Auxiliary device for home appliance

Abstract

The present invention allows a user to remove items placed on a rotating shelf without having to lift the items, and, in particular, allows smooth turning or pulling of a second shelf for a user of short stature or a disabled user with difficulty standing up. To this end, the auxiliary device for home appliances of the present invention comprises: a first shelf having an edge portion that is seated on an edge frame of a shelf assembly; a second shelf disposed on top of the first shelf; and a movement prevention part for preventing the first shelf from moving from the edge frame of the shelf when the second shelf is moving forward and backward or is rotating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an auxiliary device for a home appliance that is selectively mounted to a home appliance so as to allow a disabled user, an elderly user, or a short-statured user to easily take out an item placed on a shelf regardless of a position of the item.Background Art

[0002] In general, a home appliance is an electrical product that is provided to a household and uses energy such as electricity or heat.

[0003] Such a home appliance includes various products such as a washing machine, a storage device, a temperature control device, and an air purifier.

[0004] In particular, in the case of the storage device, the storage device may be a device that maintains a set temperature or humidity within a storage space that is opened and closed by a door, and such a storage device may include, for example, a refrigerator for storing food.

[0005] In recent years, a refrigerator has been configured to have an increased front-rear depth within a storage compartment in order to increase storage space. That is, since a recent refrigerator has a predetermined maximum size in height and left-right width for built-in installation, storage space is further secured by adjusting the front-rear width.

[0006] However, when the front-rear depth of the storage space is increased in this manner, there has been inconvenience in that it is not easy for an elderly user, a short-statured user, or a disabled user having difficulty in movement to take out an item stored at a rear portion within the storage space.

[0007] In order to resolve such inconvenience, in the related art, a shelf of a refrigerator is configured to be rotatable. This is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-1998-0027741, Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-1999-0002138, Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-1999-0006547, and Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0074995.

[0008] However, such a rotatable shelf of the refrigerator is fixedly used at a specific position within the storage space. That is, in some cases, the rotatable shelf is provided at a position not desired by a user.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a disadvantage in that inconvenience in use may be caused.

[0010] Meanwhile, recently, an auxiliary shelf that can be placed on and used with any one shelf regardless of a position of the shelf has been provided. This is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-2597326. That is, a rotatable auxiliary shelf (turntable) provided separately from a shelf of a refrigerator is provided so as to be placed on and used with the shelf of the refrigerator.

[0011] In particular, the auxiliary shelf has peripheral walls (upright walls and curved walls) formed at front-rear and left-right sides of an upper surface thereof so as to provide a storage space. That is, the storage space is provided inside the peripheral walls.

[0012] However, due to the peripheral walls, there has been inconvenience in that, in order to take out an item placed on the auxiliary shelf, the item is required to be lifted to a height higher than the peripheral walls.

[0013] In particular, in the case of a disabled user using a wheelchair, an elderly user, or a short-statured user, such inconvenience caused by the peripheral walls is inevitably greater, and thus there is a disadvantage in that practicality is low even though the auxiliary shelf is a product provided for convenience of use.

[0014] In addition, the above-described auxiliary shelf is configured to be rotated or drawn out from the shelf of the refrigerator by a rotation operation or a pulling operation according to a user's need.

[0015] However, such a structure has a disadvantage in that operation is inevitably difficult for a disabled user using a wheelchair or a short-statured user.

[0016] In addition, the above-described auxiliary shelf is configured such that a fixing plate placed on the shelf is fixed by a suction plate.

[0017] However, since a shelf provided in a typical refrigerator is generally formed of glass, an edge frame that is placed on and moved along rails is provided along an edge of the shelf. In consideration of this, the fixing plate is only formed to a size within a range in which interference thereof with the edge frame does not occur. Accordingly, since sizes of the rotatable shelf and the fixing plate are not the same, when a weight is concentrated on a portion of the rotatable shelf that is not supported by the fixing plate, problems such as tilting occur, and due to this, a rotational operation cannot be smoothly performed.

[0018] Moreover, when a heavy item is placed on the auxiliary shelf, the weight of the auxiliary shelf is concentrated on the shelf formed of glass, and thus there is a concern that damage or breakage of the shelf may occur.Disclosure Technical Problem

[0019] The present disclosure has been made to solve various problems according to the above-described related arts, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a new type of auxiliary device for a home appliance that allows an item placed on a rotatable shelf to be taken out without lifting the item.

[0020] In addition, an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a new type of auxiliary device for a home appliance in which a rotation operation or a pulling operation of the rotatable shelf is smoothly performed even by a short-statured user or a disabled user who has difficulty operating the rotatable shelf while standing.

[0021] In addition, an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a new type of auxiliary device for a home appliance capable of preventing tilting of the rotatable shelf.Technical Solution

[0022] In order to achieve the above-described objectives, an auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be used by being placed on a shelf assembly of a home appliance.

[0023] The shelf assembly on which the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure is installed may include a shelf and an edge frame surrounding an edge of the shelf.

[0024] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be mounted such that a portion thereof is placed on the edge frame of the shelf assembly.

[0025] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be mounted such that a portion thereof is accommodated within the edge frame of the shelf assembly.

[0026] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a first shelf placed on the shelf assembly may be included.

[0027] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf may include an edge portion placed on an upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly.

[0028] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a second shelf that is rotatably installed may be included.

[0029] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be installed on an upper surface of the first shelf.

[0030] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be rotatably installed on the first shelf.

[0031] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be moved forward and rearward from the first shelf under guidance of a guide part.

[0032] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be moved forward and rearward and rotated from the first shelf under guidance of the guide part.

[0033] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a movement prevention part for preventing movement of the first shelf may be included.

[0034] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the movement prevention part may prevent movement of the first shelf relative to the shelf assembly.

[0035] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the movement prevention part may include a contact pad provided on a lower surface of the edge portion of the first shelf.

[0036] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pad may be formed to have a friction force higher than a friction force of the first shelf.

[0037] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pads may be formed of rubber or silicone.

[0038] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pad may be attached and fixed to the edge portion of the first shelf by an adhesive tape or adhesive.

[0039] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pad may be fixed by being press-fitted into the edge portion of the first shelf.

[0040] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a mounting groove in which the contact pad is accommodated may be formed to be recessed in the lower surface of the edge portion of the first shelf.

[0041] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a portion of the contact pad may be formed to be accommodated and fixed in the mounting groove of the edge portion.

[0042] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, another portion of the contact pad may be formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the edge portion.

[0043] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a lower surface of the contact pad may be formed to be positioned higher than a lower surface of a seating protrusion.

[0044] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the seating protrusion protruding toward the shelf of the shelf assembly may be formed on a lower surface of the first shelf.

[0045] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the seating protrusion may be formed such that a lower surface thereof is placed on an upper surface of the shelf of the shelf assembly.

[0046] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the seating protrusion may be formed such that at least one peripheral surface thereof is in contact with an inner surface of the edge frame.

[0047] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, at least one peripheral surface of the seating protrusion may be formed as a flat surface so as to be in surface contact with the inner surface of the edge frame.

[0048] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a peripheral wall protruding upward may be formed along a periphery of the second shelf.

[0049] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the peripheral wall of the second shelf may be formed to have a height greater than a thickness of the second shelf.

[0050] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, passage openings through which an item placed on the second shelf is allowed to pass may be formed in the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0051] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the passage openings formed in the second shelf may be respectively formed at positions facing each other on the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0052] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the passage openings formed in the second shelf may be respectively formed on two long sides facing each other on the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0053] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a handle part provided as a gripping region may be provided on the second shelf.

[0054] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the handle part of the second shelf may be formed to protrude outward from the periphery of the second shelf.

[0055] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the handle part may be formed to protrude outward from each of the passage openings of the periphery of the second shelf.

[0056] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a bent end bent downward may be formed at an end of the handle part so as to facilitate operation from below.

[0057] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the guide part may include a guide groove formed to be recessed in the upper surface of the first shelf or a lower surface of the second shelf, the guide groove having a structure in which a front-rear length thereof is longer than a left-right width thereof.

[0058] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the guide part may include a guide protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the first shelf or the lower surface of the second shelf and configured to move or rotate along the inside of the guide groove.

[0059] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include the first shelf having the edge portion placed on the upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly, the second shelf installed on the upper surface of the first shelf, and the movement prevention part for preventing movement of the first shelf relative to the edge frame of the shelf during forward and rearward movement or rotation of the second shelf.

[0060] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include the first shelf having the edge portion placed on the upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly and the second shelf installed on the upper surface of the first shelf, wherein an open passage opening through which an interior of the second shelf is visible may be formed in the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0061] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include the first shelf having the edge portion placed on the upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly and the second shelf installed on the upper surface of the first shelf, wherein an open passage opening through which an interior of the second shelf is visible may be formed in the peripheral wall of the second shelf, and the handle part for operation may be formed to protrude from a portion of the periphery of the second shelf at which the passage opening is formed.Advantageous Effects

[0062] As described above, in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, peripheral walls may be provided on opposite side peripheries of the second shelf, thereby preventing an item stored on a corresponding side from falling from the second shelf during rotation of the second shelf.

[0063] In addition, peripheral walls may not be provided on front and rear peripheries of the second shelf and passage openings may be formed therein, thereby allowing an item placed on the second shelf to be easily taken out without being lifted.

[0064] Accordingly, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure allows a short-statured user or a disabled user who has difficulty operating the device while standing to accurately recognize an item stored on the second shelf and to easily take out the item.

[0065] In addition, in in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf may be installed to be placed on the edge frame of the shelf assembly, thereby preventing concentration of stress on the shelf and damage of the shelf.

[0066] Moreover, the first shelf is formed to support an entire area of the second shelf, thereby preventing tilting of the second shelf toward any one side during rotation of the second shelf.

[0067] In addition, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure provides the handle part on the second shelf, thereby allowing the rotation or forward movement of the second shelf to be operated more easily.Description of Drawings

[0068] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an installation relationship between an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a shelf assembly. FIG. 2 is an assembled state view illustrating the installation relationship between the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the shelf assembly. FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an upper side and a lower side, respectively. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly. FIGS. 8 to 13 are views illustrating an operation process of the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in the state in which the auxiliary device is installed on the shelf assembly. Mode for Invention

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0070] In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, if a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In addition, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature or order of the components is not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the component may be directly connected to or coupled to the another component, but it should be understood that still another component may be "connected" or "coupled" thereto between each component.

[0072] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0073] The accompanying FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating an installation relationship between the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a shelf assembly, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an upper side and a lower side, respectively.

[0074] In addition, FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating the state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly.

[0075] As illustrated in these drawings, the embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance that is installed to be placed on or removed from a shelf assembly (1) of a home appliance.

[0076] Here, the shelf assembly (1) may be an assembly including a shelf (10) and an edge frame (20) installed to surround an edge of the shelf (10). For example, the shelf assembly (1) may be defined as a shelf assembly provided in a storage compartment of a refrigerator.

[0077] The edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1) may serve to protect the edge of the shelf (10) formed of a glass material. That is, with the edge frame (20), the shelf (10) may be stably placed on rails provided on wall surfaces of opposite sides within the storage compartment of the refrigerator.

[0078] In addition, an installation frame (21) installed on a central rear wall surface within the storage compartment may be provided on one side of the edge frame (20). For example, in the case of a double-door refrigerator, since there is no partition wall dividing the interior space of the storage compartment into left and right sides at a central portion thereof, the installation frame (21) may be provided so as to support the shelf (10) at the central portion within the storage compartment.

[0079] The edge frame (20) may be formed of a material different from that of the shelf (10). For example, the shelf (10) may be formed of a glass material, and the edge frame (20) may be formed of metal or synthetic resin. Of course, the edge frame (20) and the shelf (10) may be formed of the same material.

[0080] A decorative cover (22) may be further provided on the front side of the edge frame (20). The decorative cover (22) may be formed to surround the end of the edge frame (20).

[0081] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be installed on the shelf assembly (1) of such a home appliance (a refrigerator), will be described.

[0082] The auxiliary device (100) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be used by being placed on the shelf assembly (1). That is, the auxiliary device (100) may be placed on and used with an existing refrigerator shelf as needed.

[0083] The auxiliary device (100) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first shelf (110).

[0084] The first shelf (110) may be a portion that is placed on the shelf assembly (1).

[0085] The first shelf (110) may be formed of a transparent, translucent, or opaque plate material.

[0086] An edge portion (111) that is placed on the upper surface of the edge frame (20) provided on the shelf assembly (1) may be provided along a periphery of the first shelf (110). The edge portion (111) may be defined as a peripheral portion of the first shelf (110). That is, the peripheral portion of the first shelf (110) may be formed to have a size sufficient to be placed on the edge frame (20). Accordingly, the first shelf (110) may not be directly placed on the shelf (10) formed of a glass material, but may be placed on the edge frame (20), which is placed on rails (not shown) or supported by the installation frame (21), such that damage or breakage of the shelf (10) due to the weight of an item placed on the auxiliary device of the present disclosure may be prevented.

[0087] Although not illustrated, the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be formed to be additionally extended from a peripheral portion of the first shelf (110), or may be formed as a portion added by attaching a separate structure thereto.

[0088] The first shelf (110) may be formed to be smaller than or equal to the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1).

[0089] For example, a left-right width defined by the outer surface of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be greater than a left-right width defined by the inner surface of the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1) and smaller than or equal to a left-right width defined by the outer surface of the edge frame (20). In addition, a front-rear width defined by the outer surface of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be greater than a front-rear width defined by the inner surface of the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1) and smaller than or equal to a front-rear width defined by the outer surface of the edge frame (20). Accordingly, the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be placed on the upper surface of the edge frame (20).

[0090] Opposite side surfaces of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be formed as curved surfaces, and front and rear surfaces thereof may be formed as flat surfaces. With this structure, protrusion of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) in front and rear directions of the shelf assembly (1) may be prevented, and the auxiliary device (100) having a storage area of a sufficient size in left and right directions of the shelf assembly (1) may be provided.

[0091] Mounting grooves (112) may be formed in the lower surface of the edge portion (111). Each of the mounting grooves (112) may be provided as a portion in which a movement prevention part (150), which will be described later, is installed.

[0092] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the movement prevention part (150).

[0093] The movement prevention part (150) may be provided to prevent movement of the first shelf (110) relative to the shelf (10) of the shelf assembly (1) or relative to the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1). That is, the movement prevention part (150) may be defined as preventing movement of the first shelf (110) relative to the shelf assembly (1).

[0094] The movement prevention part (150) may include contact pads (151, 152) provided on opposing surfaces between the edge portion (111) and the edge frame (20).

[0095] For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may be provided on the lower surface of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110), and may function to prevent movement of the first shelf (110) by friction generated when the contact pads (151, 152) come into contact with the edge frame (20).

[0096] The contact pads (151, 152) may be formed of a material having a higher friction force than that of the first shelf (110) or the edge frame (20). For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may be formed of rubber or silicone.

[0097] The contact pads (151, 152) may include a plurality of contact pads. For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may include a first contact pad (151) having a curved structure so as to be provided on the curved portion of the edge portion (111), and a second contact pad (152) having a flat structure so as to be provided on lower surfaces at front and rear sides of the edge portion (111).

[0098] The contact pads (151, 152) may be fixed to the lower surface of the edge portion (111) by attachment or by press-fitting.

[0099] For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may be attached to the lower surface of the edge portion (111) by an adhesive tape or adhesive. Alternatively, the contact pads (151, 152) may be coupled to the lower surface of the edge portion (111) by being press-fitted thereto, or may be coupled thereto by using a separate fastener such as a screw.

[0100] In order to maintain the contact pads (151, 152) fixed at predetermined positions on the edge portion (111), the mounting grooves (112) may be formed in the lower surface of the edge portion (111), and the contact pads (151, 152) may be accommodated in the mounting grooves (112) and attached and fixed.

[0101] The contact pads (151, 152) may be formed such that only a portion thereof is accommodated and fixed in the mounting grooves (112) of the edge portion (111). That is, a portion of the contact pads (151, 152) may be accommodated in the mounting grooves (112), and a remaining portion thereof may be formed to protrude outside the mounting groove (112). In particular, the remaining portion of the contact pads (151, 152) may be formed to protrude further downward from the lower surface of the edge portion (111). Accordingly, the contact pads (151, 152) may be placed on and brought into contact with the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1).

[0102] Meanwhile, a seating protrusion (113) protruding toward the upper surface of the shelf (10) constituting the shelf assembly (1) may be formed on the lower surface of the first shelf (110).

[0103] The seating protrusion (113) may be formed to be accommodated within the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1).

[0104] The seating protrusion (113) may be formed such that one peripheral surface thereof is formed as a flat surface so as to be in surface contact with the inner surface of the edge frame (20). Accordingly, the first shelf (110) may be prevented from rotating together with a second shelf (120) during rotation of the second shelf (120) to be described later.

[0105] The lower surface of the seating protrusion (113) may be formed to be placed on the upper surface of the shelf (10). Accordingly, a weight of an item placed on the first shelf (110) may be distributed not only to the edge frame (20) but also to the shelf (10).

[0106] Although not illustrated, a buffering member (not shown) for alleviating impact may be provided between the seating protrusion (113) and the shelf (10). For example, a buffering member formed of rubber or silicone may be additionally provided to prevent a problem in which the seating protrusion (113) collides with the shelf (10) to damage the shelf (10) or generate contact noise.

[0107] Meanwhile, the lower surface of each of the contact pads (151, 152) provided on the lower surface of the edge portion (111) may be formed to be positioned higher than the lower surface of the seating protrusion (113). Accordingly, the contact pads (151, 152) may be placed on the upper surface of the edge frame (20) while the seating protrusion (113) is placed on the upper surface of the shelf (10).

[0108] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the second shelf (120).

[0109] The second shelf (120) may be a portion on which items are placed and stored.

[0110] The second shelf (120) may be installed on the upper surface of the first shelf (110) so as to be rotatable. That is, by allowing the second shelf (120) to rotate relative to the first shelf (110), it may be possible to position an item placed on the front portion of the second shelf (120) at a rear portion within the storage compartment, or to position an item placed on the rear portion of the second shelf (120) at the front portion within the storage compartment.

[0111] The second shelf (120) may be formed of a transparent, translucent, or opaque plate material.

[0112] When viewed in plan, the second shelf (120) may be formed to have the same size and shape as the first shelf (110). For example, the second shelf (120) and the first shelf (110) may be formed to vertically coincide with each other. Accordingly, even when an item is positioned to be biased toward one end portion of the second shelf (120), tilting toward the corresponding side may be prevented. Furthermore, shaking due to tilting may be prevented during the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0113] A seating recess (121) may be formed in the upper surface of the second shelf (120). The seating recess (121) may be formed to be recessed in the inner portion of the upper surface of the second shelf (120), and may function to prevent moisture flowing on the upper surface of the second shelf (120) or moisture flowing down from an item above the second shelf (120) from flowing off the second shelf (120).

[0114] The seating recess (121) may also perform a function of preventing an item placed on the second shelf (120) from unintentionally slipping to the outside of the second shelf (120).

[0115] In addition, a peripheral wall (122) may be formed on the second shelf (120). With the peripheral wall (122), an item stored on the second shelf (120) may be prevented from being removed from the second shelf (120) during the operation (rotation or movement) of the second shelf (120).

[0116] The peripheral wall (122) may be formed to protrude upward from the periphery of the second shelf (120). In particular, the peripheral wall (122) may be formed to have a height greater than a thickness of the second shelf (120).

[0117] Accordingly, with the peripheral wall (122) and the seating recess (121), an item placed on the second shelf (120) may be prevented from being unintentionally separated from and falling off the second shelf (120).

[0118] Meanwhile, passage openings (123) may be formed in the peripheral wall (122). That is, by providing the passage openings (123), it may be possible to identify an item placed on the second shelf (120) or to take out the item from the second shelf (120) without lifting the item.

[0119] With such a structure, is may be possible to eliminate inconvenience in which a short-statured user or a user who intends to take out an item while seated in a wheelchair due to limited mobility must accurately recognize a type of an item placed on the second shelf (120) or lift the item to take it out.

[0120] That is, when the peripheral wall (122) is additionally provided on the second shelf (120), only an upper portion of an item placed on the second shelf (120) may be visible at a position lower than the shelf assembly (1), thereby making it difficult to accurately identify the item, and in order to check or take out such an item, inconvenience that the item must be lifted higher than the peripheral wall (122) may arise. In consideration of this, through the passage openings (123) formed in the peripheral wall (122), the item placed on the second shelf may be more accurately recognized even without lifting the item, and the item may be taken out from the second shelf (120) without lifting the item.

[0121] Each of the passage openings (123) may be formed to have a left-right width sufficient to allow an item to pass therethrough.

[0122] In addition, the passage openings (123) may be respectively formed at positions facing each other on the periphery of the second shelf (120). For example, the passage openings (123) may be respectively formed on two long sides facing each other on the periphery of the second shelf (120). In this case, the two long sides of the second shelf (120) may be a front side and a rear side.

[0123] That is, in the case of the second shelf (120), peripheries of the two long sides (the front side and the rear side) may be stored to correspond to two long sides (the front side and the rear side) of the shelf assembly (1), and may be rotated by 180° such that front and rear positions are exchanged when necessary. In consideration of this, when the second shelf (120) is not rotated, one of the passage openings (123) may be always positioned on the front side, thereby allowing a user positioned lower than the second shelf (120) to accurately recognize and easily take out an item placed on the second shelf (120). During rotation of the second shelf (120), the peripheral wall (122) positioned on each of opposite sides may prevent unintended slipping of an item toward the front, thereby preventing injury to a user positioned below.

[0124] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide part (130).

[0125] The guide part (130) may function to guide operation of the second shelf (120).

[0126] For example, the guide part (130) may guide forward and rearward movement and rotation of the second shelf (120) from the first shelf (110).

[0127] The guide part (130) may include a guide groove (131) formed to be recessed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110) or the lower surface of the second shelf (120), and a guide protrusion (132) protruding from the upper surface of the first shelf (110) or the lower surface of the second shelf (120).

[0128] For example, the guide groove (131) may be formed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110), and the guide protrusion (132) engaging with the guide groove (131) may be formed to protrude from the lower surface of the second shelf (120). Accordingly, the guide protrusion (132) of the second shelf (120) may be operated in engagement with the guide groove (131) of the first shelf (110).

[0129] The guide groove (131) may be formed to have a structure in which a front-rear length thereof is longer than a left-right width thereof, and guide the guide protrusion (132) of the second shelf (120) to move in the longitudinal direction. That is, the guide protrusion (132) may move or rotate along the guide groove (131), thereby moving or rotating the second shelf (120).

[0130] In particular, the guide groove (131) may be formed to extend long toward a front side from the central portion of the upper surface of the first shelf (110). Accordingly, the second shelf (120) may be moved toward the front side of the first shelf (110).

[0131] The guide protrusion (132) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, while being accommodated within the guide groove (131), the guide protrusion (132) may move along the guide groove (131) and may also rotate within the guide groove (131).

[0132] Meanwhile, the length of the guide groove (131) may be designed in consideration of the second shelf (120) colliding with a rear wall surface within the storage compartment of a refrigerator during the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0133] That is, when the second shelf (120) is rotated in a state in which the guide protrusion (132) is positioned at a foremost front position of the guide groove (131), the length of the guide groove (131) may be a distance such that each of the opposite side portions of the second shelf (120), at which the peripheral wall is formed, does not collide with the rear wall surface within the storage compartment of a refrigerator.

[0134] Hereinafter, a usage process of the auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described above will be described in more detail.

[0135] First, the auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed by being placed on the shelf assembly (1) of a home appliance.

[0136] That is, the auxiliary device (100) may be installed such that the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) is placed on the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1), and the seating protrusion (113) of the first shelf (110) is placed on the upper surface of the shelf (10) inside the edge frame (20). In this case, the front and rear surfaces of the seating protrusion (113) formed as flat surfaces may be installed to be adjacent to or in contact with the front and rear inner surfaces of the edge frame (20), respectively, and the opposite side surfaces of the seating protrusion (113) formed as curved surfaces may be installed to be adjacent to or in contact with the opposite side inner surfaces of the edge frame (20), respectively.

[0137] In addition, the auxiliary device (100) may be installed such that the second shelf (120) is placed on the upper side of the first shelf (110), and the guide protrusion (132) formed on the lower surface of the second shelf (120) is inserted into the guide groove (131) formed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110). In this case, the guide protrusion (132) may be installed to be positioned at a rearmost side of the guide groove (131) (a central side of the first shelf).

[0138] In addition, the auxiliary device (100) may be configured such that the peripheral walls (122) of the second shelf (120) are positioned on the opposite side portions of the shelf assembly (1), and the passage openings (123) are positioned on the front and rear portions of the shelf assembly (1).

[0139] In this state, even a user who is short in stature or positioned below the shelf assembly (1) may accurately recognize items (11, 12, 13) stored on the second shelf (120) through the passage openings (123).

[0140] Next, a process of taking out items stored on the second shelf (120) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0141] First, when items (11, 12) stored on the front side of the second shelf (120) are to be taken out, the items (11, 12) may be allowed to pass through the passage opening (123) on the front side of the second shelf (120). That is, even without lifting the items (11, 12) higher than the peripheral wall (122), the items (11, 12) may be easily taken out from the second shelf (120).

[0142] When an item (13) stored on the rear side of the second shelf (120) is to be taken out, the second shelf (120) may be moved forward as illustrated in FIG. 9 and then rotated as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12. In this process, the guide protrusion (132) formed on the lower surface of the second shelf (120) may move forward along the guide groove (131) formed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110) and then rotate. Accordingly, collision of the peripheral surface of the second shelf (120) with the rear wall surface within the storage compartment during the rotation of the second shelf (120) may be prevented.

[0143] In particular, when the second shelf (120) is momentarily rotated due to a user's carelessness, items (11, 12) positioned on the opposite sides of the second shelf (120) may be located at positions relatively far from the center of the second shelf (120), thereby being subjected to centrifugal force and moving in a radial direction. However, since the peripheral walls (122) are formed on the opposite sides of the second shelf (120), the items (11, 12) may be prevented from falling forward while the opposite side portions of the second shelf (120) pass the front portion of the shelf assembly (1).

[0144] In addition, after the rotation of the second shelf (120) is completed, the second shelf (120) may be moved backward to return to an initial position. This is illustrated in FIG. 13. Accordingly, the item (13) positioned on the rear side of the upper surface of the second shelf (120) and the passage opening (123) on the rear side of the second shelf (120) may be positioned on the front side of the shelf assembly (1) by the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0145] Accordingly, a user may easily take out an item (13) placed on the rear portion of the second shelf (120) to the front through the rear-side passage opening (123) positioned on the front side of the shelf assembly (1). Of course, the item (13) at the rear portion may be taken out before the second shelf (120) is pushed back after the rotation of the second shelf (120) is completed.

[0146] In a process of storing items (11, 12, 13) on the second shelf (120), a user may place the items (11, 12, 13) on the second shelf (120) through the passage openings (123) without lifting the items (11, 12, 13) to a height higher than the peripheral wall (122). When the items (11, 12, 13) are stored to be relatively concentrated toward the front portion of the second shelf (120), the second shelf (120) may be rotated to additionally store items (11, 12, 13) on the rear portion thereof.

[0147] As described above, since the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure (100) includes peripheral walls (122) on the opposite side peripheries of the second shelf (120), items (11, 12) on the corresponding sides may be prevented from falling from the second shelf (120) during the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0148] In addition, since the peripheral walls (122) are not provided on the front and rear peripheries of the second shelf (120) and the passage openings (123) are formed therein, items (11, 12, 13) placed on the second shelf (120) may be easily taken out without lifting the items.

[0149] Accordingly, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may allow a short-statured user or a disabled user who has difficulty operating the device while standing not only to accurately recognize items (11, 12, 13) stored on the second shelf (120) but also to easily take out the items.

[0150] In addition, in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf (110) may be installed to be placed on the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1), and thus concentration of stress on the shelf (10) may be prevented, thereby preventing damage of the shelf (10).

[0151] In addition, in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf (110) may be formed to support the entire area of the second shelf (120), and thus tilting of the second shelf (120) toward any one side during the rotation of the second shelf (120) may be prevented.

[0152] Meanwhile, the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms other than the embodiments described above.

[0153] As one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 7, a handle part (140) may be provided in the auxiliary device of the present disclosure.

[0154] The handle part (140) may be provided to allow a user to more easily operate the rotation or movement of the second shelf (120).

[0155] That is, in order to pull or rotate the second shelf (120), a user is required to grip the peripheral wall (122) or a boundary region between the passage opening (123) and the peripheral wall (122). However, since a stable gripping structure is not provided at such a region, it may be difficult to rotate the second shelf (120) as the weight of items stored on the second shelf (120) increases.

[0156] In consideration of this, the handle part (140) for providing a gripping region on the second shelf (120) may be provided so that the second shelf (120) may be more easily operated.

[0157] The handle part (140) may be formed to protrude outward from the periphery of the second shelf (120).

[0158] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the handle part (140) may be formed to protrude outward from the passage opening (123) of the periphery of the second shelf (120).

[0159] That is, the passage opening (123) may be positioned on the front side of the shelf assembly (1), and thus by forming the handle part (140) to protrude from a bottom side of the passage opening (123), a user may more easily grip the handle part (140) from the front side of the shelf assembly (1).

[0160] In particular, a bent end (141) bent downward may be formed at an end of the handle part (140). That is, by additionally forming the downwardly bent end (141), the handle part (140) may be easily operated even from a lower side. Accordingly, when a short-statured user or a user seated in a wheelchair pulls the second shelf (120) forward or rotates the second shelf (120), the user may hook fingers on the bent end (141), thereby allowing more accurate operation without slipping.

[0161] Meanwhile, although it is most preferable that both the movement prevention part (150) and the handle part (140) are provided together in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, only one of them may be provided.

[0162] As one example, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include only the first shelf (110), the second shelf (120), the guide part (130), and the movement prevention part (150).

[0163] As another example, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include only the first shelf (110), the second shelf (120), the guide part (130), and the handle part (140).

[0164] Meanwhile, the guide part (130) constituting the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be formed in a form other than the embodiments described above.

[0165] As one example, although not illustrated, the guide part (130) may be configured such that rotation and forward movement are performed together by only a pulling operation of the second shelf (120), and rotation and backward movement are performed together by only a pushing operation thereof.

[0166] As another example, although not illustrated, the guide part (130) may be configured to perform only the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0167] As such, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be implemented or modified in various forms.

[0168] As described above, although all the components constituting the embodiment according to the present disclosure have been described as being combined into a single unit or operating in combination, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, all the components may operate by being selectively combined into one or more units. In addition, the terms "include," "comprise," or "have," as used herein, unless otherwise specifically stated, imply that the relevant component may be present, and therefore should be construed to include other components rather than to exclude other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, unless otherwise defined, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in the dictionary, should be interpreted to be consistent with their contextual meanings in the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in the present disclosure.

[0169] The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be interpreted on the basis of the following claims, and all technical ideas falling within the equivalent scope thereof shall be construed as being included within the scope of rights of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0069]Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0070]In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, if a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071]In addition, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature or order of the components is not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the component...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an auxiliary device for a home appliance that is selectively mounted to a home appliance so as to allow a disabled user, an elderly user, or a short-statured user to easily take out an item placed on a shelf regardless of a position of the item.Background Art

[0002] In general, a home appliance is an electrical product that is provided to a household and uses energy such as electricity or heat.

[0003] Such a home appliance includes various products such as a washing machine, a storage device, a temperature control device, and an air purifier.

[0004] In particular, in the case of the storage device, the storage device may be a device that maintains a set temperature or humidity within a storage space that is opened and closed by a door, and such a storage device may include, for example, a refrigerator for storing food.

[0005] In recent years, a refrigerator has been configured to have an increased front-rear depth within a storage compartment in order to increase storage space. That is, since a recent refrigerator has a predetermined maximum size in height and left-right width for built-in installation, storage space is further secured by adjusting the front-rear width.

[0006] However, when the front-rear depth of the storage space is increased in this manner, there has been inconvenience in that it is not easy for an elderly user, a short-statured user, or a disabled user having difficulty in movement to take out an item stored at a rear portion within the storage space.

[0007] In order to resolve such inconvenience, in the related art, a shelf of a refrigerator is configured to be rotatable. This is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-1998-0027741, Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-1999-0002138, Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-1999-0006547, and Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0074995.

[0008] However, such a rotatable shelf of the refrigerator is fixedly used at a specific position within the storage space. That is, in some cases, the rotatable shelf is provided at a position not desired by a user.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a disadvantage in that inconvenience in use may be caused.

[0010] Meanwhile, recently, an auxiliary shelf that can be placed on and used with any one shelf regardless of a position of the shelf has been provided. This is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-2597326. That is, a rotatable auxiliary shelf (turntable) provided separately from a shelf of a refrigerator is provided so as to be placed on and used with the shelf of the refrigerator.

[0011] In particular, the auxiliary shelf has peripheral walls (upright walls and curved walls) formed at front-rear and left-right sides of an upper surface thereof so as to provide a storage space. That is, the storage space is provided inside the peripheral walls.

[0012] However, due to the peripheral walls, there has been inconvenience in that, in order to take out an item placed on the auxiliary shelf, the item is required to be lifted to a height higher than the peripheral walls.

[0013] In particular, in the case of a disabled user using a wheelchair, an elderly user, or a short-statured user, such inconvenience caused by the peripheral walls is inevitably greater, and thus there is a disadvantage in that practicality is low even though the auxiliary shelf is a product provided for convenience of use.

[0014] In addition, the above-described auxiliary shelf is configured to be rotated or drawn out from the shelf of the refrigerator by a rotation operation or a pulling operation according to a user's need.

[0015] However, such a structure has a disadvantage in that operation is inevitably difficult for a disabled user using a wheelchair or a short-statured user.

[0016] In addition, the above-described auxiliary shelf is configured such that a fixing plate placed on the shelf is fixed by a suction plate.

[0017] However, since a shelf provided in a typical refrigerator is generally formed of glass, an edge frame that is placed on and moved along rails is provided along an edge of the shelf. In consideration of this, the fixing plate is only formed to a size within a range in which interference thereof with the edge frame does not occur. Accordingly, since sizes of the rotatable shelf and the fixing plate are not the same, when a weight is concentrated on a portion of the rotatable shelf that is not supported by the fixing plate, problems such as tilting occur, and due to this, a rotational operation cannot be smoothly performed.

[0018] Moreover, when a heavy item is placed on the auxiliary shelf, the weight of the auxiliary shelf is concentrated on the shelf formed of glass, and thus there is a concern that damage or breakage of the shelf may occur.Disclosure Technical Problem

[0019] The present disclosure has been made to solve various problems according to the above-described related arts, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a new type of auxiliary device for a home appliance that allows an item placed on a rotatable shelf to be taken out without lifting the item.

[0020] In addition, an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a new type of auxiliary device for a home appliance in which a rotation operation or a pulling operation of the rotatable shelf is smoothly performed even by a short-statured user or a disabled user who has difficulty operating the rotatable shelf while standing.

[0021] In addition, an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a new type of auxiliary device for a home appliance capable of preventing tilting of the rotatable shelf.Technical Solution

[0022] In order to achieve the above-described objectives, an auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be used by being placed on a shelf assembly of a home appliance.

[0023] The shelf assembly on which the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure is installed may include a shelf and an edge frame surrounding an edge of the shelf.

[0024] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be mounted such that a portion thereof is placed on the edge frame of the shelf assembly.

[0025] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be mounted such that a portion thereof is accommodated within the edge frame of the shelf assembly.

[0026] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a first shelf placed on the shelf assembly may be included.

[0027] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf may include an edge portion placed on an upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly.

[0028] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a second shelf that is rotatably installed may be included.

[0029] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be installed on an upper surface of the first shelf.

[0030] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be rotatably installed on the first shelf.

[0031] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be moved forward and rearward from the first shelf under guidance of a guide part.

[0032] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the second shelf may be moved forward and rearward and rotated from the first shelf under guidance of the guide part.

[0033] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a movement prevention part for preventing movement of the first shelf may be included.

[0034] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the movement prevention part may prevent movement of the first shelf relative to the shelf assembly.

[0035] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the movement prevention part may include a contact pad provided on a lower surface of the edge portion of the first shelf.

[0036] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pad may be formed to have a friction force higher than a friction force of the first shelf.

[0037] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pads may be formed of rubber or silicone.

[0038] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pad may be attached and fixed to the edge portion of the first shelf by an adhesive tape or adhesive.

[0039] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the contact pad may be fixed by being press-fitted into the edge portion of the first shelf.

[0040] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a mounting groove in which the contact pad is accommodated may be formed to be recessed in the lower surface of the edge portion of the first shelf.

[0041] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a portion of the contact pad may be formed to be accommodated and fixed in the mounting groove of the edge portion.

[0042] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, another portion of the contact pad may be formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the edge portion.

[0043] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a lower surface of the contact pad may be formed to be positioned higher than a lower surface of a seating protrusion.

[0044] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the seating protrusion protruding toward the shelf of the shelf assembly may be formed on a lower surface of the first shelf.

[0045] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the seating protrusion may be formed such that a lower surface thereof is placed on an upper surface of the shelf of the shelf assembly.

[0046] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the seating protrusion may be formed such that at least one peripheral surface thereof is in contact with an inner surface of the edge frame.

[0047] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, at least one peripheral surface of the seating protrusion may be formed as a flat surface so as to be in surface contact with the inner surface of the edge frame.

[0048] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a peripheral wall protruding upward may be formed along a periphery of the second shelf.

[0049] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the peripheral wall of the second shelf may be formed to have a height greater than a thickness of the second shelf.

[0050] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, passage openings through which an item placed on the second shelf is allowed to pass may be formed in the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0051] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the passage openings formed in the second shelf may be respectively formed at positions facing each other on the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0052] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the passage openings formed in the second shelf may be respectively formed on two long sides facing each other on the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0053] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a handle part provided as a gripping region may be provided on the second shelf.

[0054] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the handle part of the second shelf may be formed to protrude outward from the periphery of the second shelf.

[0055] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the handle part may be formed to protrude outward from each of the passage openings of the periphery of the second shelf.

[0056] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, a bent end bent downward may be formed at an end of the handle part so as to facilitate operation from below.

[0057] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the guide part may include a guide groove formed to be recessed in the upper surface of the first shelf or a lower surface of the second shelf, the guide groove having a structure in which a front-rear length thereof is longer than a left-right width thereof.

[0058] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the guide part may include a guide protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the first shelf or the lower surface of the second shelf and configured to move or rotate along the inside of the guide groove.

[0059] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include the first shelf having the edge portion placed on the upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly, the second shelf installed on the upper surface of the first shelf, and the movement prevention part for preventing movement of the first shelf relative to the edge frame of the shelf during forward and rearward movement or rotation of the second shelf.

[0060] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include the first shelf having the edge portion placed on the upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly and the second shelf installed on the upper surface of the first shelf, wherein an open passage opening through which an interior of the second shelf is visible may be formed in the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

[0061] The auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include the first shelf having the edge portion placed on the upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf assembly and the second shelf installed on the upper surface of the first shelf, wherein an open passage opening through which an interior of the second shelf is visible may be formed in the peripheral wall of the second shelf, and the handle part for operation may be formed to protrude from a portion of the periphery of the second shelf at which the passage opening is formed.Advantageous Effects

[0062] As described above, in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, peripheral walls may be provided on opposite side peripheries of the second shelf, thereby preventing an item stored on a corresponding side from falling from the second shelf during rotation of the second shelf.

[0063] In addition, peripheral walls may not be provided on front and rear peripheries of the second shelf and passage openings may be formed therein, thereby allowing an item placed on the second shelf to be easily taken out without being lifted.

[0064] Accordingly, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure allows a short-statured user or a disabled user who has difficulty operating the device while standing to accurately recognize an item stored on the second shelf and to easily take out the item.

[0065] In addition, in in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf may be installed to be placed on the edge frame of the shelf assembly, thereby preventing concentration of stress on the shelf and damage of the shelf.

[0066] Moreover, the first shelf is formed to support an entire area of the second shelf, thereby preventing tilting of the second shelf toward any one side during rotation of the second shelf.

[0067] In addition, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure provides the handle part on the second shelf, thereby allowing the rotation or forward movement of the second shelf to be operated more easily.Description of Drawings

[0068] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an installation relationship between an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a shelf assembly. FIG. 2 is an assembled state view illustrating the installation relationship between the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the shelf assembly. FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an upper side and a lower side, respectively. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly. FIGS. 8 to 13 are views illustrating an operation process of the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in the state in which the auxiliary device is installed on the shelf assembly. Mode for Invention

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0070] In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, if a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In addition, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature or order of the components is not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the component may be directly connected to or coupled to the another component, but it should be understood that still another component may be "connected" or "coupled" thereto between each component.

[0072] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0073] The accompanying FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating an installation relationship between the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a shelf assembly, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from an upper side and a lower side, respectively.

[0074] In addition, FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating the state in which the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on the shelf assembly.

[0075] As illustrated in these drawings, the embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance that is installed to be placed on or removed from a shelf assembly (1) of a home appliance.

[0076] Here, the shelf assembly (1) may be an assembly including a shelf (10) and an edge frame (20) installed to surround an edge of the shelf (10). For example, the shelf assembly (1) may be defined as a shelf assembly provided in a storage compartment of a refrigerator.

[0077] The edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1) may serve to protect the edge of the shelf (10) formed of a glass material. That is, with the edge frame (20), the shelf (10) may be stably placed on rails provided on wall surfaces of opposite sides within the storage compartment of the refrigerator.

[0078] In addition, an installation frame (21) installed on a central rear wall surface within the storage compartment may be provided on one side of the edge frame (20). For example, in the case of a double-door refrigerator, since there is no partition wall dividing the interior space of the storage compartment into left and right sides at a central portion thereof, the installation frame (21) may be provided so as to support the shelf (10) at the central portion within the storage compartment.

[0079] The edge frame (20) may be formed of a material different from that of the shelf (10). For example, the shelf (10) may be formed of a glass material, and the edge frame (20) may be formed of metal or synthetic resin. Of course, the edge frame (20) and the shelf (10) may be formed of the same material.

[0080] A decorative cover (22) may be further provided on the front side of the edge frame (20). The decorative cover (22) may be formed to surround the end of the edge frame (20).

[0081] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be installed on the shelf assembly (1) of such a home appliance (a refrigerator), will be described.

[0082] The auxiliary device (100) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be used by being placed on the shelf assembly (1). That is, the auxiliary device (100) may be placed on and used with an existing refrigerator shelf as needed.

[0083] The auxiliary device (100) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first shelf (110).

[0084] The first shelf (110) may be a portion that is placed on the shelf assembly (1).

[0085] The first shelf (110) may be formed of a transparent, translucent, or opaque plate material.

[0086] An edge portion (111) that is placed on the upper surface of the edge frame (20) provided on the shelf assembly (1) may be provided along a periphery of the first shelf (110). The edge portion (111) may be defined as a peripheral portion of the first shelf (110). That is, the peripheral portion of the first shelf (110) may be formed to have a size sufficient to be placed on the edge frame (20). Accordingly, the first shelf (110) may not be directly placed on the shelf (10) formed of a glass material, but may be placed on the edge frame (20), which is placed on rails (not shown) or supported by the installation frame (21), such that damage or breakage of the shelf (10) due to the weight of an item placed on the auxiliary device of the present disclosure may be prevented.

[0087] Although not illustrated, the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be formed to be additionally extended from a peripheral portion of the first shelf (110), or may be formed as a portion added by attaching a separate structure thereto.

[0088] The first shelf (110) may be formed to be smaller than or equal to the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1).

[0089] For example, a left-right width defined by the outer surface of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be greater than a left-right width defined by the inner surface of the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1) and smaller than or equal to a left-right width defined by the outer surface of the edge frame (20). In addition, a front-rear width defined by the outer surface of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be greater than a front-rear width defined by the inner surface of the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1) and smaller than or equal to a front-rear width defined by the outer surface of the edge frame (20). Accordingly, the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be placed on the upper surface of the edge frame (20).

[0090] Opposite side surfaces of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) may be formed as curved surfaces, and front and rear surfaces thereof may be formed as flat surfaces. With this structure, protrusion of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) in front and rear directions of the shelf assembly (1) may be prevented, and the auxiliary device (100) having a storage area of a sufficient size in left and right directions of the shelf assembly (1) may be provided.

[0091] Mounting grooves (112) may be formed in the lower surface of the edge portion (111). Each of the mounting grooves (112) may be provided as a portion in which a movement prevention part (150), which will be described later, is installed.

[0092] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the movement prevention part (150).

[0093] The movement prevention part (150) may be provided to prevent movement of the first shelf (110) relative to the shelf (10) of the shelf assembly (1) or relative to the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1). That is, the movement prevention part (150) may be defined as preventing movement of the first shelf (110) relative to the shelf assembly (1).

[0094] The movement prevention part (150) may include contact pads (151, 152) provided on opposing surfaces between the edge portion (111) and the edge frame (20).

[0095] For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may be provided on the lower surface of the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110), and may function to prevent movement of the first shelf (110) by friction generated when the contact pads (151, 152) come into contact with the edge frame (20).

[0096] The contact pads (151, 152) may be formed of a material having a higher friction force than that of the first shelf (110) or the edge frame (20). For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may be formed of rubber or silicone.

[0097] The contact pads (151, 152) may include a plurality of contact pads. For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may include a first contact pad (151) having a curved structure so as to be provided on the curved portion of the edge portion (111), and a second contact pad (152) having a flat structure so as to be provided on lower surfaces at front and rear sides of the edge portion (111).

[0098] The contact pads (151, 152) may be fixed to the lower surface of the edge portion (111) by attachment or by press-fitting.

[0099] For example, the contact pads (151, 152) may be attached to the lower surface of the edge portion (111) by an adhesive tape or adhesive. Alternatively, the contact pads (151, 152) may be coupled to the lower surface of the edge portion (111) by being press-fitted thereto, or may be coupled thereto by using a separate fastener such as a screw.

[0100] In order to maintain the contact pads (151, 152) fixed at predetermined positions on the edge portion (111), the mounting grooves (112) may be formed in the lower surface of the edge portion (111), and the contact pads (151, 152) may be accommodated in the mounting grooves (112) and attached and fixed.

[0101] The contact pads (151, 152) may be formed such that only a portion thereof is accommodated and fixed in the mounting grooves (112) of the edge portion (111). That is, a portion of the contact pads (151, 152) may be accommodated in the mounting grooves (112), and a remaining portion thereof may be formed to protrude outside the mounting groove (112). In particular, the remaining portion of the contact pads (151, 152) may be formed to protrude further downward from the lower surface of the edge portion (111). Accordingly, the contact pads (151, 152) may be placed on and brought into contact with the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1).

[0102] Meanwhile, a seating protrusion (113) protruding toward the upper surface of the shelf (10) constituting the shelf assembly (1) may be formed on the lower surface of the first shelf (110).

[0103] The seating protrusion (113) may be formed to be accommodated within the edge frame (20) provided in the shelf assembly (1).

[0104] The seating protrusion (113) may be formed such that one peripheral surface thereof is formed as a flat surface so as to be in surface contact with the inner surface of the edge frame (20). Accordingly, the first shelf (110) may be prevented from rotating together with a second shelf (120) during rotation of the second shelf (120) to be described later.

[0105] The lower surface of the seating protrusion (113) may be formed to be placed on the upper surface of the shelf (10). Accordingly, a weight of an item placed on the first shelf (110) may be distributed not only to the edge frame (20) but also to the shelf (10).

[0106] Although not illustrated, a buffering member (not shown) for alleviating impact may be provided between the seating protrusion (113) and the shelf (10). For example, a buffering member formed of rubber or silicone may be additionally provided to prevent a problem in which the seating protrusion (113) collides with the shelf (10) to damage the shelf (10) or generate contact noise.

[0107] Meanwhile, the lower surface of each of the contact pads (151, 152) provided on the lower surface of the edge portion (111) may be formed to be positioned higher than the lower surface of the seating protrusion (113). Accordingly, the contact pads (151, 152) may be placed on the upper surface of the edge frame (20) while the seating protrusion (113) is placed on the upper surface of the shelf (10).

[0108] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the second shelf (120).

[0109] The second shelf (120) may be a portion on which items are placed and stored.

[0110] The second shelf (120) may be installed on the upper surface of the first shelf (110) so as to be rotatable. That is, by allowing the second shelf (120) to rotate relative to the first shelf (110), it may be possible to position an item placed on the front portion of the second shelf (120) at a rear portion within the storage compartment, or to position an item placed on the rear portion of the second shelf (120) at the front portion within the storage compartment.

[0111] The second shelf (120) may be formed of a transparent, translucent, or opaque plate material.

[0112] When viewed in plan, the second shelf (120) may be formed to have the same size and shape as the first shelf (110). For example, the second shelf (120) and the first shelf (110) may be formed to vertically coincide with each other. Accordingly, even when an item is positioned to be biased toward one end portion of the second shelf (120), tilting toward the corresponding side may be prevented. Furthermore, shaking due to tilting may be prevented during the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0113] A seating recess (121) may be formed in the upper surface of the second shelf (120). The seating recess (121) may be formed to be recessed in the inner portion of the upper surface of the second shelf (120), and may function to prevent moisture flowing on the upper surface of the second shelf (120) or moisture flowing down from an item above the second shelf (120) from flowing off the second shelf (120).

[0114] The seating recess (121) may also perform a function of preventing an item placed on the second shelf (120) from unintentionally slipping to the outside of the second shelf (120).

[0115] In addition, a peripheral wall (122) may be formed on the second shelf (120). With the peripheral wall (122), an item stored on the second shelf (120) may be prevented from being removed from the second shelf (120) during the operation (rotation or movement) of the second shelf (120).

[0116] The peripheral wall (122) may be formed to protrude upward from the periphery of the second shelf (120). In particular, the peripheral wall (122) may be formed to have a height greater than a thickness of the second shelf (120).

[0117] Accordingly, with the peripheral wall (122) and the seating recess (121), an item placed on the second shelf (120) may be prevented from being unintentionally separated from and falling off the second shelf (120).

[0118] Meanwhile, passage openings (123) may be formed in the peripheral wall (122). That is, by providing the passage openings (123), it may be possible to identify an item placed on the second shelf (120) or to take out the item from the second shelf (120) without lifting the item.

[0119] With such a structure, is may be possible to eliminate inconvenience in which a short-statured user or a user who intends to take out an item while seated in a wheelchair due to limited mobility must accurately recognize a type of an item placed on the second shelf (120) or lift the item to take it out.

[0120] That is, when the peripheral wall (122) is additionally provided on the second shelf (120), only an upper portion of an item placed on the second shelf (120) may be visible at a position lower than the shelf assembly (1), thereby making it difficult to accurately identify the item, and in order to check or take out such an item, inconvenience that the item must be lifted higher than the peripheral wall (122) may arise. In consideration of this, through the passage openings (123) formed in the peripheral wall (122), the item placed on the second shelf may be more accurately recognized even without lifting the item, and the item may be taken out from the second shelf (120) without lifting the item.

[0121] Each of the passage openings (123) may be formed to have a left-right width sufficient to allow an item to pass therethrough.

[0122] In addition, the passage openings (123) may be respectively formed at positions facing each other on the periphery of the second shelf (120). For example, the passage openings (123) may be respectively formed on two long sides facing each other on the periphery of the second shelf (120). In this case, the two long sides of the second shelf (120) may be a front side and a rear side.

[0123] That is, in the case of the second shelf (120), peripheries of the two long sides (the front side and the rear side) may be stored to correspond to two long sides (the front side and the rear side) of the shelf assembly (1), and may be rotated by 180° such that front and rear positions are exchanged when necessary. In consideration of this, when the second shelf (120) is not rotated, one of the passage openings (123) may be always positioned on the front side, thereby allowing a user positioned lower than the second shelf (120) to accurately recognize and easily take out an item placed on the second shelf (120). During rotation of the second shelf (120), the peripheral wall (122) positioned on each of opposite sides may prevent unintended slipping of an item toward the front, thereby preventing injury to a user positioned below.

[0124] Next, the auxiliary device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide part (130).

[0125] The guide part (130) may function to guide operation of the second shelf (120).

[0126] For example, the guide part (130) may guide forward and rearward movement and rotation of the second shelf (120) from the first shelf (110).

[0127] The guide part (130) may include a guide groove (131) formed to be recessed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110) or the lower surface of the second shelf (120), and a guide protrusion (132) protruding from the upper surface of the first shelf (110) or the lower surface of the second shelf (120).

[0128] For example, the guide groove (131) may be formed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110), and the guide protrusion (132) engaging with the guide groove (131) may be formed to protrude from the lower surface of the second shelf (120). Accordingly, the guide protrusion (132) of the second shelf (120) may be operated in engagement with the guide groove (131) of the first shelf (110).

[0129] The guide groove (131) may be formed to have a structure in which a front-rear length thereof is longer than a left-right width thereof, and guide the guide protrusion (132) of the second shelf (120) to move in the longitudinal direction. That is, the guide protrusion (132) may move or rotate along the guide groove (131), thereby moving or rotating the second shelf (120).

[0130] In particular, the guide groove (131) may be formed to extend long toward a front side from the central portion of the upper surface of the first shelf (110). Accordingly, the second shelf (120) may be moved toward the front side of the first shelf (110).

[0131] The guide protrusion (132) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, while being accommodated within the guide groove (131), the guide protrusion (132) may move along the guide groove (131) and may also rotate within the guide groove (131).

[0132] Meanwhile, the length of the guide groove (131) may be designed in consideration of the second shelf (120) colliding with a rear wall surface within the storage compartment of a refrigerator during the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0133] That is, when the second shelf (120) is rotated in a state in which the guide protrusion (132) is positioned at a foremost front position of the guide groove (131), the length of the guide groove (131) may be a distance such that each of the opposite side portions of the second shelf (120), at which the peripheral wall is formed, does not collide with the rear wall surface within the storage compartment of a refrigerator.

[0134] Hereinafter, a usage process of the auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described above will be described in more detail.

[0135] First, the auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed by being placed on the shelf assembly (1) of a home appliance.

[0136] That is, the auxiliary device (100) may be installed such that the edge portion (111) of the first shelf (110) is placed on the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1), and the seating protrusion (113) of the first shelf (110) is placed on the upper surface of the shelf (10) inside the edge frame (20). In this case, the front and rear surfaces of the seating protrusion (113) formed as flat surfaces may be installed to be adjacent to or in contact with the front and rear inner surfaces of the edge frame (20), respectively, and the opposite side surfaces of the seating protrusion (113) formed as curved surfaces may be installed to be adjacent to or in contact with the opposite side inner surfaces of the edge frame (20), respectively.

[0137] In addition, the auxiliary device (100) may be installed such that the second shelf (120) is placed on the upper side of the first shelf (110), and the guide protrusion (132) formed on the lower surface of the second shelf (120) is inserted into the guide groove (131) formed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110). In this case, the guide protrusion (132) may be installed to be positioned at a rearmost side of the guide groove (131) (a central side of the first shelf).

[0138] In addition, the auxiliary device (100) may be configured such that the peripheral walls (122) of the second shelf (120) are positioned on the opposite side portions of the shelf assembly (1), and the passage openings (123) are positioned on the front and rear portions of the shelf assembly (1).

[0139] In this state, even a user who is short in stature or positioned below the shelf assembly (1) may accurately recognize items (11, 12, 13) stored on the second shelf (120) through the passage openings (123).

[0140] Next, a process of taking out items stored on the second shelf (120) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0141] First, when items (11, 12) stored on the front side of the second shelf (120) are to be taken out, the items (11, 12) may be allowed to pass through the passage opening (123) on the front side of the second shelf (120). That is, even without lifting the items (11, 12) higher than the peripheral wall (122), the items (11, 12) may be easily taken out from the second shelf (120).

[0142] When an item (13) stored on the rear side of the second shelf (120) is to be taken out, the second shelf (120) may be moved forward as illustrated in FIG. 9 and then rotated as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12. In this process, the guide protrusion (132) formed on the lower surface of the second shelf (120) may move forward along the guide groove (131) formed in the upper surface of the first shelf (110) and then rotate. Accordingly, collision of the peripheral surface of the second shelf (120) with the rear wall surface within the storage compartment during the rotation of the second shelf (120) may be prevented.

[0143] In particular, when the second shelf (120) is momentarily rotated due to a user's carelessness, items (11, 12) positioned on the opposite sides of the second shelf (120) may be located at positions relatively far from the center of the second shelf (120), thereby being subjected to centrifugal force and moving in a radial direction. However, since the peripheral walls (122) are formed on the opposite sides of the second shelf (120), the items (11, 12) may be prevented from falling forward while the opposite side portions of the second shelf (120) pass the front portion of the shelf assembly (1).

[0144] In addition, after the rotation of the second shelf (120) is completed, the second shelf (120) may be moved backward to return to an initial position. This is illustrated in FIG. 13. Accordingly, the item (13) positioned on the rear side of the upper surface of the second shelf (120) and the passage opening (123) on the rear side of the second shelf (120) may be positioned on the front side of the shelf assembly (1) by the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0145] Accordingly, a user may easily take out an item (13) placed on the rear portion of the second shelf (120) to the front through the rear-side passage opening (123) positioned on the front side of the shelf assembly (1). Of course, the item (13) at the rear portion may be taken out before the second shelf (120) is pushed back after the rotation of the second shelf (120) is completed.

[0146] In a process of storing items (11, 12, 13) on the second shelf (120), a user may place the items (11, 12, 13) on the second shelf (120) through the passage openings (123) without lifting the items (11, 12, 13) to a height higher than the peripheral wall (122). When the items (11, 12, 13) are stored to be relatively concentrated toward the front portion of the second shelf (120), the second shelf (120) may be rotated to additionally store items (11, 12, 13) on the rear portion thereof.

[0147] As described above, since the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure (100) includes peripheral walls (122) on the opposite side peripheries of the second shelf (120), items (11, 12) on the corresponding sides may be prevented from falling from the second shelf (120) during the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0148] In addition, since the peripheral walls (122) are not provided on the front and rear peripheries of the second shelf (120) and the passage openings (123) are formed therein, items (11, 12, 13) placed on the second shelf (120) may be easily taken out without lifting the items.

[0149] Accordingly, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may allow a short-statured user or a disabled user who has difficulty operating the device while standing not only to accurately recognize items (11, 12, 13) stored on the second shelf (120) but also to easily take out the items.

[0150] In addition, in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf (110) may be installed to be placed on the edge frame (20) of the shelf assembly (1), and thus concentration of stress on the shelf (10) may be prevented, thereby preventing damage of the shelf (10).

[0151] In addition, in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, the first shelf (110) may be formed to support the entire area of the second shelf (120), and thus tilting of the second shelf (120) toward any one side during the rotation of the second shelf (120) may be prevented.

[0152] Meanwhile, the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms other than the embodiments described above.

[0153] As one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 7, a handle part (140) may be provided in the auxiliary device of the present disclosure.

[0154] The handle part (140) may be provided to allow a user to more easily operate the rotation or movement of the second shelf (120).

[0155] That is, in order to pull or rotate the second shelf (120), a user is required to grip the peripheral wall (122) or a boundary region between the passage opening (123) and the peripheral wall (122). However, since a stable gripping structure is not provided at such a region, it may be difficult to rotate the second shelf (120) as the weight of items stored on the second shelf (120) increases.

[0156] In consideration of this, the handle part (140) for providing a gripping region on the second shelf (120) may be provided so that the second shelf (120) may be more easily operated.

[0157] The handle part (140) may be formed to protrude outward from the periphery of the second shelf (120).

[0158] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the handle part (140) may be formed to protrude outward from the passage opening (123) of the periphery of the second shelf (120).

[0159] That is, the passage opening (123) may be positioned on the front side of the shelf assembly (1), and thus by forming the handle part (140) to protrude from a bottom side of the passage opening (123), a user may more easily grip the handle part (140) from the front side of the shelf assembly (1).

[0160] In particular, a bent end (141) bent downward may be formed at an end of the handle part (140). That is, by additionally forming the downwardly bent end (141), the handle part (140) may be easily operated even from a lower side. Accordingly, when a short-statured user or a user seated in a wheelchair pulls the second shelf (120) forward or rotates the second shelf (120), the user may hook fingers on the bent end (141), thereby allowing more accurate operation without slipping.

[0161] Meanwhile, although it is most preferable that both the movement prevention part (150) and the handle part (140) are provided together in the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure, only one of them may be provided.

[0162] As one example, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include only the first shelf (110), the second shelf (120), the guide part (130), and the movement prevention part (150).

[0163] As another example, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may include only the first shelf (110), the second shelf (120), the guide part (130), and the handle part (140).

[0164] Meanwhile, the guide part (130) constituting the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be formed in a form other than the embodiments described above.

[0165] As one example, although not illustrated, the guide part (130) may be configured such that rotation and forward movement are performed together by only a pulling operation of the second shelf (120), and rotation and backward movement are performed together by only a pushing operation thereof.

[0166] As another example, although not illustrated, the guide part (130) may be configured to perform only the rotation of the second shelf (120).

[0167] As such, the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present disclosure may be implemented or modified in various forms.

[0168] As described above, although all the components constituting the embodiment according to the present disclosure have been described as being combined into a single unit or operating in combination, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, all the components may operate by being selectively combined into one or more units. In addition, the terms "include," "comprise," or "have," as used herein, unless otherwise specifically stated, imply that the relevant component may be present, and therefore should be construed to include other components rather than to exclude other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, unless otherwise defined, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in the dictionary, should be interpreted to be consistent with their contextual meanings in the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in the present disclosure.

[0169] The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be interpreted on the basis of the following claims, and all technical ideas falling within the equivalent scope thereof shall be construed as being included within the scope of rights of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0069]Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0070]In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, if a detailed description of the relevant known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071]In addition, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature or order of the components is not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the component...

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for a home appliance which is placed and used on a shelf assembly having a structure in which an edge frame surrounds an edge of a shelf, the auxiliary device comprising: a first shelf having an edge portion that is placed on an upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf; a second shelf installed on an upper surface of the first shelf; a movement prevention part for preventing movement of the first shelf relative to the edge frame of the shelf during forward and rearward movement or rotation of the second shelf; and a guide part for guiding the forward and rearward movement and rotation of the second shelf from the first shelf.

2. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the movement prevention part comprises a contact pad that is provided on a lower surface of the edge portion constituting the first shelf and is made of a material having a friction force higher than a friction force of the first shelf.

3. The auxiliary device of claim 2, wherein a mounting groove is formed to be recessed in the lower surface of the edge portion, and a portion of the contact pad is accommodated and fixed in the mounting groove, and another portion thereof is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the edge portion.

4. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein a seating protrusion protruding toward an upper surface of the shelf is formed on a lower surface of the first shelf.

5. The auxiliary device of claim 4, wherein at least one peripheral surface of the seating protrusion is formed as a flat surface so as to be in surface contact with an inner surface of the edge frame.

6. The auxiliary device of claim 4, wherein a lower surface of the seating protrusion is formed to be placed on the upper surface of the shelf of the home appliance.

7. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein a peripheral wall protruding upward is formed along a periphery of the second shelf, and at least a portion of the peripheral wall is formed to have open passage openings through which an item placed on the second shelf is allowed to pass.

8. The auxiliary device of claim 7, wherein the passage openings are respectively formed at positions facing each other on the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

9. The auxiliary device of claim 7, wherein the passage openings are respectively formed on two long sides facing each other on the peripheral wall of the second shelf.

10. The auxiliary device of claim 7, wherein a handle part protruding from the second shelf and provided as a gripping region is provided.

11. The auxiliary device of claim 10, wherein the handle part is formed to protrude outward from each of the passage openings of the periphery of the second shelf.

12. The auxiliary device of claim 10, wherein a bent end bent downward is formed at an end of the handle part so as to facilitate operation from below.

13. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the guide part comprises: a guide groove formed to be recessed in the upper surface of the first shelf and having a structure in which a front-rear length thereof is longer than a left-right width thereof; and a guide protrusion protruding from a lower surface of the second shelf and configured to move or rotate along the inside of the guide groove.

14. An auxiliary device for a home appliance which is placed and used on a shelf assembly having a structure in which an edge frame surrounds an edge of a shelf, the auxiliary device comprising: a first shelf having an edge portion that is placed on an upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf; a second shelf installed on an upper surface of the first shelf; and a guide part for guiding forward and rearward movement and rotation of the second shelf from the first shelf, wherein a peripheral wall protruding upward is formed along a periphery of the second shelf, and at least a portion of the peripheral wall is formed to have an open passage opening through which an item placed on the second shelf is allowed to pass.

15. An auxiliary device for a home appliance which is placed and used on a shelf assembly having a structure in which an edge frame surrounds an edge of a shelf, the auxiliary device comprising: a first shelf having an edge portion that is placed on an upper surface of the edge frame of the shelf; a second shelf installed on an upper surface of the first shelf; and a guide part for guiding forward and rearward movement and rotation of the second shelf from the first shelf, wherein handle parts respectively protruding forward and rearward relative to the first shelf and provided as gripping regions are provided on a periphery of the second shelf.

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