refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of one embodiment comprises: a cabinet forming a storage space; and doors connected to the cabinet. The doors comprise: a main door for opening / closing the storage space; a sub-door rotatable with respect to the main door, an auto-closing device for providing closing force to the sub-door when same is closing; and a damping apparatus for providing damping force to the sub-door when same is closing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing foods in an internal storage space, which is shield by a door, at a low temperature by low temperature air. For this, the refrigerator is configured to accommodate the stored food in an optimum state by cooling the internal storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] In recent years, refrigerators tend to increase more and more in size and provide multi-functions due to the trends of change of dietary life and high quality, and thus, refrigerators having various structures in consideration of user convenience are brought to the market.

[0004] When a device is provided to provide a space for door storage of a refrigerator or to provide additional functions such as an ice maker or dispenser, a weight of the door increases. Even when heavy materials such as glass and metal are used to enhance an outer appearance of the refrigerator door, the weight of the door increases.

[0005] When the weight of the refrigerator door increases, there is a limitation that it takes a lot of effort to open and close the refrigerator door, and limitations such as noise or items falling due to an impact at the moment the door is closed may occur.

[0006] To solve these limitations, a refrigerator including a device that provides door closing force to a door rotation axis or a position that is adjacent to the door rotation axis is disclosed in Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0075659 and Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0132619.

[0007] However, in these technologies according to the related art, there is a limitation in that the closing force applied to the door is added, and thus, more force is required when opening the door, and there is a limitation in that the door is opened due to repulsive force at the moment the door is closed.[Disclosure] / [Technical Problem]

[0008] One embodiment provides a refrigerator and home appliance in which a door is automatically closed during a door closing process, and an impact is reduced by a damping device when the door is closed.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of preventing micro-opening of a door.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which, when the refrigerator door includes a main door and a sub door, impact can be reduced by a damping device during a closing process of each of the main door and the sub door.[Technical Solution]

[0011] According to one aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet. The door may include a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable relative to the main door, and a damping device to provide damping force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0012] The refrigerator may further include an auto closing device to provide closing force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0013] While the auto closing device provides closing force to the sub door, the damping device may provide damping force to the sub door.

[0014] The refrigerator may further include at least one of an additional auto closing device that provides closing force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, or an additional damping device that provides damping force to the main door during a closing process of the main door.

[0015] The damping device may include a damper that generates damping force during a movement process.

[0016] The auto closing device and the damping device may be installed at the sub door. The main door may include a contact portion that presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0017] The door may further include a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door. The sub door bracket may include a contact portion that presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0018] The auto closing device may include a lever rotatable at a position spaced apart from a rotational center of the door and an elastic member connected to the lever.

[0019] During a closing process of the sub door, the lever may press the damper.

[0020] The damper may include a connection portion, and the lever may include a slot to which the connection portion is coupled.

[0021] The auto closing device may further include a case that receives the elastic member. The case may include an outer body that receives the damper, or the outer body may be installed at the door at a position adjacent to the case.

[0022] The sub door bracket may include a contact surface in contact with the lever during a closing process of the sub door.

[0023] The damping device may be positioned within the case.

[0024] The damping device further includes a damper connection portion connected to the damper, and while the sub door is opened and then closed, the lever may move the damper connection portion to move the damper to a first position. After the damper is moved to the first position, the damper may be pressed by the sub door bracket to be moved to a second position to generate damping force during an additional closing process of the sub door.

[0025] The auto closing device may be installed at the sub door, and the damping device may be installed at the main door.

[0026] The auto closing device may include an elastic body that is in contact with the sub door bracket and presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0027] The auto closing device may include a plate spring installed at the sub door bracket, and a damper contact portion that is in contact with the plate spring and presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0028] The auto closing device and the damping device may be installed at the main door, or the auto closing device may be installed at the main door and the damping device may be installed at the sub door.

[0029] The main door may be provided with an opening in which at least a portion of the sub door is positioned, and a slot for inserting the sub door bracket. During a closing process of the sub door, the sub door or the sub door bracket may press the damper, or the main door may press the damper.

[0030] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet to form a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door may include a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable with respect to the main door, a first damping device to provide a damping force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second damping device to providing a damping force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0031] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet to form a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door may include a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable relative to the main door, a first auto closing device to provide closing force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second auto closing device to provide closing force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0032] A home appliance according to another aspect may include some or all of the door related components of the refrigerator mentioned above.[Advantageous Effects]

[0033] According to one embodiment, a door can be automatically closed while a damping device reduces an impact during a closing process of a door.

[0034] According to one embodiment, an auto closing device provides force in a closing direction, thereby preventing a door from being slightly opened.

[0035] According to one embodiment, even when a refrigerator door includes a main door and a sub door, a damping device can reduce an impact during a closing process of each of the main door and the sub door.

[0036] According to one embodiment, since an auto closing device can be installed at a position spaced apart from a rotational center of a sub door, there is an advantage in that the auto closing device can be installed at a thin sub door.[Description of Drawings]

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of a door of FIG. 1 from below. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a main hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first damping device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a second damping device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a second damping device. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an auto closing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a sub hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a first part when a closing angle of a sub door is at a second preset angle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a third part by reducing a closing angle of the sub door. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an auto closing device and a second damping device installed at a sub door according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a portion of a damping device is separated from an auto closing device of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with the first part in a state in which a closing angle of a sub door is a second set angle. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to a third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which a sub door in FIG. 19 is rotated. FIG. 21 is a plan view of a door according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a front view of a door according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a first part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a second part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 29 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is opened at a predetermined angle according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a first angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a second angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 33A is a drawing showing a latch for connecting a main door and a sub door, and FIG. 33B is a drawing showing an operating portion for operating a latch. FIG. 34 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a tenth embodiment. FIG. 36 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 37 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a twelfth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Mode for Invention]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of a door of FIG. 1 from below. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1.

[0039] Before explain the embodiments, various directions are defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction facing a front surface of the door illustrated in FIG. 1 may be defined as a front direction, a direction facing a cabinet with respect to a front surface of the door will be defined as a rear direction, a direction facing a bottom surface on which the refrigerator is installed will be defined as a downward direction, and a direction that is away from the bottom surface will be defined as an upward direction. When indicating a previously undefined direction, a direction may be described by being defined based on each drawing.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may be independently installed at a kitchen or accommodated within an indoor furniture cabinet. When installed within an indoor furniture cabinet, a refrigerator 1 may be installed independently or arranged left and right with another refrigerator. The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0041] The storage space may be divided into, but is not limited to, a first space at an upper side and a second space at a lower side. The door 20 may also include a first door 21 than opens and closes the first space and a second door 22 that opens and closes the second space. The first space may be a refrigerating chamber and the second space may be a freezing chamber, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space divided left and right. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, and a single door may open and close the storage space.

[0042] At least one of the first door 21 or the second door 22 may be a rotary door. Alternatively, a single door 20 may be a rotary door.

[0043] The door 20 may include, for example, a main door (or inner door) 23 and a sub door (or outer door) 24. The main door 23 opens and closes the storage space, and the sub door 24 may be rotatable relative to the main door 23. The sub door 24 may be positioned in front of the main door 23.

[0044] When the main door 23 is rotated, the sub door 24 may be rotated together with the main door 23. The sub door 24 may be rotated independently of the main door 23. For example, the sub door 24 may be rotated while the main door 23 is closed.

[0045] The refrigerator 1 may further include a main hinge bracket 31 for rotating the main door 23. The main hinge bracket 31 may provide a rotation center of the main door 23. For example, the main hinge bracket 31 may include a main door shaft.

[0046] The main hinge bracket 31 may be positioned at upper and lower sides of the main door 23. At this time, a shape of the main hinge bracket positioned at the upper side of the main door 23 may be the same as or different from a shape of the main hinge bracket positioned at the lower side of the main door 23. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, the main hinge bracket 31 positioned at the lower side of the main door 23. The main hinge bracket 31 may be installed at the cabinet 10 to support the main door 23.

[0047] The refrigerator 1 may further include a first damping device 26 that provides a damping force to the main door 23. The first damping device 26 may be installed at the main door 23. In a process of closing the main door 23 after the main door is opened, the first damping device 26 may provide damping force to the main door 23 to reduce a closing speed of the main door 23. Since the damping force is applied by a resistance of oil flow inside the first damping device 26, it may be called a hydraulic damper or an oil damper.

[0048] The first damping device 26 may be positioned at one side of the main hinge bracket 31. The first damping device 26 may be selectively in contact with the main hinge bracket 31. The first damping device 26 may be selectively pressed by the main hinge bracket 31 according to a rotation angle of the main door 23 when the main door 23 is rotated in a closing direction.

[0049] The main door 23 may include a cap decoration 231. The first damping device 26 may be installed at the cap decoration 231. The cap decoration 231 may be provided with a shielding portion 232. The shielding portion 232 may protrude from one surface of the cap decoration 231, thereby reducing an exposure of the first damping device 26 from a front.

[0050] The refrigerator 1 may further include a sub hinge bracket 33 for a rotation of the sub door 24. The sub hinge bracket 33 may provide a rotation center of the sub door 24. For example, the sub hinge bracket 33 may include a sub door shaft. The sub hinge bracket 33 may be positioned at upper and lower sides of the sub door 24. At this time, a shape of the sub hinge bracket positioned at the upper side of the sub door 24 may be the same as or different from a shape of the sub hinge bracket positioned at the lower side of the sub door 24. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, the sub hinge bracket 33 positioned at the lower side of the sub door 24. The sub hinge bracket 33 may be installed at the main door 23 to support the sub door 24.

[0051] The main door 23 may include an auto closing device 25 (or a first auto closing device) that provides a closing force to the main door 23 during a closing process the main door 23

[0052] after the main door is opened. The auto closing device 25 may be positioned on the same extension as a rotation center of the main door 23 and may be coupled to the main hinge bracket 31.

[0053] The sub door 24 may include an auto closing device 40 (or a second auto closing device) that provides a closing force to the sub door 24 during a closing process of the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened.

[0054] The auto closing device 40 may be positioned adjacent to the sub hinge bracket 33. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the auto closing device 40 being positioned at a lower side of the sub door 24. A structure of the auto closing device 25 provided to the main door 23 may differ from a structure of the auto closing device 40 provided to the sub door 24, but in some cases, the same or similar structure may be applied.

[0055] The auto closing device 40 may provide closing force to the sub door 24 while interacting with the sub hinge bracket 33 during a closing process of the sub door 24.

[0056] The sub door 24 may include a door frame. The door frame may form an outer appearance of the sub door 24. The door frame may include a cap decoration 241. The cap decoration 241 may be provided with an operating portion 243 to operate a latch for coupling the main door 23 and the sub door 24. In a state in which the main door 23 and the sub door 24 are coupled by the latch, the main door 23 and the sub door 24 may rotate together.

[0057] The cap decoration 241 may be provided with a mounting portion 246 for mounting the auto closing device 40. The mounting portion 246 may be formed in a recessed shape, for example. The auto closing device 40 may be coupled to the cap decoration 241 while being received in the mounting portion 246.

[0058] In a state where the auto closing device 40 is received in the mounting portion 246, a portion of the auto closing device 40 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the sub door 33 to interact with the sub hinge bracket 33.

[0059] The sub door 24 may further include a second damping device 50. The second damping device 50 may generate a damping force while the sub door 24 is closed.

[0060] In the present specification, the second damping device 50 may reduce a closing speed of the sub door 24 in a process in which the sub door 24 is automatically closed by the auto closing device 40.

[0061] The main door 23 may include a contact portion 233 in contact with the second damping device 50. During a process of closing the sub door 24, the second damping device 50 may be in contact with the contact portion 233 to generate a damping force. At this time, the contact portion 233 may be a separate component from the shield portion 232 or may be a portion of the shield portion 232.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a main hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, the main hinge bracket 31 may include a coupling portion 311 for coupling to the cabinet 10. The main hinge bracket 30 may further include a bracket body 312 extending from the coupling portion 311.

[0064] The bracket body 312 may provide a rotation center C1 of the main door 23. The bracket body 312 may include a contact surface 313 that is in contact with the first damping device 26.

[0065] When an opening angle (or closing angle) of the main door 23 is within a first set angle, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the contact surface 313. The first damping device 26 may move along the contact surface 313 during a process of opening or closing the main door 23 within an angle range less than the first set angle.

[0066] The contact surface 313 may include a first part 314. The first part 314 is a part that the first damping device 26 initially comes into contact with during a closing of the main door 23. Therefore, when the main door 23 is opened at an angle greater than the first set angle, the first damping device 26 does not come into contact with the first part 314. When an opening angle of the main door 23 becomes less than the first set angle, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the first part 314.

[0067] The contact surface 313 may further include a second part 315 extending from the first part 314. A distance from the rotation center C1 to the second part 315 may be greater than a distance from the rotation center C1 to the first part 314.

[0068] The contact surface 313 may further include a third part 316 extending from the second part 315. In a state in which the main door 23 is closed, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the third part 316.

[0069] A distance from the rotation center C1 to the third part 316 may be greater than a distance from the rotation center C1 to the second part 315.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first damping device according to a first embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the first damping device 26 may include a housing 261. The housing 261 may be installed at the main door 23.

[0072] The housing 261 may have a receiving space 260 provided with an opening. A cylinder 264 may be received within the receiving space 260. The housing 261 may have opening so that the cylinder 264 may be inserted therein, and the cylinder 264 may be protruded or inserted through the opening of the housing 261.

[0073] A coupling portion 262 mounted to the cap decoration 231 may be formed on one side of the housing 261. A plurality of screw holes 262a may be formed in the coupling portion 262.

[0074] The first damping device 26 may include the cylinder 264. The cylinder 264 may be inserted into the receiving space 260. The cylinder 264 may include a contact portion 264a in contact with the contact surface 313.

[0075] The contact portion 264a may be formed in a shape in which a central portion protrudes and both ends becomes lower than the central portion. Accordingly, the contact portion 264a may have a protruding central portion that comes into contact with the contact surface 313, and a force may be applied in a direction crossing a tangent line of the contact surface 313, i.e., in an insertion direction of the cylinder 264. The contact portion 264a may be formed in a shape in which both ends become lower with respect to the central portion of the cylinder 264, thereby preventing unnecessary interference with points other than one point of the contact surface 213 during a rotation of the main door 23. The contact portion 264a may include a curved surface.

[0076] One end of the cylinder 264 is exposed to an outside of the housing 261, and another end may be maintained in a state inserted into an interior of the receiving space 260. When the cylinder 264 is pressed, the cylinder 264 may be inserted while being buffered by a flow of oil inside the first damping device 26.

[0077] Meanwhile, a buffer space 264b having one end opened may be formed inside the cylinder 264. A piston 267 may be movable disposed within the buffer space 264b with respect to the cylinder 264. The open end of the cylinder 264 may be shielded by a sealing member 268. The piston 267 may be supported by the elastic member 265 within the buffer space 264b. The buffer space 264b may be filled with oil for damping. A rod 266 may be connected to the piston 267. The rod 266 may pass through the sealing member 268 and extend to an outside of the cylinder 264, and may be fixed to an inside of the housing 261. The buffer space 264b may be formed in the receiving space 260 as needed. The buffer space 264b may be located inside the housing 261, i.e., within the receiving space 260.

[0078] When the cylinder 264 protrudes outward and the contact portion 264a of the cylinder 264 is in contact with the contact surface 313 during a closing process of the main door 23, the cylinder 264 may be inserted into an interior of the housing 261. At this time, the cylinder 264 moves along the rod 266, and the cylinder 264 may move relative to the piston 267 within the buffer space 264b.

[0079] In the present embodiment, when the cylinder 264 moves, oil in the buffer space 264b may pass through an orifice formed in the piston 267 and move to a space between the piston 267 and the sealing member 268. The oil in the buffer space 264b passes through the orifice and flows at a constant flow rate, thereby providing constant oil resistance. This oil resistance acts as a damping force.

[0080] FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a second damping device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a second damping device.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, the second damping device 50 may include an outer body 530 and a damper 510 received in the outer body 530.

[0082] The outer body 530 may be installed at the sub door 24. The outer body 530 may include a coupling portion 532 for coupling to the sub door 24.

[0083] The damper 510 may include a housing 511 and a rod 512 relatively movable with respect to the housing 511.

[0084] The load 512 may be fixed to the outer body 530. The housing 511 may be movable relative to the outer body 530 while being received in the outer body 530.

[0085] The second damping device 50 may further include a spring 540 that provides elastic force to the damper 510.

[0086] The damper 510 may include a contact member 520 that is coupled to the housing 511 of the damper 510 and moves together with the housing 511. The contact member 520 may form an exterior of the damper 510. Alternatively, the contact member 520 may be coupled to the housing 511 at a position where the contact member 520 may come into contact with the contact portion 233 of the main door 23. Alternatively, the contact member 520 may be omitted.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an auto closing device according to a first embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 7, an auto closing device 40 of the present embodiment may include a case 410. At least a portion of the case 410 may be received in the mounting portion 246.

[0089] The case 410 may include one or more extension portions 411. A coupling hole 412 may be formed in the extension portion 411. A coupling member may pass through the coupling hole 412 and be coupled to the sub door 24.

[0090] The auto closing device 40 may further include a lever 420 rotatable with respect to the case 410. The lever 420 may be rotatably connected to the case 410. That is, the case 410 is a fixed member, and the lever 420 is a movable member.

[0091] The auto closing device 40 may further include an elastic member 440. The elastic member 440 may be received in the case 410. The elastic member 440 may be connected to the lever 420. The elastic member 440 may be directly connected to the lever 420, or may be connected to the lever 420 by a separate member.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 7, the elastic member 440 may be connected to the elastic member 440 by, for example, a connector 430. The connector 430 may be coupled to the lever 420 and may rotate together with the lever 420. The elastic member 440 may be, for example, a torsion spring. One end of the elastic member 440 may be fixed to the case 410, and the other end may be connected to the connector 430.

[0093] When the lever 420 is rotated in one direction while one end of the elastic member 440 is fixed, the other end of the elastic member 440 connected to the connector 430 may be rotated in the one direction.

[0094] When the other end of the elastic member 440 is rotated in the one direction, the elastic member 440 accumulates elastic force. The elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 440 may act on the lever 420 to rotate the lever 420 in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0095] The lever 420 may include a first body 422. The first body 422 may be connected to the elastic member 440 or to the connector 430.

[0096] A rotation center C3 of the lever 420 may pass through the first body 422.

[0097] The lever 420 may include a second body 424 extending to one side from the first body 422. The second body 424 may be provided with a contact portion 428 in contact with the sub hinge bracket 33. The contact portion 428 may be a portion of the second body 424 or may be coupled to the second body 424.

[0098] When the contact portion 428 is coupled to the second body 424, the contact portion 428 may be formed of an elastically deformable material. Alternatively, the contact portion 428 may be rotatably coupled to the second body 424. For example, the contact portion 428 may be a roller.

[0099] The auto closing device 40 may further include a cover 418. The cover 418 may be coupled to the case 410 in a state in which the lever 420 is connected to the connector 430 or the elastic member 440. The case 410 or the cover 418 may be provided with a slot that provides a path to allow a rotation of the lever 420.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a sub hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 8, the sub hinge bracket 33 may include a coupling portion 331 for coupling to the main door 23. The sub hinge bracket 33 may further include a bracket body 332 extending from the coupling portion 331.

[0102] The bracket body 332 may provide a rotation center C2 of the sub door 24. The bracket body 332 may include a contact surface 333 in contact with the lever 420.

[0103] When an opening angle (or closing angle) of the sub door 24 is within a second set angle, the lever 420 may be in contact with the contact surface 333. When the sub door 24 is opened or closed within an angle range less than the second set angle, the lever 420 may move along the contact surface 333.

[0104] The contact surface 333 may include a first part 334. The first part 334 is a part that the lever 420 first comes into contact with when the sub door 24 is closed. Therefore, when the sub door 24 is opened at an angle greater than the second set angle, the lever 420 does not come into contact with the first part 334. When the opening angle of the sub door 24 becomes less than or equal to the second set angle, the lever 420 may be in contact with the first part 334. The first part 334 may include an initial point and an end point. A distance between the first part 334 and the rotation center C2 may increase from the initial point to the end point.

[0105] The contact surface 333 may further include a second part 335 extending from the first part 334. The second part 335 may be inclined with respect to the first part 334. The second part 335 may include an initial point and an end point. A distance between the second part 335 and the center of rotation C2 may decrease from the initial point to the end point.

[0106] The contact surface 333 may further include a third part 336 extending from the second part 335. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the lever 420 may be in contact with the third part 336. A distance from the rotation center C2 to the third part 336 may be less than a distance from the rotation center C2 to the second part 335.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a first part when a closing angle of a sub door is at a second preset angle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a third part by reducing a closing angle of the sub door.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed.

[0109] In FIG. 9, a position of a damper may be referred to as a first position, and in FIG. 12, a position of the damper may be referred to as a second position.

[0110] Referring to Figs. 4 to 12, when the lever 420 is spaced apart from the contact surface 333 during a process of closing the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened, no external force is applied to the lever 420.

[0111] During a closing of the sub door 24 in a first direction (counterclockwise in the drawing), when the sub door 24 forms a second set angle with a front surface of the cabinet 10 or a front surface of the main door 23, the lever 420 may be in contact with the first part 334 of the contact surface 333. At a time point when the lever 420 is in contact with the contact surface 333, the damper 510 remains positioned at the first position. A first position of the damper 510 may be a state in which the spring 540 within the damper 510 is tensioned so that the damper 510 protrudes outward from the housing body 530 to a maximum extent.

[0112] When the sub door 24 is additionally rotated in the first direction in a state in which the lever 420 is in contact with the first part 334, the lever 420 is rotated in a second direction (clockwise with reference to FIG. 10) opposite to the first direction due to an inclination of the first part 334. That is, in a process of closing the sub door 24, the first part 334 applies a resistance force to the lever 420 so that the lever 420 rotates in the second direction. When the lever 420 rotates in the second direction, the other end of the elastic member 440 rotates in the second direction, causing the elastic member 440 to accumulate elastic force.

[0113] As the sub door 24 closes, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 increases as the contact portion of the lever 420 moves from a starting point of the first part 334 toward the second part 335.

[0114] When the lever 420 is in contact with the second part 335 during a closing process of the sub door 24, the lever 420 rotates in the first direction. When the lever 420 rotates in the first direction, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases. When the lever 420 is released from the first part 334 during the closing process of the sub door 24, a resistance applied to the lever 420 is removed. Then, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 acts on the lever 420, so that the sub door 24 may be automatically closed. That is, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases during a process of the lever 420 moving along the second part 335. The decreasing elastic force acts as a closing force of the sub door 24.

[0115] The damper 510 may be pressed by the contact portion 233 of the main door 23 while the lever 420 moves along the second part 335 or in a state in which the lever 420 is in contact with the third part 336. When the damper 510 is pressed by the contact portion 233 of the main door 23, the damper 510 may move from the first position to the second position. In a process of the damper 510 moving from the first position to the second position, a damping force may be applied to the sub door 24. When the sub door 24 is closed, the spring 540 may be contracted.

[0116] As the lever 420 moves along the second part 335 and the third part 336, the auto closing device 40 provides closing force to the sub door 24, while the second damping device 50 provides damping force to the sub door 24.

[0117] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, in the process of closing the sub door 24, the sub door 24 may be automatically closed by the auto closing device 40, and in a period in which the sub door 24 is automatically closed by the auto closing device 40, the sub door 24 may be smoothly closed by the damping force of the second damping device 50. In addition, when the sub door 24 is closed, the auto closing device 40 may continuously provide closing force to the sub door 24. Accordingly, micro-opening of the sub door 24 may be prevented.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an auto closing device and a second damping device installed at a sub door according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a portion of a damping device is separated from an auto closing device of the second embodiment.

[0119] This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other portions, except that there are differences in a shape and an installation location of the second damping device. Therefore, only the characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an auto closing device 40a of the present embodiment may be formed integrally with the second damping device 60. Alternatively, the second damping device 60 may be mounted on the auto closing device 40a. The auto closing device 40a may include a lever 420a. Since a basic structure of the auto closing device 40a is the same as the auto closing device 40 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] The second damping device 60 may include an outer body 610 and a damper 630 received in the outer body 610. The outer body 610 may be formed integrally with the case 410 of the auto closing device 40a or may be coupled to the case 410.

[0122] The damper 630 may include a housing 631 and a rod 632 movable relative to the housing 631. The rod 632 may be fixed to the outer body 610. The housing 631 may be movable relative to the outer body 610 while being received in the outer body 610.

[0123] The damper 630 may further include a contact member 620 positioned at an outside of the housing 631. The contact member 620 may form an exterior of the damper 630. Alternatively, the contact member 620 may be coupled to the housing 631 at a position where the contact member 620 may come into contact with the lever 420a of the auto closing device 40a. Alternatively, the contact member 620 may be formed integrally with the housing 631. Alternatively, the contact member 620 may be omitted.

[0124] Since the sub door bracket 33 of the present embodiment is the same as the sub door bracket 33 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with the first part in a state in which a closing angle of a sub door is a second set angle. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a second embodiment.

[0126] In FIG. 16, a position of the damper may be referred to as a first position, and in FIGS. 15 and 17, a position of the damper may be referred to as a second position.

[0127] Referring to Figs. 13 to 17, the second damping device 60 may be positioned between a rotation center C3 of the lever 420a and a rotation center C2 of the sub door 24.

[0128] When the lever 420a is spaced apart from the contact surface 333 during a process of closing the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened, no external force is applied to the lever 420a.

[0129] When the sub door 24 closes in a first direction (counterclockwise in the drawing), when the sub door 24 forms a second set angle with a front surface of the cabinet 10 or a front surface of the main door 23, the lever 420a may be in contact with the first part 334 of the contact surface 333.

[0130] At a time point in which the lever 420a is in contact with the contact surface 333, the damper 630 remains positioned at the second position. The second position of the damper 630 may be a state in which the lever 420a presses the damper 630. When the damper 630 is pressed, the spring 635 within the damper 630 may be in a contracted state.

[0131] When the sub door 24 is additionally rotated in the first direction while the lever 420a is in contact with the first part 334, the lever 420a is rotated in a second direction (clockwise with reference to FIG. 16) opposite to the first direction due to an inclination of the first part 334. That is, in a process of closing the sub door 24, the first part 334 applies a resistance force to the lever 420a to cause the lever 420a to rotate in the second direction.

[0132] When the lever 420a is rotated in the second direction, the other end of the elastic member 440 is rotated in the second direction, causing the elastic member 440 to accumulate elastic force.

[0133] As the sub door 24 closes, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 increases as the lever 420a moves from a starting point of the first part 334 toward the second part 335. As the lever 420a rotates in the second direction, a pressure of the lever 420a applied on the damper 630 decreases, and the damper 630 moves in a third direction toward the first position by the spring 635.

[0134] The third direction may be a direction approaching the main door 23. The third direction may be a direction in which a protruding length of the housing 631 in the outer body 610 increases. The housing 631 may move linearly in the third direction.

[0135] When the lever 420a reaches the end point of the first part 334 during a closing process of the sub door 24, the damper 630 reaches the first position. A damping force that may be applied when the damper 630 is positioned at the first position may be maximum.

[0136] Meanwhile, an elastic force of the spring 635 provided in the second damping device 60 may be less than an elastic force of the elastic member 440 of the auto closing device 40.

[0137] Accordingly, when the sub door 24 is opened at an angle greater than the second set angle, the damper 630 may be maintained in the second position by the elastic force of the elastic member 440.

[0138] Dusing a closing process of the sub door 24, when the lever 420a is in contact with the second part 335, the lever 420a rotates in the first direction. When the lever 420a rotates in the first direction, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases. When the lever 420a is released from the first part 334 during the closing process of the sub door 24, a resistance applied to the lever 420a is removed. Then, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 acts on the lever 420a, so that the sub door 24 may be automatically closed. That is, as the lever 420a moves along the second part 335, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases. The decreasing elastic force acts as a closing force of the sub door 24.

[0139] As the lever 420a moves along the second part 335, a rotational force of the lever 420a in the first direction is transmitted to the damper 630.

[0140] The damper 630 may be moved from the first position to the second position in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction by being pressed by the lever 420a.

[0141] During a movement of the damper 630 in the fourth direction, a damping force may be applied to the lever 420a.

[0142] As the lever 420a moves along the second part 335, the auto closing device 40a provides a closing force to the sub door 24, while the damping device 60 provides a damping force to the sub door 24. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the lever 420a is in contact with the third part 336, and a state in which the lever 420a presses the damper 630 may be maintained.

[0143] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to a third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which a sub door in FIG. 19 is rotated.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, an auto closing device 70 of the present embodiment may provide not only a closing force to the sub door 24, but also a damping force.

[0145] The auto closing device 70 may include a case 710. The case 710 may be received in the sub door 24.

[0146] The auto closing device 70 may include a first member 720 received in the case 710. The auto closing device 70 may include a lever 750 connected to the first member 720.

[0147] The lever 750 or the first member 720 may be connected to, for example, an elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7). One end of the elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7) may be fixed to the case 710, and another end may be connected to the lever 750 or the first member 720.

[0148] A shape and function of the lever 750 may be identical to the lever described in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] The first member 720 may be rotated within the case 710. When the first member 720 rotates, the lever 750 may also be rotated.

[0150] The auto closing device 70 may further include a second member 730 received in the case 710. The second member 730 may be in contact with the first member 720. The second member 730 may move linearly within the case 710 when the first member 720 rotates. For example, with reference to FIG. 19, the second member 730 may move up and down.

[0151] The first member 720 may include a first space 724 capable of receiving oil. The second member 730 may include a second space 734 capable of receiving oil. The first space 724 may be recessed, for example, in a direction away from the second member 730. The second space 734 may be recessed, for example, in a direction away from the first member 730.

[0152] To enable linear movement of the second member 730 when the first member 720 rotates, the first member 720 may include a first uneven part 722, and the second member 730 may include a second uneven part 732.

[0153] The first uneven part 722 may include a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions that are arranged alternately. The second uneven part 732 may include a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions that are arranged alternately.

[0154] Depending on a rotational position of the first member 720, the convex portion of the first uneven part 722 may be received in the concave portion of the second uneven part 732. The convex portion of the second uneven part 732 may be received in the concave portion of the first uneven part 732.

[0155] The auto closing device 70 may further include a supporting portion 740 that supports the second member 730. For example, the supporting portion 740 may be an elastic member that elastically supports the second member 730.

[0156] As long as no external force is applied to the first member 720, the first uneven part 722 and the second uneven part 732 may be maintained in an engaged state by the elastic force of the elastic member 760 as shown in FIG. 20.

[0157] The second member 730 and the case 710 may form a buffer space 712 in which oil is received. The supporting portion 740 may be positioned in the buffer space 712.

[0158] Although not shown, a rotation guide that guides a rotation of the first member 720 may be provided in the case 710.

[0159] A protrusion 736 extending in a longitudinal direction of the second member 730 (or an arrangement direction of the first member and the second member) may be formed on the second member 730. A protrusion groove 714 in which the protrusion 736 is received may be formed on an inner surface of the case 710.

[0160] In a state in which the protrusion 736 is received in the protrusion groove 714, the protrusion 736 may move along the protrusion groove 714. A rotation of the second member 730 is restricted by the protrusion groove 714 and the protrusion 736, and A linear movement may be stably performed.

[0161] The first member 720 is capable of bidirectional rotation within the case 710.

[0162] In this embodiment, the first member 720, the second member 730, and the elastic member 740 located within the case 710 may be referred to as a second damping device. That is, the second damping device may be located within the auto closing device.

[0163] In FIG. 20, a position of the second member may be referred to as a first position. In FIG. 19, a position of the second member may be referred to as a second position. Damping force may be generated during a process in which the second member 730 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0164] When the second member 730 moves in one direction from the first position to the second position, the supporting portion 740 contracts and oil of the buffer space 712 may flow through the second member 730 or between the second member 730 and an inner surface of the case 710 to the first space 724 or the second space 724.

[0165] Damping force may be generated during a process in which oil flows from the buffer space 712 to the first space 724 or the second space 724.

[0166] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a door according to a fourth embodiment.

[0167] This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment in other portions, except that the damping device and auto closing device are positioned at an upper side of the sub door. Therefore, only the characteristic portions this embodiment will be described below.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 21, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23 and a sub door 24.

[0169] The main door 23 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet by a main door bracket 31a. The sub door 24 may be rotatably connected to the main door 23 by a sub door bracket 33a.

[0170] The sub door 24 may include an auto closing device 40 and a second damping device 50. The auto closing device 40 may be installed at an upper side of the sub door 24. The second damping device 50 may be installed at an upper side of the sub door 24. As mentioned in the previous embodiment, the auto closing device 40 may cause the sub door 24 to automatically close during a closing process of the sub door 24. The second damping device 50 may reduce a closing speed of the sub door 24 during an operation of the auto closing device 40. The second damping device 50 may, for example, be in contact with the main door 23 and be pressed by the main door 23. The main door 23 may include a contact portion for contacting a damper of the second damping device 50.

[0171] FIG. 22 is a front view of a door according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23a and a sub door 24a rotatably connected to the main door 23a.

[0173] The main door 23a may include a main door frame 810 having an opening 811. The sub door 24a may open and close the opening 811. For example, at least a portion of the sub door 24a may be received in the opening 811.

[0174] The sub door 24a may include a sub door frame 902, a door liner 904 connected to the sub door frame 902, and a panel assembly 910 in contact with the sub door frame 902.

[0175] The panel assembly 910 may include a front panel 911 and one or more insulating panels 912, 913 spaced apart from the front panel 911. The front panel 911 may be formed of a glass material or a material that allows light to pass through. The front panel 911 may form a front exterior of the sub door 24a.

[0176] The sub door 24a may be rotatably connected to the main door 23a by a sub hinge bracket 920.

[0177] One side of the sub hinge bracket 920 may be connected to the sub door frame 902. Another side of the sub hinge bracket 920 may be connected to the main door frame 810.

[0178] For example, the main door frame 810 may be provided with a slot 812 through which the sub hinge bracket 920 passes. The sub hinge bracket 920 may be inserted into the main door frame 810 through the slot 812.

[0179] The main door frame 810 may be provided with a second damping device 1000. Since a basic structure and function of the second damping device 1000 are the same as the second damping device described previously, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] The second damping device 1000 may pass through the slot 812 and be positioned within the main door frame 810.

[0181] The second damping device 1000 may include a damper 1020. As shown in FIG. 23, in a state in which the sub door 24a is opened, the damper 1020 may protrude outward from the slot 812 due to an elastic force of the spring.

[0182] During a closing process of the sub door 24a, a contact portion 922 of the sub hinge bracket 920 may be in contact with the damper 1020. When the contact portion 922 is in contact with the damper 1020, the damper 1020 is pressed and a damping force is applied to the sub door 24a. In a state in which the sub door 24a is closed, an entirety of damper 1020 may be positioned within the main door frame 810. Alternatively, in a state in which the sub door 24a is closed, a portion of the damper 1020 may be positioned in the slot 812.

[0183] As another example, a damper 1020 of the second damping device 1000 may be in contact with the sub door frame 902 and be pressed by the sub door frame 902.

[0184] In the present embodiment, an auto closing device for closing the sub door 24a may be provided or omitted. If the auto closing device for the sub door 24a is provided, the auto closing device may be located at the main door 23 and may operate with the sub hinge bracket 920.

[0185] As another example, an auto closing device for the sub door 24a may be provided at the main door 23a, and the second damping device 1000 may also be provided at the sub door 24a. In this case, the damper 1020 of the second damping device 1000 may be pressed by the main door frame 810 during a closing process of the sub door 24a.

[0186] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a first part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a second part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23 and a sub door 24 rotatably connected to the main door 23.

[0188] The main door 23 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by a main door bracket 31a. The sub door 24 may be rotatably connected to the main door 23 by a sub door bracket 33b.

[0189] The sub door bracket 33b may include a first portion 1051 connected to the main door 23 and a second portion 1052 connected to the sub door 24.

[0190] For example, the first portion 1051 may be connected to an upper side of the main door 23. The first portion 1051 may be a portion that overlaps an upper surface of the main door 23 in a vertical direction. The second portion 1052 may be a portion that extends from the first portion 1051 and does not overlap the upper surface of the main door 23.

[0191] The sub door 24 may include an auto closing device 40 and a second damping device 50. The auto closing device 40 and the second damping device 50 may be the same as those described in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0192] The sub door bracket 33b may include a contact surface in contact with the lever 420 of the auto closing device 40. The contact surface may include a first part 1053, a second part 1054, and a third part 1055.

[0193] The sub door bracket 33b may further include a contact portion 1056 to be in contact with the damper 510 of the second damping device 50.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 25, in a state in which a lever 420 of the auto closing device 40 is in contact with the first part 1053, the damper 510 may be spaced apart from the contact portion 1056. As shown in FIG. 25, a position where the damper 510 is spaced apart from the contact portion 1056 may be referred to as a first position. As shown in FIG. 27, a position where the sub door 24 is closed and the damper 510 is pressed may be referred to as a second position.

[0195] During a closing process of the sub door 24, when the lever 420 is in contact with a boundary between the first part 1053 and the second part 1054 or is in contact with the second part 1054, the damper 510 may be in contact with the contact portion 1056.

[0196] During a closing process of the sub door 24, when the lever 420 moves along the second part 1054, a closing force is applied to the sub door 24. In a process of the closing force being applied to the sub door 24, the damper 510 moves from the first position to the second position, and the damping force may be applied to the sub door 24 by a movement of the damper 510. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the lever 420 may be in contact with the third part 1055, and the damper 510 may be in contact with the contact portion 1056 while being positioned at the second position.

[0197] FIG. 28 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 29 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is opened at a predetermined angle according to a seventh embodiment.

[0198] This embodiment is the same as the sixth embodiment in other portions, except that there is a difference a position of the second damping device. Therefore, only the characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a second damping device 1250 of the present embodiment is installed at the sub door 24 and may be linked with the auto closing device 1200 for the sub door 24. For example, the second damping device 1250 may be connected to the lever 1210 of the auto closing device 1200. The sub hinge bracket 33b includes a contact surface 1053, and the lever 1210 may move along the contact surface 1053.

[0200] The second damping device 1250 may include a housing 1251 and a damper 1252. The housing 1251 may be installed at the sub door 24.

[0201] The damper 1252 may include a movable rod 1253. The rod 1253 may include a connection portion 1254. The connection portion 1254 may be connected to the lever 1210. The lever 1210 may be provided with a slot 1211 to which the connection portion 1254 is connected.

[0202] The connection portion 1254 may be inserted into the slot 1211. The lever 1210 may be rotated and the rod 1253 may be moved linearly. In order for a rotational force of the lever 1210 to be transmitted to the rod 1253, the slot 1211 may be formed greater than the connection portion 1254. Therefore, during a rotation process of the lever 1210, the connection portion 1254 may be moved within the slot 1211.

[0203] Even in this structure, when a closing force is applied by the auto closing device 1200, the load 1253 moves in conjunction with the lever 1210, and thus a damping force may be generated in the second damping device 1250.

[0204] When the lever 1210 rotates in one direction during a closing process of the sub door 24, an elastic member of the auto closing device 1200 accumulates elastic force, and the rod 1253 moves to an initial position (or first position). When the lever 1210 rotates in the other direction, a closing force is generated by the elastic member in which the elastic force is accumulated, and the rod 1253 moves from the initial position to an end position (or second position), so that a damping force may be generated.

[0205] FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a first angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a second angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 33A is a drawing showing a latch for connecting a main door and a sub door, and FIG. 33B is a drawing showing an operating portion for operating a latch.

[0206] Referring to FIGS. 30 to 33, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23 and a sub door 24. A basic structure of the main door 23 and the sub door 24 may be the same as in the previous embodiment.

[0207] A gasket G1 may be provided between the main door 23 and the sub door 24. The gasket G1 may be provided at the sub door 24. In the present embodiment, the gasket G1 may be a gasket having a hollow space formed therein. The gasket G1 may not include a magnet.

[0208] In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the main door 24 may be maintained in a state of being coupled to each other by a latch 1510. Since the main door 23 and the sub door 24 are coupled by the latch 1510, the gasket G1 may be maintained in a state of being in close contact with a front surface of the main door 23.

[0209] The latch 1510 may be provided at the sub door 24. The main door 23 may be provided with a hook portion 1530 for hooking the latch 1510. In order to open the sub door 24 in a state in which the latch 1510 is hooked with the hook portion 1530, an engagement of the latch 1510 and the hook portion 1530 must be released. The sub door 24 may be provided with an operating portion 1520 for operating the latch 1510. An operating force of the operating portion 1520 may be transmitted to the latch 1510 by a transmission portion, thereby releasing the latch 1510 and the hook portion 1530 from engagement.

[0210] The sub door 24 may be provided with an auto closing device 1300 and a second damping device 1300.

[0211] The auto closing device 1300 may include a lever 1320. A basic structure of the auto closing device 1300 is the same as that described in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. During a closing process of the sub door 24, the lever 1320 may move along the contact surface 1060 of the sub hinge bracket 33c.

[0212] The second damping device 1400 may include a damper 1420 and a damper connection portion 1430. The damper connection portion 1430 may be connected to the damper 1420. In the present embodiment, the damper 1420 does not include a spring, and a position of the damper 1420 may be varied by the damper connection portion 1430.

[0213] In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the damper 1420 may be positioned at the second position. During an opening process of the sub door 24, the damper 1420 remains positioned at the second position, and the lever 1320 moves to one side of the damper connection portion 1430.

[0214] During a closing process of the sub door 24, the lever 1320 rotates in one direction while being in contact with the contact surface 1060, and a rotational force of the lever 1320 is transmitted to the damper connection portion 1430, causing the damper 1420 to move to a first position.

[0215] In a process of continuously closing the sub door 24, the lever 1320 may be rotated in the other direction to provide closing force to the sub door 24. In a process of providing closing force to the sub door 24, the damper connection portion 1430 is pressed by the sub hinge bracket 33c, so that the damper 1420 moves from the first position to a second position, and in this process, a damping force is applied to the sub door 24.

[0216] As a closing force increases during a closing process of the sub door 24, the latch 1510 may be caught on the hook portion 1530 after the latch 1510 is rotated so that an inclined surface of the latch 1510 passes over an inclined surface of the hook portion 1530.

[0217] As another example, a lever 1320 of the auto closing device 1300 may move from a neutral position to a closed position and an opened position. For example, the lever 1320 may be rotated counterclockwise in the drawing based on a rotation center from a neutral position to a closed position. The lever 1320 may be rotated clockwise in the drawing from a neutral position to an opened position based on a rotation center. While the sub door 24 is opened and then closed, the lever 1320 may move along the contact surface 1060 and may be rotated. The lever 1320 may push the damper connection portion 1430 during an opening process of the sub door 24 so that the damper 1420 returns to the first position.

[0218] FIG. 34 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a ninth embodiment.

[0219] This embodiment is the same as the sixth embodiment in other portions, except that there is a difference in a type of gasket. Therefore, only the characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 34, the sub door 23 may be provided with an auto closing device 1300 and a second damping device 1400, similar to the eighth embodiment.

[0221] A gasket G2 may be provided between the sub door 24 and the main door 23. The gasket G2 may include a magnet. By a magnetic force of the magnet, the sub door 24 and the main door 23 may be maintained in a coupled state while the sub door 24 is closed. Therefore, unlike the eighth embodiment, the latch and operating portion may be omitted.

[0222] FIG. 35 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a tenth embodiment.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 35, a main door 23 of the present embodiment may be provided with a second damping device 1450. The sub door 24 may be provided with an auto closing device.

[0224] The second damping device 1450 may be installed at an upper side of the sub door 24 and positioned at a lower side of the sub hinge bracket 33d.

[0225] The second damping device 1450 may be operated by the auto closing device. The auto closing device may include a plate spring 1610 provided at the sub hinge bracket 33d and a damper contact portion 1620 in contact with the damper 1452 of the second damping device 1450.

[0226] The plate spring 1610 may include a first part 1611 and a second part 1612. One end of the first part 1611 may be fixed to the sub hinge bracket 33d. One end of the second part 1612 may be fixed to the sub hinge bracket 33d. The other end of the first part 1611 may be connected to the other end of the second part 1612. The first part 1611 and the second part 1612 may be arranged to form a predetermined angle, for example. The first part 1611 and the second part 1612 may extend outside the sub hinge bracket 33d and may be positioned at a path of the damper contact portion 1620 during an opening and closing process of the sub door 24.

[0227] In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the damper 1452 may be positioned at a first position. In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the damper contact portion 1620 may be spaced apart from the plate spring 1610. In a process of closing the sub door 24, the damper contact portion 1620 may be in contact with the first part 1611. The damper contact portion 1620 presses the first part 1611, and as the plate spring 1610 is deformed, elastic force may be accumulated in the plate spring 1610. In a process of additionally closing the sub door 24, the elastic force of the plate spring 1610 is transmitted to the damper contact portion 1620 as the damper contact portion 1620 passes over a boundary between the first part 1611 and the second part 1612. The elastic force transmitted to the damper contact portion 1620 may act as a closing force of the sub door 24. After the damper contact portion 1620 passes over a boundary between the first part 1611 and the second part 1612, the damper contact portion 1620 may be in contact with the damper 1452. The damper contact portion 1620 presses the damper 1452 so that the damper 1452 moves from the first position to the second position, thereby generating a damping force.

[0228] FIG. 36 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eleventh embodiment.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 36, a main door 23 of the present embodiment may be provide with a second damping device 1460. The sub door 24 may be provided with an auto-closing device.

[0230] The second damping device 1460 may be installed at an upper side of the main door 23 and positioned at a lower side of the sub hinge bracket 33e.

[0231] The second damping device 1460 may be operated by the auto closing device. The auto closing device may include an elastic body 1630 (or a damper contact portion) installed at the sub door 24. The elastic body 1630 may be in contact with the damper 1462 of the second damping device 1460.

[0232] The sub hinge bracket 33e may be provided with a contact surface 1060 with which the elastic body 1630 is in contact. The contact surface 1060 may include a first part 1061 and a second part 1062 inclined with respect to the first part 1061.

[0233] In the present embodiment, the elastic body 1630 may be elastically deformed. For example, the elastic body 1630 may be formed in a shape that is bent one or more times. As an example, FIG. 36 illustrates that the elastic body 1630 is formed in a "U" shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0234] One end of the elastic body 1630 may be fixed to the sub door 24. One end of the elastic body 1630 may be a fixed end, and another end may be a free end.

[0235] In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the damper 1462 may be positioned at the first position. In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the elastic body 1630 may be spaced apart from the contact surface 1060. During a closing process of the sub door 24, the elastic body 1630 may be in contact with the contact surface 1060.

[0236] The elastic body 1630 is elastically deformed and accumulates elastic force while moving along the first part 1061 of the contact surface 1060. The accumulated elastic force may act as a closing force of the sub door 24 while the elastic body 1630 moves along the second part 1062.

[0237] In a process in which the elastic body 1630 moves along the second part 1062, the elastic body 1630 presses the damper 1462, causing the damper 1462 to move from the first position to the second position, thereby generating a damping force.

[0238] FIG. 37 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a twelfth embodiment.

[0239] In a case of FIG. 37, a state in which the auto closing device 40 of FIG. 12 is omitted is illustrated. That is, a main door 23 may be provided with a first damping device 26, and a sub door 24 may be provided with a second damping device 50. Since a remaining structure is the same as FIG. 12, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0240] FIG. 38 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a thirteenth embodiment.

[0241] FIG 38 illustrates a view of a main door and a sub door from below.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 38, in the present embodiment, the auto closing device 40 may be omitted from sub door 24.

[0243] The main door 23 may be provided with a first damping device 26. The first damping device 26 may be in contact with a main hinge bracket 31 during a closing process of the main door 23. Since a structure of the first damping device 26 is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0244] The sub door 24 may be provided with a second damping device 50a. The second damping device 50a may be in contact with the sub door bracket 33f during a closing process of the sub door 24. The sub door bracket 33f may include a first part 336a and a second part 336b. A slope of the first part 336a with respect to a front surface of the main door 23 may be greater than a slope of the second part 336b with respect to a front surface of the main door 23. The second part 336b may be positioned closer to the main door 23 than the first part 336a.

[0245] When the second damping device 50a is in contact with the first part 336a during a closing process of the sub door 24, a first damping force may be generated in the second damping device 50a. When the sub door 24 is additionally rotated, the second damping device 50a may be in contact with the second part 336a and generates a second damping force greater than the first damping force. When the sub door 24 is completely closed, the second damping device 50a may remain in contact with the second part 336a.

[0246] In the present embodiment, in a state in which the main door 23 is closed, the cylinder of the first damping device 26 (see 264 of FIG. 5) may extend in a first direction. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, a damper of the second damping device 50a (see 510 of FIG. 6) may also extend in the first direction. The first direction may be, for example, a left-right direction of the main door 23 or the sub door 24. That is, an extension direction of the cylinder and an extension direction of the damper may be parallel.

[0247] FIG. 39 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fourteenth embodiment.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 39, a main door 23 of the present embodiment may be provided with a first damping device 26. The first damping device 26 may be in contact with the main hinge bracket 31b during a closing process of the main door 23. For example, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with a coupling portion 311 of the main hinge bracket 31b. Alternatively, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the cabinet 10 during a closing process of the main door 23. Since a structure of the first damping device 26 is the same as that of the first damping device 26 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0249] The sub door 24 may be provided with a second damping device 50. The second damping device 50 may be in contact with the contact portion 233 of the main door 23 during a closing process of the sub door 24. Alternatively, the second damping device 50 may be in contact with the sub door bracket during a closing process of the sub door 24. Since a structure of the second damping device 50 is the same as that of the second damping device 50 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0250] In the present embodiment, in a state in which the main door 23 is closed, a cylinder of the first damping device 26 (see 264 of FIG. 5) may extend in a second direction. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, a damper 510 of the second damping device 50 may also extend in the second direction. The second direction may be a direction crossing a front surface of the main door 23 or a front surface of the sub door 24. Alternatively, the second direction may be, for example, an arrangement direction of the main door 23 and the sub door 24.

[0251] An extension direction of the cylinder 264 (see 264 of FIG. 5) and an extension direction of the damper 510 may be parallel. Alternatively, at least a portion of the first damping device 26 may overlap the second damping device 50 in the second direction. Alternatively, an entirety of the first damping device 26 may not overlap the second damping device 50 in the second direction.

Examples

first embodiment

[0038]FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a FIG. 2 is a view of a door of FIG. 1 from below. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1.

[0039]Before explain the embodiments, various directions are defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction facing a front surface of the door illustrated in FIG. 1 may be defined as a front direction, a direction facing a cabinet with respect to a front surface of the door will be defined as a rear direction, a direction facing a bottom surface on which the refrigerator is installed will be defined as a downward direction, and a direction that is away from the bottom surface will be defined as an upward direction. When indicating a previously undefined direction, a direction may be described by being defined based on each drawing.

[0040]Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may be independently installed at a kitchen or accommodated within an indoor furniture cabin...

second embodiment

[0125]FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with the first part in a state in which a closing angle of a sub door is a second set angle. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a

[0126]In FIG. 16, a position of the damper may be referred to as a first position, and in FIGS. 15 and 17, a position of the damper may be referred to as a second position.

[0127]Referring to Figs. 13 to 17, the second damping device 60 may be positioned between a rotation center C3 of the lever 420a and a rotation center C2 of the sub door 24.

[0128]When the lever 420a is spaced apart from the contact surface 333 during a process of closing the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened, no external force is applied to the lever 420a.

[0129]When the sub door 24 closes ...

third embodiment

[0143]FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to a FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which a sub door in FIG. 19 is rotated.

[0144]Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, an auto closing device 70 of the present embodiment may provide not only a closing force to the sub door 24, but also a damping force.

[0145]The auto closing device 70 may include a case 710. The case 710 may be received in the sub door 24.

[0146]The auto closing device 70 may include a first member 720 received in the case 710. The auto closing device 70 may include a lever 750 connected to the first member 720.

[0147]The lever 750 or the first member 720 may be connected to, for example, an elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7). One end of the elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7) may be fixed to the case 710, and another end may be connected to the lever 750 or the first member 720.

[0148]A shape and function of the lever 750 may be identical to the lever d...

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing foods in an internal storage space, which is shield by a door, at a low temperature by low temperature air. For this, the refrigerator is configured to accommodate the stored food in an optimum state by cooling the internal storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] In recent years, refrigerators tend to increase more and more in size and provide multi-functions due to the trends of change of dietary life and high quality, and thus, refrigerators having various structures in consideration of user convenience are brought to the market.

[0004] When a device is provided to provide a space for door storage of a refrigerator or to provide additional functions such as an ice maker or dispenser, a weight of the door increases. Even when heavy materials such as glass and metal are used to enhance an outer appearance of the refrigerator door, the weight of the door increases.

[0005] When the weight of the refrigerator door increases, there is a limitation that it takes a lot of effort to open and close the refrigerator door, and limitations such as noise or items falling due to an impact at the moment the door is closed may occur.

[0006] To solve these limitations, a refrigerator including a device that provides door closing force to a door rotation axis or a position that is adjacent to the door rotation axis is disclosed in Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0075659 and Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0132619.

[0007] However, in these technologies according to the related art, there is a limitation in that the closing force applied to the door is added, and thus, more force is required when opening the door, and there is a limitation in that the door is opened due to repulsive force at the moment the door is closed.[Disclosure] / [Technical Problem]

[0008] One embodiment provides a refrigerator and home appliance in which a door is automatically closed during a door closing process, and an impact is reduced by a damping device when the door is closed.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of preventing micro-opening of a door.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which, when the refrigerator door includes a main door and a sub door, impact can be reduced by a damping device during a closing process of each of the main door and the sub door.[Technical Solution]

[0011] According to one aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet. The door may include a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable relative to the main door, and a damping device to provide damping force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0012] The refrigerator may further include an auto closing device to provide closing force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0013] While the auto closing device provides closing force to the sub door, the damping device may provide damping force to the sub door.

[0014] The refrigerator may further include at least one of an additional auto closing device that provides closing force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, or an additional damping device that provides damping force to the main door during a closing process of the main door.

[0015] The damping device may include a damper that generates damping force during a movement process.

[0016] The auto closing device and the damping device may be installed at the sub door. The main door may include a contact portion that presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0017] The door may further include a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door. The sub door bracket may include a contact portion that presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0018] The auto closing device may include a lever rotatable at a position spaced apart from a rotational center of the door and an elastic member connected to the lever.

[0019] During a closing process of the sub door, the lever may press the damper.

[0020] The damper may include a connection portion, and the lever may include a slot to which the connection portion is coupled.

[0021] The auto closing device may further include a case that receives the elastic member. The case may include an outer body that receives the damper, or the outer body may be installed at the door at a position adjacent to the case.

[0022] The sub door bracket may include a contact surface in contact with the lever during a closing process of the sub door.

[0023] The damping device may be positioned within the case.

[0024] The damping device further includes a damper connection portion connected to the damper, and while the sub door is opened and then closed, the lever may move the damper connection portion to move the damper to a first position. After the damper is moved to the first position, the damper may be pressed by the sub door bracket to be moved to a second position to generate damping force during an additional closing process of the sub door.

[0025] The auto closing device may be installed at the sub door, and the damping device may be installed at the main door.

[0026] The auto closing device may include an elastic body that is in contact with the sub door bracket and presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0027] The auto closing device may include a plate spring installed at the sub door bracket, and a damper contact portion that is in contact with the plate spring and presses the damper during a closing process of the sub door.

[0028] The auto closing device and the damping device may be installed at the main door, or the auto closing device may be installed at the main door and the damping device may be installed at the sub door.

[0029] The main door may be provided with an opening in which at least a portion of the sub door is positioned, and a slot for inserting the sub door bracket. During a closing process of the sub door, the sub door or the sub door bracket may press the damper, or the main door may press the damper.

[0030] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet to form a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door may include a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable with respect to the main door, a first damping device to provide a damping force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second damping device to providing a damping force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0031] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet to form a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door may include a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable relative to the main door, a first auto closing device to provide closing force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second auto closing device to provide closing force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

[0032] A home appliance according to another aspect may include some or all of the door related components of the refrigerator mentioned above.[Advantageous Effects]

[0033] According to one embodiment, a door can be automatically closed while a damping device reduces an impact during a closing process of a door.

[0034] According to one embodiment, an auto closing device provides force in a closing direction, thereby preventing a door from being slightly opened.

[0035] According to one embodiment, even when a refrigerator door includes a main door and a sub door, a damping device can reduce an impact during a closing process of each of the main door and the sub door.

[0036] According to one embodiment, since an auto closing device can be installed at a position spaced apart from a rotational center of a sub door, there is an advantage in that the auto closing device can be installed at a thin sub door.[Description of Drawings]

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of a door of FIG. 1 from below. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a main hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first damping device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a second damping device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a second damping device. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an auto closing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a sub hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a first part when a closing angle of a sub door is at a second preset angle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a third part by reducing a closing angle of the sub door. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an auto closing device and a second damping device installed at a sub door according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a portion of a damping device is separated from an auto closing device of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with the first part in a state in which a closing angle of a sub door is a second set angle. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to a third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which a sub door in FIG. 19 is rotated. FIG. 21 is a plan view of a door according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a front view of a door according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a first part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a second part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 29 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is opened at a predetermined angle according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a first angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a second angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 33A is a drawing showing a latch for connecting a main door and a sub door, and FIG. 33B is a drawing showing an operating portion for operating a latch. FIG. 34 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a tenth embodiment. FIG. 36 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 37 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a twelfth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Mode for Invention]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of a door of FIG. 1 from below. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1.

[0039] Before explain the embodiments, various directions are defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction facing a front surface of the door illustrated in FIG. 1 may be defined as a front direction, a direction facing a cabinet with respect to a front surface of the door will be defined as a rear direction, a direction facing a bottom surface on which the refrigerator is installed will be defined as a downward direction, and a direction that is away from the bottom surface will be defined as an upward direction. When indicating a previously undefined direction, a direction may be described by being defined based on each drawing.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may be independently installed at a kitchen or accommodated within an indoor furniture cabinet. When installed within an indoor furniture cabinet, a refrigerator 1 may be installed independently or arranged left and right with another refrigerator. The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0041] The storage space may be divided into, but is not limited to, a first space at an upper side and a second space at a lower side. The door 20 may also include a first door 21 than opens and closes the first space and a second door 22 that opens and closes the second space. The first space may be a refrigerating chamber and the second space may be a freezing chamber, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space divided left and right. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, and a single door may open and close the storage space.

[0042] At least one of the first door 21 or the second door 22 may be a rotary door. Alternatively, a single door 20 may be a rotary door.

[0043] The door 20 may include, for example, a main door (or inner door) 23 and a sub door (or outer door) 24. The main door 23 opens and closes the storage space, and the sub door 24 may be rotatable relative to the main door 23. The sub door 24 may be positioned in front of the main door 23.

[0044] When the main door 23 is rotated, the sub door 24 may be rotated together with the main door 23. The sub door 24 may be rotated independently of the main door 23. For example, the sub door 24 may be rotated while the main door 23 is closed.

[0045] The refrigerator 1 may further include a main hinge bracket 31 for rotating the main door 23. The main hinge bracket 31 may provide a rotation center of the main door 23. For example, the main hinge bracket 31 may include a main door shaft.

[0046] The main hinge bracket 31 may be positioned at upper and lower sides of the main door 23. At this time, a shape of the main hinge bracket positioned at the upper side of the main door 23 may be the same as or different from a shape of the main hinge bracket positioned at the lower side of the main door 23. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, the main hinge bracket 31 positioned at the lower side of the main door 23. The main hinge bracket 31 may be installed at the cabinet 10 to support the main door 23.

[0047] The refrigerator 1 may further include a first damping device 26 that provides a damping force to the main door 23. The first damping device 26 may be installed at the main door 23. In a process of closing the main door 23 after the main door is opened, the first damping device 26 may provide damping force to the main door 23 to reduce a closing speed of the main door 23. Since the damping force is applied by a resistance of oil flow inside the first damping device 26, it may be called a hydraulic damper or an oil damper.

[0048] The first damping device 26 may be positioned at one side of the main hinge bracket 31. The first damping device 26 may be selectively in contact with the main hinge bracket 31. The first damping device 26 may be selectively pressed by the main hinge bracket 31 according to a rotation angle of the main door 23 when the main door 23 is rotated in a closing direction.

[0049] The main door 23 may include a cap decoration 231. The first damping device 26 may be installed at the cap decoration 231. The cap decoration 231 may be provided with a shielding portion 232. The shielding portion 232 may protrude from one surface of the cap decoration 231, thereby reducing an exposure of the first damping device 26 from a front.

[0050] The refrigerator 1 may further include a sub hinge bracket 33 for a rotation of the sub door 24. The sub hinge bracket 33 may provide a rotation center of the sub door 24. For example, the sub hinge bracket 33 may include a sub door shaft. The sub hinge bracket 33 may be positioned at upper and lower sides of the sub door 24. At this time, a shape of the sub hinge bracket positioned at the upper side of the sub door 24 may be the same as or different from a shape of the sub hinge bracket positioned at the lower side of the sub door 24. FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, the sub hinge bracket 33 positioned at the lower side of the sub door 24. The sub hinge bracket 33 may be installed at the main door 23 to support the sub door 24.

[0051] The main door 23 may include an auto closing device 25 (or a first auto closing device) that provides a closing force to the main door 23 during a closing process the main door 23

[0052] after the main door is opened. The auto closing device 25 may be positioned on the same extension as a rotation center of the main door 23 and may be coupled to the main hinge bracket 31.

[0053] The sub door 24 may include an auto closing device 40 (or a second auto closing device) that provides a closing force to the sub door 24 during a closing process of the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened.

[0054] The auto closing device 40 may be positioned adjacent to the sub hinge bracket 33. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the auto closing device 40 being positioned at a lower side of the sub door 24. A structure of the auto closing device 25 provided to the main door 23 may differ from a structure of the auto closing device 40 provided to the sub door 24, but in some cases, the same or similar structure may be applied.

[0055] The auto closing device 40 may provide closing force to the sub door 24 while interacting with the sub hinge bracket 33 during a closing process of the sub door 24.

[0056] The sub door 24 may include a door frame. The door frame may form an outer appearance of the sub door 24. The door frame may include a cap decoration 241. The cap decoration 241 may be provided with an operating portion 243 to operate a latch for coupling the main door 23 and the sub door 24. In a state in which the main door 23 and the sub door 24 are coupled by the latch, the main door 23 and the sub door 24 may rotate together.

[0057] The cap decoration 241 may be provided with a mounting portion 246 for mounting the auto closing device 40. The mounting portion 246 may be formed in a recessed shape, for example. The auto closing device 40 may be coupled to the cap decoration 241 while being received in the mounting portion 246.

[0058] In a state where the auto closing device 40 is received in the mounting portion 246, a portion of the auto closing device 40 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the sub door 33 to interact with the sub hinge bracket 33.

[0059] The sub door 24 may further include a second damping device 50. The second damping device 50 may generate a damping force while the sub door 24 is closed.

[0060] In the present specification, the second damping device 50 may reduce a closing speed of the sub door 24 in a process in which the sub door 24 is automatically closed by the auto closing device 40.

[0061] The main door 23 may include a contact portion 233 in contact with the second damping device 50. During a process of closing the sub door 24, the second damping device 50 may be in contact with the contact portion 233 to generate a damping force. At this time, the contact portion 233 may be a separate component from the shield portion 232 or may be a portion of the shield portion 232.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a main hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, the main hinge bracket 31 may include a coupling portion 311 for coupling to the cabinet 10. The main hinge bracket 30 may further include a bracket body 312 extending from the coupling portion 311.

[0064] The bracket body 312 may provide a rotation center C1 of the main door 23. The bracket body 312 may include a contact surface 313 that is in contact with the first damping device 26.

[0065] When an opening angle (or closing angle) of the main door 23 is within a first set angle, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the contact surface 313. The first damping device 26 may move along the contact surface 313 during a process of opening or closing the main door 23 within an angle range less than the first set angle.

[0066] The contact surface 313 may include a first part 314. The first part 314 is a part that the first damping device 26 initially comes into contact with during a closing of the main door 23. Therefore, when the main door 23 is opened at an angle greater than the first set angle, the first damping device 26 does not come into contact with the first part 314. When an opening angle of the main door 23 becomes less than the first set angle, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the first part 314.

[0067] The contact surface 313 may further include a second part 315 extending from the first part 314. A distance from the rotation center C1 to the second part 315 may be greater than a distance from the rotation center C1 to the first part 314.

[0068] The contact surface 313 may further include a third part 316 extending from the second part 315. In a state in which the main door 23 is closed, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the third part 316.

[0069] A distance from the rotation center C1 to the third part 316 may be greater than a distance from the rotation center C1 to the second part 315.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first damping device according to a first embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the first damping device 26 may include a housing 261. The housing 261 may be installed at the main door 23.

[0072] The housing 261 may have a receiving space 260 provided with an opening. A cylinder 264 may be received within the receiving space 260. The housing 261 may have opening so that the cylinder 264 may be inserted therein, and the cylinder 264 may be protruded or inserted through the opening of the housing 261.

[0073] A coupling portion 262 mounted to the cap decoration 231 may be formed on one side of the housing 261. A plurality of screw holes 262a may be formed in the coupling portion 262.

[0074] The first damping device 26 may include the cylinder 264. The cylinder 264 may be inserted into the receiving space 260. The cylinder 264 may include a contact portion 264a in contact with the contact surface 313.

[0075] The contact portion 264a may be formed in a shape in which a central portion protrudes and both ends becomes lower than the central portion. Accordingly, the contact portion 264a may have a protruding central portion that comes into contact with the contact surface 313, and a force may be applied in a direction crossing a tangent line of the contact surface 313, i.e., in an insertion direction of the cylinder 264. The contact portion 264a may be formed in a shape in which both ends become lower with respect to the central portion of the cylinder 264, thereby preventing unnecessary interference with points other than one point of the contact surface 213 during a rotation of the main door 23. The contact portion 264a may include a curved surface.

[0076] One end of the cylinder 264 is exposed to an outside of the housing 261, and another end may be maintained in a state inserted into an interior of the receiving space 260. When the cylinder 264 is pressed, the cylinder 264 may be inserted while being buffered by a flow of oil inside the first damping device 26.

[0077] Meanwhile, a buffer space 264b having one end opened may be formed inside the cylinder 264. A piston 267 may be movable disposed within the buffer space 264b with respect to the cylinder 264. The open end of the cylinder 264 may be shielded by a sealing member 268. The piston 267 may be supported by the elastic member 265 within the buffer space 264b. The buffer space 264b may be filled with oil for damping. A rod 266 may be connected to the piston 267. The rod 266 may pass through the sealing member 268 and extend to an outside of the cylinder 264, and may be fixed to an inside of the housing 261. The buffer space 264b may be formed in the receiving space 260 as needed. The buffer space 264b may be located inside the housing 261, i.e., within the receiving space 260.

[0078] When the cylinder 264 protrudes outward and the contact portion 264a of the cylinder 264 is in contact with the contact surface 313 during a closing process of the main door 23, the cylinder 264 may be inserted into an interior of the housing 261. At this time, the cylinder 264 moves along the rod 266, and the cylinder 264 may move relative to the piston 267 within the buffer space 264b.

[0079] In the present embodiment, when the cylinder 264 moves, oil in the buffer space 264b may pass through an orifice formed in the piston 267 and move to a space between the piston 267 and the sealing member 268. The oil in the buffer space 264b passes through the orifice and flows at a constant flow rate, thereby providing constant oil resistance. This oil resistance acts as a damping force.

[0080] FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a second damping device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a second damping device.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, the second damping device 50 may include an outer body 530 and a damper 510 received in the outer body 530.

[0082] The outer body 530 may be installed at the sub door 24. The outer body 530 may include a coupling portion 532 for coupling to the sub door 24.

[0083] The damper 510 may include a housing 511 and a rod 512 relatively movable with respect to the housing 511.

[0084] The load 512 may be fixed to the outer body 530. The housing 511 may be movable relative to the outer body 530 while being received in the outer body 530.

[0085] The second damping device 50 may further include a spring 540 that provides elastic force to the damper 510.

[0086] The damper 510 may include a contact member 520 that is coupled to the housing 511 of the damper 510 and moves together with the housing 511. The contact member 520 may form an exterior of the damper 510. Alternatively, the contact member 520 may be coupled to the housing 511 at a position where the contact member 520 may come into contact with the contact portion 233 of the main door 23. Alternatively, the contact member 520 may be omitted.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an auto closing device according to a first embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 7, an auto closing device 40 of the present embodiment may include a case 410. At least a portion of the case 410 may be received in the mounting portion 246.

[0089] The case 410 may include one or more extension portions 411. A coupling hole 412 may be formed in the extension portion 411. A coupling member may pass through the coupling hole 412 and be coupled to the sub door 24.

[0090] The auto closing device 40 may further include a lever 420 rotatable with respect to the case 410. The lever 420 may be rotatably connected to the case 410. That is, the case 410 is a fixed member, and the lever 420 is a movable member.

[0091] The auto closing device 40 may further include an elastic member 440. The elastic member 440 may be received in the case 410. The elastic member 440 may be connected to the lever 420. The elastic member 440 may be directly connected to the lever 420, or may be connected to the lever 420 by a separate member.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 7, the elastic member 440 may be connected to the elastic member 440 by, for example, a connector 430. The connector 430 may be coupled to the lever 420 and may rotate together with the lever 420. The elastic member 440 may be, for example, a torsion spring. One end of the elastic member 440 may be fixed to the case 410, and the other end may be connected to the connector 430.

[0093] When the lever 420 is rotated in one direction while one end of the elastic member 440 is fixed, the other end of the elastic member 440 connected to the connector 430 may be rotated in the one direction.

[0094] When the other end of the elastic member 440 is rotated in the one direction, the elastic member 440 accumulates elastic force. The elastic force accumulated by the elastic member 440 may act on the lever 420 to rotate the lever 420 in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0095] The lever 420 may include a first body 422. The first body 422 may be connected to the elastic member 440 or to the connector 430.

[0096] A rotation center C3 of the lever 420 may pass through the first body 422.

[0097] The lever 420 may include a second body 424 extending to one side from the first body 422. The second body 424 may be provided with a contact portion 428 in contact with the sub hinge bracket 33. The contact portion 428 may be a portion of the second body 424 or may be coupled to the second body 424.

[0098] When the contact portion 428 is coupled to the second body 424, the contact portion 428 may be formed of an elastically deformable material. Alternatively, the contact portion 428 may be rotatably coupled to the second body 424. For example, the contact portion 428 may be a roller.

[0099] The auto closing device 40 may further include a cover 418. The cover 418 may be coupled to the case 410 in a state in which the lever 420 is connected to the connector 430 or the elastic member 440. The case 410 or the cover 418 may be provided with a slot that provides a path to allow a rotation of the lever 420.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a sub hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 8, the sub hinge bracket 33 may include a coupling portion 331 for coupling to the main door 23. The sub hinge bracket 33 may further include a bracket body 332 extending from the coupling portion 331.

[0102] The bracket body 332 may provide a rotation center C2 of the sub door 24. The bracket body 332 may include a contact surface 333 in contact with the lever 420.

[0103] When an opening angle (or closing angle) of the sub door 24 is within a second set angle, the lever 420 may be in contact with the contact surface 333. When the sub door 24 is opened or closed within an angle range less than the second set angle, the lever 420 may move along the contact surface 333.

[0104] The contact surface 333 may include a first part 334. The first part 334 is a part that the lever 420 first comes into contact with when the sub door 24 is closed. Therefore, when the sub door 24 is opened at an angle greater than the second set angle, the lever 420 does not come into contact with the first part 334. When the opening angle of the sub door 24 becomes less than or equal to the second set angle, the lever 420 may be in contact with the first part 334. The first part 334 may include an initial point and an end point. A distance between the first part 334 and the rotation center C2 may increase from the initial point to the end point.

[0105] The contact surface 333 may further include a second part 335 extending from the first part 334. The second part 335 may be inclined with respect to the first part 334. The second part 335 may include an initial point and an end point. A distance between the second part 335 and the center of rotation C2 may decrease from the initial point to the end point.

[0106] The contact surface 333 may further include a third part 336 extending from the second part 335. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the lever 420 may be in contact with the third part 336. A distance from the rotation center C2 to the third part 336 may be less than a distance from the rotation center C2 to the second part 335.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a first part when a closing angle of a sub door is at a second preset angle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a third part by reducing a closing angle of the sub door.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed.

[0109] In FIG. 9, a position of a damper may be referred to as a first position, and in FIG. 12, a position of the damper may be referred to as a second position.

[0110] Referring to Figs. 4 to 12, when the lever 420 is spaced apart from the contact surface 333 during a process of closing the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened, no external force is applied to the lever 420.

[0111] During a closing of the sub door 24 in a first direction (counterclockwise in the drawing), when the sub door 24 forms a second set angle with a front surface of the cabinet 10 or a front surface of the main door 23, the lever 420 may be in contact with the first part 334 of the contact surface 333. At a time point when the lever 420 is in contact with the contact surface 333, the damper 510 remains positioned at the first position. A first position of the damper 510 may be a state in which the spring 540 within the damper 510 is tensioned so that the damper 510 protrudes outward from the housing body 530 to a maximum extent.

[0112] When the sub door 24 is additionally rotated in the first direction in a state in which the lever 420 is in contact with the first part 334, the lever 420 is rotated in a second direction (clockwise with reference to FIG. 10) opposite to the first direction due to an inclination of the first part 334. That is, in a process of closing the sub door 24, the first part 334 applies a resistance force to the lever 420 so that the lever 420 rotates in the second direction. When the lever 420 rotates in the second direction, the other end of the elastic member 440 rotates in the second direction, causing the elastic member 440 to accumulate elastic force.

[0113] As the sub door 24 closes, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 increases as the contact portion of the lever 420 moves from a starting point of the first part 334 toward the second part 335.

[0114] When the lever 420 is in contact with the second part 335 during a closing process of the sub door 24, the lever 420 rotates in the first direction. When the lever 420 rotates in the first direction, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases. When the lever 420 is released from the first part 334 during the closing process of the sub door 24, a resistance applied to the lever 420 is removed. Then, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 acts on the lever 420, so that the sub door 24 may be automatically closed. That is, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases during a process of the lever 420 moving along the second part 335. The decreasing elastic force acts as a closing force of the sub door 24.

[0115] The damper 510 may be pressed by the contact portion 233 of the main door 23 while the lever 420 moves along the second part 335 or in a state in which the lever 420 is in contact with the third part 336. When the damper 510 is pressed by the contact portion 233 of the main door 23, the damper 510 may move from the first position to the second position. In a process of the damper 510 moving from the first position to the second position, a damping force may be applied to the sub door 24. When the sub door 24 is closed, the spring 540 may be contracted.

[0116] As the lever 420 moves along the second part 335 and the third part 336, the auto closing device 40 provides closing force to the sub door 24, while the second damping device 50 provides damping force to the sub door 24.

[0117] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, in the process of closing the sub door 24, the sub door 24 may be automatically closed by the auto closing device 40, and in a period in which the sub door 24 is automatically closed by the auto closing device 40, the sub door 24 may be smoothly closed by the damping force of the second damping device 50. In addition, when the sub door 24 is closed, the auto closing device 40 may continuously provide closing force to the sub door 24. Accordingly, micro-opening of the sub door 24 may be prevented.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an auto closing device and a second damping device installed at a sub door according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a portion of a damping device is separated from an auto closing device of the second embodiment.

[0119] This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other portions, except that there are differences in a shape and an installation location of the second damping device. Therefore, only the characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an auto closing device 40a of the present embodiment may be formed integrally with the second damping device 60. Alternatively, the second damping device 60 may be mounted on the auto closing device 40a. The auto closing device 40a may include a lever 420a. Since a basic structure of the auto closing device 40a is the same as the auto closing device 40 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] The second damping device 60 may include an outer body 610 and a damper 630 received in the outer body 610. The outer body 610 may be formed integrally with the case 410 of the auto closing device 40a or may be coupled to the case 410.

[0122] The damper 630 may include a housing 631 and a rod 632 movable relative to the housing 631. The rod 632 may be fixed to the outer body 610. The housing 631 may be movable relative to the outer body 610 while being received in the outer body 610.

[0123] The damper 630 may further include a contact member 620 positioned at an outside of the housing 631. The contact member 620 may form an exterior of the damper 630. Alternatively, the contact member 620 may be coupled to the housing 631 at a position where the contact member 620 may come into contact with the lever 420a of the auto closing device 40a. Alternatively, the contact member 620 may be formed integrally with the housing 631. Alternatively, the contact member 620 may be omitted.

[0124] Since the sub door bracket 33 of the present embodiment is the same as the sub door bracket 33 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with the first part in a state in which a closing angle of a sub door is a second set angle. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a second embodiment.

[0126] In FIG. 16, a position of the damper may be referred to as a first position, and in FIGS. 15 and 17, a position of the damper may be referred to as a second position.

[0127] Referring to Figs. 13 to 17, the second damping device 60 may be positioned between a rotation center C3 of the lever 420a and a rotation center C2 of the sub door 24.

[0128] When the lever 420a is spaced apart from the contact surface 333 during a process of closing the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened, no external force is applied to the lever 420a.

[0129] When the sub door 24 closes in a first direction (counterclockwise in the drawing), when the sub door 24 forms a second set angle with a front surface of the cabinet 10 or a front surface of the main door 23, the lever 420a may be in contact with the first part 334 of the contact surface 333.

[0130] At a time point in which the lever 420a is in contact with the contact surface 333, the damper 630 remains positioned at the second position. The second position of the damper 630 may be a state in which the lever 420a presses the damper 630. When the damper 630 is pressed, the spring 635 within the damper 630 may be in a contracted state.

[0131] When the sub door 24 is additionally rotated in the first direction while the lever 420a is in contact with the first part 334, the lever 420a is rotated in a second direction (clockwise with reference to FIG. 16) opposite to the first direction due to an inclination of the first part 334. That is, in a process of closing the sub door 24, the first part 334 applies a resistance force to the lever 420a to cause the lever 420a to rotate in the second direction.

[0132] When the lever 420a is rotated in the second direction, the other end of the elastic member 440 is rotated in the second direction, causing the elastic member 440 to accumulate elastic force.

[0133] As the sub door 24 closes, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 increases as the lever 420a moves from a starting point of the first part 334 toward the second part 335. As the lever 420a rotates in the second direction, a pressure of the lever 420a applied on the damper 630 decreases, and the damper 630 moves in a third direction toward the first position by the spring 635.

[0134] The third direction may be a direction approaching the main door 23. The third direction may be a direction in which a protruding length of the housing 631 in the outer body 610 increases. The housing 631 may move linearly in the third direction.

[0135] When the lever 420a reaches the end point of the first part 334 during a closing process of the sub door 24, the damper 630 reaches the first position. A damping force that may be applied when the damper 630 is positioned at the first position may be maximum.

[0136] Meanwhile, an elastic force of the spring 635 provided in the second damping device 60 may be less than an elastic force of the elastic member 440 of the auto closing device 40.

[0137] Accordingly, when the sub door 24 is opened at an angle greater than the second set angle, the damper 630 may be maintained in the second position by the elastic force of the elastic member 440.

[0138] Dusing a closing process of the sub door 24, when the lever 420a is in contact with the second part 335, the lever 420a rotates in the first direction. When the lever 420a rotates in the first direction, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases. When the lever 420a is released from the first part 334 during the closing process of the sub door 24, a resistance applied to the lever 420a is removed. Then, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 acts on the lever 420a, so that the sub door 24 may be automatically closed. That is, as the lever 420a moves along the second part 335, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member 440 decreases. The decreasing elastic force acts as a closing force of the sub door 24.

[0139] As the lever 420a moves along the second part 335, a rotational force of the lever 420a in the first direction is transmitted to the damper 630.

[0140] The damper 630 may be moved from the first position to the second position in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction by being pressed by the lever 420a.

[0141] During a movement of the damper 630 in the fourth direction, a damping force may be applied to the lever 420a.

[0142] As the lever 420a moves along the second part 335, the auto closing device 40a provides a closing force to the sub door 24, while the damping device 60 provides a damping force to the sub door 24. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the lever 420a is in contact with the third part 336, and a state in which the lever 420a presses the damper 630 may be maintained.

[0143] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to a third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which a sub door in FIG. 19 is rotated.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, an auto closing device 70 of the present embodiment may provide not only a closing force to the sub door 24, but also a damping force.

[0145] The auto closing device 70 may include a case 710. The case 710 may be received in the sub door 24.

[0146] The auto closing device 70 may include a first member 720 received in the case 710. The auto closing device 70 may include a lever 750 connected to the first member 720.

[0147] The lever 750 or the first member 720 may be connected to, for example, an elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7). One end of the elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7) may be fixed to the case 710, and another end may be connected to the lever 750 or the first member 720.

[0148] A shape and function of the lever 750 may be identical to the lever described in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] The first member 720 may be rotated within the case 710. When the first member 720 rotates, the lever 750 may also be rotated.

[0150] The auto closing device 70 may further include a second member 730 received in the case 710. The second member 730 may be in contact with the first member 720. The second member 730 may move linearly within the case 710 when the first member 720 rotates. For example, with reference to FIG. 19, the second member 730 may move up and down.

[0151] The first member 720 may include a first space 724 capable of receiving oil. The second member 730 may include a second space 734 capable of receiving oil. The first space 724 may be recessed, for example, in a direction away from the second member 730. The second space 734 may be recessed, for example, in a direction away from the first member 730.

[0152] To enable linear movement of the second member 730 when the first member 720 rotates, the first member 720 may include a first uneven part 722, and the second member 730 may include a second uneven part 732.

[0153] The first uneven part 722 may include a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions that are arranged alternately. The second uneven part 732 may include a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions that are arranged alternately.

[0154] Depending on a rotational position of the first member 720, the convex portion of the first uneven part 722 may be received in the concave portion of the second uneven part 732. The convex portion of the second uneven part 732 may be received in the concave portion of the first uneven part 732.

[0155] The auto closing device 70 may further include a supporting portion 740 that supports the second member 730. For example, the supporting portion 740 may be an elastic member that elastically supports the second member 730.

[0156] As long as no external force is applied to the first member 720, the first uneven part 722 and the second uneven part 732 may be maintained in an engaged state by the elastic force of the elastic member 760 as shown in FIG. 20.

[0157] The second member 730 and the case 710 may form a buffer space 712 in which oil is received. The supporting portion 740 may be positioned in the buffer space 712.

[0158] Although not shown, a rotation guide that guides a rotation of the first member 720 may be provided in the case 710.

[0159] A protrusion 736 extending in a longitudinal direction of the second member 730 (or an arrangement direction of the first member and the second member) may be formed on the second member 730. A protrusion groove 714 in which the protrusion 736 is received may be formed on an inner surface of the case 710.

[0160] In a state in which the protrusion 736 is received in the protrusion groove 714, the protrusion 736 may move along the protrusion groove 714. A rotation of the second member 730 is restricted by the protrusion groove 714 and the protrusion 736, and A linear movement may be stably performed.

[0161] The first member 720 is capable of bidirectional rotation within the case 710.

[0162] In this embodiment, the first member 720, the second member 730, and the elastic member 740 located within the case 710 may be referred to as a second damping device. That is, the second damping device may be located within the auto closing device.

[0163] In FIG. 20, a position of the second member may be referred to as a first position. In FIG. 19, a position of the second member may be referred to as a second position. Damping force may be generated during a process in which the second member 730 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0164] When the second member 730 moves in one direction from the first position to the second position, the supporting portion 740 contracts and oil of the buffer space 712 may flow through the second member 730 or between the second member 730 and an inner surface of the case 710 to the first space 724 or the second space 724.

[0165] Damping force may be generated during a process in which oil flows from the buffer space 712 to the first space 724 or the second space 724.

[0166] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a door according to a fourth embodiment.

[0167] This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment in other portions, except that the damping device and auto closing device are positioned at an upper side of the sub door. Therefore, only the characteristic portions this embodiment will be described below.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 21, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23 and a sub door 24.

[0169] The main door 23 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet by a main door bracket 31a. The sub door 24 may be rotatably connected to the main door 23 by a sub door bracket 33a.

[0170] The sub door 24 may include an auto closing device 40 and a second damping device 50. The auto closing device 40 may be installed at an upper side of the sub door 24. The second damping device 50 may be installed at an upper side of the sub door 24. As mentioned in the previous embodiment, the auto closing device 40 may cause the sub door 24 to automatically close during a closing process of the sub door 24. The second damping device 50 may reduce a closing speed of the sub door 24 during an operation of the auto closing device 40. The second damping device 50 may, for example, be in contact with the main door 23 and be pressed by the main door 23. The main door 23 may include a contact portion for contacting a damper of the second damping device 50.

[0171] FIG. 22 is a front view of a door according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23a and a sub door 24a rotatably connected to the main door 23a.

[0173] The main door 23a may include a main door frame 810 having an opening 811. The sub door 24a may open and close the opening 811. For example, at least a portion of the sub door 24a may be received in the opening 811.

[0174] The sub door 24a may include a sub door frame 902, a door liner 904 connected to the sub door frame 902, and a panel assembly 910 in contact with the sub door frame 902.

[0175] The panel assembly 910 may include a front panel 911 and one or more insulating panels 912, 913 spaced apart from the front panel 911. The front panel 911 may be formed of a glass material or a material that allows light to pass through. The front panel 911 may form a front exterior of the sub door 24a.

[0176] The sub door 24a may be rotatably connected to the main door 23a by a sub hinge bracket 920.

[0177] One side of the sub hinge bracket 920 may be connected to the sub door frame 902. Another side of the sub hinge bracket 920 may be connected to the main door frame 810.

[0178] For example, the main door frame 810 may be provided with a slot 812 through which the sub hinge bracket 920 passes. The sub hinge bracket 920 may be inserted into the main door frame 810 through the slot 812.

[0179] The main door frame 810 may be provided with a second damping device 1000. Since a basic structure and function of the second damping device 1000 are the same as the second damping device described previously, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] The second damping device 1000 may pass through the slot 812 and be positioned within the main door frame 810.

[0181] The second damping device 1000 may include a damper 1020. As shown in FIG. 23, in a state in which the sub door 24a is opened, the damper 1020 may protrude outward from the slot 812 due to an elastic force of the spring.

[0182] During a closing process of the sub door 24a, a contact portion 922 of the sub hinge bracket 920 may be in contact with the damper 1020. When the contact portion 922 is in contact with the damper 1020, the damper 1020 is pressed and a damping force is applied to the sub door 24a. In a state in which the sub door 24a is closed, an entirety of damper 1020 may be positioned within the main door frame 810. Alternatively, in a state in which the sub door 24a is closed, a portion of the damper 1020 may be positioned in the slot 812.

[0183] As another example, a damper 1020 of the second damping device 1000 may be in contact with the sub door frame 902 and be pressed by the sub door frame 902.

[0184] In the present embodiment, an auto closing device for closing the sub door 24a may be provided or omitted. If the auto closing device for the sub door 24a is provided, the auto closing device may be located at the main door 23 and may operate with the sub hinge bracket 920.

[0185] As another example, an auto closing device for the sub door 24a may be provided at the main door 23a, and the second damping device 1000 may also be provided at the sub door 24a. In this case, the damper 1020 of the second damping device 1000 may be pressed by the main door frame 810 during a closing process of the sub door 24a.

[0186] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a first part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is in contact with a second part of the sub hinge bracket according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fifth embodiment.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23 and a sub door 24 rotatably connected to the main door 23.

[0188] The main door 23 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by a main door bracket 31a. The sub door 24 may be rotatably connected to the main door 23 by a sub door bracket 33b.

[0189] The sub door bracket 33b may include a first portion 1051 connected to the main door 23 and a second portion 1052 connected to the sub door 24.

[0190] For example, the first portion 1051 may be connected to an upper side of the main door 23. The first portion 1051 may be a portion that overlaps an upper surface of the main door 23 in a vertical direction. The second portion 1052 may be a portion that extends from the first portion 1051 and does not overlap the upper surface of the main door 23.

[0191] The sub door 24 may include an auto closing device 40 and a second damping device 50. The auto closing device 40 and the second damping device 50 may be the same as those described in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0192] The sub door bracket 33b may include a contact surface in contact with the lever 420 of the auto closing device 40. The contact surface may include a first part 1053, a second part 1054, and a third part 1055.

[0193] The sub door bracket 33b may further include a contact portion 1056 to be in contact with the damper 510 of the second damping device 50.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 25, in a state in which a lever 420 of the auto closing device 40 is in contact with the first part 1053, the damper 510 may be spaced apart from the contact portion 1056. As shown in FIG. 25, a position where the damper 510 is spaced apart from the contact portion 1056 may be referred to as a first position. As shown in FIG. 27, a position where the sub door 24 is closed and the damper 510 is pressed may be referred to as a second position.

[0195] During a closing process of the sub door 24, when the lever 420 is in contact with a boundary between the first part 1053 and the second part 1054 or is in contact with the second part 1054, the damper 510 may be in contact with the contact portion 1056.

[0196] During a closing process of the sub door 24, when the lever 420 moves along the second part 1054, a closing force is applied to the sub door 24. In a process of the closing force being applied to the sub door 24, the damper 510 moves from the first position to the second position, and the damping force may be applied to the sub door 24 by a movement of the damper 510. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the lever 420 may be in contact with the third part 1055, and the damper 510 may be in contact with the contact portion 1056 while being positioned at the second position.

[0197] FIG. 28 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 29 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto closing device of a sub door is opened at a predetermined angle according to a seventh embodiment.

[0198] This embodiment is the same as the sixth embodiment in other portions, except that there is a difference a position of the second damping device. Therefore, only the characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a second damping device 1250 of the present embodiment is installed at the sub door 24 and may be linked with the auto closing device 1200 for the sub door 24. For example, the second damping device 1250 may be connected to the lever 1210 of the auto closing device 1200. The sub hinge bracket 33b includes a contact surface 1053, and the lever 1210 may move along the contact surface 1053.

[0200] The second damping device 1250 may include a housing 1251 and a damper 1252. The housing 1251 may be installed at the sub door 24.

[0201] The damper 1252 may include a movable rod 1253. The rod 1253 may include a connection portion 1254. The connection portion 1254 may be connected to the lever 1210. The lever 1210 may be provided with a slot 1211 to which the connection portion 1254 is connected.

[0202] The connection portion 1254 may be inserted into the slot 1211. The lever 1210 may be rotated and the rod 1253 may be moved linearly. In order for a rotational force of the lever 1210 to be transmitted to the rod 1253, the slot 1211 may be formed greater than the connection portion 1254. Therefore, during a rotation process of the lever 1210, the connection portion 1254 may be moved within the slot 1211.

[0203] Even in this structure, when a closing force is applied by the auto closing device 1200, the load 1253 moves in conjunction with the lever 1210, and thus a damping force may be generated in the second damping device 1250.

[0204] When the lever 1210 rotates in one direction during a closing process of the sub door 24, an elastic member of the auto closing device 1200 accumulates elastic force, and the rod 1253 moves to an initial position (or first position). When the lever 1210 rotates in the other direction, a closing force is generated by the elastic member in which the elastic force is accumulated, and the rod 1253 moves from the initial position to an end position (or second position), so that a damping force may be generated.

[0205] FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a first angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is opened at a second angle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 33A is a drawing showing a latch for connecting a main door and a sub door, and FIG. 33B is a drawing showing an operating portion for operating a latch.

[0206] Referring to FIGS. 30 to 33, a door of the present embodiment may include a main door 23 and a sub door 24. A basic structure of the main door 23 and the sub door 24 may be the same as in the previous embodiment.

[0207] A gasket G1 may be provided between the main door 23 and the sub door 24. The gasket G1 may be provided at the sub door 24. In the present embodiment, the gasket G1 may be a gasket having a hollow space formed therein. The gasket G1 may not include a magnet.

[0208] In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the main door 24 may be maintained in a state of being coupled to each other by a latch 1510. Since the main door 23 and the sub door 24 are coupled by the latch 1510, the gasket G1 may be maintained in a state of being in close contact with a front surface of the main door 23.

[0209] The latch 1510 may be provided at the sub door 24. The main door 23 may be provided with a hook portion 1530 for hooking the latch 1510. In order to open the sub door 24 in a state in which the latch 1510 is hooked with the hook portion 1530, an engagement of the latch 1510 and the hook portion 1530 must be released. The sub door 24 may be provided with an operating portion 1520 for operating the latch 1510. An operating force of the operating portion 1520 may be transmitted to the latch 1510 by a transmission portion, thereby releasing the latch 1510 and the hook portion 1530 from engagement.

[0210] The sub door 24 may be provided with an auto closing device 1300 and a second damping device 1300.

[0211] The auto closing device 1300 may include a lever 1320. A basic structure of the auto closing device 1300 is the same as that described in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. During a closing process of the sub door 24, the lever 1320 may move along the contact surface 1060 of the sub hinge bracket 33c.

[0212] The second damping device 1400 may include a damper 1420 and a damper connection portion 1430. The damper connection portion 1430 may be connected to the damper 1420. In the present embodiment, the damper 1420 does not include a spring, and a position of the damper 1420 may be varied by the damper connection portion 1430.

[0213] In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, the damper 1420 may be positioned at the second position. During an opening process of the sub door 24, the damper 1420 remains positioned at the second position, and the lever 1320 moves to one side of the damper connection portion 1430.

[0214] During a closing process of the sub door 24, the lever 1320 rotates in one direction while being in contact with the contact surface 1060, and a rotational force of the lever 1320 is transmitted to the damper connection portion 1430, causing the damper 1420 to move to a first position.

[0215] In a process of continuously closing the sub door 24, the lever 1320 may be rotated in the other direction to provide closing force to the sub door 24. In a process of providing closing force to the sub door 24, the damper connection portion 1430 is pressed by the sub hinge bracket 33c, so that the damper 1420 moves from the first position to a second position, and in this process, a damping force is applied to the sub door 24.

[0216] As a closing force increases during a closing process of the sub door 24, the latch 1510 may be caught on the hook portion 1530 after the latch 1510 is rotated so that an inclined surface of the latch 1510 passes over an inclined surface of the hook portion 1530.

[0217] As another example, a lever 1320 of the auto closing device 1300 may move from a neutral position to a closed position and an opened position. For example, the lever 1320 may be rotated counterclockwise in the drawing based on a rotation center from a neutral position to a closed position. The lever 1320 may be rotated clockwise in the drawing from a neutral position to an opened position based on a rotation center. While the sub door 24 is opened and then closed, the lever 1320 may move along the contact surface 1060 and may be rotated. The lever 1320 may push the damper connection portion 1430 during an opening process of the sub door 24 so that the damper 1420 returns to the first position.

[0218] FIG. 34 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a ninth embodiment.

[0219] This embodiment is the same as the sixth embodiment in other portions, except that there is a difference in a type of gasket. Therefore, only the characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 34, the sub door 23 may be provided with an auto closing device 1300 and a second damping device 1400, similar to the eighth embodiment.

[0221] A gasket G2 may be provided between the sub door 24 and the main door 23. The gasket G2 may include a magnet. By a magnetic force of the magnet, the sub door 24 and the main door 23 may be maintained in a coupled state while the sub door 24 is closed. Therefore, unlike the eighth embodiment, the latch and operating portion may be omitted.

[0222] FIG. 35 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a tenth embodiment.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 35, a main door 23 of the present embodiment may be provided with a second damping device 1450. The sub door 24 may be provided with an auto closing device.

[0224] The second damping device 1450 may be installed at an upper side of the sub door 24 and positioned at a lower side of the sub hinge bracket 33d.

[0225] The second damping device 1450 may be operated by the auto closing device. The auto closing device may include a plate spring 1610 provided at the sub hinge bracket 33d and a damper contact portion 1620 in contact with the damper 1452 of the second damping device 1450.

[0226] The plate spring 1610 may include a first part 1611 and a second part 1612. One end of the first part 1611 may be fixed to the sub hinge bracket 33d. One end of the second part 1612 may be fixed to the sub hinge bracket 33d. The other end of the first part 1611 may be connected to the other end of the second part 1612. The first part 1611 and the second part 1612 may be arranged to form a predetermined angle, for example. The first part 1611 and the second part 1612 may extend outside the sub hinge bracket 33d and may be positioned at a path of the damper contact portion 1620 during an opening and closing process of the sub door 24.

[0227] In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the damper 1452 may be positioned at a first position. In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the damper contact portion 1620 may be spaced apart from the plate spring 1610. In a process of closing the sub door 24, the damper contact portion 1620 may be in contact with the first part 1611. The damper contact portion 1620 presses the first part 1611, and as the plate spring 1610 is deformed, elastic force may be accumulated in the plate spring 1610. In a process of additionally closing the sub door 24, the elastic force of the plate spring 1610 is transmitted to the damper contact portion 1620 as the damper contact portion 1620 passes over a boundary between the first part 1611 and the second part 1612. The elastic force transmitted to the damper contact portion 1620 may act as a closing force of the sub door 24. After the damper contact portion 1620 passes over a boundary between the first part 1611 and the second part 1612, the damper contact portion 1620 may be in contact with the damper 1452. The damper contact portion 1620 presses the damper 1452 so that the damper 1452 moves from the first position to the second position, thereby generating a damping force.

[0228] FIG. 36 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to an eleventh embodiment.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 36, a main door 23 of the present embodiment may be provide with a second damping device 1460. The sub door 24 may be provided with an auto-closing device.

[0230] The second damping device 1460 may be installed at an upper side of the main door 23 and positioned at a lower side of the sub hinge bracket 33e.

[0231] The second damping device 1460 may be operated by the auto closing device. The auto closing device may include an elastic body 1630 (or a damper contact portion) installed at the sub door 24. The elastic body 1630 may be in contact with the damper 1462 of the second damping device 1460.

[0232] The sub hinge bracket 33e may be provided with a contact surface 1060 with which the elastic body 1630 is in contact. The contact surface 1060 may include a first part 1061 and a second part 1062 inclined with respect to the first part 1061.

[0233] In the present embodiment, the elastic body 1630 may be elastically deformed. For example, the elastic body 1630 may be formed in a shape that is bent one or more times. As an example, FIG. 36 illustrates that the elastic body 1630 is formed in a "U" shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0234] One end of the elastic body 1630 may be fixed to the sub door 24. One end of the elastic body 1630 may be a fixed end, and another end may be a free end.

[0235] In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the damper 1462 may be positioned at the first position. In a state in which the sub door 24 is opened, the elastic body 1630 may be spaced apart from the contact surface 1060. During a closing process of the sub door 24, the elastic body 1630 may be in contact with the contact surface 1060.

[0236] The elastic body 1630 is elastically deformed and accumulates elastic force while moving along the first part 1061 of the contact surface 1060. The accumulated elastic force may act as a closing force of the sub door 24 while the elastic body 1630 moves along the second part 1062.

[0237] In a process in which the elastic body 1630 moves along the second part 1062, the elastic body 1630 presses the damper 1462, causing the damper 1462 to move from the first position to the second position, thereby generating a damping force.

[0238] FIG. 37 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a twelfth embodiment.

[0239] In a case of FIG. 37, a state in which the auto closing device 40 of FIG. 12 is omitted is illustrated. That is, a main door 23 may be provided with a first damping device 26, and a sub door 24 may be provided with a second damping device 50. Since a remaining structure is the same as FIG. 12, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0240] FIG. 38 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a thirteenth embodiment.

[0241] FIG 38 illustrates a view of a main door and a sub door from below.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 38, in the present embodiment, the auto closing device 40 may be omitted from sub door 24.

[0243] The main door 23 may be provided with a first damping device 26. The first damping device 26 may be in contact with a main hinge bracket 31 during a closing process of the main door 23. Since a structure of the first damping device 26 is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0244] The sub door 24 may be provided with a second damping device 50a. The second damping device 50a may be in contact with the sub door bracket 33f during a closing process of the sub door 24. The sub door bracket 33f may include a first part 336a and a second part 336b. A slope of the first part 336a with respect to a front surface of the main door 23 may be greater than a slope of the second part 336b with respect to a front surface of the main door 23. The second part 336b may be positioned closer to the main door 23 than the first part 336a.

[0245] When the second damping device 50a is in contact with the first part 336a during a closing process of the sub door 24, a first damping force may be generated in the second damping device 50a. When the sub door 24 is additionally rotated, the second damping device 50a may be in contact with the second part 336a and generates a second damping force greater than the first damping force. When the sub door 24 is completely closed, the second damping device 50a may remain in contact with the second part 336a.

[0246] In the present embodiment, in a state in which the main door 23 is closed, the cylinder of the first damping device 26 (see 264 of FIG. 5) may extend in a first direction. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, a damper of the second damping device 50a (see 510 of FIG. 6) may also extend in the first direction. The first direction may be, for example, a left-right direction of the main door 23 or the sub door 24. That is, an extension direction of the cylinder and an extension direction of the damper may be parallel.

[0247] FIG. 39 is a view showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a fourteenth embodiment.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 39, a main door 23 of the present embodiment may be provided with a first damping device 26. The first damping device 26 may be in contact with the main hinge bracket 31b during a closing process of the main door 23. For example, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with a coupling portion 311 of the main hinge bracket 31b. Alternatively, the first damping device 26 may be in contact with the cabinet 10 during a closing process of the main door 23. Since a structure of the first damping device 26 is the same as that of the first damping device 26 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0249] The sub door 24 may be provided with a second damping device 50. The second damping device 50 may be in contact with the contact portion 233 of the main door 23 during a closing process of the sub door 24. Alternatively, the second damping device 50 may be in contact with the sub door bracket during a closing process of the sub door 24. Since a structure of the second damping device 50 is the same as that of the second damping device 50 of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0250] In the present embodiment, in a state in which the main door 23 is closed, a cylinder of the first damping device 26 (see 264 of FIG. 5) may extend in a second direction. In a state in which the sub door 24 is closed, a damper 510 of the second damping device 50 may also extend in the second direction. The second direction may be a direction crossing a front surface of the main door 23 or a front surface of the sub door 24. Alternatively, the second direction may be, for example, an arrangement direction of the main door 23 and the sub door 24.

[0251] An extension direction of the cylinder 264 (see 264 of FIG. 5) and an extension direction of the damper 510 may be parallel. Alternatively, at least a portion of the first damping device 26 may overlap the second damping device 50 in the second direction. Alternatively, an entirety of the first damping device 26 may not overlap the second damping device 50 in the second direction.

Examples

first embodiment

[0038]FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a FIG. 2 is a view of a door of FIG. 1 from below. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1.

[0039]Before explain the embodiments, various directions are defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction facing a front surface of the door illustrated in FIG. 1 may be defined as a front direction, a direction facing a cabinet with respect to a front surface of the door will be defined as a rear direction, a direction facing a bottom surface on which the refrigerator is installed will be defined as a downward direction, and a direction that is away from the bottom surface will be defined as an upward direction. When indicating a previously undefined direction, a direction may be described by being defined based on each drawing.

[0040]Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may be independently installed at a kitchen or accommodated within an indoor furniture cabin...

second embodiment

[0125]FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with the first part in a state in which a closing angle of a sub door is a second set angle. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is positioned at a boundary between a first part and a second part by reducing a closing angle of a sub door of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub door is closed according to a

[0126]In FIG. 16, a position of the damper may be referred to as a first position, and in FIGS. 15 and 17, a position of the damper may be referred to as a second position.

[0127]Referring to Figs. 13 to 17, the second damping device 60 may be positioned between a rotation center C3 of the lever 420a and a rotation center C2 of the sub door 24.

[0128]When the lever 420a is spaced apart from the contact surface 333 during a process of closing the sub door 24 after the sub door 24 is opened, no external force is applied to the lever 420a.

[0129]When the sub door 24 closes ...

third embodiment

[0143]FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to a FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which a sub door in FIG. 19 is rotated.

[0144]Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, an auto closing device 70 of the present embodiment may provide not only a closing force to the sub door 24, but also a damping force.

[0145]The auto closing device 70 may include a case 710. The case 710 may be received in the sub door 24.

[0146]The auto closing device 70 may include a first member 720 received in the case 710. The auto closing device 70 may include a lever 750 connected to the first member 720.

[0147]The lever 750 or the first member 720 may be connected to, for example, an elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7). One end of the elastic member (see 440 of FIG. 7) may be fixed to the case 710, and another end may be connected to the lever 750 or the first member 720.

[0148]A shape and function of the lever 750 may be identical to the lever d...

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet configured to form a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door includes a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable relative to the main door, an auto closing device configured to provide closing force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door, and a damping device configured to provide damping force to the sub door during the closing process of the sub door.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein while the auto closing device provides the closing force to the sub door, the damping device provides the damping force to the sub door.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the door further includes: at least one of an additional auto closing device configured to provide closing force to the main door during a closing process of the main door or an additional damping device configured to provide damping force to the main door during the closing process of the main door.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the auto closing device and the damping device are installed at the sub door, and wherein the damping device includes a damper configured to generate damping force during a movement process.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the main door includes a contact portion configured to press the damper during the closing process of the sub door.

6. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the door further includes a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door, and wherein the sub door bracket includes a contact portion configured to press the damper during the closing process of the sub door.

7. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the auto closing device includes a lever rotatable at a position spaced apart from a rotational center of the door, and an elastic member connected to the lever.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein during the closing process of the sub door, the lever is configured to press the damper.

9. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the damper includes a connection portion, and wherein the lever includes a slot to which the connection portion is coupled.

10. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the auto closing device further includes a case that receives the elastic member, and wherein the case includes an outer body that receives the damper, or the outer body is installed at the door at a position adjacent to the case.

11. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the door further includes a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door, and wherein the sub door bracket includes a contact surface in contact with the lever during the closing process of the sub door.

12. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the auto closing device further includes a case that receives the elastic member, and wherein the damping device is positioned within the case.

13. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the door further includes a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door, wherein the damping device further includes a damper connection portion connected to the damper, wherein while the sub door is closed, the lever moves the damper connection portion to move the damper to a first position, and wherein after the damper is moved to the first position, the damper is pressed by the sub door bracket to be moved to a second position to generate damping force during an additional closing process of the sub door.

14. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the auto closing device is installed at the sub door, and the damping device is installed at the main door, and wherein the damping device includes a damper configured to generate damping force during a movement process.

15. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the door further includes a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door, and wherein the auto closing device includes an elastic body that is in contact with the sub door bracket and presses the damper during the closing process of the sub door.

16. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the door further includes a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door, and wherein the auto closing device includes a plate spring installed at the sub door bracket, and a damper contact portion that is in contact with the plate spring and presses the damper during the closing process of the sub door.

17. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the auto closing device and the damping device are installed at the main door, or the auto closing device is installed at the main door and the damping device is installed at the sub door, and wherein the damping device includes a damper configured to generate damping force during a movement process.

18. The refrigerator of claim 17, wherein the door further includes a sub door bracket that rotatably supports the sub door, wherein the main door is provided with an opening in which at least a portion of the sub door is positioned, and a slot for inserting the sub door bracket, and wherein during the closing process of the sub door, the sub door or the sub door bracket presses the damper, or the main door presses the damper.

19. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet to form a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door includes: a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable with respect to the main door, a first damping device configured to provide a damping force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second damping device configured to providing a damping force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

20. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet to form a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door includes: a main door that opens and closes the storage space, a sub door rotatable relative to the main door, a first auto closing device configured to provide closing force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second auto closing device configured to provide closing force to the sub door during a closing process of the sub door.

Images