Refrigerator and household appliance comprising same

Abstract

A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a door; and a door opening and closing device provided to open and close the door. The door opening and closing device may include: a motor; a first gear receiving power from the motor and including a hollow portion, a plurality of groove portions formed in a circumferential direction in an inner circumferential surface of the first gear, and a groove wall provided between the plurality of groove portions; a second gear including a rotating shaft inserted into a hollow portion of the first gear; and an elastic body coupled to the rotating shaft, having elasticity in a radial direction of the rotating shaft, and configured such that a portion thereof is inserted into the groove portion of the first gear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to automatic door opening and closing structures for refrigerators and household appliances including such structures. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, home appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, or cooking appliances such as ovens, are equipped with doors that are configured to open and close to access the interior space.

[0003] Doors can include manually opening and closing doors configured to be opened and closed directly by a user, and automatically opening and closing doors configured to open and close automatically using a door opening and closing device based on user input. In an automatically opening / closing door, the user can move the door by directly applying force at any time during automatic opening or closing. In this case, due to the user's external force, a load may be generated on the motor of the door opening and closing device, which may damage the motor or degrade its performance. As an example, a method can be proposed in which the current load applied to the motor is detected to determine whether the user has intervened, and the operation of the motor is stopped if the user intervenes.

[0004] The above information may be provided as relevant technology for the purpose of aiding understanding of this disclosure. No statement or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing content can be used as background technology in relation to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical solutions

[0006] Even when a user applies force to the door while the door is automatically opening or closing via a door opening and closing device, various embodiments of this disclosure can prevent load from being applied to the motor.

[0007] The household appliance according to an embodiment may include a door and a door opening and closing device provided for opening and closing the door. The door opening and closing device may include a motor, a first gear, a second gear, and an elastomer. The first gear receives power from the motor and includes a hollow portion, a plurality of recessed portions formed in a circumferential direction on an inner circumferential surface, and recess walls provided between the plurality of recessed portions. The second gear includes a rotating shaft inserted into the hollow portion of the first gear. The elastomer is coupled to the rotating shaft, has elasticity in the radial direction of the rotating shaft, and is configured such that a portion thereof extends into the recessed portions of the first gear.

[0008] The household appliance according to an embodiment may include a door and a door opening and closing device provided for opening and closing the door. The door opening and closing device may include a motor, a first gear, a second gear, and an elastomer. The first gear receives power from the motor and includes a hollow portion, a plurality of recessed portions formed in a circumferential direction on an inner circumferential surface, and recess walls provided between the plurality of recessed portions. The second gear includes a rotating shaft inserted into the hollow portion of the first gear. The elastomer is coupled to the rotating shaft, has elasticity in the radial direction of the rotating shaft, and is configured such that a portion thereof extends into the recessed portions of the first gear.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the door opening and closing device can be configured such that when the elastomer is stuck on or in contact with the groove wall, the power of the first gear is transmitted to the second gear.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the plurality of groove portions may include a first groove portion and a second groove portion. The groove wall may be located between the first groove portion and the second groove portion.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the circumferential lengths of the first groove portion and the second groove portion can be substantially the same.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the power transmission between the first gear and the second gear can be configured to be released as the elastomer moves along one of the plurality of grooved portions.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the door opening and closing device may include a door-side gear unit configured to transmit power between a second gear and the door.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the diameter of the rotating shaft can be configured to be smaller than the diameter of the hollow portion of the first gear.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the door can be opened when the motor is driven to rotate the first gear in a first direction, and the door can be closed when the motor is driven to rotate the first gear in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the elastomer may include an upper elastomer and a lower elastomer configured to be spaced apart in a vertical direction.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the groove portion may include an upper groove portion and a lower groove portion that are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the elastomer may include a body portion, a spring housed within the body portion, and a head portion supported by one side of the spring and configured such that a portion thereof is housed within the body portion.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the head portion may have a spherical shape.

[0020] According to an embodiment, when the first gear rotates in a first direction by a motor, and the second gear rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction by an external force, the elastomer can be configured to pass through the groove wall and move along an adjacent groove portion.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the motor can be configured to move as a predetermined input value even when the force is applied in the opposite direction when it is driven to open or close the door.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the elastomer may be a ball plunger.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the household appliance may be at least one of a refrigerator, a dishwasher, or a cooking appliance.

[0024] According to various embodiments proposed in this disclosure, even when a user applies force during the automatic opening and closing of the door, the household appliance can prevent the user's force from being transmitted to the motor, thereby preventing the motor's performance from degrading, without needing to detect the load applied to the motor of the door opening and closing device.

[0025] The effects achievable from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. In other words, those skilled in the art can also derive unintended effects from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure when practicing the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic view showing the interior and exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a view showing the upper part of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a view showing the automatic door opening and closing structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a view showing a door opening and closing device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a side view showing a portion of the configuration of the door opening and closing device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an exploded view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing the first clutch gear according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figures 9a to 9e This is a view showing the operation of the clutch gear unit during the opening and closing of the automatic door.

[0035] Figures 10a to 10c This is a view showing the operation of the clutch gear unit when the door opening and closing operation is switched from automatic to manual.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a view showing an elastomer according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the dishwasher door in an open state according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a view showing the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the door open.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, and specific examples that can be implemented are shown in the drawings as examples. Other examples can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the various examples. Detailed Implementation

[0046] This article references Figures 1 to 19Various embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated only to describe the principles of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably configured system or apparatus.

[0047] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the particular embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents or substitutions to the respective embodiments.

[0048] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0049] It should be understood that, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to the item can include one or more things.

[0050] As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” can include all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases.

[0051] The term “and / or” can refer to a combination of the listed related components or any component.

[0052] Terms such as “first” or “second” can be used simply to distinguish one part from another without limiting the part in any other way (e.g., importance or order).

[0053] As used herein, the terms “front surface,” “rear surface,” “upper surface,” “side surface,” “left side,” “right side,” “upper part,” and “lower part” are defined relative to the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0054] It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “having” as used herein specify the presence of the said features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0055] It will be understood that when components are referred to as being “connected to” another component, “attached to” another component, “supported on” another component, or “in contact” another component, these components may be directly connected to, attached to, supported on, or in contact with each other, either through a third component.

[0056] Throughout the instruction manual, when one component is placed "on" another component, the component may be placed directly on the other component, or other components may be placed between the two components.

[0057] As used herein, the term “configured as” may be used interchangeably with the terms “suitable for,” “capable of,” “designed for,” “adapted to,” “manufactured as,” or “capable”, depending on the context. The term “configured as” does not inherently imply “specifically designed in hardware.” Rather, the term “configured as” can mean that a device can perform operations in conjunction with another device or component. For example, a “device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” can be a dedicated device performing the respective operations or a general-purpose device capable of performing a variety of operations, including the respective operations.

[0058] The refrigerator according to an embodiment may include a main body.

[0059] The “body” may include an inner shell, an outer shell disposed outside the inner shell, and thermal insulation material provided between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0060] The "inner shell" may include at least one of a shell, panel, panel, or liner that forms the storage compartment. The inner shell may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple panels. The "outer shell" may form the appearance of the body and may be attached to the outside of the inner shell, such that insulation material is disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0061] "Insulation material" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room, maintaining the internal temperature of the storage room at a set, appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to an embodiment, the insulation material may include foam insulation material. Foam insulation material can be formed by injecting and foaming polyurethane foam, formed by mixing polyurethane and a foaming agent, between an inner shell and an outer shell.

[0062] According to embodiments, in addition to foam insulation, the insulation material may further include vacuum insulation, or the insulation material may consist solely of vacuum insulation instead of foam insulation. Vacuum insulation may include a core material and an outer covering material, the outer covering material containing the core material and sealing the interior under near-vacuum or vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to foam insulation or vacuum insulation and may include a variety of materials suitable for insulation.

[0063] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an inner shell. A storage room may further include an inner shell that limits the space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, cosmetics, etc., can be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be configured such that at least one side can be opened for loading and unloading items.

[0064] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In the case of two or more storage compartments in a refrigerator, each compartment can have a different purpose and can be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, each compartment can be separated from the others by partition walls including insulating material.

[0065] Storage compartments can be provided to be maintained within a suitable temperature range depending on their purpose, and can include “refrigerated compartments,” “freezer compartments,” or “variable temperature compartments” categorized by their purpose and / or temperature range. Refrigerated compartments can be maintained at temperatures suitable for refrigerating and storing items, and freezer compartments can be maintained at temperatures suitable for freezing and storing items. The term “refrigerated” can mean cooling items to a level where they are not frozen, and for example, a refrigerated compartment can be maintained in the range of 0 to 7 degrees Celsius. The term “freezer” can mean cooling items to freeze or keeping them frozen, and for example, a freezer compartment can be maintained in the range of -20 to -1 degrees Celsius. Regardless of the user’s choice, a variable temperature compartment can be used as either a refrigerated compartment or a freezer compartment.

[0066] In addition to the names “refrigeration room,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room,” storage rooms can also be called “vegetable room,” “fresh food room,” “cooling room,” “ice-making room,” etc., and the terms “refrigeration room,” “freezer,” and “variable temperature room” used below should be understood as collectively referring to storage rooms with their respective corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an opening side of a storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front surface of the body.

[0068] The "door" can be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. Like the main body, the door may include insulation material to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, a top cover, a bottom cover, and door insulation material provided therein.

[0070] Gaskets can be provided on the edge of the inner door panel to seal the storage compartment by making tight contact with the front surface of the body when the door is closed. The inner door panel may include a rearwardly projecting dyke for mounting a door basket capable of storing items.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel, the front panel being detachably attached to the front side of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, a top cover, a bottom cover, and door insulation material provided therein.

[0072] Based on the arrangement of the doors and storage compartments, refrigerators can be divided into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom-mounted freezer (BMF), top-mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerators.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0074] "Cold air supply equipment" can include machines, instruments, electronic devices and / or systems that combine machines, instruments and electronic devices to generate and direct cold air to cool storage rooms.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle, which includes processes of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant. For this purpose, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling via the Peltier effect.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a mechanical compartment in which at least some components belonging to a cold air supply device are arranged.

[0077] The "machine room" can be provided to be separated from and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components located in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room can be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components located inside the machine room.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that a user can access it without opening the door.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice maker provided to produce ice. The ice maker may include an ice tray for storing water, an ice separating device for separating ice from the ice tray, and an ice bucket for storing the ice produced in the ice tray.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0081] The “controller” may include a memory that stores or records programs and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs control signals for controlling the cold air supply device based on the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0082] The memory stores or records various information, data, instructions, programs, etc., required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated when control signals are produced to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory can include at least one or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0083] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the refrigerator's components by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that executes artificial intelligence models. The processor may include a central processing unit, a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor can receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate cooling control signals based on that information to control the operation of the cold air supply device.

[0084] Furthermore, the processor can process user input to the user interface based on programs and / or data stored in / preserved in memory, and control the operation of the user interface. The user interface can be provided using input and output interfaces. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, in response to user input, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying images.

[0085] Processors and memory can be provided as a single unit or separately. A processor may include one or more processors. For example, a processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. Memory may include one or more memory units.

[0086] A refrigerator may include processors and memory for controlling all components included in the refrigerator, as well as multiple processors and multiple memories for individually controlling components of the refrigerator. For example, a refrigerator may include processors and memory for controlling the operation of a cold air supply device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Furthermore, a refrigerator may include a separate processor and a separate memory for controlling the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0087] The communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other household appliances via an access point (AP). An AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or user equipment is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user equipment can connect to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0088] Input interfaces can include buttons, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0089] Output interfaces can include displays, speakers, etc. Output interfaces can output various notifications, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0090] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of the interior / exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a view showing the upper part of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0091] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A view of a refrigerator is shown, illustrating it as an example of a household appliance or cooking device.

[0092] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 1 may include a body 10. The body 10 may include an outer shell 11 and an inner shell 12 disposed within the outer shell 11. The outer shell 11 may be provided to form at least a portion of the appearance of the body 10. In an example, the outer shell 11 may be configured to include a metallic material with excellent durability and aesthetics. The inner shell 12 may be provided to define a space for a storage compartment 20. For example, the storage compartment 20 may be provided within the body 10.

[0093] The inner shell 12 may include a shell, plates, panels, and / or linings forming the storage compartment 20. The inner shell 12 may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. In this example, the inner shell 12 may be integrally injection molded using a plastic material, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0094] Although not shown, a receiving space may be formed between the outer shell 11 and the inner shell 12. Insulating material (not shown) for insulating the storage chamber 20 may be provided in at least a portion of the receiving space. The insulating material can insulate both the interior and exterior of the storage chamber 20, allowing the temperature inside the storage chamber 20 to be maintained at a suitable set temperature without being affected by the external environment.

[0095] According to the example, the insulation material may include foam insulation material. In the example, after the inner shell 12 and the outer shell 11 are fixed with clamps or the like, foam insulation material can be formed by injecting and foaming polyurethane foam mixed with polyurethane and a foaming agent into the receiving space between the inner shell 12 and the outer shell 11. According to the embodiment, in addition to or instead of foam insulation material, the insulation material may include vacuum insulation material. Vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer covering material, the outer covering material containing the core material and sealing the interior under pressure close to or vacuum. Vacuum insulation material may further include an adsorbent that adsorbs gases and moisture to maintain a stable vacuum state. The insulation material of refrigerator 1 is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above, but can be configured using various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0096] According to an embodiment, refrigerator 1 may include a storage compartment 20. Storage compartment 20 may store food. Food includes edible or drinkable items, and specifically may include meat, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, water, ice, beverages, pickles, or alcoholic beverages such as wine. In addition to food, medicines and cosmetics may be stored in storage compartment 20, but there are no restrictions on the items that may be stored in storage compartment 20.

[0097] According to the example, refrigerator 1 may include one or more storage compartments 20. In the case where refrigerator 1 has two or more storage compartments 20, each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, the storage compartments 20 may be separated from each other by partition walls 14 including insulating material. In the example, depending on the purpose and / or temperature range, the storage compartment may be referred to as a "refrigeration compartment," a "freezer compartment," or a "variable temperature compartment." For example, a refrigerator compartment may refer to a compartment where food is maintained at a suitable temperature for refrigeration and storage, and a freezer compartment may refer to a compartment where food is maintained at a suitable temperature for freezing and storage. Refrigeration may refer to cooling food to a point where it is not frozen, and for example, a refrigerator compartment may be maintained in the range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. Freezing may mean freezing food or cooling food to keep it frozen, and for example, a freezer compartment may be maintained in the range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature compartment may refer to a storage compartment that can be maintained at a predetermined variable temperature by user selection or independently of user selection. According to an embodiment, a storage room can be provided such that a portion of it is used as a refrigerator and the remainder as a freezer. In addition to the names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature compartment" mentioned above, the storage room can also be referred to by various names such as "vegetable compartment," "freshness compartment," "cooling compartment," and "ice-making compartment."

[0098] According to the example, the number, size, and / or shape of the storage compartments 20 may vary depending on the shape or location of the partition wall 14. According to an embodiment, the partition wall 14 may be integrally formed with the body 10. According to an embodiment, the partition wall 14 may be a separate partition provided separately from the body 10 and assembled to the body 10.

[0099] According to the example, storage room 20 can be divided left and right by vertical partition walls 14v (partition walls extending in the vertical direction). The size of the left and right divided storage room 20 can vary depending on the position of the vertical partition walls 14v. For example, storage room 20 can be provided in a mirror-symmetrical manner, with the vertical partition walls 14v provided in the middle and divided left and right. According to the embodiment, multiple vertical partition walls can be present. With multiple vertical partition walls present, the storage room can be divided into three or more storage rooms along the left and right direction.

[0100] According to the example, storage room 20 can be vertically divided by horizontal partition walls 14h (partition walls extending in the horizontal direction). The size of the vertically divided storage room 20 can vary depending on the position of the horizontal partition walls 14h. According to the embodiment, multiple horizontal partition walls can exist. With multiple horizontal partition walls present, the storage room can be vertically divided into three or more storage rooms.

[0101] Refrigerators can be configured to include multiple storage compartments of various sizes and shapes, depending on various combinations of vertical and horizontal partitions.

[0102] According to the example, multiple shelves 24 and / or multiple storage containers 25 may be provided inside the storage room 20. Each of the multiple shelves 24 and multiple storage containers 25 may be separable from the interior space of the storage room 20.

[0103] According to the example, each storage compartment 20 may be configured such that at least one side is open for loading and unloading food. According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include each door 30 for opening and closing each storage compartment 20. Storage compartment 20 may have, for example, an open front surface. In the example, the door 30 may be disposed on the front surface of both the body 10 and the storage compartment 20 to open and close the storage compartment 20. The door 30 may be configured to seal the storage compartment 20 when closed. Like the body 10, the door 30 may include insulating material to insulate the storage compartment 20 from the external environment when the door 30 is closed.

[0104] According to the example, door 30 can be configured to open and close by rotating about hinge 16, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In the example, the door can be configured to open and close in a sliding manner.

[0105] According to the example, door 30 may include a door panel 30a and / or a door body 30b. The door panel 30a and door body 30b may be detachably connected to each other. For example, one side of the door body 30b may be secured to the body 10 via a hinge 16. The door panel 30a may form part of the front appearance of the refrigerator 1. Therefore, when the refrigerator 1 is installed indoors, the door panel 30a can serve as an important aesthetic element. The door panel 30a may have various colors and / or various designs and may be configured to be replaceable, allowing the user to decorate the front exterior of the refrigerator 1 according to his / her taste. According to an embodiment, the door panel 30a and door body 30b may be integrally formed with each other.

[0106] According to the example, door 30 may include a door handle (not shown), a door shelf 313, a shelf support 314, and / or a washer 315. A user can use the door handle to open and close door 30. The door handle may be recessed on the bottom or top surface of door 30, or may protrude from the front surface of door 30, but is not limited to a particular shape.

[0107] Door shelf 313 may be provided for holding food. Shelf supports 314 may be provided on the left and right sides of door shelf 313 to support door shelf 313. Shelf supports 314 may extend vertically from, for example, door 30. For example, shelf supports 314 may protrude from the rear surface of door 30 (facing the inner surface of storage compartment 20) toward storage compartment 20 and may be provided to extend in a vertical direction. Shelf supports 314 may be provided as a separate component that can be separated from door 30, or may be integrally formed with door 30.

[0108] The gasket 315 can be provided to surround the edge of the door body 30b. The gasket 315 can be provided to seal the gap between the body 10 and the door 30 when the door 30 is closed.

[0109] According to the example, refrigerator 1 may include a cold air supply device. The cold air supply device may include machines, instruments, electronic devices, and / or systems combining machines, instruments, and electronic devices capable of generating cold air and directing the generated cold air to the storage compartments to cool them. For example, the cold air supply device may be provided within the main body 10 to supply cold air to each of the storage compartments 20.

[0110] According to the example, refrigerator 1 may include a door opening and closing device 200. The door opening and closing device 200 may be coupled to each door 30. The door opening and closing device 200 may be disposed on the upper or lower side of the housing 11. The door opening and closing device 200 may be provided to automatically open or close the door 30 by rotating a hinge or a rotating shaft of the door. For example, the door opening and closing device 200 may automatically open or close the door 30 by rotating a hinge gear 31 provided on the door 30 during operation. The door opening and closing device 200 may be configured with a motor (e.g., Figure 3 The door opening and closing device 200 consists of a motor 220 and multiple gears for transmitting power to the motor 220. The specific structure and operation of the door opening and closing device 200 are described below.

[0111] Figure 3 This is a view showing the automatic door opening and closing structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Figure 4 This is a view showing a door opening and closing device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 This is a side view showing a portion of the configuration of the door opening and closing device according to an embodiment.

[0112] Figures 3 to 5 The refrigerator 1 shown can be connected with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 1 shown is substantially the same as or similar to the refrigerator shown. In the following text, the same reference numerals are used in conjunction with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configurations described are basically the same or similar.

[0113] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The refrigerator 1 may include a door opening and closing device 200. When the door opening and closing device 200 is in operation, the door 30 can be opened or closed by rotating the hinge gear 31 of the door 30. When the door opening and closing device 200 is in operation, the door 30 can be opened and closed. The door opening and closing device 200 may be a device configured to automatically open or close the door 30 without the user applying direct force, etc., by operation based on external input, etc.

[0114] The door opening and closing device 200 can be, for example, modular. In the event of a malfunction in one of the door opening and closing devices 200 installed on each door 30 in the refrigerator 1, the problem can be solved by simply replacing the modular door opening and closing device 200.

[0115] According to the example, the door opening and closing device 200 may include at least one of a housing 210, a motor 220, a motor-side gear unit 230, a clutch gear unit 240, or a door-side gear unit 250. The door opening and closing device 200 may be configured such that power from the motor 220 is transmitted to the hinge gear (e.g., ...) via the motor-side gear unit 230, the clutch gear unit 240, and the door-side gear unit 250. Figure 3 The hinge gear 31). The motor-side gear unit 230, clutch gear unit 240 and door-side gear unit 250 provided between the motor 220 and the hinge gear 31 can be collectively referred to as the gear assembly.

[0116] According to the example, housing 210 may form the exterior of door opening and closing device 200. At least one of motor 220, motor-side gear unit 230, clutch gear unit 240, and door-side gear unit 250 may be accommodated inside housing 210. Housing 210 may be referred to as a modular housing. Openings may be provided in housing 210. Hinge gears (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge gear 31 and the door side gear unit 250 can mesh at the opening of the housing 210.

[0117] According to the example, motor 220 can be configured to output power for opening and closing door 30. Motor 220 can rotate in both directions. The shaft of motor 220 and a gear of motor-side gear unit 230 (e.g., first motor-side gear 231) can be configured to mesh. Therefore, power from motor 220 can be transmitted to motor-side gear unit 230.

[0118] According to the example, the motor-side gear unit 230 can be disposed between the motor 220 and the clutch gear unit 240. The motor-side gear unit 230 can be configured to transmit power from the motor 220 to the clutch gear unit 240.

[0119] According to the example, the motor-side gear unit 230 may include multiple gears. The motor-side gear unit 230 may include a first motor-side gear 231 and a second motor-side gear 232. The first motor-side gear 231 and the second motor-side gear 232 may mesh.

[0120] The first motor side gear 231 can be disposed between the motor 220 and the second motor side gear 232. The first motor side gear 231 can be configured to transmit power from the motor 220 to the second motor side gear 232.

[0121] The second motor-side gear 232 can be disposed between the first motor-side gear 231 and the clutch gear unit 240. The second motor-side gear 232 can be configured to transmit power from the first motor-side gear 231 to the clutch gear unit 240.

[0122] However, this is just an example; the number of motor-side gears is not limited to two and can be configured to be one, three, or more.

[0123] According to the example, the clutch gear unit 240 may include a first gear 241 and a second gear 242. The second gear 242 may include a rotating shaft 243. The second gear 242 and the rotating shaft 243 may be integrally formed, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The second gear 242 and the rotating shaft 243 may be configured and connected separately.

[0124] According to the example, the first gear 241 can mesh with the motor-side gear unit 230. For example, the first gear 241 can mesh with the second motor-side gear 232. The first gear 241 can receive power from the motor-side gear unit 230. The first gear 241 can receive power from the motor 220 through the motor-side gear unit 230 as a medium.

[0125] According to the example, the second gear 242 can be configured to mesh with the door-side gear unit 250. For example, the second gear 242 can be configured to mesh with the first door-side gear 251. When the second gear 242 receives power from the first gear 241 and rotates, the power can be transmitted to the hinge gear 31, and the door 30 can be opened and closed.

[0126] In the example, when the user directly (or manually) opens and closes the door 30, the power of the hinge gear 31, which rotates due to the user's operation, can be transmitted to the second gear 242. In this case, the power of the second gear 242 may not be transmitted to the first gear 241. Therefore, even when the user manually operates the door 30, the user's external force will not be transmitted to the first gear 241, and as a result, no load will be applied to the motor 220, thus preventing damage to the motor 220. The specific operation process is described below.

[0127] The clutch gear unit 240 can receive power from the motor 220 through the motor-side gear unit 230, which serves as a medium.

[0128] According to the example, the gate-side gear unit 250 can be configured to mesh with the clutch gear unit 240. The gate-side gear unit 250 can receive power from the clutch gear unit 240 intermittently. For example, the gate-side gear unit 250 can receive power from the motor 220 through the motor-side gear unit 230 and the clutch gear unit 240 as a medium.

[0129] According to the example, the gate-side gear unit 250 may include multiple gears. The gate-side gear unit 250 may include a first gate-side gear 251, a second gate-side gear 252, and a third gate-side gear 253. The first gate-side gear 251 and the second gate-side gear 252 may mesh with each other. The second gate-side gear 252 and the third gate-side gear 253 may mesh with each other. This is an example; the number of gate-side gears can be configured to be at least one.

[0130] The first gate side gear 251 can be disposed between the clutch gear unit 240 and the second gate side gear 252. The first gate side gear 251 can be configured to transmit power from the clutch gear unit 240 to the second gate side gear 252.

[0131] The second door side gear 252 can be disposed between the first door side gear 251 and the third door side gear 253. The second door side gear 252 can be configured to transmit the power transmitted to the first door side gear 251 to the third door side gear 253.

[0132] A third door-side gear 253 can be disposed between the second door-side gear 252 and the hinge gear 31. The third door-side gear 253 can be configured to transmit the power transmitted to the second door-side gear 252 to the hinge gear 31. The hinge gear 31 can rotate by receiving power, and the door 30 can be opened and closed.

[0133] Figure 6 This is a view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment. Figure 7 This is an exploded view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment. Figure 8 This is a plan view showing the first clutch gear according to an embodiment.

[0134] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The clutch gear unit 240 shown can be coupled with Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The clutch gear unit 240 shown is substantially the same or similar. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The clutch gear unit 240 shown may include in Figures 1 to 5 The door opening and closing device 200 shown below. Further details will be omitted hereafter.

[0135] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The clutch gear unit 240 may include at least one of a first gear 241, a second gear 242, a rotating shaft 243, or an elastic body 244. When the second gear 242 and the rotating shaft 243 are integrally formed, the rotating shaft 243 may be included within the second gear 242.

[0136] According to the example, the first gear 241 may include a hollow portion 2411. A portion of the second gear 242 may extend into the hollow portion 2411. For example, a rotating shaft 243 may extend into the hollow portion 2411. With the rotating shaft 243 extending into the hollow portion 2411, the first gear 241 and the second gear 242 may be stacked and arranged in a vertical direction.

[0137] According to the example, the diameter of the hollow portion 2411 can be larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft 243. With the rotating shaft 243 extending into the hollow portion 2411, the surfaces of the rotating shaft 243 and the hollow portion 2411 may not be in contact with each other, or at least a portion thereof may be in contact.

[0138] According to the example, the first gear 241 and the second gear 242 can be coupled such that power can be selectively transmitted via the elastic body 244, which will be described below. The first gear 241 and the second gear 242 can be configured such that power can not be transmitted to each other in the absence of the coupling of the elastic body 244.

[0139] According to the example, the first gear 241 may include a recessed portion 2412. The recessed portion 2412 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first gear 242. The recessed portion 2412 may be formed on the surface of the hollow portion 2411. The recessed portion 2412 may be recessed to extend in a circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the first gear 242. The recessed portion 2412 may be recessed to extend in a circumferential direction on the surface of the hollow portion 2411.

[0140] According to the example, the recessed portion 2412 can be configured in multiple ways. For example, the recessed portion 2412 may include a first recessed portion 2412a, a second recessed portion 2412b, and a third recessed portion 2412c. The first recessed portion 2412a, the second recessed portion 2412b, and the third recessed portion 2412c may be spaced apart and arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the first gear 242. However, this is not limited to this, and the number of recessed portions 2412 may be at least one. The following describes the case where three recessed portions 2412 are configured as an example.

[0141] According to the example, the first groove portion 2412a, the second groove portion 2412b, and the third groove portion 2412c may have substantially the same circumferential length. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0142] The groove portion 2412 can be used as a guide rail along which the elastic body 244, described below, can move. When the elastic body 244 moves within the groove portion 2412, no power transmission may occur between the first gear 241 and the second gear 242.

[0143] According to the example, the first gear 242 may include a recessed wall 2413. The recessed wall 2413 may be located between two adjacent recessed portions 2412. Multiple recessed walls 2413 may be configured. For example, the recessed wall 2413 may include a first recessed wall 2413a, a second recessed wall 2413b, and a third recessed wall 2413c. However, this is not a limitation, and at least one recessed wall 2413 may be configured. Three illustrated recessed walls are described below as examples.

[0144] The first groove wall 2413a may be located, for example, between the first groove portion 2412a and the third groove portion 2412c. The second groove wall 2413b may be located, for example, between the first groove portion 2412a and the second groove portion 2412b. The third groove wall (e.g., Figure 9a The third groove wall 2413c can be located, for example, between the second groove portion 2412b and the third groove portion 2412c.

[0145] According to the example, the groove wall 2413 can be formed such that a portion of the elastomer 244 is engaged thereon or in contact with it. For example, the groove wall 2413 can be formed such that the head portion 2442 of the elastomer 244 is engaged thereon or in contact with it.

[0146] According to the example, the rotating shaft 243 may include an insertion slot 2431. The insertion slot 2431 may be formed such that an elastomer 244 is inserted therein. The main body portion 2441 of the elastomer 244 may extend into the insertion slot 2431. The insertion slot 2431 may be formed such that the elastomer 244 is inserted toward the radial direction of the rotating shaft 243. The insertion slots 2431 may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of elastomers 244.

[0147] According to the example, the elastomer 244 can be inserted into the insertion slot 2431 of the rotating shaft 243. The elastomer 244 can be inserted into the insertion slot 2431 such that the head portion 2442 faces the radially outward direction of the rotating shaft 243. At least a portion of the head portion 2442 of the elastomer 244 can be configured to protrude from the rotating shaft 243. The elastomer 244 can be referred to as, for example, a ball plunger or a spring plunger, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0148] According to the example, the elastomer 244 may include a body portion 2441, a head portion 2442, or a spring (e.g., Figure 9a(Spring 2443). The main body 2441 can form a receiving space therein.

[0149] A portion of the head portion 2442 may be accommodated within the body portion 2441. The head portion 2442 may form the end of the elastomer 244. The head portion 2442 may be arranged such that a portion of it protrudes beyond the body portion 2441. The head portion 2442 may be configured to move along the recessed portion 2412 or to be engaged with or contact the recessed wall 2413. The head portion 2442 may be configured to be movable relative to the body portion 2441. The head portion 2442 may have a spherical shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0150] Spring 2443 can be housed within main body portion 2441. Spring 2443 can be housed to be compressed or extended along the length of main body portion 2441. Here, when elastomer 244 is inserted into rotating shaft 243, the length of main body portion 2441 can refer to the radial direction of rotating shaft 243. Spring 2443 can be configured such that one side of it supports head portion 2442.

[0151] The spring 2443 can be compressed or extended according to the movement of the head portion 2442. For example, when the head portion 2442 passes through the groove wall 2413, the head portion 2442 can move in the direction of compressing the spring 2443 (or in the radially inward direction of the rotation axis 243). When the head portion 2442 passes through the groove wall 2413, the head portion 2442 can move again radially outward of the rotation axis 243 by the elastic force of the spring 2443.

[0152] According to the example, the first gear 241 and the second gear 242 can selectively transmit power based on the relative position of the elastomer 244 with respect to the first gear 241. For example, in the case of the first gear 241, power is transmitted from the motor (e.g., Figure 3 When the motor 220 receives power and rotates while the elastic body 244 moves along the groove portion 2412, the power of the first gear 241 may not be transmitted to the second gear 242. For example, when the first gear 241 receives power from the motor 220 and rotates while the elastic body 244 is stuck on or in contact with the groove wall 2413, the groove wall 2413 of the first gear 241 can press the head portion 2442 of the elastic body 244, and the power of the first gear 241 can be transmitted to the second gear 242.

[0153] For example, in a door (e.g., Figure 1When the door 30 is rotated by the user's manual operation, the second gear 242, which receives power from the hinge gear 31, can rotate. When the elastic body 244 moves along the groove portion 2412 while the second gear 242 is rotating, the power of the second gear 242 may not be transmitted to the first gear 241.

[0154] Figures 9a to 9e This is a view showing the operation of the clutch gear unit during the opening and closing of the automatic door.

[0155] Figures 9a to 9e This is shown in the clutch gear unit (e.g., Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the clutch gear unit 240, showing the first gear 241 and the rotating shaft 243 cut across it.

[0156] Figures 9a to 9e The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 1 to 8 Examples of combinations. Figures 9a to 9e The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 10a to 19 Examples of combinations.

[0157] Figures 9a to 9e It is a specific description of the door opening and closing mechanism (e.g., Figure 1 The door opening and closing device 200) is operated to open or close the door (e.g., Figure 1 The view shows the operation of the clutch gear unit 240 during the process of the door 30. In the following description, for ease of description, a clutch gear unit 240 provided with three elastomers 244, three recessed portions 2412 and three recessed walls 2413 is described as an example, but this is an example and the number of each component does not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0158] Figure 9a This is a view showing the connection structure of the clutch gear unit 240 with the door 30 closed. (Refer to...) Figure 9a The door 30 can be prepared to open when the elastic body 244 is stuck in or in contact with the groove wall 2413 of the first gear 241.

[0159] Figure 9b This is a view showing the operation of the clutch gear unit 240 while the door 30 is opened. (Refer to...) Figure 9b It can drive a motor (e.g., Figure 3The motor 220 is used, and the first gear 241 and the second gear 242 are rotatable in a first direction. The first gear 241, which receives power from the motor 220, rotates in the first direction, and with the groove wall 2413 in contact with the elastic body 244, the groove wall 2413 presses against the elastic body 244, and the rotating shaft 243 can rotate. When the rotating shaft 243 rotates in the first direction, the second gear 242 also rotates in the first direction, resulting in the door 30 being able to open automatically. Here, the first direction can be the counterclockwise direction shown in the accompanying drawings. However, this is not limited to this, and the first direction for opening the door 30 can also be clockwise. In this document, for ease of description, the case where the first direction is counterclockwise is described as an example.

[0160] Figure 9c This is a view showing the operation for preparing for door closing after the door 30 has been opened. After the door 30 has been opened, in order to prepare for door closing, the motor 220 can be driven to rotate the first gear 241 in a second direction. The first gear 241 can rotate until the groove wall 2413 contacts another adjacent elastic body 244. When the first gear 241 rotates in the second direction, since the elastic body 244 is located within the groove portion 2412, the power of the first gear 241 may not be transmitted to the rotation shaft 243. Here, the second direction can be the clockwise direction shown in the figure. However, this is not limited to this, and if the first direction is clockwise, the second direction can be counterclockwise.

[0161] Figure 9d This is a view showing the operation of the clutch gear unit 240 while the door 30 is closed. (Refer to...) Figure 9c The motor 220 can be driven, and the first gear 241 and the second gear 242 can rotate in a second direction. The first gear 241, receiving power from the motor 220, rotates in the second direction, and with the groove wall 2413 in contact with the elastic body 244, the groove wall 2413 presses against the elastic body 244, and the rotating shaft 243 can rotate. When the rotating shaft 243 rotates in the second direction, the second gear 242 also rotates in the second direction, resulting in the door 30 automatically closing.

[0162] Figure 9e This is a view illustrating the operation of preparing for door opening after door 30 has been closed. After door 30 has been closed, to prepare for door opening, motor 220 can be driven to rotate the first gear 241 in a first direction. The first gear 241 can rotate until the groove wall 2413 contacts another adjacent elastic body 244. When the first gear 241 rotates in the first direction, since the elastic body 244 is located within the groove portion 2412, the power of the first gear 241 is not transmitted to the rotating shaft 243.

[0163] Figures 9a to 9e The operation process shown is an example illustrating the operation of the clutch gear unit 240 in this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the operation sequence shown.

[0164] Figures 10a to 10c This is a view showing the operation of the clutch gear unit when the door opening and closing operation is switched from automatic to manual.

[0165] Figures 10a to 10c This is shown in the clutch gear unit (e.g., Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the clutch gear unit 240, showing the first gear 241 and the rotating shaft 243 cut across it.

[0166] Figures 10a to 10c The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 1 to 9e Examples of combinations. Figures 10a to 10c The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 11 to 19 Examples of combinations.

[0167] Figures 10a to 10c It is a specific description of the door opening and closing mechanism (e.g., Figure 1 The door opening and closing device 200) is operated to open or close the door (e.g., Figure 1 The view shows the operation of the clutch gear unit 240 during the process of the door 30. In the following description, for ease of description, a clutch gear unit 240 provided with three elastomers 244, three recessed portions 2412 and three recessed walls 1413 is described by way of example, but this is an example and the number of each component does not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0168] Figure 10a The door opening and closing mechanism is shown (e.g., Figure 1 Any point during the process of opening the door 30 in the door opening and closing device 200. For example, Figure 10a It shows that the first gear 241 and the rotating shaft 243 have been... Figure 9a The view of the state is rotated a predetermined distance in the first direction.

[0169] Figure 10b This shows the effect of external forces on the interaction with... Figure 10a The view shows the operation in the case where the first gear 241 rotates in the same direction. Here, external forces may include, for example, due to the user's action on the door (e.g., Figure 1 The external force generated by the operation of the door 30. When the external force acts in the same direction as the rotation direction of the first gear 241, a hinge gear (e.g., on the door 30) is provided. Figure 2The first gear 241 rotates, and the rotation of the first gear 241 is transmitted to the second gear 242, which can have a faster rotational speed than the first gear 241. In this case, as shown, the elastic body 244, which rotates together with the second gear 242, moves along the groove portion 2412, so the power generated by the rotation of the second gear 242 is not transmitted to the first gear 241. Therefore, even when an external force is applied by the user, the load is not applied to the motor 220, thereby preventing performance degradation or failure of the motor 220.

[0170] Even when the user applies external force and the second gear 242 rotates faster than the first gear 241, the motor 220 can still rotate the first gear 241 without stopping by performing a predetermined operation.

[0171] As an example, suppose the door 30 opens when the first gear 241 and the rotating shaft 243 rotate in the first direction. Figure 10b The external force in this context can refer to the additional force that the user uses to directly open the door 30.

[0172] As an example, suppose the door 30 is closed when the first gear 241 and the rotating shaft 243 rotate in the first direction. Figure 10b The external force mentioned can refer to the additional force that the user uses to directly close the door 30.

[0173] Figure 10c This shows the effect of external forces on the interaction with... Figure 10a A view of the operation in the case where the first gear 241 rotates in the opposite direction.

[0174] When an external force acts in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first gear 241, the hinge gear 31 on the door 30 rotates, and the rotation of the hinge gear 31 is transmitted to the second gear 242, which can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. For the second gear 242 to rotate in a direction opposite to the first gear 241, it should pass through the groove wall 2413 that contacts the elastomer 244; therefore, the magnitude of the external force should be sufficient to allow the elastomer 244 to pass through the groove wall 2413. Since the head portion 2442 of the elastomer 244 can move radially in the direction of the rotation axis 243, the elastomer 244 can pass through the groove wall 2413 when sufficient force is applied. After the elastomer 244 passes through the groove wall 2413, the elastomer 244 can move along another adjacent groove portion 2412. Here, the force required for the head portion 2442 to pass through the groove wall 2413 can be referred to as the clutch switching load. For example, as the clutch switching load increases, the force required for the head portion 2442 to pass through the groove wall 2413 can increase.

[0175] According to the example, the magnitude of the clutch switching load can be adjusted by changing the depth to which the elastomer 244 is inserted into the insertion slot 2431 of the rotating shaft 243. For example, as the elastomer 244 is inserted deeper into the insertion slot 2431 of the rotating shaft 243, the magnitude of the clutch switching load can be reduced.

[0176] When the elastic body 244 moves along another adjacent groove portion 2412, the rotational power of the second gear 242 is not transmitted to the first gear 241, thus preventing the application of load to the motor 220 through reverse rotation. Thus, even if an external force is applied to rotate the second gear 242 in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first gear 241, the motor 220 can still rotate the first gear 241 in the first direction. The motor 220 can rotate the first gear 241 in the first direction until the groove wall 2413 contacts the elastic body 244. Since the operation of the motor 220 does not change even when the user operates the door 30, it is not necessary to use a current load or the like to detect reverse rotation in this disclosure. In this disclosure, utilizing the structure of the clutch gear unit 240, even when transitioning from automatic opening and closing of the door 30 to manual opening and closing, the load applied to the motor 220 can be prevented without changing the operation of the motor 220.

[0177] As an example, suppose the door 30 opens when the first gear 241 and the rotating shaft 243 rotate in the first direction. Figure 10b The external force mentioned can refer to the additional force that the user uses to directly close the door 30.

[0178] As an example, suppose the door 30 is closed when the first gear 241 and the rotating shaft 243 rotate in the first direction. Figure 10b The external force in this context can refer to the additional force that the user uses to directly open the door 30.

[0179] Figure 11 This is a view showing an elastomer according to an embodiment.

[0180] Figure 11 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 1 to 10c Examples of combinations. Figure 11 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 12 to 19 Examples of combinations.

[0181] Figure 11 The elastomer 244-1 shown can be replaced by an elastomer (e.g., Figure 7 The elastomer 244) is included in the clutch gear unit (e.g., Figure 7 In the clutch gear unit 240). The same reference numerals are used for Figure 11The components of the elastomer 244-1 shown are related to the elastomer (e.g., Figure 7 The components are basically the same as those of the elastomer 244.

[0182] According to the example, the elastomer 244-1 may include a body portion 2441, a head portion 2442-1, and a spring 2443.

[0183] According to the example, the head portion 2442-1 can have a substantially frustoconical shape. By having a frustoconical shape instead of a spherical shape, the head portion 2442-1 can extend through the groove wall (e.g., Figure 7 The force required for the head portion 2442-1 to pass through the groove wall 2413. Here, the force required for the head portion 2442-1 to pass through the groove wall 2413 can be referred to as the clutch switching load.

[0184] For example, by adjusting the shape of the head portion 2442-1, a second gear can be added (e.g., Figure 7 The second gear 242) is in contact with the first gear (e.g., Figure 7 The magnitude of the force required to rotate the first gear 241 in the opposite direction to its rotation. For example, the magnitude of the clutch switching load can be increased by modifying the shape of the head portion 2442-1, as shown in the figure.

[0185] The head portion 2442-1 can have a cubic shape with tapered corners or a truncated conical shape. In the case of a cubic shape, the degree of tapering can be adjusted.

[0186] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment.

[0187] Figure 12 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 1 to 11 Examples of combinations. Figure 12 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 13 to 19 Examples of combinations.

[0188] Figure 12 This is a view showing a modified shape of the groove wall 1200. The same reference numerals are used for components shown that are substantially the same as or similar to those described above.

[0189] Reference Figure 12 The first gear 241 may include a recessed wall 1200. The recessed wall 1200 may include a first side surface 1210, an upper surface 1220 extending from the first side surface 1210, and a second side surface 1230 extending from the upper surface 1220 and located on the opposite surface of the first side surface 1210.

[0190] According to the example, the clutch switching load can be adjusted by changing the size of the angle D1 formed by the extensions of the first side surface 1210 and the upper surface 1220. For example, as the size of the angle D1 increases, the clutch switching load may increase. As an example, the angle D1 can be 90 degrees, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0191] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the clutch gear unit 240 can adjust the clutch switching load by adjusting the shape of the head portion 2442 of the elastomer 244 and the shape of the groove wall 2413 of the first gear 241, such as in combination. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As stated above.

[0192] Figure 13 This is a view showing a clutch gear unit according to an embodiment.

[0193] Figure 13 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 1 to 12 Examples of combinations. Figure 13 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 14 to 19 Examples of combinations.

[0194] Figure 13 The clutch gear unit 1300 shown can replace Figure 4 The clutch gear unit shown (e.g., Figure 4 (Clutch gear unit 240). For example... Figure 13 The clutch gear unit 1300 shown may include in Figure 4 Door opening and closing devices (e.g., Figure 4 In the door opening and closing device 200).

[0195] Reference Figure 13 The clutch gear unit 1300 may include at least one of a first gear 1310, a second gear 1320, a rotating shaft 1330, or an elastomer 1340. When the second gear 1320 and the rotating shaft 1330 are integrally formed, the rotating shaft 1330 may be included in the second gear 1320.

[0196] According to the example, the first gear 1310 may include a hollow portion 1311. A portion of the second gear 1320 may extend into the hollow portion 1311. For example, a rotating shaft 1330 may extend into the hollow portion 1311. When the rotating shaft 1330 extends into the hollow portion 1311, the first gear 1310 and the second gear 1320 may be stacked and arranged in a vertical direction.

[0197] According to the example, the diameter of the hollow portion 1311 can be larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft 1330. With the rotating shaft 1330 inserted into the hollow portion 1311, the surfaces of the rotating shaft 1330 and the hollow portion 1311 may not be in contact with each other.

[0198] According to the example, the first gear 1310 and the second gear 1320 can be coupled so that power can be selectively transmitted through the elastomer 1340, which will be described below.

[0199] According to the example, the first gear 1310 may include a recessed portion 1312. The recessed portion 1312 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first gear 1310. The recessed portion 1312 may be formed on the surface of the hollow portion 1311. The recessed portion 1312 may be recessed to extend in a circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the first gear 1310. The recessed portion 1312 may be recessed to extend in a circumferential direction on the surface of the hollow portion 1311.

[0200] According to the example, the recessed portion 1312 may include an upper recessed portion 1312a and a lower recessed portion 1312b. The upper recessed portion 1312a and the lower recessed portion 1312b may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in a vertical direction. Here, the vertical direction may refer to the axial direction of the rotation axis 1330. For example, multiple upper recessed portions 1312a may be configured. For example, multiple lower recessed portions 1312b may be configured. According to the example, the upper recessed portion 1312a and the lower recessed portion 1312b may have substantially the same circumferential length. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0201] The groove portion 1312 can be used as a guide rail along which the elastic body 1342, described below, can move. When the elastic body 1342 moves within the groove portion 1312, power transmission between the first gear 1310 and the second gear 1320 can be avoided.

[0202] The accompanying drawings show an example of two layers formed vertically by the upper recessed portion 1312a and the lower recessed portion 1312b, but this is an example and the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, additional recessed portions may be provided to form three or more layers.

[0203] According to the example, the first gear 1310 may include a recessed wall 1313. The recessed wall 1313 may be located between two adjacent recessed portions 1312. Multiple recessed walls 1313 may be configured.

[0204] According to the example, the groove wall 1313 may include an upper groove wall 1313a and a lower groove wall 1313b. The upper groove wall 1313a and the lower groove wall 1313b may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in a vertical direction. Here, the vertical direction may refer to the axial direction of the rotation axis 1330. For example, multiple upper groove walls 1313a may be configured. For example, multiple lower groove walls 1313b may be configured.

[0205] According to the example, the groove wall 1313 may be formed such that a portion of the elastomer 1340 is engaged thereon or in contact with it. For example, the groove wall 1313 may be formed such that the head portion of the elastomer 1340 is engaged thereon or in contact with it.

[0206] According to the example, the elastomer 1340 can be inserted into the rotating shaft 1330. The elastomer 1340 can be inserted into the rotating shaft 1330 such that the head portion faces the radially outward direction of the rotating shaft 1330. The elastomer 1340 can be referred to as, for example, a ball-head plunger or a spring plunger, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0207] According to the example, the first gear 1310 and the second gear 1320 can selectively transmit power depending on the relative position of the elastomer 1340 with respect to the first gear 1310. For example, in the case of the first gear 1310, power is transmitted from the motor (e.g., Figure 3 When the motor 220 receives power and rotates while the elastic body 1340 moves along the groove portion 1312, the power of the first gear 1310 may not be transmitted to the second gear 1320. For example, when the first gear 1310 receives power from the motor 220 and rotates, and the elastic body 1340 is stuck on or in contact with the groove wall 1313, the groove wall 1313 of the first gear 1310 may press a portion of the elastic body 1340, and the power of the first gear 1310 may be transmitted to the second gear 1320.

[0208] For example, in a door (e.g., Figure 1 When the door 30 is rotated by the user's manual operation, the hinge gear (e.g., Figure 3 The second gear 1320, which receives power from the hinge gear 31, can rotate. While the second gear 1320 rotates, the elastic body 1340 moves along the groove portion 1312, and the power of the second gear 1320 may not be transmitted to the first gear 1310.

[0209] According to the example, elastomer 1340 may include an upper elastomer 1341 and a lower elastomer 1342. The upper elastomer 1341 and the lower elastomer 1342 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and disposed thereon. The upper elastomer 1341 and the lower elastomer 1342 may be disposed on different horizontal planes. For example, multiple upper elastomers 1341 may be configured. For example, multiple lower elastomers 1342 may be configured.

[0210] As shown in the figure, the clutch switching load can be increased by setting more elastic bodies 1340 in the vertical direction.

[0211] The accompanying drawings show an example of two layers, with the upper elastomer 1341 and the lower elastomer 1342 vertically formed; however, this is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, additional elastomers may be provided to form three or more layers to increase the clutch switching load.

[0212] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing a dishwasher according to an embodiment. Figure 15 This is a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the dishwasher door in an open state according to an embodiment.

[0213] Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The image shows a view of a dishwasher, which is shown as an example of a cooking device or a household appliance.

[0214] Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 3 to 13 Examples of combinations.

[0215] Reference Figures 14 to 16 The dishwasher 14 may include a body 1410. The body 1410 may include a housing 1412 forming the exterior, a tub 1413 disposed inside the body 1410 and forming a washing chamber 1420, and a door 1414 mounted on the housing 1412 and provided for opening and closing the tub 1413. However, the dishwasher 141 may be provided in a built-in form, in which case the housing 1412 may be omitted.

[0216] The housing 1412 can be provided in an approximate box (14box) shape. One surface of the housing 1412 can be open. In other words, the housing 1412 can have an opening 1412a. As an example, the front surface of the housing 1412 can be open.

[0217] The housing 1412 and the barrel 1413 are provided in a generally hexahedral shape with one surface open. The body 1410 may include a top cover 1411 provided on the upper side of the housing 1412.

[0218] The housing 1412 may include a rear panel 1412e, two side panels 1412c, 1412d extending from one side and the other side of the front portion of the rear panel 1412e, and a front panel 1412f formed by bending from the two side panels 1412c, 1412d. The front panel 1412f may be provided to form an opening 1412a at the front portion of the housing 1412. A door 1414 may be provided to open and close the opening 1412a of the front panel 1412f.

[0219] In embodiments of this disclosure, the front panel 1412f is shown as extending integrally from the two side panels 1412c, 1412d, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0220] Door 1414 can be rotatably mounted on housing 1412. Door 1414 can be hinged to housing 1412 so that it can rotate at the lower end of housing 1412. Door 1414 can be connected to housing 1412 via hinge device 1430.

[0221] Inside the housing 1412, the following may be provided: a water collection unit 1440, located at the lower part of the tub 1413 and collecting water for washing; multiple baskets 1450, configured to be pulled out from inside the housing 1412 to the outside, and tableware placed on the baskets 1450; a guide frame 1460, supporting the multiple baskets 1450; and multiple nozzles 1471, 1472, and 1473, for spraying water from the water collection unit 1440 toward the tableware placed in the multiple baskets 1450.

[0222] Relatively large pieces of tableware can be stored in multiple baskets 1450. There are no restrictions on the type and size of the tableware stored in the multiple baskets 1450. The types of tableware stored in the multiple baskets 1450 can include tableware with relatively large or small volumes.

[0223] Multiple baskets 1450 may include a first basket 1451, a second basket 1452, and a third basket 1453. The first basket 1451 may be attached to the upper part of the bucket 1413, positioned above the second basket 1452 and the third basket 1453. The first basket 1451 may be located above the second basket 1452. The second basket 1452 may be attached to the middle portion of the bucket 1413, positioned below the first basket 1451 and / or above the third basket 1453. The third basket 1453 may be attached to the lower part of the bucket 1413, positioned below the first basket 1451 and the second basket 1452. The first basket 1451 may be a sub-basket 1451, in which tableware of relatively small volume is stored. Small cups, such as espresso cups, may be stored in the sub-basket 1451. However, the type of tableware stored in the sub-basket 1451 is not limited to this example.

[0224] The dishwasher 14 may include: a first guide frame 1461, provided to support a first basket 1451 within a tub 1413; a second guide frame 1462, provided to support a second basket 1452; and a third guide frame 1463, provided to support a third basket 1453. The guide frames 1461, 1462, and 1463 may be tracks for removing baskets 1451, 1452, and 1453, respectively.

[0225] The first guide frame 1461, the second guide frame 1462, and the third guide frame 1463 can be installed on the inner walls 1413b and 1413c of the barrel 1413, allowing the first basket 1451, the second basket 1452, and the third basket 1453 to slide toward the front surface of the barrel 1413. For example, the guide frame 1460 can be installed on the left wall 1413b and the right wall 1413c of the barrel 1413.

[0226] Along the first guide frame 1461, the second guide frame 1462 and the third guide frame 1463, the first basket 1451, the second basket 1452 and the third basket 1453 can slide in the forward / backward direction of the bucket 1413.

[0227] A water collection unit 1440 may be located at the lower center of the housing 1412 and may be used to collect washing water for washing. The water collection unit 1440 may be equipped with a washing pump 1441, which pumps the stored water to the spray unit 1470. The washing water pumped by the washing pump 1441 may be supplied to the first nozzle 1471, the second nozzle 1472 and the third nozzle 1473 through the supply pipe 1480.

[0228] The dishwasher 14 may further include: a wash water heater 1442 disposed at the lower part of the housing 1412 to heat the wash water; and a drain pump 1443 disposed at the lower part of the tub 1413 to drain the wash water.

[0229] The dishwasher 14 may include a spray unit 1470 for spraying washing water. The spray unit 1470 may include: a first nozzle 1471 disposed above the first basket 1451; a second nozzle 1472 disposed above the first basket 1451 and the second basket 1452, i.e., between the second basket 1452 and the third basket 1453; and a third nozzle 1473 disposed at the lower part of the third basket 1453.

[0230] A first nozzle 1471 is provided to be rotatable. The first nozzle 1471 can spray washing water toward tableware stored in a first basket 1451 and / or a second basket 1452. A second nozzle 1472 is provided to be rotatable. The second nozzle 1472 is provided to spray washing water toward tableware stored in a second basket 1452 and a third basket 1453. A third nozzle 1473 is provided to be rotatable. The third nozzle 1473 is provided to spray washing water toward tableware stored in a third basket 1453.

[0231] According to the example, the dishwasher 14 may include a door opening and closing device 200. The door opening and closing device 200 may refer to a device configured to automatically open and close the door 1414 by driving a motor according to an external input, rather than through direct user operation. Here, the door opening and closing device 200 is combined with... Figures 4 to 13 The described door opening and closing devices 200 are substantially the same or similar. Because they have been combined... Figures 4 to 13 The drive and operation of the door opening and closing device 200 are described in detail, and therefore the description is omitted below.

[0232] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 This is a view showing the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the door open. Figure 19 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0233] Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 The image shows a view of an oven, which is shown as an example of a cooking device or a household appliance.

[0234] Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 The embodiments can be selectively associated with Figures 3 to 13 Examples of combinations.

[0235] Reference Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19The cooking apparatus 17 may be an apparatus in which an oven and a cooktop 1730 located above the oven are combined or integrally formed. However, this is an example diagram for description purposes, and the cooktop 1730 may be excluded from the upper part of the oven.

[0236] In the cooking apparatus 17, which vertically combines the cooktop 1730 and the oven, the cooktop 1730 and the oven can have various types of heating source combinations. For example, the cooktop 1730 can provide an electric or gas-type heating source. For example, the oven can be an electric oven or a gas oven. For example, the heating methods of the cooktop 1730 and the oven can be different from each other.

[0237] The cooking apparatus 17 may include a body 1710, which includes an inner shell 1711 forming a cooking chamber 1720 therein and an outer shell 1712 connected to the outside of the inner shell 1711 and forming the exterior of the cooking apparatus 17. Each of the inner shell 1711 and the outer shell 1712 may be configured to have its front surface open.

[0238] The cooking apparatus 17 may include a cooktop 1730, which is provided at the upper end of the cooking apparatus 17, and a container containing food is disposed on the cooktop 1730 and heated. The cooktop 1730 may be provided with at least one heating unit 1731. The container holding the food may be disposed on the heating unit 1731 for heating. The cooktop 1730 may be omitted in the cooking apparatus 17.

[0239] The cooking apparatus 17 may include a door 1750 provided on the front surface of the body 1710 for opening and closing the cooking chamber 1720.

[0240] The housing 1712 may include a front panel 1713 forming the front surface of the body 1710, a side panel 1714 forming the side surface of the body 1710, and a rear panel 1715 forming the rear surface of the body 1710.

[0241] An opening may be provided in the front panel 1713, and the front surface of the cooking chamber 1720, which is located inside the body 1710, can be opened through this opening. A control panel 1741, covering the front surface of the electrical chamber 1740, may be provided at the upper part of the front panel 1713.

[0242] Display module 1760 can be mounted on control panel 1741. Display module 1760 may include a front panel 1761 provided on the front surface of the display unit. Front panel 1761 can be mounted to protect the display unit of display module 1760, but is not limited to this, and can be mounted as a touch panel capable of receiving user touch commands. See below for example... Figure 2 a to Figure 14The display module 1760 and the circuit board assembly included in the display module 1760 are described.

[0243] The control panel 1741 may be disposed on at least a portion of the main body 1710. For example, the control panel 1741 may be disposed on the upper side of the main body 1710. For example, the control panel 1741 may be disposed on the upper side of the front surface of the main body 1710.

[0244] An inlet 1715a may be provided in the rear panel 1715 to allow air to be drawn into the electrical chamber 1740. The air drawn into the electrical chamber 1740 through the inlet 1715a can flow within the electrical chamber 1740 and cool the electrical components disposed within it. The air flowing within the electrical chamber 1740 can be discharged along the discharge path 1772 to the front of the cooking appliance 17 via the outlet 1780. The outlet 1780 may include the space between the front panel 1713 and the control panel 1741. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the outlet 1780 may be provided at various locations to discharge the flowing air within the electrical chamber 1740. The inlet 1715a may be formed at various locations for introducing air into the electrical chamber 1740 and the rear panel 1715.

[0245] The cooking chamber 1720 may be formed by a top plate 1721, a bottom plate 1722, two side panels 1723 arranged facing each other, and a rear panel 1724. The cooking chamber 1720 serves as a cooking space, and its front surface opens through an opening in the front panel 1713, allowing food to be loaded and unloaded.

[0246] Multiple supports 1725 may be provided on the inner surfaces of the two side panels 1723. The multiple supports may be provided to project inwards onto the two opposing side panels 1723. At least one removable bracket 1726 capable of placing food thereon may be mounted on the multiple supports 1725. For example, the multiple supports 1725 may extend horizontally to horizontally mount the bracket 1726.

[0247] Tracks (not shown) capable of dividing the cooking chamber 1720 into multiple sections can be mounted on multiple supports 1725. The user can move the support 1726 via the tracks. Dividers (not shown) capable of dividing the cooking chamber 1720 into multiple sections can be detachably mounted on the multiple supports 1725. The user can use the space of the cooking chamber 1720 divided into multiple sections in various ways according to their intention. The dividers can be formed of insulating material to insulate each divided space.

[0248] A heater 1727 for heating food may be provided in the cooking chamber 1720. The heater 1727 may be an electric heater including a resistor. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the heater 1727 may be a gas heater that generates heat by burning gas.

[0249] A circulating fan 1728 and a circulating motor 1729 can be provided on the rear panel 1724 of the cooking chamber 1720. The circulating fan 1728 circulates the air in the cooking chamber 1720 so that the food is heated evenly, and the circulating motor 1729 drives the circulating fan 1728.

[0250] A fan cover 1728a covering the circulating fan 1728 can be provided on the front of the circulating fan 1728, and an outlet hole 1728b for airflow can be formed in the fan cover 1728a.

[0251] The open front surface of the cooking chamber 1720 is opened and closed via a door 1750, and the door 1750 can be coupled to the body 1710 to be rotatable relative to the body 1710. For example, the door 1750 can be coupled to the body 1710 via a hinge 1751 provided at the lower part of the body 1710.

[0252] A handle for the user to grip, allowing the door 1750 to open and close the cooking chamber 1720, can be provided at the upper front of the door 1750.

[0253] A knob assembly 1790 capable of operating the cooking appliance 17 can be provided on the control panel 1741. Multiple knob assemblies 1790 can be provided depending on the number of heating units 1731 to be operated. For example, four knob assemblies 1790 can be provided as shown. According to the example, the knob assembly 1790 can be operated by pressing and rotating.

[0254] Insulation material 1720a can be provided between the electrical room 1740 and the cooking chamber 1720 to prevent heat transfer from the cooking chamber 1720 to the electrical room 1740. Insulation material 1720a can insulate the electrical room 1740 and the cooking chamber 1720. Insulation material 1720a can completely cover the exterior of the cooking chamber 1720 to prevent heat transfer from the cooking device 17 to the exterior and the space between the mechanical room 1740 and the cooking chamber 1720.

[0255] Since the interior of the electrical chamber 1740 may become hot due to the heat from various electrical components, the cooking appliance 17 may be provided with a blower 1770 that can cool the electrical chamber 1740 by circulating air around it. The blower 1770 may include a fan 1771 for directing airflow and an exhaust path 1772 for discharging the air drawn in by the fan 1771 to the front of the cooking appliance 17.

[0256] Blower fan 1771 can draw in air in the axial direction and then discharge air in the radial direction. In other words, blower fan 1771 according to this disclosure can be a centrifugal fan. Alternatively, blower fan 1771 can include an axial fan.

[0257] A portion of the air inside the cooking chamber 1720 can be drawn in through the cooking chamber flow path 1773 toward the discharge flow path 1772 and discharged to the outside of the cooking appliance 17. For example, the air inside the cooking chamber 1720 can be discharged to the front surface of the cooking appliance 17.

[0258] The discharge path 1772 may include a bypass orifice 1774, which allows a portion of the air flowing to the outlet 1780 to flow into the cooking chamber path 1773. The bypass orifice 1774 can be opened or closed by an on / off device 1775. When the bypass orifice 1774 is opened / closed by the on / off device 1775, the amount of air flowing from the discharge path 1772 to the outlet 1780 and introduced into the cooking chamber path 1773 can be adjusted. Airflow adjustment can be used to regulate the amount of air discharged from the cooking chamber 1720 into the cooking chamber path 1773.

[0259] According to the example, the cooking apparatus 17 may include a door opening and closing device 200. The door opening and closing device 200 may refer to a device configured to automatically open and close the door 1750 by driving a motor according to an external input, rather than by direct user operation to open or close the door 1750. Here, the door opening and closing device 200 is combined with... Figures 4 to 13 The described door opening and closing devices 200 are substantially the same or similar. Because they have been combined... Figures 4 to 13 The drive and operation of the door opening and closing device 200 are described in detail, and therefore the description is omitted below.

[0260] In this document, refrigerator 1, dishwasher 14 and cooking appliance 17 have been described as examples of household appliances in which door opening and closing device 200 is applied, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and door opening and closing device 200 can be provided in any household appliance configured to automatically open and close the door.

Claims

1. A household appliance, comprising: Doors (30, 1414, 1750); as well as A door opening and closing device (200) is provided for opening and closing the door (30, 1414, 1750), wherein the door opening and closing device (200) includes: Motor (220); The first gear (241) receives power from the motor (220) and includes a hollow portion (2411), a plurality of groove portions (2412) formed on the inner circumferential surface in a circumferential direction, and groove walls (2413) provided between the plurality of groove portions (2412). The second gear (242) includes a rotating shaft (243) inserted into the hollow portion (2411) of the first gear (241); and An elastomer (244) is coupled to the rotating shaft (243) and has elasticity in the radial direction of the rotating shaft (243), and is configured such that a portion of the elastomer is inserted into the groove portion (2412) of the first gear (241).

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The door opening and closing device (200) is configured to transmit power from the first gear (241) to the second gear (242) when the elastomer (244) is engaged with or in contact with the groove wall (2413).

3. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of recessed portions (2412) include a first recessed portion (2412a) and a second recessed portion (2412b), and The groove wall (2413) is located between the first groove portion (2412a) and the second groove portion (2412b).

4. The household appliance according to claim 3, wherein, The circumferential length of the first groove portion (2412a) and the circumferential length of the second groove portion (2412b) are substantially equal.

5. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, As the elastomer (244) moves along one of the plurality of recessed portions (2412), the power transmission between the first gear (241) and the second gear (242) is configured to be released.

6. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The door opening and closing device (200) includes a door-side gear unit (250) configured to transmit power between the second gear (242) and the door (30, 1414, 1750).

7. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The diameter of the rotating shaft (243) is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the hollow portion (2411) of the first gear (241).

8. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When the motor (220) is driven to rotate the first gear (241) in a first direction, the door (30, 1414, 1750) opens, and when the motor (220) is driven to rotate the first gear (241) in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the door (30, 1414, 1750) closes.

9. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The elastic body (244) includes an upper elastic body (244) and a lower elastic body (244) spaced apart in the vertical direction, and The groove portion (2412) includes an upper groove portion (2412) and a lower groove portion (2412) that are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

10. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The elastomer (244) comprises: Main body (2441); The spring (2443) is housed within the main body portion (2441); and The head portion (2442) is supported by one side of the spring (2443) and is configured such that a portion of it is housed within the body portion (2441).

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The head portion (2442) has a spherical shape.

12. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, When the first gear (241) rotates in the first direction via the motor (220), and the second gear (242) rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction by an external force, the elastic body (244) is configured to pass through the groove wall (2413) and move along an adjacent groove portion (2412).

13. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The motor (220) is configured to move as a predetermined input value even when the force is applied in the opposite direction when it is driven to open or close the doors (30, 1414, 1750).

14. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The elastomer (244) is a ball-head plunger.

15. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The household appliance is at least one of a refrigerator (1), a dishwasher (14), or a cooking appliance (17).

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