Household electrical appliance

Abstract

The household electrical appliance according to the present invention comprises: a box 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; a hinge which is fixed to the cabinet and rotatably supports the door; the slow closing device is arranged on the door and comprises a damper for providing repulsive force when the slow closing device is compressed; and a lever disposed on the door, capable of rotating in accordance with the rotation of the door, and including a cam extending radially outward from the center of rotation to compress the damper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to household appliances such as refrigerators, and more specifically, to household appliances with doors. Background Technology

[0002] Home appliances have internal storage or processing compartments that can perform functions such as supplying cold air, hot air, steam, or water to regulate or maintain the condition of the items contained inside. These home appliances can include, for example, refrigerators for keeping food or beverages fresh, and clothing processing devices (such as garment care machines) for deodorizing, drying, or refurbishing clothes.

[0003] A door is provided in front of the storage room or processing room. Recently, there has been an increasing trend of using home appliances side by side with furniture or other home appliances. In this case, in order to make the depth in the front-to-back direction consistent with that of the furniture or other home appliances, home appliances with doors that are thinner than before have appeared on the market.

[0004] On the other hand, if the door of a refrigerator or other home appliance is not fully closed, cold air in the storage compartment may leak out. To solve this problem, an "automatic shut-off" function is required that guides the door to close automatically when it is open at a constant angle.

[0005] In a device that provides an automatic closing function, fixed to the hinge axis and directly supplying torque to the hinge axis, a large force may be required to rotate the door. Consequently, the device may be bulky in order to provide this large force. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0057859 (hereinafter, Prior Artwork 1) discloses an automatic closing device that interacts with the hinge support body. The automatic closing device in Prior Artwork 1 may have the problem that, depending on the shape of the hinge support body, the force supplied by the automatic closing device to the door acts in the direction the door opens.

[0006] On the other hand, if the door closes quickly, an impact may occur between the door and the enclosure.

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119985 (hereinafter, Prior Artwork 2) discloses a refrigerator that includes a damper mounted on the cabinet and protruding forward. The damper in Prior Artwork 2 has a portion that protrudes to the outside when the door is open.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0057859

[0011] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119985 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to solve 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 product that includes a slow-closing device implemented in a manner that does not impede appearance or thermal insulation performance.

[0015] Another objective is to provide a home appliance product that includes a soft-closing device that can be adapted to doors of a wide variety of structures.

[0016] Another objective is to provide a household appliance that closes the door by means of a soft-closing device in conjunction with other non-hinge components.

[0017] For example, a home appliance product may be provided that includes an automatic closing device for a door whose rotation center can change with the opening angle of the door or a door that is thinner than conventional doors.

[0018] Another objective is to provide a home appliance that prevents the door from closing completely during the closing process due to the operation of the damper.

[0019] Another objective is to provide a home appliance product with an automatic closing device that provides a closing force to the door when the door's opening angle is below a constant angle.

[0020] Another objective is to provide a home appliance product that includes an automatic shut-off device and a slow-closing device.

[0021] Another objective is to provide a household appliance in which the lever of the automatic closing device and the damper of the slow-closing device are rotatably configured to interact.

[0022] 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.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, a household appliance product can be provided that includes a slow-closing device that reduces the speed at which the door closes when it is closed.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, a home appliance may include: a housing providing a storage compartment that opens to the front; a door rotatably disposed at the front of the housing to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge fixed to the housing to rotatably support the door; a soft-closing device disposed on the door, including a damper that provides a repulsive force when compressed; and a lever disposed on the door, rotatable as the door rotates, including a cam extending radially outward from the center of rotation to compress the damper.

[0025] The slow-closing device may further include a damper head connected to the damper and in contact with the cam.

[0026] With the door open, the cam can be separated from the damper head.

[0027] With the door open, the cam can be positioned in front of the damper head.

[0028] The damper head can be tilted with its front end close to the damper and its rear end away from the damper.

[0029] The damper head may include: a first inclined portion forming a front portion; and a second inclined portion connected to the first inclined portion forming a rear portion.

[0030] At the boundary where the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion meet, the inclination of the first inclined portion may be greater than the inclination of the second inclined portion.

[0031] The second inclined portion may be located further back than the rotation center of the lever.

[0032] The damper may include: a cylinder; a piston that slides within the cylinder; and a damper spring disposed inside the cylinder and compressed by the piston.

[0033] The cylinder may include: a first section that is in contact with the outer periphery of the piston; a second section that extends from the first section and has an inner diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the first section; and a third section that extends from the second section and has an inner diameter that is larger than the diameter of the piston.

[0034] The door may further include: a first door for opening and closing a portion of the storage room; a second door for opening and closing another portion of the storage room; and a filler rotatably disposed on the first door or the second door to seal the space between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are closed.

[0035] The housing may also include a filler guide that guides the rotation of the filler.

[0036] During the closing process of the door, after the piston enters the second section, the filler can come into contact with the filler guide.

[0037] The home appliance may also include a reference pin fixed to the housing.

[0038] The lever may include a slit into which the reference pin is inserted as the lever rotates.

[0039] With the lever as a reference, the reference pin can be located on the opposite side of the slow-closing device.

[0040] With the rotation center of the lever as a reference, the slit can be located on the opposite side of the cam.

[0041] The hinge may include a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis that are spaced apart from each other.

[0042] The home appliance may also include a guide member disposed on the door and including a shaft insertion slot, into which the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are inserted.

[0043] The shaft insertion slot may have a width corresponding to the diameters of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, and extend in an arc shape.

[0044] The lever may also include a finger-like member having the slit formed thereon.

[0045] The cam can be integrally formed with the finger member.

[0046] Alternatively, the cam may be integrated into the body of the lever.

[0047] The home appliance may also include an automatic shut-off device that rotates the lever.

[0048] The automatic closing device and the slow closing device can be configured on the bottom surface of the door.

[0049] The slow-closing device can be configured at an angle relative to the width direction of the door.

[0050] The cam may include a pressure surface disposed on the outer periphery of the cam.

[0051] The slow-closing device may also include a damper head connected to the damper.

[0052] The damper head may include an action surface that contacts the pressure surface.

[0053] The pressure surface may have a shape that is inclined relative to the radius of the lever.

[0054] The working surface may have a shape that is inclined relative to the compression direction of the damper.

[0055] The pressurizing surface may include: a first pressurizing surface located at the rear; and a second pressurizing surface located in front of the first pressurizing surface.

[0056] The distance from the rotation center of the lever to the first pressure surface can be shorter than the distance from the rotation center to the second pressure surface.

[0057] The cam may also include an opposing surface extending from the second pressurizing surface to the opposite side of the first pressurizing surface.

[0058] The opposing surface may include a portion extending perpendicular to the rotation radius direction of the lever, having a shape corresponding to the damper head.

[0059] The details of other embodiments can be found in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0060] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance product can be provided that guides the closing of the door to reduce impact on the cabinet and door, thereby ensuring a gentle closure. For example, the home appliance product may include a soft-closing device capable of reducing the speed at which the door closes.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a household appliance product may be provided that includes a slow-closing device implemented in a manner that does not impede appearance or thermal insulation performance.

[0062] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance product including a soft-closing device that can be adapted to doors of various structures can be provided.

[0063] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a household appliance product can be provided that closes a door by means of a slow-closing device in conjunction with other non-hinge components.

[0064] For example, a home appliance product may be provided that includes an automatic closing device for a door or a door that is thinner than conventional doors, and whose rotation center can be adapted to change according to the door's opening angle.

[0065] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a household appliance product can be provided that prevents the door from being completely closed during the closing process by the operation of the damper.

[0066] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance product can be provided that is equipped with an automatic closing device that provides a closing force to the door when the door's opening angle is below a constant angle.

[0067] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance product including an automatic shut-off device and a slow-closing device can be provided.

[0068] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a household appliance product in which the lever of the automatic closing device and the damper of the slow closing device are rotatably configured to interact can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a clothing processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a 3D view and an enlarged view of the door.

[0072] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded perspective view shown is an exploded perspective view of the door, hinge, automatic closing device and slow closing device of the home appliance product according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the automatic shut-off device shown in the figure.

[0075] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of a door showing the automatic closing system of a household appliance product according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 9 (a) to (d) are Figure 8 The diagram shows the position of the lever and reference pin according to the opening angle of the door.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a lever of a household appliance product according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 12This is an exploded perspective view showing an automatic shut-off device for a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 13 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the slow-closing device is shown in the figure.

[0081] Figure 14 yes Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the slow-closing device is shown in the figure.

[0082] Figure 15 (a) to (c) and Figure 16 Figures (a) to (c) illustrate the function of the lever and the slow-closing device of the automatic closing device according to the opening angle of the door.

[0083] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an automatic shut-off device and a slow-closing device for a household appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an automatic shut-off device and a slow-closing device for a household appliance according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an automatic shut-off device and a slow-closing device for a household appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 20 (a)~(b) and Figure 21 Figures (a) to (b) are diagrams illustrating the function of the lever and the slow-closing device of the automatic closing device based on the door opening angle of the home appliance product according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an automatic shut-off device and a slow-closing device for a household appliance according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] Shelves and / or drawers may be installed inside the storage compartment 11. Shelves may also be installed on the door 2 for storing food.

[0102] The inside of door 2 can also form storage space to increase storage capacity.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Window 24 can be configured to identify food inside from the outside when the door or storage room lighting is on.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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'.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] A washer 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.

[0119] A filler 207 can be provided on one side of door 2. The filler 207 can be provided at the rear of door 2.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The filler 207 is designed to be rotatable and can be linked to the opening and closing of the door.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] The handle 236 can be configured on the cover decoration 23.

[0128] 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 hinge 3 located at the lower part of the door 2 and the guide member 8 will be described as examples. The description of the above components can also be applied to hinges and guide members located in other positions.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] Door 2 may include a guide member 8 that engages with hinge 3. The guide member 8 may be inserted into the bottom or top surface of door 2.

[0135] The guide member 8 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] However, in such a structure of hinge 3 and guide member 8, 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.

[0138] Detailed explanations regarding the structure of guide member 8 and the movement of hinge axis 31 will be provided in [reference]. Figures 8 to 9 To be discussed later.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] The bottom surface of door 2 may be equipped with a slow-closing device 7.

[0148] The slow-closing device 7 can contact the lever 5 to provide deceleration force during the closing process of the door.

[0149] This reduces the impact on the door, allowing for a gentler and more stable closing action.

[0150] 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.

[0151] The stop 9 may include a stop body 91 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the door 2.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The stop 9 may include a stop bracket 92. The stop bracket 92 may be installed on the bottom surface of the door 2.

[0155] A hole 98 may be formed in the stop bracket 92. The hole 98 may extend vertically through the stop bracket 92. A guide member 8 may be inserted into the hole 98. The guide member 8 may extend vertically through the stop bracket 92.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] Cover 235 is an externally concealed feature of the mechanism that is exposed to the lower end of lever 5 or door 2, providing both aesthetics and security.

[0159] Cover 235 can be located further back than the front of door 201.

[0160] 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 8. The guide member 8 may be mounted and secured to the guide cover 238.

[0161] 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 8.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] The cover decoration 23 may include a soft-closing receiving portion 237 for mounting the soft-closing device 7. The soft-closing receiving portion 237 may be recessed from the bottom surface of the door 2 to the upper side.

[0165] By utilizing the guide cover 238, stop mounting portion 239, automatic closing receiving portion 234, and slow closing receiving portion 237 of the cover decoration 23, at least a portion of each of the guide member 8, stop member 9, automatic closing device 4, and slow closing device 7 can be obscured from the front outside. For example, the drive portion 40 can be obscured from the front outside 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 obscured by the cover decoration 23. For example, the upper part of the slow closing device 7 is obscured from the front outside by the cover decoration 23, while the lower part protrudes lower than the bottom surface of the door 2, and may not be obscured 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 obscured from the front outside by the cover decoration 23.

[0166] The cover 235 can be positioned in front of the lever 5 to block the lever 5 from the outside. In addition, a portion of the slow-closing device 7 connected to the lever 5 can be blocked by the cover 235.

[0167] 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.

[0168] On the other hand, at least a portion of the automatic shut-off device 4 and the slow-closing device 7 of the home appliance product in the first embodiment of the present invention can overlap vertically. For example, the fastening portion 415 of the drive unit 40 (see...) Figure 6 ) and the damper housing 74 of the slow-closing device 7 (refer to Figure 13 The lever 5 and the damper head 7 of the slow-closing device 7 can be stacked vertically. Therefore, the automatic closing device 4 and the slow-closing device 7 can be installed in a narrow space, even if the length of the cam 57 (described later) is designed to be relatively short. Figure 13They can also be connected. This also applies to the household appliances described in the second to fourth embodiments below.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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."

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] The description of the switching angle and locking angle of the embodiments of this disclosure refers to... Figure 10 To be discussed later.

[0189] 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.

[0190] The connector 450 may include a flange 456. A second spring engagement portion 453 may protrude from the upper side of the flange 456.

[0191] 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.

[0192] Connector 45 may include a latch retainer 457. The latch retainer 457 may project downwardly from the flange 456.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] The latch 47 can be configured in multiples. For example, there can be two latches 47.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] The latch retainer 457 can be configured between the clutch shaft 463 and the clutch housing 49.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] The lever shaft 465 can pass through the shaft through hole 499.

[0212] The clutch 44 may include a bearing 48. The bearing 48 may rotatably support the shaft 46.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] Lever shaft 465 can be attached to lever 5. Lever shaft 465 can rotate as a unit with lever 5.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] The lever 5 may include a ring flange 562 disposed around the fastening hole 56. The ring flange 562 may protrude downward from the body of the lever 5.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] An internal space 413 can be formed on the inner side of the side wall 411 of the cover 41.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The structure of the lever 5 and hinge 3 in the first embodiment of the present invention, as well as the function of the lever 5 and reference pin 35, will be described in detail.

[0232] The lever 5 may include a cam 57. The cam 57 may protrude outward in the radial direction of the lever 5. The cam 57 may extend from the center of rotation of the lever 5 in a direction different from that of the finger member 51. During the closing of the door 2, the cam 57 may engage with the slow-closing device 7, which may apply a force to the lever 5 in the opposite direction of rotation of the lever 5.

[0233] The following is for reference Figures 8 to 10 This section explains the structure of the lever 5 of the automatic closing device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as well as the function of the lever 5 and the hinge 3.

[0234] 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.

[0235] The shaft insertion slot 83 of the guide member 8 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] The radius of curvature of the second curve portion 832 can be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first curve portion 831.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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 ).

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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).

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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, guiding member 8 to move). Therefore, door 2 can be opened forward. Thus, interference with other furniture or appliances located to the side of refrigerator 1 can be minimized when door 2 is opened to its maximum extent.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] Passing through door 2 from its closed state 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 as a whole in the width direction, 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 will not deviate from the outer end of the door in the closed state, or even if they do deviate, the deviation will be minimal.

[0253] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment of the present invention, the lever 5 of the refrigerator 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 is curved. For example, the slit 53 may have a curved shape.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] If the slit 53 includes a portion extending in the front-to-back direction, and the rotation position of the lever 65, which rotates according to the door 2, is inaccurate with the designed reference, there may be a risk that the clutch will not function properly.

[0261] For example, if the first region 531 includes a portion extending rearward from the inner end, when the door 2 is opened from a closed state, although the reference pin 35 slides along the first region 531, the reference pin 35 may not apply pressure to the lever 5. Therefore, as the door 2 is opened, the reference pin 35 slides along the slit 53, but 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.

[0262] Therefore, the slit 53 of the present invention may not include a portion extending in the front-back direction.

[0263] 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.

[0264] Therefore, the slit 53 of the present invention may not include a portion extending tangentially relative to the rotation direction of the lever 5.

[0265] Therefore, the rotational position of lever 65 based on the rotation of gate 2 can be made to be error-free compared with the design reference.

[0266] 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.

[0267] The radius of curvature of the first region 531 can be greater than the radius of curvature of the second region 532.

[0268] 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.

[0269] 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.

[0270] On the other hand, at the junction of the first region 531 and the second region 532, the slit 53 can extend parallel to the length direction of the lever 5. That is, as... Figure 7 As shown, with the position of lever 5 in the closed state as a reference, the tangent direction of the portion 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 portion, the torque of the automatic closing device 4 may not be able to be transmitted to the reference pin 35.

[0271] 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.

[0272] 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.

[0273] 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.

[0274] 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.

[0275] 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.

[0276] 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.

[0277] 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.

[0278] On the other hand, the first region 531 may extend with its outer end, which connects to the second region 532, located rearward and its inner end located in front, and may extend in a curved manner. Therefore, the second region 532 and the first region 531 may be connected continuously with a slope, or may be connected nearly continuously.

[0279] In contrast, if the curved section of the second region 532 does not exist, and the straight section of the third region 533 connects with the first region 531, then the sliding direction of the reference pin 35 may be abruptly bent when the reference pin 53 enters the section of the first region 531. In this case, during the closing process of the door 2, the reference pin 35 may get stuck in the slit 53, potentially causing noise.

[0280] 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.

[0281] The outer end 5123 of the second finger member 532 can be formed in a curved manner. The outer end 5123 of the second finger member 532 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 532, causing the lever 5 to rotate and guide the latch 47 to be placed in the second latch placement portion 4638.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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 15 (a) 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 washer 205 disposed on door 2.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] 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.

[0288] 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.

[0289] 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.

[0290] 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.

[0291] 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.

[0292] 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.

[0293] 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.

[0294] 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] 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.

[0297] Lever 5 can rotate in the same direction as door 2. For example, as Figure 8 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.

[0298] 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, while 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, while 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 is in contact with 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.

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] 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.

[0305] 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.

[0306] 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.

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] 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.

[0313] The spring 43 of the automatic closing device 4 provides torque to the lever 5 in the forward direction of the finger member 51.

[0314] 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 in which the lever 5 rotates 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.

[0315] Therefore, door 2 can be closed by the force of rotating lever 5 through drive unit 40.

[0316] When lever 5 rotates and door 2 closes, reference pin 35 can slide relative to the first region 532.

[0317] When door 2 is closed, the second finger-shaped member 512 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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.

[0320] If passed Figure 9 In state (a), if door 2 is further opened, the first contact portion 516 contacts the lever stop 416, and lever 5 will not rotate further. Reference pin 35 can disengage from slit 53. Alternatively, lever 5 can be restrained by clutch 44.

[0321] Reference Figure 11 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the lever 5 may include a cam 57. The cam 57 may project radially outward from the center of rotation of the lever 5. The cam 57 may be tilted rearward more as it approaches the radial outward.

[0322] The lever 5 may include a lever body 50. The lever body 50 may include the aforementioned finger member 51, slit 53, and cam 57.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] The lever cover 500 may include a fastening hole 505. The fastening hole 505 may be formed in the annular receiving portion 506.

[0329] 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.

[0330] The outer end of the cam 57 of the lever cover 500 can be positioned further inward than the cam 57. That is, the cam 57 can be formed solely by the lever body 50.

[0331] The following is for reference Figure 12 The automatic shut-off device 4' of another embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] 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.

[0337] The first connector 404 can be connected to the lever 402. The first connector 404 can rotate together with the lever 402.

[0338] 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.

[0339] 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.

[0340] 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.

[0341] 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.

[0342] 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.

[0343] 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.

[0344] 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.

[0345] 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.

[0346] 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.

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] The drive unit 400 may also include an upper cover 407 that covers the upper opening of the cover 401.

[0350] 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.

[0351] 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.

[0352] The drive unit 400 may also include a fixing pin 408 for fixing the upper cover 407 to the cover body 401.

[0353] 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.

[0354] 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.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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.

[0362] 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.

[0363] 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.

[0364] 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.

[0365] 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.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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.

[0368] 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.

[0369] 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.

[0370] As an example, the sliding member 4033 can be slidably configured within the space formed by the second portion 4024.

[0371] 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.

[0372] 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.

[0373] 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.

[0374] 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.

[0375] 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.

[0376] 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.

[0377] 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.

[0378] 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.

[0379] 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.

[0380] The shaft 4037 can be attached to the lever 402 at a position lower than the sliding member 4033.

[0381] 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.

[0382] 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.

[0383] Of course, springs of other types besides torsion spring 4038 can also provide elastic force to locking member 4036.

[0384] 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.

[0385] 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.

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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.

[0388] 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.

[0389] 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.

[0390] 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.

[0391] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 In one embodiment of the present invention, a household appliance may include a slow-closing device 7. The slow-closing device 7 may contact the cam 57 of the lever 5 to provide a decelerating force to the door 2 during the closing process.

[0392] The slow-closing device may include a damper 71. The damper 71 may include a cylinder 715 and a piston 711. The piston 711 may slide along the cylinder 715. The piston 711 may be disc-shaped. The outer periphery of the piston 711 may be in contact with the inner diameter of the cylinder 715. Thus, a damping force can be provided when the damper is compressed.

[0393] The cylinder 715 can be a cylindrical shape that is open on one side and sealed on the other.

[0394] The cylinder 715 may include a first section 716 for contact with the piston 711. The inner diameter of the first section 716 may be the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the piston 711. Thus, the piston 711 can slide rubbed within the first section 716, and the internal gas can be compressed. This gas may be air.

[0395] The cylinder 715 may include a second section 717 extending from the first section and expanding in inner diameter. The second section 717 may extend from the first section 711 to the sealed side of the cylinder 715. At least a portion of the second section 717 may have an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the piston 711.

[0396] The cylinder 715 may include a third section 718 extending from the second section 717. The third section 718 may extend from the second section 717 to the other sealed side of the cylinder 715. The inner diameter of the third section 718 may be larger than the diameter of the piston 711.

[0397] Therefore, when the piston 711 is compressed, the air between the other side of the cylinder 715 and the piston 711 is compressed during the passage of the first interval 716, providing a damping force. When the piston 711 passes through the second interval 717 and the third interval 718, the air passes between the piston 711 and the inner wall of the cylinder 715, and the damping force can be released.

[0398] The length of the third section 718 is called lc, and the distance from the sealed other side of the cylinder 715 to the second section is called lb.

[0399] The damper 71 may include a rod 713 connected to the piston 711 and a bushing 712 supporting the rod 713. The bushing 712 may be fixed to an open side of the cylinder 715. The rod 713 may extend through the bushing 712 to the outside of the cylinder 715.

[0400] The slow-closing device 71 may include a damper housing 74 that houses the damper 71. The damper housing 74 may provide an internal space 741 for accommodating the damper. One side of the space is open, through which the damper 71 or the damper cover 75 described later can be introduced / exited.

[0401] One end of the damper 71 can be fixed to the damper housing 74, and the other end is introduced / exited through the open side of the damper housing 74.

[0402] For example, the rod 713 of the damper 71 is fixed to the damper housing 74, and the cylinder 715 can slide inside the damper housing 74.

[0403] The slow-closing device 7 may include a connector 73 for securing the rod 713 to the damper housing 74. The connector 73 may be attached to the rod 713 and secured to the damper housing 74.

[0404] The damper 71 can slide relative to the internal space 741 of the damper housing 74. For example, the piston 711 can be fixed and the cylinder 715 can slide. Conversely, the cylinder 715 can be fixed and the piston 711 and rod 713 can slide.

[0405] The following example illustrates the situation where the piston 711 and rod 713 are fixed to the damper housing 74 by the connector 73, and the cylinder 715 slides.

[0406] The damper 71 may include a spring 719 disposed between the sealed other side of the cylinder 715 and the piston 711.

[0407] Cylinder 715 can be introduced into the internal space 741 of damper housing 74 to compress the air inside cylinder 715. At this time, spring 719 can also be compressed. If cylinder 715 is introduced and piston 711 passes through the second section 717 and the third section 718, air between piston 711 and the other side of cylinder 715 can flow out. At this time, spring 719 can be compressed. Therefore, the damping force disappears, leaving only the elastic force of spring 719. If the external force is removed after damper 71 is compressed, damper 71 can extend.

[0408] The slow-closing device 7 may include a damper cover 75 attached to the damper 71. The damper cover 75 may be engaged with the cam 57.

[0409] The damper cover 75 may include a head 755. The head 755 may be a portion that engages with the cam 57.

[0410] The outer surface 756 of the head 755 can be inclined. The aforementioned outer surface 756 can also be referred to as the inclined surface 756.

[0411] The head 755 can be longer in the rear and shorter in the front. That is, the inclined surface 756 can be inclined such that the front part is away from the lever 5 and the rear part is close to the lever 5.

[0412] The inclined surface 756 may include a first inclined portion 7561 constituting the front portion and a second inclined portion 7562 constituting the rear portion. The first inclined portion 7561 and the second inclined portion 7562 may have different inclinations or different curvatures.

[0413] For example, the curvature of the first inclined portion 7561 can be greater than the curvature of the second inclined portion 7562.

[0414] A boundary 7563 may be formed between the first inclined portion 7561 and the second inclined portion 7562 where the inclination of the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are discontinuous.

[0415] The damper cover 75 may include a space 751 for accommodating the damper 71. The damper 71 may be accommodated in the damper cover 75, and the damper cover 75 may be accommodated together with the damper 71 in the internal space 741 of the damper housing 74.

[0416] The damper cover 75 can slide relative to the damper housing 74. The damper cover 75 can slide together with the cylinder 715 in the damper housing 74.

[0417] The damper cover 75 may include an outwardly projecting guide 754. The guide 754 may extend in the direction in which the damper cover 75 slides.

[0418] The damper cover 75 may include a first locking portion 757. The first locking portion 757 may protrude outward from the outer side wall of the damper cover 75.

[0419] The damper housing 74 may include a hole 747 into which a first locking portion 757 is inserted. The hole 747 may extend in the direction in which the damper cover 75 slides.

[0420] A second locking portion 748 may be provided at the end of the hole 747. As a result, the length of the expansion of the damper 71 can be limited.

[0421] The damper housing 74 may include a joint 742. A fastening hole is formed in the joint 742, through which a fastening member passes and is inserted into the bottom surface of the door 2, and the slow-closing device 7 may be attached to the bottom surface of the door 2.

[0422] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 Explain the function of the slow-closing device 7. Figure 15 This shows the state where the slow-closing device 7 and lever 5 are separated. Figure 16 This shows the state in which the slow-closing device 7 and lever 5 are connected.

[0423] Figure 15 (a) shows the relationship with Figure 9 (a) is the same state.

[0424] The following description of the function and status of door 2, automatic closing device 4, and lever 5 is provided for reference. Figure 9 Therefore, this is a brief explanation, omitting detailed explanations.

[0425] At this time, the cam 57 of lever 5 and the head 755 of slow closing device 7 can be separated.

[0426] Figure 15 (b) shows with Figure 9 (b) is the same state. When the door is closed by an external force acting on the door 2, the latch 47 disengages from the second receiving portion 497, and the clutch 44 engages the spring 43 and the shaft 46; or when the door is opened, the latch 47 disengages from the first latch mounting slot 4637 and is received in the second receiving portion 497. At this time, the cam 57 of the lever 5 and the head 755 of the slow-closing device 7 can be in a separated state.

[0427] Figure 15 (c) shows the relationship with Figure 9 (c) is the same state. The automatic closing device 4 provides the torque to rotate the lever 5, and the door 2 can be closed by the action of the lever 5 and the reference pin 35. At this time, the cam 57 of the lever 5 and the head 755 of the slow closing device 7 can be separated.

[0428] Figure 16 (a) shows door 2 from Figure 9 (c) rotates further in the closing direction, and the cam 57 of lever 5 is in contact with the first inclined surface 7561 of damper head 755.

[0429] The distance between the piston 711 and the other side of the cylinder 715 can be greater than 1b. This can represent the state in which the piston 711 is located in the first section 716 of the cylinder 715.

[0430] The reference pin 35 can be located in the first region 531 of the slit 53. The torque of the automatic closing device 4 causes the lever 5 to rotate, and the door 2 can be closed by the action of the lever 5 and the reference pin 35.

[0431] When the door 2 closes via the automatic closing device 4, the slow-closing device 7 can provide a decelerating force in the direction that slows down the closing speed.

[0432] Figure 16 (b) shows door 2 from Figure 16 (a) is further rotated in the closing direction, and while lever 5 rotates, pressure is applied to damper head 755, and piston 715 enters the state of second interval 717. The distance between the other side of piston 711 and cylinder 715 can be the aforementioned 1b.

[0433] When piston 715 enters the second section 717, the air between piston 711 and cylinder 715 flows out, which can remove the damping force.

[0434] Cam 57 can engage with the boundary 7563 of the first inclined surface 7561 and the second inclined surface 7562. Then, if the door is further closed, cam 57 can engage with the second inclined surface 7562.

[0435] In the width direction of door 2, the first inclined surface 7561 can overlap with the rotation axis of lever 5, and the second inclined surface 7562 can be located further back than the rotation axis of lever 5.

[0436] Therefore, when the cam of lever 5 is in contact with the second inclined surface 7562, the length of the cam 57 in the left-right direction can be shorter than when it is in contact with the first inclined surface 7561.

[0437] The second inclined surface 7562 can be set to be steeper or have a smaller radius of curvature than the first inclined surface 7561, which can compensate for the shortening of the left-right length of the cam 57 as the lever 7562 rotates.

[0438] When door 2 is closed, filler 207 can rotate using filler guide 17. Part of the force required by the automatic closing device 4 to close door 2 is consumed in rotating filler 207.

[0439] When the filler 207 enters the filler guide 17, the damping force of the damper 71 is removed, so the automatic closing device 4 can provide a force sufficient to close the door 2.

[0440] Figure 16 (c) shows as follows Figure 9 The door is shown in (d) in the fully closed state. Reference pin 35 can be located at the inner end of the first region 531. Cam 57 can engage with the second inclined surface 7562. Piston 711 can be located in the third region 718.

[0441] The filler 207 can be fully rotated and configured parallel to the door 2. The filler 207 is in contact with the gaskets of the first door 21 and the second door 22, so that cold air will not leak from between the first door 21 and the second door 22.

[0442] Reference Figure 17 The home appliance product of the second embodiment of the present invention may include an automatic closing device 4 and a soft-closing device 70. The automatic closing device 4 includes a lever 62 rotatably coupled to a drive unit 40, and the soft-closing device 70 is compressed by the lever 62. The lever 62 may include a slit 623 into which a reference pin 35 is inserted, and can receive torque through the automatic closing device 4 to close the door 2 by acting on the reference pin 35. The soft-closing device 70 contacts a cam 627 of the lever 62 and can provide a decelerating force during door closing. Compared with the home appliance product of the first embodiment described above, the home appliance product of the second embodiment of the present invention differs in the shape of a portion of the lever 62 and the soft-closing device 70. Apart from this, the features of the refrigerator of the first embodiment described above can be applied as is. Therefore, descriptions of the components other than the lever 62 and the soft-closing device 70 are omitted.

[0443] The lever 62 includes finger members 621 and 622. The finger members 621 and 622 may include a first finger member 621 and a second finger member 622, and the slit 623 may be disposed between the first finger member 621 and the second finger member 622.

[0444] The finger members 621, 622 and the slit 623 are the same as the finger members 51 and slit 53 of the lever 5 in the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0445] The lever 62 includes a cam 627 that pressurizes the slow-closing device 70. The cam 627 can be located on opposite sides of the finger members 621 and 622 with reference to the rotation center C of the lever 62.

[0446] The cam 627 may include a pressure surface 628 disposed on its outer periphery. The pressure surface 628 can apply pressure to the slow-closing device 70 as the lever 62 rotates.

[0447] The pressure surface 628 may be radially inclined relative to the lever 62. For example, the distance between one end of the pressure surface 628 and the center C of the lever 62 may be different from the distance between the other end of the pressure surface 628 and the center C of the lever 62. For example, the front end of the pressure surface 628 may be further away from the center of the lever 62 than the rear end of the pressure surface 628.

[0448] Thus, when lever 62 rotates to move cam 627 backward, cam 627 can apply pressure to the slow-closing device 70.

[0449] The pressure surface 628 can be formed in an arc shape. The pressure surface 628 can have a convex arc shape. Therefore, the pressure surface 628 can contact the action surface 766 (described later), and can apply pressure to the damper head 76 as the lever 62 rotates. Depending on the shape of the pressure surface 628, in the initial stage of contact between the pressure surface 628 and the action surface 766, the displacement of the damper head 76 based on the rotation of the lever 62 is relatively large, and as the lever 62 rotates, the displacement of the damper head 76 can gradually decrease.

[0450] On the other hand, the elastic force of the spring 719 of the damper 71 can be proportional to the amount of compression. Due to the shape of the aforementioned pressure surface 628, as the damper head 76 is compressed, the ratio of the compression length of the damper 71 to the rotation angle of the lever 62 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the elastic force of the spring 719 increases, the automatic closing device 4 can overcome the elastic force of the spring 719 and close the door 2.

[0451] The slow-closing device 70 of the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the slow-closing device 7 of the first embodiment in the shape of the damper head 76. The slow-closing device 70 of this embodiment is identical to the slow-closing device 7 of the first embodiment except for the shape of the damper head 76, therefore its description is omitted.

[0452] The damper head 76 may include an action surface 766. The action surface 766 may be formed on the outer periphery of the damper head 76. The action surface 766 may contact the pressure surface 628 of the cam 627.

[0453] The working surface 766 can have an arc shape. The working surface 766 can have a convex arc shape.

[0454] On the other hand, cam 627 can be composed of a component independent of lever 62, but connected to lever 62. Cam 627 can be connected to lever 62 using fastening component 626.

[0455] Reference Figure 18The home appliance product of the third embodiment of the present invention may include an automatic closing device 4 and a slow closing device 700. The automatic closing device 4 includes a rotatably configured lever 63, and the slow closing device 700 is compressed by the lever 63. The automatic closing device 4 may also include a drive unit 40 for rotating the lever 5.

[0456] The lever 63 includes a slit 633 into which the reference pin 35 is inserted. It can receive torque via the drive unit 40 and, acting on the reference pin 35, close the door 2. When the slow-closing device 700 contacts the cam 637 of the lever 63 to close the door 2, it can provide a decelerating force to the door 2. The household appliance product of the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the household appliance product of the first embodiment described above in the shape of a portion of the lever 63 and the slow-closing device 700. Otherwise, the features of the household appliance products of the first and second embodiments described above can be applied as is. Therefore, descriptions of the components other than the lever 62 and the slow-closing device 70 are omitted.

[0457] The lever 63 may include finger members 631 and 632 and a slit 633, which are the same as the finger members and slits of the levers 5 and 62 in the first and second embodiments described above, so their description is omitted.

[0458] Lever 63 includes a cam 637 that pressurizes the slow-closing device 700. Cam 637 can be located on opposite sides of finger members 631 and 632 with reference to the rotation center C of lever 63.

[0459] The cam 637 may include a pressure surface 638 disposed on its outer periphery. The pressure surface 638 may apply pressure to the slow-closing device 700 according to the rotation of the lever 63.

[0460] The pressure surface 638 may have a shape that protrudes along the radial direction of the lever 63.

[0461] The slow-closing device 700 of the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the slow-closing device 70 of the second embodiment in the shape of the damper head 77. The slow-closing device 700 of this embodiment has the same features as the slow-closing devices 7 and 70 of the first and second embodiments, except for the shape of the damper head 77, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0462] The damper head 77 may include an action surface 776. The action surface 776 may be formed on the outer periphery of the damper head 77. The action surface 776 may contact the pressure surface 638 of the cam 637.

[0463] The working surface 776 can have an arc shape. The working surface 776 can have a convex arc shape.

[0464] The action surface 776 can be inclined relative to the direction of compression of the damper 71. For example, the action surface 776 can be short at the front end and long at the rear end.

[0465] Thus, when lever 63 rotates to move cam 637 backward, cam 637 can press on action surface 776, damper head 77 can slide toward spring 719, and damper 71 is compressed.

[0466] On the other hand, cam 637 can be composed of a component independent of lever 63, but connected to lever 63. Cam 637 can be connected to lever 63 by fastening component 636.

[0467] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 The pressure surfaces 628 and 638 and the action surfaces 766 and 776 may have a shape in which the damper 71 can be compressed as the levers 62 and 63 rotate.

[0468] The following is for reference Figures 19 to 21 The following describes a household appliance product according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0469] Reference Figure 19 The home appliance product of the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include an automatic shut-off device 4 and a soft-close device 70. The automatic shut-off device 4 includes a rotatably configured lever 64, and the soft-close device 70 is compressed by the lever 64. The automatic shut-off device 4 may include a drive unit 40 that provides torque to the lever 64.

[0470] The lever 64 includes a slit 643 into which a reference pin 35 is inserted, which can act with the reference pin 35 to close the door 2. The slow-closing device 70, during the process of closing the door 2 by contacting the cam 647 of the lever 64, can provide a decelerating force, i.e., a force in the direction the door opens. The home appliance product of the fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the home appliance product of the first embodiment described above in the shape of a portion of the lever 64 and the slow-closing device 70. Otherwise, the features of the home appliance products of the first to third embodiments described above can be applied as is. Furthermore, the slow-closing device 70 can be the same as the slow-closing device 70 of the second embodiment described above. Therefore, descriptions of the components other than the lever 64 are omitted.

[0471] The lever 64 may include finger members 641, 642 extending radially outward from the center of rotation. A slit 643 may be formed in the finger members 641, 642. The slit 643 may be disposed between the first finger member 641 and the second finger member 642.

[0472] The aforementioned slit 643 can extend in a straight line. The slit 643 can extend obliquely relative to the width direction of the door (i.e., the left-right direction). The slit 163 can be formed obliquely relative to the radial direction of the lever 64. More specifically, when the door 2 is closed, with the position of the lever 64 as a reference, the outer side of the slit 643 is located at the rear, and the inner side is located at the front, extending in a direction intersecting the width direction of the door 2.

[0473] On the other hand, unlike this, slit 643 may also have the same shape as slit 53 in the first embodiment described above.

[0474] The lever 64 includes a cam 647 that pressurizes the slow-closing device 70. The cam 647 can be located on the opposite side of the finger members 641 and 642 with reference to the rotation center C of the lever 64.

[0475] The cam 647 may include a pressure surface 648 disposed on its outer periphery. The pressure surface 648 may apply pressure to the slow-closing device 70 as the lever 64 rotates.

[0476] The pressure surface 648 may include a first pressure surface 6481 and a second pressure surface 6482. The first pressure surface 6481 may be located relatively rearward, and the second pressure surface 6482 may extend from the first pressure surface 6481.

[0477] Therefore, when the door 2 is open, the damper head 766 can be connected to the first pressure surface 6481, and when the door 2 is closed, as the lever 64 rotates, the damper head 766 can be connected to the second pressure surface 6482.

[0478] The first pressure surface 6481 can extend toward the second pressure surface 6482 in a direction away from the center C of the lever 64. The second pressure surface 6482 can extend toward the opposite side of the first pressure surface 6481 in a direction away from the center C of the lever 64.

[0479] The distance from the center C of lever 64 to the first pressure surface 6481 can be shorter than the distance from the center C to the second pressure surface 6482.

[0480] Therefore, during the closing process of door 2, when lever 64 rotates (in) Figure 19 (Rotating clockwise), cam 647 can compress damper 71.

[0481] The pressure surface 648 may have a concave arc shape. The first pressure surface 6481 may have a concave arc shape. The second pressure surface 6482 may have a concave arc shape.

[0482] The centers of curvature of the first pressure surface 6481 and the second pressure surface 6482 can be located at different positions. At one position of the first pressure surface 6481, the angle between the tangent of the first pressure surface and the line connecting this position and the center C of the lever can be greater than the angle between the tangent of the second pressure surface 6482 and the line connecting this position and the center C of the lever at one position. That is, the second pressure surface 6482 can have a shape that recedes steeply from the center of rotation C of the lever 64, and the first pressure surface 6481 can have a shape that recedes relatively gently from the center of rotation C of the lever 64.

[0483] The cam 647 may include an opposing surface 649. The opposing surface 649 may extend from the second pressure surface 6482. The opposing surface 649 may extend from the second pressure surface 6482 to the opposite side of the first pressure surface 6481.

[0484] The opposing surface 649 may include a portion extending perpendicularly to the direction of the rotation radius of the lever 64. The opposing surface 649 may have a shape corresponding to the damper head 766. Therefore, when the opposing surface 649 is in contact with the damper head 766, even if the lever 64 rotates, the opposing surface 649 may not further compress the damper 71.

[0485] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 Lever 64 and soft-closing device 70 can be disposed on the bottom surface of door 2. Lever 64 and soft-closing device 70 can be disposed between the front side 201 and the rear side of door 2.

[0486] Cam 647 may include a cam front end 646 connecting the front end of lever 64 and the opposite surface 649. The front end of lever 64 refers to the front end of first finger member 641 and the portion extending from the front end of first finger member 641.

[0487] With door 2 open, i.e., lever 64 rotated at its maximum angle θa, the front end 646 of the cam can be parallel to the front surface 201 of door 2. The angle θ64 between the front end 646 of the cam and the front end of lever 64 can be the same as the maximum rotation angle of lever 64. The maximum rotation angle of lever 64 can refer to the angle between the rotational position of lever 64 when door 2 is open and the rotational position of lever 64 when door 2 is closed.

[0488] With door 2 closed, the front end of lever 64 can be configured parallel to the front face 201 of door 2.

[0489] The slow-closing device 70 can be configured at an angle relative to the width direction of the door 2, i.e., the left-right direction. For example, the slow-closing device 70 can be configured at an angle relative to the width direction of the door 2 with the damper head 766 in front and the opposite side portion in the rear.

[0490] The slow-closing device 70 can be configured with the damper head 766 tilted toward the rotation center C of the lever 64.

[0491] Figure 20 (a) is the state in which the reference pin 35 enters the slit 643 during the closing process of the door. Figure 20 (b) is a bottom view of the door 2 with lever 64 and slow-closing device 70, with clutch 44 released, spring 43 and shaft 46 connected.

[0492] Reference Figure 20 In (a) with door 2 open, lever 64 can be fixed in position without being rotated by clutch 44. Lever 64 can be fixed in position with maximum rotation angle θa. If door 2 is closed and reference pin 35 is inserted into slit 643, door 2 is closed and reference pin 35 presses the first finger member 641 forward, clutch 44 is released, and lever 64 can rotate forward along the fingers 641 and 642.

[0493] When the door 2 is open or the rotation of the lever 64 is restricted, the damper head 766 can contact the first pressure surface 6481.

[0494] Reference Figure 20 (b), door 2 from Figure 20 The state of (a) is further closed, and lever 64 can be rotated through reference pin 35. Figure 20 In state (b), the rotation angle θb of lever 64 can be less than the aforementioned maximum rotation angle θa.

[0495] When lever 64 rotates, clutch 44 is released from its restraint, and clutch 44 can connect spring 43 and shaft 46. For example, clutch 44 can connect spring 43 and shaft 46 when damper head 766 is in contact with the boundary of first pressure surface 6481 and second pressure surface 6482.

[0496] The torque T provided by the drive unit 40 causes the lever 64 to rotate, and the second finger member 642 can push the reference pin 35 forward. Since the reference pin 35 is fixed relative to the housing 10, the rotation center C of the lever 64 can move backward and rotate in the direction in which the door 2 is closed.

[0497] As lever 64 rotates, damper head 766 can come into contact with second pressure surface 6482. As lever 64 rotates, second pressure surface 6482 can push damper head 766, compressing damper 71.

[0498] As previously described, the second pressure surface 6482 can have a shape that recedes steeply from the rotation center C of the lever 64, while the first pressure surface 6481 can have a shape that recedes relatively gently from the rotation center C of the lever 64. Therefore, the ratio of the compression amount of the damper 71 based on the rotation of the lever 64 when the shaft 46 and spring 43 are disconnected can be less than the ratio of the compression amount of the damper 71 based on the rotation of the lever 64 when the shaft 46 and spring 43 are connected to each other.

[0499] Therefore, even if the user closes the door 2 with a small force, the clutch 44 can be released from its restraint. The shaft 46 and the spring 43 can be connected. When the torque T of the automatic closing device 4 is provided to the lever 64, the closing speed of the door 2 can be controlled by the slow closing device 70.

[0500] Figure 21 (a) is when lever 64 rotates and damper head 677 is located at the boundary between the second pressure surface 6482 and the opposite surface 649. Figure 21 (b) is a bottom view of door 2 with lever 64 and slow-closing device 70, showing door 2 with door 2 fully closed.

[0501] Reference Figure 21 (a) As previously described, by rotating the lever 64 of the automatic closing device 4, the second finger member 642 pushes the reference pin 35 forward, and the door 2 can be closed. With the lever 64 rotating, the second pressure surface 6482 applies pressure to the damper head 766, and the closing speed of the door 2, based on the torque T of the automatic closing device 4, can be reduced.

[0502] Reference Figure 21 (a) and Figure 21 (b) Door 2 may include a filler 207. The filler 207 may be rotatably configured on door 2. The filler 207 may be rotated via filler guide 17 during the closing of door 2.

[0503] The force of closing the door 2 allows the filler 207 to engage with and rotate the filler guide 17. That is, the rotation of the filler 207 reduces the force required to close the door 2.

[0504] When the filler 207 engages with and rotates against the filler guide 17, the damper head 766 can engage with the opposing surface 649. Therefore, the damper 71 can remain uncompressed during this process.

[0505] Therefore, even if the damper 71 does not include a reference Figure 12In the aforementioned second and third sections of the cylinder, the damping force of the damper 71 can be removed when the filler 207 enters the filler guide 17. Thus, the automatic closing device 4 can provide a force sufficient to close the door 2.

[0506] Reference Figure 22 The home appliance product of the fifth embodiment of the present invention may include an automatic closing device 4 and a soft closing device 7000. The automatic closing device 4 includes a rotatably configured lever 65, and the soft closing device 7000 is compressed by the lever 65. The automatic closing device 4 may also include a drive unit 40 for rotating the lever 65.

[0507] The lever 65 may include a slit 653 into which a reference pin 35 is inserted, and a first finger member 651 and a second finger member 652 forming the slit. The finger members 651, 652 and the slit 653 may have the same shape as the slit of the lever in the foregoing embodiments. For example, the slit 653 may have a curved shape that curves rearwardly.

[0508] The lever 65 can receive torque through the drive unit 40 and act with the reference pin 35 to close the door 2. The slow-closing device 7000 can contact the cam 657 of the lever 65 and provide a deceleration force to the door 2 when it is closed.

[0509] Cam 657 can rotate integrally with lever 65. Cam 657 can be integrally formed with lever 65, or it can be formed independently of lever 65 and combined with lever 65.

[0510] The home appliance product of the fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the home appliance products of the third and fourth embodiments described above in the relative positions of the automatic closing device 4 and the soft closing device 7000, and in the shape of the cam 657. Apart from this, the features of the home appliance products of the third and fourth embodiments described above can be applied as is. The following description focuses on the differences.

[0511] The automatic closing device 4 and the slow closing device 7000 can be separated along the width direction of the door 2, i.e., the left-right direction. For example, the fastening part 415 of the drive unit 40 and the damper housing 74 of the slow closing device 7000 can be separated from each other.

[0512] Cam 657 can extend radially outward from the rotation center C of lever 65 to pressurize the slow-closing device 7000. For example, cam 657 may include an extension 6571 arranged radially outward from the rotation center C and a pressurizing portion 6572 arranged outside the extension 6571 and pressurizing the slow-closing device 7000.

[0513] The extension 6571 can be combined with the lever 65 and rotate integrally with the lever 65. The extension 6571 can extend radially outward from the rotation center C of the lever 65.

[0514] The pressurizing portion 6572 may extend obliquely relative to the extension portion 6571. The edge of the pressurizing portion 6572 may have a pressurizing surface 658 that pressurizes the action surface 786 of the damper head 78.

[0515] Therefore, even if the automatic closing device 4 and the slow closing device 7000 are separated, the cam 657 and the damper head 78 can still make contact. Furthermore, this allows the automatic closing device 4 and the slow closing device 7000 to be arranged without overlapping.

[0516] The working surface 786 can be the same as or similar to the working surface 786 in the aforementioned embodiments. For example, the working surface 786 can be short at the front end and long at the rear end. For example, the working surface 786 can be formed as a plane.

[0517] 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.

[0518] 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.

[0519] 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, The refrigerator comprises: 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 fixed to the cabinet to rotatably support the door; a soft closing device disposed in the door, including a damper providing a repulsive force when compressed; and a lever disposed in the door, rotatable with the rotation of the door, including a cam extending radially outward from a rotation center to compress the damper.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the soft closing device further includes a damper head connected to the damper and in contact with the cam.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein in a state in which the door is open, the cam is spaced apart from the damper head.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein in the state in which the door is open, the cam is located in front of the damper head.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the damper head is inclined with a front end close to the damper and a rear end away from the damper.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the damper head includes: a first inclined portion constituting a front portion; and a second inclined portion connected to the first inclined portion and constituting a rear portion; at a boundary where the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion meet, the inclination of the first inclined portion is greater than the inclination of the second inclined portion.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the second inclined portion is located more rearward than the rotation center of the lever.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the damper includes: a cylinder; a piston sliding in the cylinder; and a damper spring disposed inside the cylinder and compressed by the piston; the cylinder includes: a first section connected to an outer circumference of the piston; a second section extending from the first section and having an inner diameter expanded than that of the first section; and a third section extending from the second section and having an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the piston.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the door further includes: a first door opening and closing a portion of the storage chamber; a second door opening and closing another portion of the storage chamber; and a filler rotatably disposed in the first door or the second door to block between the first door and the second door in a state in which the first door and the second door are closed; the cabinet further includes a filler guide guiding the rotation of the filler; in a process in which the door is closed, after the piston enters the second section, the filler comes into contact with the filler guide.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a reference pin fixed to the cabinet is further included; the lever includes a slit into which the reference pin is inserted as the lever rotates.

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