinge 300 may be configured on the upper and / or lower part of the door 200.

[0075] The processing room 110 can open to the front. The processing room 110 can provide internal space for storing or processing clothing. The processing room 110 can open to the front, making it easily accessible to users.

[0076] The garment processing device 1' can supply temperature- or humidity-regulated air into the processing chamber 110 and also recycle that air. Additionally, the garment processing device 1' can supply steam into the processing chamber 110. Garments and the like can be hung inside the processing chamber 110.

[0077] Hereinafter, although the present invention is described using a refrigerator 1 as an example, it can also be applied to a clothing handling device 1'. For example, the configuration of the door 2 and the body 10 installed in the refrigerator 1 can be installed in the door 200 and the body 100 of the clothing handling device 1'. For example, the hinge 300 of the clothing handling device 1' can have the same structure as the hinge 3 of the refrigerator 1, and an automatic closing device 4 can be installed on the door 200 of the clothing handling device 1'. In addition, a soft-closing device 7 can be installed on the door 200 of the clothing handling device 1'.

[0078] The following is for reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Explanation of Gate 2. The following explanation uses the first gate 21 as an example, but the multiple features described later can also be applied to the second gate 22 or the lower gate 25.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The door 2 may include a door panel 201 that constitutes the exterior. The door panel 201 can provide the front surface of the door 2. Hereinafter, the door panel 201 will be referred to as the front surface of the door or the front surface of the refrigerator.

[0080] Door 2 may include a front side 201 and a rear side 202. The front side 201 forms the outer side of the door, and the rear side 202 forms the inner side facing the storage room 11.

[0081] A pad 205 is provided on the rear side 202 of door 2 (see reference). Figure 8 The storage room 11 can be sealed when door 2 is closed.

[0082] A filler 207 can be provided on one side of door 2. The filler 207 can be provided at the rear of door 2.

[0083] The filler 207 is used to seal the gap between the first door 21 and the second door 22, and can improve the heat insulation and appearance quality when the doors are fully closed.

[0084] The filler 207 is designed to be rotatable and can be linked to the opening and closing of the door.

[0085] The door 2 may include a lower cover decoration 23 that provides the bottom surface of the door 2. The lower cover decoration 23 may be attached to the lower end of the front side 201 and the lower end of the rear side 202 of the door 2.

[0086] Door 2 may include an upper cover decoration that provides the top surface of door 2. It may be attached to the upper end of the front side 201 and the upper end of the rear side 202 of door 9.

[0087] Therefore, door 2 can be constructed with a structure having an internal space, which can be filled with heat-insulating material. Thus, when door 2 closes storage room 11, storage room 11 can be insulated from the outside.

[0088] Hereinafter, the lower cover decoration 23 will be referred to as cover decoration 23, and the description of cover decoration 23 can also be applied to the upper cover decoration in the same way or similarly.

[0089] A handle 236 may be provided on the bottom surface of door 2. The handle 236 may be recessed upward from the bottom surface of door 2. The handle 236 may be located on the opposite side of hinge 3 in the width direction of door 2.

[0090] The handle 236 can be configured on the cover decoration 23.

[0091] The hinge 3 located at the lower part of the door 2 can be attached to the bottom surface of the door 2, and the hinge located at the upper part of the door 2 can be attached to the top surface of the door 2 or located at the upper mounting part. Hereinafter, the description will be based on the hinge 3 located at the lower part of the door 2 and the guide member 80 as examples. The description of the above components can also be applied to the hinge 3 and guide member 80 located in other positions.

[0092] The hinge 3 can be fixed to the housing 10 to support the door 2. The hinge 3 may include a hinge shaft 31 that rotatably supports the door 2. The hinge 3 may include a connecting portion 33 fixed to the housing 10.

[0093] A fastening hole 34 is formed at the joint 33, allowing it to be secured to the housing by a fastening component. The fastening hole 34 can be positioned at a distance from the reference pin 35 described later along the width direction of the housing 10 (see reference). Figure 5 (b)). Thus, the hinge can be fixed to the housing using fastening components without structural interference.

[0094] The hinge 3 may include a support 36 protruding forward toward the housing 10. The support 36 may protrude forward from the joint 33. The support 36 may be configured horizontally.

[0095] The hinge pin 31 can protrude from the support member 36. The hinge pin 31 can protrude from the support member 36 in the vertical direction.

[0096] The hinges located on the lower side of the upper part 20 and the hinges located on the upper side of the lower part 25 can extend vertically from a support member 36 along hinge shafts 311 and 316. That is, the hinge shaft 311 extending upward from the support member 36 supports the lower part of the upper part 20, and the hinge shaft 316 extending downward from the support member 36 supports the upper part of the lower part 25.

[0097] Door 2 may include a guide member 80 that engages with hinge 3. The guide member 80 may be inserted into the bottom or top surface of door 2.

[0098] The guide member 80 may include a shaft insertion slot 83 into which the hinge shaft 31 is inserted. As the hinge shaft 31 rotates in or moves along the shaft insertion slot 83, the door 2 can be opened and closed.

[0099] When the hinge shaft 31 moves along the shaft insertion slot 83 and the door 2 is opened or closed, the position of the rotation center of the door 2 can be changed according to the degree of opening of the door 2. Therefore, it has the advantage that when the door is open, it will not interfere with other furniture or storage cabinets placed next to the refrigerator.

[0100] However, in such a structure of hinge 3 and guide member 80, it is difficult to directly provide torque to the hinge axis to close the door. The automatic closing device 4 of this disclosure can also be applied to a door 2 that is opened and closed by the movement of the hinge axis 31 along the axis insertion slot 83.

[0101] A deceleration unit 87 may be provided on the guide member 80. The structure of the guide member 80, the movement of the hinge shaft 31, and the deceleration unit 87 will be described in detail later.

[0102] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the refrigerator door 2 can automatically close even if the user does not fully close it. This function is achieved through the interaction of an automatic closing device 4 disposed on the door 2 and a reference pin 35 disposed on the cabinet body 10. The automatic closing device 4 and the reference pin 35 can be collectively referred to as an automatic closing system. The automatic closing system can also be considered as including the concept of a hinge 3 connecting the door 2 and the cabinet body 10.

[0103] The automatic closing system allows the automatic closing device 4 and the reference pin 35 to interact and provide a closing force to the door 2 when the door is open at a constant angle or less. For example, when the door 2 is open / closed at a constant angle, the reference pin 35 is located in the slit 53 of the lever 5 (described later), and the drive unit 40 can rotate the lever 5. Thus, the door 2 can close automatically even if the user does not completely close it. The automatic closing system will be described below.

[0104] An automatic closing device 4 can be installed on the bottom surface of door 2. The automatic closing device 4 can provide a closing force to door 2. When door 2 is open and the angle between the housing 10 and door 2 is less than a constant angle, the automatic closing device 4 can provide a closing force to the door.

[0105] The automatic closing device 4 may include a drive unit 40 and a lever 5 coupled to the drive unit 40. The lever 5 may be rotatably coupled to the drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 may provide torque to the lever 5. The lever 5 may rotate with the opening and closing action of the door 2.

[0106] The drive unit 40 can be spaced apart from the hinge axis 31 in the direction of the rotation radius of the door 2. The automatic closing device 4 can close the door 2 by applying force to the hinge 3 via the lever 5. The lever 5 can apply force to other components of the hinge 3 other than the hinge axis 31.

[0107] The hinge 3 may include a reference pin 35 for applying force to the lever 5. The reference pin 35 may be spaced apart from the hinge axis 31. The reference pin 35 may be disposed on the support 36. The position of the reference pin 35 relative to the housing 10 may be fixed. The reference pin 35 may protrude from the support 36 in the vertical direction. The reference pin 35 may extend parallel to the hinge axis 31.

[0108] On the other hand, although the reference pin 35 is described as a subordinate component of the hinge 3, the reference pin 35 can be configured to be separate from the hinge 3. For example, the reference pin 35 may not protrude from the support member 36 of the hinge 3, but may be configured as an independent component separate from the hinge 3, and the hinge 3 and the reference pin 35 may be fixed to the housing 10 respectively.

[0109] The lever 5 may include a slit 53 into which a reference pin 35 is inserted. As the door 2 opens and closes, the reference pin 35 may slide within or disengage from the slit 53. Depending on the opening angle of the door 2, the reference pin 35 slides within the slit 53 of the lever 5, allowing the lever 5 to rotate. Alternatively, the position of the reference pin within the slit 53 and the opening angle of the door 2 can be determined based on the rotation angle of the lever 5. The sliding of the reference pin 35 within the slit 53 can mean that, since the reference pin 35 is fixed, its relative position to the slit 53 can change as the lever 5 rotates and moves.

[0110] Door 2 may include a stop 9. The stop 9 prevents door 2 from opening beyond a set angle. For example, the set angle may be set within the range of 100 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0111] The stop 9 may include a stop body 91 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the door 2.

[0112] The hinge 3 may include a stop contact portion 39. The stop contact portion 39 may be disposed on the support member 36. The stop contact portion 39 may be formed on the front portion of the support member 36 and the outer portion of the housing in the width direction.

[0113] During the opening of door 2, the stop body 91 can come into contact with the stop body contact portion 39. Therefore, the maximum opening angle of door 2 can be limited. The maximum opening angle of door 2 can refer to the aforementioned set angle.

[0114] The stop 9 may include a stop bracket 92. The stop bracket 92 may be installed on the bottom surface of the door 2.

[0115] A hole 98 may be formed in the stop bracket 92. The hole 98 can extend vertically through the stop bracket 92. A guide member 80 can be inserted into the hole 98. The guide member 80 can extend vertically through the stop bracket 92.

[0116] The stop body 91 can be disposed behind the cover 235, which will be described later. A portion of the stop body 91 overlaps with the cover 235 in the front-rear direction, and the remaining portion can protrude further outward in the width direction of the door 2 than the cover 235.

[0117] A cover 235 may be disposed in front of the lever 5. The cover 235 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the door 2. The cover 235 may be located further back than the front surface 201 of the door. The cover 235 is an aesthetic element that conceals the mechanism parts exposed to the lower end of the lever 5 or the door 2 from the outside, providing both aesthetics and security.

[0118] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cover decoration 23 may include a guide cover 238. The guide cover 238 may accommodate a guide member 80. The guide member 80 may be mounted and secured to the guide cover 238.

[0119] The guide cover 238 can be recessed from the bottom surface of the door 2 upwards. The guide cover 238 can have a shape corresponding to the guide member 80.

[0120] The guide cover 238 can be disposed on the stop mounting portion 239. The guide cover 238 can be recessed upward from the stop mounting portion 239.

[0121] The cover decoration 23 may include an automatic closing receiving portion 234 for the automatic closing device 4 to be configured. The automatic closing receiving portion 234 can be recessed from the bottom surface of the door 2 upwards to provide space for accommodating the automatic closing device 4.

[0122] By utilizing the guide cover 238, stop mounting portion 239, and automatic closing receiving portion 234 of the cover decoration 23, at least a portion of each of the guide member 80, stop member 9, and automatic closing device 4 can be shielded from the front exterior. For example, the drive portion 40 can be shielded from the front exterior by the cover decoration 23, while the lever 5 can be positioned lower than the bottom surface of the door 2, and therefore may not be shielded by the cover decoration 23. For example, at least a portion of the stop member body 91 protrudes lower than the bottom surface of the door 2, and therefore may not be shielded from the front exterior by the cover decoration 23.

[0123] The cover 235 can be positioned in front of the lever 5 to block the lever 5 from the front outside.

[0124] Additionally, a portion of the stop body 91 can be positioned behind the cover 235 and can be concealed from the front. The outer end of the stop body 91 in the width direction of the housing 10 can be positioned further outward than the cover 235, thus protruding to the front. As a result, a portion of the stop body 91 is concealed by the cover body 235, and when the door 2 is opened to its maximum angle, the outer end of the stop body 91 can contact the stop contact portion 39.

[0125] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The drive unit 40 may include a cover 41. The cover 41 may be fixed to the housing 10 and may provide an internal space 413 for accommodating a plurality of constituent elements.

[0126] The upper side of the cover 41 can be open, and a cover cover 412 can be attached to the upper end. The cover cover 412 can cover the cover 41. The cover cover 412 may include a first protrusion 4121 protruding downward. The first protrusion 4121 is inserted into the internal space 413 of the cover 41, and the cover cover 412 can be attached to the cover 41.

[0127] The cover 41 may include a mating groove 414 that expands outward from the space 413. The cover 412 may include a second protrusion 4122 that is inserted into the mating groove 414.

[0128] The second protrusion 4122 can protrude outward from the outer periphery of the first protrusion 4121. The cover 412 can be inserted into the mating groove 414 of the cover 41 and fixed to the cover 41. The cover 412 can be restricted by the cover 41 to prevent rotation.

[0129] Spring 43, clutch 44, lever shaft 46, etc. can be inserted into the internal space 413 of cover 41. These elements can be inserted from the top of cover 41 before cover 412 is joined to cover 41.

[0130] The drive unit 40 may include a spring 43. The spring 43 may be a torsion spring that provides torque. The spring 43 may be mounted to provide torque in the direction that the door 2 is closing.

[0131] The drive unit 40 may include a retainer 42 for engaging with the spring 43. One end 432 of the spring 43 may be engaged with and / or fixed to the retainer 42.

[0132] The retainer 42 may be engaged with and / or secured to the cover 412. The retainer 42 may include an upwardly extending fixing portion 421. The fixing portion 421 may be inserted into an insertion groove 4123 formed in the cover 412.

[0133] The retainer 42 may include a support portion 422. The support portion 422 may have a wider width than the fixing portion 421. The support portion 422 may contact the bottom surface of the cover 412.

[0134] The retainer 42 may include a first spring engagement portion 423. One end 432 of the spring may be engaged with the first spring engagement portion 423. The first spring engagement portion 423 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the support portion 422. The support portion 422 may support the upper end of the spring 43.

[0135] The drive unit 4 can provide rotational force to the lever 5 through the action of the spring 43, the clutch 44, and the shaft 46.

[0136] Spring 43 may include one end 432 and another end 434. A helical portion 433 extending in a helical shape may be formed between one end 432 and the other end 434. Spring 43 may be a torsion spring that generates rotational torque in a constant direction.

[0137] Shaft 46 can be connected to spring 43 to receive torque. Shaft 46 can be integrated with lever 5 and rotate as a unit with lever 5.

[0138] Clutch 44 is positioned between spring 43 and shaft 46, enabling selective control of their connection. That is, clutch 44 can selectively engage or disengage spring 43 and shaft 46. Clutch 44 can engage or disengage spring 43 and shaft 46 based on the rotation angle of lever 5.

[0139] For example, during the rotation of lever 5 from its closed position (door 2 closed) to a preset angle, clutch 44 connects spring 43 and shaft 46. If lever 5 rotates further, clutch 44 can disengage spring 43 and shaft 46. This preset angle is called the switching angle. The term "connection" can also be called "engagement."

[0140] If lever 5 or shaft 46 is rotated by an external force, the elastic energy stored in spring 43 may increase. If spring 43 is rotated from its free state, lever 5 and shaft 46 are not subjected to an external force, or if the elastic force of spring 43 is greater than the external force applied to lever 5 and shaft 46, then lever 5 and shaft 46 can rotate due to the elastic force of spring 43. If clutch 44 disengages spring 43 and shaft 46, spring 43 may not rotate even if lever 5 and shaft 46 rotate.

[0141] Clutch 44 can restrict or release the rotation of shaft 46. Clutch 44 can restrict or release the rotation of shaft 46 based on the rotation angle of lever 5. For example, when the rotation angle of lever 5 is greater than or equal to the locking angle (which is larger than the switching angle), clutch 44 can restrict the rotation of shaft 46; when the rotation angle of lever 5 is less than the locking angle, it can release the restriction on shaft 46.

[0142] That is, as door 2 is opened from its closed state, and lever 5 rotates through the action of reference pin 35, when the rotation angle of lever 5 is greater than the switching angle, clutch 44 disengages spring 43 and shaft 46. If lever 5 rotates further and the rotation angle of lever 5 is greater than the locking angle, then clutch 44 can restrict the rotation of shaft 46. Therefore, even if door 2 is further opened, the position of lever 5 can be fixed.

[0143] In addition, during the closing process of door 2, the reference pin 35 enters the slit 53 and the lever 5 rotates through the action of the reference pin 35 and the lever 5, and the restriction is released. If the lever 5 rotates further and the rotation angle of the lever 5 is smaller than the switching angle, the clutch 44 connects the spring 43 and the shaft 46, and the lever 5 rotates through the torque of the spring 43. Even if no external force is applied to door 2, door 2 will automatically close through the action of the lever 5 and the reference pin 35.

[0144] The description of the switching angle and locking angle of the embodiments of this disclosure refers to... Figure 10 To be discussed later.

[0145] Clutch 44 may be engaged with the other end 434 of spring 43. Clutch 44 may include connector 45. Connector 45 may include a second spring engagement portion 453 engaged with the other end 434 of spring 43.

[0146] The connector 450 may include a flange 456. A second spring engagement portion 453 may protrude from the upper side of the flange 456.

[0147] The flange 456 can be formed in a disk shape. The flange 456 can have a wider width than the second spring engagement portion 453. It can support the lower part of the spring 43.

[0148] Connector 45 may include a latch retainer 457. The latch retainer 457 may project downwardly from the flange 456.

[0149] Shaft 46 may include clutch shaft 463. A latch retainer 457 may surround clutch shaft 463. Clutch shaft 463 may be housed within latch retainer 457. Clutch shaft 463 may be inserted into latch retainer 457.

[0150] The latch retainer 457 may include a first latch receiving portion 4571. The latch retainer 457 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the first latch receiving portion 4571 may be formed in the shape of extending through the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the cylinder along the length direction.

[0151] The clutch 44 may include a latch 47. The latch 47 may be disposed in a first latch receiving portion 4571. The latch 47 may have a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the latch 47 may correspond to the width of the first latch receiving portion 4571.

[0152] The latch 47 can be configured in multiples. For example, there can be two latches 47.

[0153] The latch retainer 457 may be formed in an arc shape. The first latch receiving portion 4571 may be disposed at the end of the arc shape.

[0154] The latch retainer 457 can be formed in a plurality of arc shapes. The first latch receiving portion 4571 can be disposed between such arc shapes.

[0155] A first latching groove 4637 may be formed on the clutch shaft 463. The first latching groove 4637 is recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the clutch shaft 463. The width of the first latching groove 4637 may be smaller than the diameter of the latch 47. As the lever 5 and / or the clutch shaft 463 rotates, the latch 47 is engaged with or disengaged from the first latching groove 4637.

[0156] If the latch 47 disengages from the first latch mounting slot 4637, the connection between the connector 45 and the shaft 46 can be released. Therefore, the connection between the spring 43 and the shaft 46 can be released.

[0157] The clutch 44 may include a clutch housing 49. The clutch housing 49 may include a shaft receiving portion 496. The shaft receiving portion 496 may be disposed inside the clutch housing 49. The shaft receiving portion 496 may be formed by a hollow portion of the clutch housing 49.

[0158] The clutch shaft 463 can be disposed in the shaft receiving portion 496. The inner diameter of the shaft receiving portion 496 can be larger than the outer diameter of the clutch shaft 463.

[0159] The latch retainer 457 can be configured between the clutch shaft 463 and the clutch housing 49.

[0160] The inner diameter of the shaft receiving portion 496 may correspond to the outer diameter of the latch retainer 457. The inner diameter of the shaft receiving portion 496 may be the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the latch retainer 457. The latch retainer 457 may be rotatably supported by the clutch housing 49.

[0161] The clutch housing 49 may include a second latch receiving portion 497. The second latch receiving portion 497 may be recessed outward from the shaft receiving portion 496.

[0162] As lever 5 rotates, clutch shaft 463 can rotate. As lever 5 rotates, clutch shaft 463 rotates, and if the first latch receiving groove 4637 and the second latch receiving portion 497 are aligned, it can be received in the second latch receiving portion 497.

[0163] If latch 47 is located in the slot of clutch shaft 463 and the second latch receiving portion 497, the rotation of clutch shaft 463 relative to clutch housing 49 and housing 41 can be restricted by latch 47.

[0164] The cover 41 can be fixed to the door 2. Therefore, the lever 5 can be in a state where rotation relative to the door 2 is restricted.

[0165] Shaft 46 may include lever shaft 465. Lever shaft 465 may rotate integrally with clutch shaft 463. Lever shaft 465 and clutch shaft 463 may be formed as one unit.

[0166] A shaft through hole 499 may be formed at the lower end 498 of the clutch housing 49. The shaft through hole 499 may communicate with the shaft receiving portion 496.

[0167] The lever shaft 465 can pass through the shaft through hole 499.

[0168] The clutch 44 may include a bearing 48. The bearing 48 may rotatably support the shaft 46.

[0169] Bearing 48 may be disposed on the upper side of the lower end of clutch housing 49. Lever shaft 465 may pass through bearing 48.

[0170] Shaft 46 may include a support ring 464. The support ring 464 may protrude radially along the shaft. In shaft 46, the portion disposed on the upper side of the support ring 464 may be referred to as clutch shaft 463, and the portion disposed on the lower side may be referred to as lever shaft 465. The support ring 464 may be disposed between clutch shaft 463 and lever shaft 465.

[0171] The support ring 464 can support the latch 47 from the underside of the latch 47. The support ring 464 can be configured on the upper side of the bearing 48 to support the shaft 46.

[0172] Lever shaft 465 can be attached to lever 5. Lever shaft 465 can rotate as a unit with lever 5.

[0173] The lever 5 may include a shaft insertion hole 54 for inserting a lever shaft 465. The outer periphery of the lever shaft 465 may be non-circular. The shaft insertion hole 54 may have a shape corresponding to the lever shaft 465.

[0174] The lever 5 may include a ring flange 542 disposed around the shaft insertion hole 54. The ring flange 542 may protrude upward from the body of the lever 5.

[0175] A fastening hole 466 may be formed at the end of the lever shaft 465. A fastening hole 56 may also be formed on the lever 5. The fastening component passes through the fastening hole of the lever 5 and is inserted into the fastening hole 466 of the lever shaft 465, thereby connecting the lever 5 and the lever shaft 465.

[0176] The lever 5 may include a ring 562 disposed around the fastening hole 56. The ring 562 may protrude downward from the body of the lever 5.

[0177] If the latch 47 is located in the slot of the clutch shaft 463 and the second latch receiving portion 497, the rotation of the lever 5 relative to the door 2 can be restricted.

[0178] The cover 41 may include sidewalls 411. The sidewalls 411 may be formed in an angular shape, for example, they may be formed in a square column shape.

[0179] An internal space 413 can be formed on the inner side of the side wall 411 of the cover 41.

[0180] The cover 41 may include a fastening portion 415 protruding from the side wall 411. The fastening portion 415 may be disposed at the lower end of the side wall 411. A pair of fastening portions 415 may be disposed on the left and right sides.

[0181] The cover 41 can be inserted into the automatic closing receiving part 234, and the fastening part 415 can be fastened to the bottom surface of the door 2.

[0182] The lever shaft 46 can provide a center of rotation for the lever 5. The lever 5 can rotate around the shaft insertion hole 54.

[0183] The lever 5 may include a finger member 51 forming a slit 53. The finger member 51 may extend outward from the center of rotation of the lever 5 in the direction of the rotation radius.

[0184] The finger member 51 may include a first finger member 511 disposed on one side of the slit 53 and a second finger member 512 disposed on the other side. The first finger member 511 may be disposed in front of the slit 53 and the second finger member 512 may be disposed behind the slit 53.

[0185] If an external force is applied to the door 2 in the direction of closing the door 2 while the reference pin 35 is in the slit 53, then through the fixed reference pin 35, a force (repulsive force) is applied to the first finger member 511, and the lever 5 can rotate to move the finger member 51 forward.

[0186] With the reference pin 35 in the slit 53, if the lever 5 is rotated by the automatic closing device 4, the second finger member 512 pushes the reference pin 35. Since the reference pin 35 is fixed, the door 2 can rotate or move so that the automatic closing device 4 faces backward.

[0187] The following is for reference Figure 8 to Figure 10 This invention describes the structure of the lever 5 of the automatic closing device 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as well as the function of the lever 5 and the hinge 3.

[0188] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator door 2 can be rotatably disposed in front of the cabinet 10, and the position of the rotation center of the door 2 can be changed according to the degree of opening of the door.

[0189] The shaft insertion slot 83 of the guide member 80 can have a structure that extends with a constant width. For example, the shaft insertion slot 83 can extend in a curve. For example, the shaft insertion slot 83 can have an arc shape. For example, the shaft insertion slot 83 can have a shape in which two arcs with different radii of curvature are connected.

[0190] The shaft insertion slot 83 may include a first curved portion 831 where the hinge shaft 31 is located when the door 2 is closed, and a second curved portion 832 where the hinge shaft 31 is located when the door 2 is open. The second curved portion 832 may be configured relatively close to the outer end of the door 2, and the first curved portion 831 may be configured relatively far from the outer end of the door 2.

[0191] The first curved portion 831 and the second curved portion 832 can be connected. The first curved portion 831 can extend rearward toward the second curved portion 832, and the second curved portion 832 can extend rearward toward the first curved portion 831. The shaft insertion groove 83 can have a rearward protruding shape.

[0192] The radius of curvature of the second curve portion 832 can be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first curve portion 831.

[0193] The hinge shaft 31 is movably supported by the shaft insertion slot 83. The hinge shaft 31 rotates and / or moves within the guide member to enable the opening and closing of the door.

[0194] The width of the shaft insertion slot 83 can correspond to the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 31. That is, the width of the shaft insertion slot 83 can be formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 31, and the hinge shaft 31 can slide along the shaft insertion slot 83.

[0195] Two or more hinge axes 31 can be configured. For example, the hinge 3 may include two hinge axes 311 and 312. Hereinafter, the hinge axis 31 located on the inner side of the door 2 in the width direction is referred to as the first hinge axis 311, and the hinge axis 31 located on the outer side is referred to as the second hinge axis 312. That is, the first hinge axis 311 can be configured to be relatively close to the front end of the first curved portion 831 when the door 2 is closed, and the second hinge axis 312 can be configured to be relatively close to the front end of the second curved portion 832 when the door 2 is open.

[0196] Door 2 can receive its rotation center via the first hinge shaft 311 and the second hinge shaft 312. The position of the rotation center of door 2 can then be changed according to the degree of door opening. That is, if door 2 is open, the two hinge shafts 31 can slide along the shaft insertion slot 83, allowing door 2 to rotate.

[0197] With the position of the rotation axis of door 2 fixed, the outer front corner 203 of door 2 may deviate from the position of the outer end 204 of door 2 in the width direction when door 2 is closed, as the door is opened.

[0198] The hinge pin 31 and the pin insertion slot 83 in this embodiment ensure that the outer front corner of the door 2 will not deviate from the position of the outer end of the door 2 when the door 2 is closed, even when the door 2 is open, or can minimize the degree of deviation (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0199] Therefore, if other furniture is placed next to the refrigerator or the refrigerator is placed in a storage cabinet, and the refrigerator door does not protrude forward relative to the other furniture or storage cabinet, the door can be opened without being interfered with by the other furniture or storage cabinet.

[0200] Figure 9 The states in which the opening angle of door 2 gradually decreases are shown in the order of (a), (b), (c), and (d).

[0201] Door 2 can be compared Figure 9 The state of (a) is further opened. For example, the maximum opening angle of door 2 can be greater than 90 degrees. If door 2 is opened to its maximum, the second hinge axis 312 can be connected to or slightly separated from the front end of the second curved portion 832. If door 2 is opened to its maximum, the first hinge axis 311 and the second hinge axis 312 can be located in the second curved portion 832.

[0202] For example, when door 2 is opened to 90 degrees, the first hinge axis 311 can be located at the boundary between the second curved portion 832 and the first curved portion 831. If door 2 is opened to more than 90 degrees, the first hinge axis 311 and the second hinge axis 312 can slide along the second curved portion 832 (the first hinge axis 311 and the second hinge axis 312 can be fixed, and the guide member 80 can move). Therefore, door 2 can be opened forward. Thus, when door 2 is opened to its maximum extent, interference with other furniture or appliances located to the side of refrigerator 1 can be minimized.

[0203] Figure 9 (a) shows the state in which the first hinge axis 311 is located in the first curved portion 831 and the second hinge axis 312 is located in the second curved portion 832.

[0204] exist Figure 9 (a) Observing the process of the door 2 being opened, since the second hinge axis 312 moves relative to the second curved portion 832, the outer side 204 and the front edge 203 of the door 2 in the width direction move towards the inside of the box 10 in the width direction as the door 2 is opened, compared to the case where the rotation center is fixed. As a result, the outer side 204 and the front edge 203 of the door 2 in the width direction may not deviate from the outer end 204 of the door in the closed state, or even if they do deviate, they can deviate to a minimum.

[0205] Figure 9 (b) shows the state where the second hinge axis 312 is located at the boundary between the first curved portion 831 and the second curved portion 832, and the first hinge axis 311 is located at the first curved portion 831. Figure 9 (d) shows the state where door 2 is closed. When door 2 is closed, the first hinge axis 311 can be located at the front end of the first curved portion 831.

[0206] Passing through with door 2 closed Figure 9 The state of (c) reaches Figure 9 When the door is opened in state (b), the outer side 204 of the door 2 rotates so that the front end 203 faces rearward, and can move inward in the width direction as a whole, because the first hinge axis 311 and the second hinge axis 312 move relative to each other along the first curved portion 831. Therefore, during this process, the outer side 204 of the door 2 in the width direction and the front edge 203 do not deviate from the outer end of the door in the closed state, or even if they do deviate, they deviate to a minimum.

[0207] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment of the refrigerator disclosed herein, the lever 5 can be rotatably disposed on the bottom surface of the door 2. The lever 5 may include a slit 53 into which a reference pin 35 is inserted. The slit 53 may have a shape that extends in a straight line or bends. For example, the slit 53 may have a curved shape.

[0208] The lever 5 may include finger-like members 51 extending radially outward from the center of rotation. Slits 53 may be formed on the finger-like members 51.

[0209] The finger member 51 may include a first finger member 511 and a second finger member 512. A slit 53 may be formed between the first finger member 511 and the second finger member 512. The first finger member 511 may be disposed in front of the slit 53, and the second finger member 512 may be disposed behind the slit 53.

[0210] The slit 53 may include a first region 531 extending outward from the inner end of the slit 53 and a second region 532 extending outward from the first region 531.

[0211] The first region 531 may be located at the inner end of the slit 53 and may extend in a manner that is more rearward as it gets closer to the outer side. The second region 532 extends from the first region 531 and may be shaped to be more forward as it gets closer to the outer side.

[0212] The first region 531 may extend in a curve. The first region 531 may be arc-shaped. The center of curvature of the first region 531 may be located in front of the slit 53.

[0213] The slit 53 may not include the portion extending in the front-to-back direction. Additionally, the slit 53 may not include the portion extending tangentially relative to the rotation direction of the lever 5. For example, the angle θ531 between the extending direction of the inner end of the first region 531 and the radial direction of the lever 5 may be an obtuse angle. That is, the angle between the centerline of the first region 531 and the line connecting the center of the reference pin 35 and the rotation center C of the lever 5 when the door 2 is closed may be greater than 90 degrees. This angle may be less than 180 degrees.

[0214] If the slit 53 includes a portion extending in the front-rear direction, and the rotation position of the lever 5, which rotates according to the door 2, deviates from the designed reference, there may be a risk that the clutch will not function properly.

[0215] For example, when the first region 531 includes a portion extending rearward from the inner end, when the door 2 is opened from the closed state, the reference pin 35 may slide along the first region 531, but the reference pin 35 may not apply pressure to the lever 5. Therefore, as the door 2 is opened, although the reference pin 35 slides along the slit 53, the lever 5 may not rotate. That is, when the reference pin 35 passes through the first region 531, the rotational position of the lever 5 based on the rotation of the door 2 may have an error compared to the design reference.

[0216] Therefore, the slit 53 of this disclosure may not include a portion extending in the front-back direction.

[0217] On the other hand, if the first region 531 includes a portion extending tangentially relative to the rotation direction of the lever 5, when the reference pin 35 slides in the portion extending tangentially, force may not act between the reference pin 35 and the lever 5. That is, although the reference pin 35 slides along the slit 53, the lever 5 may not rotate. In such a case, the rotational position of the lever 5 based on the rotation of the door 2 may also have an error compared to the design reference.

[0218] Therefore, the slit 53 of this disclosure may not include a portion extending tangentially relative to the rotational direction of the lever 5.

[0219] Therefore, the rotational position of lever 5 based on the rotation of gate 2 can be kept within the design reference without error.

[0220] The second region 532 can extend in a curve. The second region 532 can be arc-shaped. The center of curvature of the second region 532 can be located in front of the slit 53.

[0221] The radius of curvature of the first region 531 can be greater than the radius of curvature of the second region 532.

[0222] The torque T of the automatic closing device 4, i.e., the torque T of the spring 53, is proportional to the angle of rotation from the free state. The automatic closing device 4 rotates the lever 5, and the force exerted by the lever 5 on the reference pin 35 is equivalent to the torque divided by the distance between the reference pin 35 and the center of rotation of the lever.

[0223] The force exerted by lever 5 on reference pin 35 can be perpendicular to the surface of the contact between reference pin 35 and lever 5. That is, the force exerted by lever 5 on reference pin 35 can be directed toward the center of curvature of slit 53. Of the force exerted by lever 5 on reference pin 35, the component of the force whose rotation radius of lever 5 is parallel to the front-back direction of the door can become the force that closes door 2 via automatic closing device 4.

[0224] On the other hand, at the location where the first region 531 and the second region 532 meet, the slit 53 can extend parallel to the length direction of the lever 5. That is, as... Figure 9 As shown, with the position of lever 5 in the closed state as a reference, the tangent direction of the part where the first region 531 and the second region 532 meet can be in the left-right direction. If the inner end of the slit 53 is parallel to the tangent direction of the rotation radius of the reference pin 35 and extends parallel to the front-back direction of the door, then when the reference pin 35 is located in this part, the torque of the automatic closing device 5 may not be able to be transmitted to the reference pin 35.

[0225] Therefore, the more gently the slit 53 bends, the more advantageous it may be for the torque T of the automatic closing device 4 to be converted into the force for closing the door 2.

[0226] As the reference pin 35 moves from the outer end of the slit 53 towards the inner end, the rotation angle of the lever 5 and the torque of the automatic closing device 4 gradually decrease. Even if the radius of curvature of the first region 531 is designed to be larger than that of the second region 532, resulting in a smaller torque, the torque of the automatic closing device 4 can still provide a force sufficient to close the door 2.

[0227] The slit 53 may include a third region 533. The third region 533 may extend from the second region 532 and may be located at the outermost end of the slit 53.

[0228] The third region 533 can extend in a straight line. The third region 533 can extend parallel to the outer end of the second region 532. The first finger member 51 may include a straight portion 5113 constituting the third region 533. The slit 53 includes the straight third region 533, and the reference pin 31 can move smoothly along the slit 53 when the reference pin 31 enters the slit 53 during the closing of the door 2.

[0229] If the outer end of the slit 53 is located in front of the first finger member 511, the reference pin 35 may exert rearward pressure on the lever 5 when it enters the slit 53 during the closing of the door 2. That is, the lever 5 may rotate in the opposite direction.

[0230] Furthermore, the larger the rotation angle of the lever 5 used by the clutch 44 to release the restriction of the shaft 46, the smaller the force required to release the restriction may be. Therefore, in order to prevent the lever 5 from rotating in the opposite direction, if the length of the slit 53 corresponding to the release of the restriction of the clutch 44 is made shorter, a relatively large force may be required during the process of closing the door 2 and releasing the restriction of the clutch 44.

[0231] In this embodiment, the lever 5 includes a third region 533 extending straight from the second region 532. While ensuring the lengths of the second region 532 and the third region 533 corresponding to the process of releasing the clutch 44, the lever 5 can be prevented from rotating in the opposite direction.

[0232] On the other hand, the first region 531 may extend with its outer end facing rearward and its inner end facing forward, and extend in a curved manner, where it meets the second region 532. Therefore, the second region 532 and the first region 531 may be connected continuously with a slope, or may be connected nearly continuously.

[0233] In contrast, if the curved section of the second region 532 does not exist, and the straight section of the third region 533 meets the first region 531, then the sliding direction of the reference pin 35 may bend sharply when the reference pin 53 enters the section of the first region 531. In this case, the reference pin 35 may get stuck in the slit 53 during the closing process of the door 2, potentially causing noise.

[0234] In the lever 5 of this embodiment, the second region 532 and the first region 531 of the slit 53 extend in a curved manner and are connected by a continuous slope, and the reference pin 35 can move smoothly along the slit 53.

[0235] The outer end 5123 of the second finger member 512 can be formed in a curved manner. The outer end 5123 of the second finger member 512 can have an arc shape. During the opening of the door 2, the reference pin 35 can disengage from the outer end 5123 of the second finger member 512, causing the lever 5 to rotate and guide the latch 47 to be placed in the second latch placement part 4638.

[0236] Lever 5 can be positioned between the front side 201 and the rear side 202 of door 2. When door 2 is closed, the front end of lever 5 can extend parallel to the front side of door 2. The front end of lever 5 can be located further rearward than the front side of door 2.

[0237] The outer rear end of lever 5 can extend in a direction intersecting the width direction of door 2, and the angle θ formed with the width direction of door 2 is less than 90 degrees.

[0238] The angle θ can be the maximum rotation angle of lever 5. That is, when door 2 is opened to the maximum extent and lever 5 is restricted from rotation (refer to...). Figure 8 The outer rear end of lever 5 can be configured to be parallel to the rear surface 202 of door 2. In this case, the outer rear end of lever 5 can be located further forward than the rear surface of door 2, or further forward than the pad 205 disposed on door 2.

[0239] A lever stop 416 may be provided on the bottom surface of door 2. The lever stop 416 may protrude downward from the bottom surface of door 2. The lever stop 416 may be located behind the lever 5.

[0240] The lever stop 416 can be a component of the automatic closing device 4. Alternatively, it can be a component of the cover decoration 23, or it can be a component mounted on the cover decoration 23.

[0241] The lever stop 416 can protrude from the bottom surface of the door 2 and can be configured at the same height as the lever 5.

[0242] When door 2 is open, lever 5 can rotate rearward toward finger member 51 and engage with lever stop 416. Lever 5 may include a first contact portion 516 that engages with lever stop 416 when door 2 is open.

[0243] The distance between the first contact portion 516 and the rotation center c of the lever 5 can be greater than the distance d between the rotation center c and the lever stop 416. The first contact portion 516 may include a portion whose distance from the rotation center c of the lever 5 is greater than the distance d between the rotation center c and the lever stop 416.

[0244] Therefore, the first contact part 516 can engage with the lever stop 416 when the door 2 is open, and the rotation of the lever 5 can be restricted.

[0245] When the door 2 is closed, the lever 5 can rotate forward toward the finger member 51 and engage with the lever stop 416. The lever 5 may include a second contact portion 517 that engages with the lever stop 416 when the door 2 is closed.

[0246] The distance between the second contact portion 517 and the rotation center c of the lever 5 can be greater than the distance d between the rotation center c and the lever stop 416. The second contact portion 517 may include a portion whose distance from the rotation center c of the lever 5 is greater than the distance d between the rotation center c and the lever stop 416.

[0247] Thus, the second contact part 517 can engage with the lever stop 416 when the door 2 is closed, and the rotation of the lever 5 can be restricted.

[0248] The reference pin 35 can be fixed to the housing 10, and the lever 5 can be disposed on the door 2. The reference pin 35 can be inserted into the slit 53 of the lever 5 and can slide along the slit 53. When the door 2 rotates with the reference pin 35 inserted into the slit 53, the lever 5 can rotate with the door 2.

[0249] If door 2 rotates in the open direction, reference pin 35 is fixed to housing 10 and located between hinge shaft 31 and the rotation center C of lever 5, so lever 5 can rotate.

[0250] During the closing process of door 2, if the reference pin 35 is inserted into the slit 53, the lever 5 can be rotated by the torque T of the drive part 40, applying a force to door 2 in the closing direction.

[0251] Lever 5 can rotate in the same direction as door 2. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, when door 2 rotates counterclockwise when it is open and clockwise when it is closed, lever 5 also rotates counterclockwise when the door is open and clockwise when it is closed.

[0252] The rotation angles θla, θlb, and θlc of lever 5 can be greater than the rotation angles θda, θdb, and θdc of door 2. For example, in this embodiment, the locking angle θlb can be in the range of 45 to 50 degrees, and the angle θdb between door 2 and housing 10 can be in the range of 30 to 40 degrees. For example, the switching angle θlc can be in the range of 28 to 40 degrees, and the angle θdc between door 2 and housing 10 can be in the range of 20 to 30 degrees. For example, when the reference pin 35 contacts lever 5, the lever angle θla can be the same as the aforementioned locking angle θlb, and the door angle θda can be in the range of 35 to 45 degrees.

[0253] The automatic closing device 4 can provide the torque T for rotating the lever 5. The automatic closing device 4 can rotate the lever 5 through the action of the lever 5 and the reference pin 35 to close the door 2.

[0254] For example, the reference pin 35 can be positioned between the hinge axis 31 and the rotation center c of the lever 5 in the width direction of the door 2. When the reference pin 35 is located in the slit 53, the reference pin 35 can be positioned between the hinge axis 31 and the rotation center c of the lever 5 in the width direction of the door 2.

[0255] Figure 9 (a) shows the point in time when the reference pin 35 contacts the lever 5. When the clutch 44 is not in the predetermined position, the outer end 5123 of the lever 5 and the second finger member are engaged, and the clutch 44 can be guided to the predetermined position. The predetermined position can refer to the case where the rotation angle of the lever 5 is the aforementioned locking angle.

[0256] If the door 2 is open or the reference pin 35 is further rotated by the outer end 5123 of the second finger member 512 and the clutch 44 is configured in a predetermined position, the clutch 44 restricts the rotation of the shaft 46, so that the lever 5 will not rotate automatically relative to the door 2.

[0257] For example, if the clutch 44 rotates less than the predetermined position when the door 2 is open, then when the reference pin 35 enters the slit 53 during the closing process of the door 2, the outer end of the curved second finger member 512 engages with the reference pin 35, and the lever can rotate further, thereby allowing the clutch to be positioned in the predetermined position.

[0258] For example, during the closing of door 2, when reference pin 35 disengages from slit 53, if clutch 44 is rotated less than the predetermined position, door 2 opens, reference pin 35 engages with the outer end 5123 of the second finger member, lever 5 can rotate further, thereby clutch 44 can be positioned in the predetermined position.

[0259] During the process of the clutch 44 being positioned in the predetermined position, the first contact portion 516 engages with the stop member 416, and the lever 5 and the clutch 44 are able to rotate no more than the predetermined position.

[0260] Figure 9 (b) shows that the rotation angle θlb of lever 5 is in the locked angle state. At this time, reference pin 35 can be located in the third region 533 of slit 53. During the closing of door 2, reference pin 35 can slide along the third region 533. During this process, clutch 44 can release the restraint of shaft 46.

[0261] During the closing of door 2, force Fm can act between reference pin 35 and lever 5. When reference pin 35 is in the third region 533, reference pin 35 is in contact with the first finger member 511. When door 2 is closed, reference pin 35 can apply pressure to the first finger member 511 to cause the first finger member 511 to rotate forward. With lever 5 rotating, clutch 44 can release the restriction on shaft 46.

[0262] If an external force is applied to the door 2 in the closing direction, the lever 5 rotates relative to the door 2, causing the finger member 51 to face forward by the repulsive force Fm acting on the first finger member 511 from the reference pin 35.

[0263] On the other hand, since lever 5 is mounted on door 2, and the center of rotation c of lever 5 is located at a constant position on door 2, the distance between reference pin 35 and the center c of lever 5 changes when door 2 rotates. Therefore, when door 2 rotates, reference pin 35 slides in slit 53. Here, the sliding of reference pin 35 means that reference pin 35 is fixed and slit 53 moves.

[0264] The third region 533 can be further inward and rearward. Therefore, during the release of the clutch 44, even if the door 2 rotates slightly, the lever 44 can rotate more. Thus, the clutch 44 can be released quickly.

[0265] Figure 9 (c) shows that the rotation angle θlc of lever 5 is the state of the switching angle. That is, when door 2 is closed, clutch 44 gradually connects shaft 46 and spring 43. Figure 9 In state (c), clutch 44 can connect shaft 46 and spring 43. At this time, reference pin 35 can be located at the boundary between second region 532 and first region 531.

[0266] exist Figure 9 In state (c), since the clutch 44 is engaged with the spring 43 and the shaft 46, the drive unit 40 can rotate the lever 5 to close the door 2.

[0267] The spring 43 of the automatic closing device 4 provides torque to the lever 5 along the forward direction of the finger member 51.

[0268] If lever 5 rotates to make finger member 51 face forward ( Figure 8 If the lever 5 rotates clockwise, it applies a force Fa to the reference pin 35. The position of the reference pin 35 can be fixed, and the door 2 can rotate with respect to the rotation center of the hinge axis 31 or a rotation center closer to the edge of the door 2 than the hinge axis 31. Therefore, the rotation center c of the lever 5 can move in the direction of rotation of the lever 5 with respect to the reference pin 35. That is, the rotation center c of the lever 5 can move backward. The door 2 can rotate so that the rotation center c of the lever 5 faces backward.

[0269] Therefore, door 2 can be closed by the force of rotating lever 5 through drive unit 40.

[0270] When lever 5 rotates and door 2 closes, reference pin 35 can slide relative to the first region 532.

[0271] When door 2 is closed, the second finger-shaped member 52 applies pressure forward to the reference pin 35. The second region 532 can be formed in a flexible manner. Therefore, if lever 5 rotates and applies force to the reference pin 35, the reference pin 35 can slide smoothly.

[0272] like Figure 9 As shown in (d), when door 2 is closed, reference pin 35 can engage with the inner end of slit 53. Figure 9 As shown in (d), when the door 2 is closed, the second contact part 517 can contact the stop.

[0273] The opening of door 2 can be Figure 9 The sequence of (d), (c), (b), and (a) is followed (except for the force and direction indicated by the arrows). If door 2 is open, the center of rotation c of lever 5 moves forward, the reference pin 35 is fixed, and thus lever 5 rotates to make the finger member 51 face backward.

[0274] If passed Figure 9 In state (a), if door 2 is further opened, the first contact portion 516 will contact the lever stop 416, and lever 5 may not rotate further. Reference pin 35 can disengage from slit 53. Alternatively, lever 5 can be restrained by clutch 44.

[0275] Reference Figure 11 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the lever 5 may include a lever body 50. The lever body 50 may include the aforementioned finger member 51 and slit 53.

[0276] The aforementioned shaft insertion hole 54 may be formed on the lever body 50. An annular flange 542 may protrude from the lever body 50. The annular flange 542 may protrude upwards from the lever body 50. The shaft insertion hole 54 may be shaped to penetrate both the lever body 50 and the annular flange 542.

[0277] The lever 5 may include a lever cover 500. The lever cover 500 may be combined with the lever body 50. The lever cover 500 may have a shape corresponding to the lever body 50.

[0278] The lever cover 500 may include a first finger cover 501 coupled with a first finger member 511 and a second finger cover 502 coupled with a second finger member 512.

[0279] The slit cover 504 can protrude upward along the inner edge of the first finger member cover 501 and the second finger member cover 502. The slit cover 504 can be inserted into the slit 53 of the lever body 50. A slit 503 can be formed on the inner side of the slit cover 504, and the reference pin 35 can be inserted into the slit 503.

[0280] The lever cover 500 may include a rim receiving portion 506. A rim 562 protruding downward from the lever body 50 can be inserted into the rim receiving portion 506.

[0281] The lever cover 500 may include a fastening hole 505. The fastening hole 505 may be formed in the annular receiving portion 506.

[0282] The fastening hole 505 can pass through the lever cover 500 vertically. The fastening component can pass through the fastening holes 505 and 56 of the lever cover 500 and the lever body 50, and be inserted into the fastening hole 466 of the shaft 46, so that the lever 5 and the shaft 46 are engaged.

[0283] The following is for reference Figure 12 The automatic closing device 4' and lever 402 of another embodiment of this disclosure are described.

[0284] Reference Figure 12 The automatic closing device 4' in this embodiment may include a drive unit 400 and a lever 402. The drive unit 400 may include a cover 401 and a spring 405. The cover 401 may form the shape of the drive unit 400.

[0285] The lever 402 can be rotatably coupled to the drive unit 400. The lever 402 can rotate horizontally with respect to a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction.

[0286] As an example, spring 405 can be a torsion spring. Spring 405 may include a helical portion 4052 formed by winding a metal wire multiple times.

[0287] The spring 405 may include one end 4056 extending from the upper end of the helical portion 4052 and another end 4054 extending from the lower end of the helical portion 4052. One end 4056 and the other end 4054 may extend inward to the radius of the helical portion.

[0288] The drive unit 400 may also include a first connector 404 connected to the lever 402. The first connector 404 may be disposed in the housing 401, with a portion protruding outward from the housing 401, and may be connected to the lever 402.

[0289] The first connector 404 can be connected to the lever 402. The first connector 404 can rotate together with the lever 402.

[0290] The first connector 404 can connect the spring 405 and the lever 402. The first connector 404 may include a lever engagement portion 4041a and a first spring engagement portion 4041b.

[0291] The other end 4054 of the spring 405 can be coupled to the first connector 404. As an example, the other end 4054 of the spring 405 can be inserted into the coupling space 4048 of the first spring coupling portion 4041b.

[0292] If the other end 4054 of the spring 405 is accommodated in the engagement space 4048, then the first spring engagement portion 4041b can be accommodated inside the spiral portion 4052. That is, the spiral portion 4052 can surround the first spring engagement portion 4041b and engage with the first spring engagement portion 4041b.

[0293] The spring engagement portion 4041b may include a first rib 4046 and a second rib 4047 spaced apart in a horizontal direction. An engagement space 4048 may be formed between the first rib 4046 and the second rib 4047. The engagement space 4048 may accommodate the other end 4054 of the spring 405.

[0294] The horizontal cross-section of the lever connection 4041a can be non-circular to prevent it from spinning freely when engaged with the lever 402. As an example, the horizontal cross-section of the lever connection 4041a can be polygonal.

[0295] The drive unit 400 may also include a second connector 406 that engages with the spring 405. One end 4056 of the spring 405 may engage with the second connector 406. The second connector 406 may be formed in a similar configuration to the first connector 405.

[0296] The second connector 406 may include a second spring engagement portion 4061a and a pin engagement portion 4061b. The second connector 406 may also include a partition plate 4062 disposed between the second elastic member engagement portion 4061a and the pin engagement portion 4061b.

[0297] Based on the partition plate 4062, the pin engagement part 4061b can be disposed on the upper side, and the second spring engagement part 4061a can be disposed on the lower side.

[0298] The second spring engagement portion 4061a may include a first rib 4063 and a second rib 4064 spaced apart in a horizontal direction. A first engagement space 4065 may be formed between the first rib 4063 and the second rib 4064.

[0299] One end 4056 of the spring 405 can be inserted into the first engagement space 4065. If one end 4056 of the spring 405 is accommodated in the first engagement space 4065, then the second elastic member engagement portion 4061a can be accommodated inside the spiral portion 4052. That is, the spiral portion 4052 can surround the second spring engagement portion 4061a and engage with the second spring engagement portion 4061a.

[0300] The pin engagement portion 4061b may include a third rib 4066 and a fourth rib 4067 spaced apart in a horizontal direction. A second engagement space 4068 may be formed between the third rib 4066 and the fourth rib 4067.

[0301] The drive unit 400 may also include an upper cover 407 that covers the upper opening of the cover 401.

[0302] The upper cover 407 may include a cover body 4072 with a hollow interior 4073 and a flange 4074 extending horizontally from the upper end of the cover body 4072.

[0303] The cover body 4072 is inserted into the interior of the cover 401, and the flange 4074 can be disposed on the top surface of the cover 401. The pin engagement portion 4061b can be inserted into the hollow portion 4073.

[0304] The drive unit 400 may also include a fixing pin 408 for fixing the upper cover 407 to the cover body 401.

[0305] A pair of first pin holes 4018 may be formed on the cover body 401 for the fixing pin 408 to pass through. The cover body 4072 may include a pair of second pin holes 4075 for the fixing pin 408 to pass through.

[0306] The fixing pin 408 can be inserted into the second engagement space 4068. That is, the fixing pin 408 can pass through a first pin hole 4018 and a second pin hole 4075, then through the second engagement space 4068, and through another second pin hole 4075 and another first pin hole 4018.

[0307] The upper cover 407 and the second connector 406 are fixed in position when connected to the cover 401 by the fixing pin 408. That is, the rotation of the upper cover 407 and the second connector 406 is restricted by the fixing pin 408.

[0308] That is, in this embodiment, in the spring 405, one end 4056 is a fixed end, and the other end 4054 is a movable end. Therefore, when one end 4056 is fixed, the other end 4054 can rotate together with the lever 402.

[0309] With one end 4056 of the spring 405 fixed, if the other end 4054 rotates in one direction, the spring 405 accumulates elastic force. The elastic force accumulated in the spring 405 can act on the lever 402, causing the lever 402 to rotate in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0310] The elastic force stored in the spring 405 in this way acts on the door 2 during the actual closing process, and the door 2 automatically closes at the specified position.

[0311] The structure described above for fixing one end 4056 of the spring 405 is exemplary and can be applied to various fixing structures such as directly fixing one end 4056 to the cover 401 or the upper cover 407.

[0312] The cover 401 may include a first body 4011 that houses the first connector 404 and a second body 4017 that houses the spring 405.

[0313] The second body 4017 can be disposed on the upper side of the first body 4011. The space inside the second body 4017, which is provided with the spring 405, and the space inside the first body 4011, which is provided with the first connector 404, can be connected to each other.

[0314] The cover 401 may include a laterally protruding connecting portion 4013. The connecting portion 4013 can be connected to the door 2. The connecting portion 4013 has a fastening hole 4014, through which a fastening member passes and is connected to the door 2, thereby enabling the automatic closing device 40 to be fastened to the door 2.

[0315] The lever 402 may include a engagement groove 4022 that engages with the lever engagement portion 4041a. The engagement groove 4022 may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the lever engagement portion 4041a.

[0316] The lever 402 may include a first portion 4021 that engages with the first connector 404. The first portion 4021 may be configured with an engagement groove 4022.

[0317] A portion of lever 402 may include a first portion 4021 and a second portion 4024. The second portion 4024 includes a top surface and two side surfaces, and its bottom surface may be open. Additionally, the bottom surface of the first portion 4021 may also be open.

[0318] The second part 4024 can form a step with the first part 4021. The bottom surface of the lever 402 can form a step. The bottom surface of the lever 402 can be covered by the first cover 4030 and the second cover 4031.

[0319] The lever 402 may include a slit 4025 that can accommodate and move a reference pin 35. As an example, the slit 4025 may be formed in the central portion of the second portion 4024.

[0320] The slit 4025 can extend along the length of the lever 402. As an example, the slit 4025 can extend horizontally from the end of the second portion 4024 toward the first portion 4022. The reference pin 35 is led out from the slit 4025 when the first door 21 is open above the reference angle, and can be introduced into the slit 4025 when the first door 21 is open less than the reference angle or closed.

[0321] The drive unit 400 may further include a sliding member 4033 slidably connected to the lever 402. The sliding member 4033 can slide from the lever 402 in a horizontal direction. That is, the sliding member 4033 can move in a direction intersecting the rotation center line of the lever 402.

[0322] As an example, the sliding member 4033 can be slidably configured within the space formed by the second portion 4024.

[0323] The sliding member 4033 may include a guide rib 4035 for guiding the sliding of the sliding member 4033. A rib groove 4026 for receiving the guide rib 4035 may be configured in the second portion 4024.

[0324] An elastic member that provides elastic force to the sliding member 4033 may be disposed within the lever 402. As an example, the elastic member may be a coil spring 4092. In addition, a spring retainer 409 for supporting the coil spring 4092 may be disposed within the lever 402.

[0325] An extension 4034 for supporting the helical spring 4092 may be configured in the sliding member 4033. As an example, the sliding member 4033 can move along a first direction (length direction), and the extension 4034 can extend from the sliding member 4033 in a direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, the helical spring 4092 can be located on one side of the sliding member 4033. As another example, a pair of helical springs 4092 are located on both sides of the sliding member 4033, capable of elastically supporting the sliding member 4033.

[0326] The helical spring 4092 can provide elastic force to the sliding member 4033 in the direction in which a portion of the sliding member 4033 protrudes into the slit 4025.

[0327] A portion of the sliding member 4033 protrudes into the slit 4025 in the direction that the sliding member 4033 is away from the rotation center of the lever 402.

[0328] The sliding member 4033 can move in either the forward or reverse direction. The direction in which the sliding member 4033 moves away from the rotation center of the lever 402 can be referred to as the forward direction.

[0329] If no external force is applied to the sliding member 4033, the sliding member 4033 is located in the slit 4025 by the elastic force of the helical spring 4092.

[0330] The automatic closing device 4' may further include a locking member 4036 rotatably disposed on the lever 402. As an example, the locking member 4036 may be located within the lever 402.

[0331] The locking member 4036 engages with the shaft 4037, which can be inserted into the shaft hole 4028 of the second part 4024 and rotated. As an example, the shaft 4037 can extend horizontally. That is, the locking member 4036 can rotate with a rotation center line extending horizontally as a reference.

[0332] The shaft 4037 can be attached to the lever 402 at a position lower than the sliding member 4033.

[0333] Therefore, the locking member 4036 can rotate together with the lever 402, and can also rotate relative to the lever 402 with respect to the axis 4037.

[0334] The locking member 4036 can be connected to an elastic member. As an example, the elastic member can be a torsion spring 4038. One end of the torsion spring 4038 can be connected to the locking member 4036, and the other end can be supported by or in contact with the second part 4024.

[0335] Of course, springs of other types besides torsion spring 4038 can also provide elastic force to locking member 4036.

[0336] The lever 402 may be configured with an opening 4027 through which the locking member 4036 passes. As an example, the opening 4027 may be formed on the top surface of the second portion 4024.

[0337] When the locking member 4036 is disposed on the lever 402, it receives the elastic force of the torsion spring 4038 in the direction of rotation upward through the opening 4027.

[0338] When the sliding member 4033 moves in the reverse direction, the locking member 4036 can rotate through the sliding member 4033. If no external force is applied to the locking member 4036 (if the sliding member 4033 is moving forward to the stop position), a portion of the locking member 4036 can pass through the opening 4027 of the lever 402 and engage with the cover 401.

[0339] A locking groove 4015 may be provided on the cover 401 to accommodate the locking member 4036 protruding upward toward the lever 402. As an example, the locking groove 4015 may be provided on the bottom surface of the fastening extension.

[0340] With the locking member 4036 inserted into the locking groove 4015, the lever 402 cannot rotate relative to the cover 401. Conversely, if the locking member 4036 disengages from the locking groove 4015, the lever 402 can rotate relative to the cover 401.

[0341] Therefore, in this embodiment, the state in which the locking member 4036 is inserted into the locking groove 4015 can be referred to as the locked state of the lever 402. The state in which the locking member 4036 is disengaged from the locking groove 4015 can be referred to as the unlocked state of the lever 402.

[0342] In addition, in this embodiment, the direction of rotation for inserting the locking member 4036 into the locking groove 4015 can be called the locking direction, and the direction of rotation for disengaging the locking member 4036 from the locking groove 4015 can be called the locking release direction.

[0343] Reference Figure 13 The deceleration section 87 may include a first deceleration section 871 and a second deceleration section 872. The first deceleration section 871 and the second deceleration section 872 may have symmetrical shapes. The first deceleration section 871 may be disposed on the first curved portion 831, and the second deceleration section 872 may be disposed on the second curved portion 832.

[0344] The deceleration unit 87 can be mounted on the guide member 80. The guide member 80 may include deceleration housings 861 and 862 that accommodate the deceleration unit 87. The deceleration housings 861 and 862 may provide a space 863 for accommodating the deceleration unit 87. The space 863 may be open to the upper side.

[0345] The deceleration housing 861 may include a first deceleration housing 861 that houses a first deceleration section 871 and a second deceleration housing 862 that houses a second deceleration section 872. The first deceleration housing 861 may be connected to the first curved portion 831, and the second deceleration housing 862 may be connected to the second curved portion 832.

[0346] The deceleration unit 87 may include a protrusion 873 disposed in the shaft insertion groove 83 and an elastic part 878 made of an elastic material. The elastic part 878 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or synthetic resin.

[0347] The deceleration housings 861 and 862 can be disposed on the outer surface of the guide member 80. A protrusion 873 can penetrate the outer surface of the guide member 80 on which the deceleration housings 861 and 862 are disposed. A through hole 864 can be formed on the outer surface, the through hole 864 connecting the shaft insertion groove 83 and the deceleration part receiving space 863.

[0348] The through hole 864 may have a shape corresponding to the protrusion 873. The elastic part 878 may be located in the receiving space 863, and the protrusion 873 may be located in the shaft insertion groove 83 through the through hole 864.

[0349] The deceleration section 87 may include a support section 877. The support section 877 may have a wider width than the protrusion 873. The support section 877 may be located in the receiving space 863 and may be in contact with the outer surface of the guide member 80. Therefore, only the protrusion 873 is located in the shaft insertion groove 83, and the support section 877 and the elastic section 878 may be located in the receiving space 863.

[0350] The protrusion 873 may include a first inclined surface 874 toward the inside of the shaft insertion groove 83. The first inclined surface 874 is disposed in the shaft insertion groove 83 and may interfere with the hinge shaft 31 when the door 2 is fully closed during closing or fully open during opening. The first inclined surface 874 of the first deceleration part 871 may interfere with the hinge shaft 31 during the closing of the door 2, and the first inclined surface 874 of the second deceleration part 872 may interfere with the hinge shaft 31 during the opening of the door 2.

[0351] The protrusion 873 may include an extension 875 that connects the support 877 and the first inclined surface 874. The extension 875 may extend in proportion to the thickness of the outer surface of the guide member 80.

[0352] The protrusion 873 may include a second inclined surface 876 in the direction outward of the shaft insertion groove 83. The second inclined surface 876 may be inclined in the opposite direction to the first inclined surface. The second inclined surface 876 may extend between the first inclined surface 874 and the support portion 877.

[0353] The second inclined surface 876 can interfere with the hinge axis 31 when the door 2 is opened from the closed state or when the door 2 is closed from the fully open state. The second inclined surface 876 of the first deceleration unit 871 can interfere with the hinge axis 31 when the door is opened from the closed state, and the second inclined surface 876 of the second deceleration unit 872 can interfere with the hinge axis 31 when the door 2 is closed from the open state.

[0354] The first inclined plane 874 can be inclined more gently than the second inclined plane.

[0355] Therefore, the deceleration can be carried out smoothly during the closing or opening of door 2.

[0356] The first deceleration unit 871 and the first deceleration cover 861 can be located on the inner side in the width direction of the door 2, and the second deceleration unit 872 and the second deceleration cover 862 can be located on the outer side in the width direction of the door 2. That is, the first deceleration unit 871 and the first deceleration cover 861 can be configured to correspond to the position of the hinge shaft 311 when the door 2 is closed, and the second deceleration unit 872 and the second deceleration cover 862 can be configured to correspond to the position of the hinge shaft 311 when the door 2 is open.

[0357] Figure 14 This shows the process of door 2 closing. (Refer to...) Figure 14 (a) The lever 5 rotates through the automatic closing device 4, and the second finger member 512 pushes the reference pin 35Fa forward, and the door 2 closes.

[0358] The hinge axis 31 may include a first hinge axis 31a located on the inside in the width direction of the door 2 and a second hinge axis 31b located on the outside.

[0359] The protrusion 873 of the first deceleration part 871 can interfere with the first hinge shaft 31a.

[0360] When the door 2 is closed and the first hinge shaft 31a moves toward the inner end of the shaft insertion slot 83, the first hinge shaft 31a and the first deceleration part 871 can interfere. The first hinge shaft 31a applies pressure to the first inclined surface 874, the elastic part 878 is compressed, and the protrusion 873 can be introduced into the receiving space 863 side.

[0361] During this process, the closing speed of door 2 can be reduced.

[0362] Figure 14 (b) shows door 2 fully closed. (See reference...) Figure 14 (b) In the fully closed state of door 2, the first hinge shaft 31a can be located between the inner end of the shaft insertion slot 83 and the first deceleration part 871. The first deceleration part 871 can be located between the first hinge shaft 31a and the second hinge shaft 31b. The second hinge shaft 31b can be located between the first deceleration part 871 and the second deceleration part 872.

[0363] If door 2 is opened from the closed state, the first hinge shaft 31a applies pressure to the second inclined surface 876, the protrusion 873 is introduced into the receiving space 863, and the first hinge shaft 31a can slide in the shaft insertion groove 83 through the second inclined surface 876 and the first inclined surface 874.

[0364] Figure 15 This shows the process of door 2 opening. (Refer to...) Figure 15 (a) The protrusion 873 of the second deceleration part 872 can interfere with the second hinge shaft 31b.

[0365] When door 2 is open and the second hinge shaft 31b moves toward the outer end of the shaft insertion slot 83, the second hinge shaft 31b and the second deceleration part 872 can interfere. The second hinge shaft 31b applies pressure to the first inclined surface 874, the elastic part 878 is compressed, and the protrusion 873 can be introduced into the receiving space 863 side.

[0366] During this process, the opening speed of door 2 can be reduced.

[0367] Figure 15 (b) shows door 2 fully open. (See reference...) Figure 15 (b) In the fully open state of door 2, the second hinge shaft 31b can be located between the outer end of the shaft insertion slot 83 and the second deceleration part 872. The second deceleration part 872 can be located between the first hinge shaft 31a and the second hinge shaft 31b. The first hinge shaft 31a can be located between the second deceleration part 872 and the first deceleration part 871.

[0368] If door 2 rotates from a fully open state to a closed state, the second hinge shaft 31b applies pressure to the second inclined surface 876, the protrusion 873 is introduced into the receiving space 863, and the second hinge shaft 31b can slide through the shaft insertion groove 83 via the second inclined surface 876 and the first inclined surface 874.

[0369] The embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure described above can be used in combination or in combination of their respective configurations or functions.

[0370] For example, it indicates that a particular embodiment and / or configuration A illustrated in the figures can be combined with other embodiments and / or configuration B illustrated in the figures. That is, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it indicates that they can be combined, unless it is stated that they cannot be combined.

[0371] The detailed description above should not be construed as restrictive in all respects, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be reasonably interpreted and determined by the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electric home appliance, wherein, Comprising: a cabinet providing a storage chamber open to a front; a door rotatably disposed in front of the cabinet to open and close the storage chamber; a hinge including a first hinge shaft fixed to the cabinet to rotatably support the door; a guide member disposed in the door including a shaft insertion groove into which the first hinge shaft is inserted; and a first deceleration portion disposed in the guide member having a first protruding portion protruding toward the shaft insertion groove. The shaft insertion groove extends and has a width corresponding to a diameter of the first hinge shaft, and as the door rotates relative to the cabinet, the first hinge shaft relatively slides along the shaft insertion groove. The first protruding portion is movable in a width direction of the shaft insertion groove.

2. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein in a state in which the door is closed, the first hinge shaft is positioned between a side end of the shaft insertion groove and the first protruding portion.

3. The home appliance according to claim 2, wherein further comprising a second deceleration portion disposed in the guide member apart from the first deceleration portion, the second deceleration portion having a second protruding portion protruding toward the shaft insertion groove.

4. The home appliance according to claim 3, wherein the shaft insertion groove includes: a first curved portion extending rearward as closer to an outer side end of the door in a width direction of the door; and a second curved portion extending from the first curved portion toward the outer side end of the door, extending forward as closer to the outer side end of the door; the first deceleration portion is positioned in the first curved portion, and the second deceleration portion is positioned in the second curved portion.

5. The home appliance according to claim 4, wherein the hinge further includes a second hinge shaft apart from the first hinge shaft.

6. The home appliance according to claim 5, wherein in a state in which the door is open, the second hinge shaft is positioned between the other side end of the shaft insertion groove and the second protruding portion.

7. The home appliance according to claim 6, wherein the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion each include: a first inclined surface toward an inner side direction of the shaft insertion groove; and a second inclined surface toward an outer side direction of the shaft insertion groove.

8. The home appliance according to claim 7, wherein the first inclined surface is more gently inclined than the second inclined surface.

9. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the guide member further includes: a deceleration cover disposed in an outer side surface of the guide member to accommodate the first deceleration portion; and a through hole passing through the outer side surface of the guide member to communicate an inner space of the deceleration cover and the shaft insertion groove, the first protruding portion being inserted into the through hole; the first deceleration portion further includes an elastic portion disposed in the deceleration cover to press the first protruding portion toward the shaft insertion groove. ​

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