Auxiliary device for home appliance

Abstract

According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, provided is an auxiliary handle to be used on a home appliance having a door provided with a recessed handle on at least one edge surface, the auxiliary handle detachably attaching to the recessed handle of the door. The auxiliary handle comprises an insertion portion inserted into the recessed handle of the door, and a grip portion distanced from the front surface of the door and provided as the gripping area.

Description

Auxiliary devices for home appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for a home appliance that is selectively installed in the home appliance and improves the convenience of use so that a disabled person or the elderly can easily open and close a door.

[0002] In general, home appliances are electrical appliances that are provided in the home and use energy such as electricity or heat.

[0003] These appliances include a variety of products such as washing machines, storage devices, thermostats, and air purifiers.

[0004] In particular, 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 storage devices may include, for example, a refrigerator for storing food or a clothing device for storing clothing.

[0005] Meanwhile, the door is provided with a handle. Conventionally, such handles have been shaped or structured to facilitate convenient door operation. For example, conventional handles, such as those disclosed in Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1999-0015864 and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2005-0061161, protrude from the exterior of the door to facilitate user gripping.

[0006] Recently, door handles are increasingly being positioned in areas that are visually inconspicuous, owing to aesthetic considerations. For example, in the case of built-in refrigerators, handle grooves are often formed on the bottom, top, or side of the door, preventing the handle from being exposed outside the door. This is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication Nos. 10-2016-0150575, 10-2018-0022232, and 10-2015-0073788.

[0007] However, as described above, home appliances with handles that are not exposed externally have difficulty in opening the door for users who have difficulty using their hands or fingers (e.g., the disabled or the elderly) because the size of the handle groove provided as a handle is small.

[0008] Of course, recently, a technology has been provided that automatically opens the door when a user approaches using a proximity sensor, as in Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0093994.

[0009] However, the technology utilizing the aforementioned proximity sensors has the disadvantage that it cannot be applied to existing home appliances and must be purchased new. In other words, the doors of existing home appliances will inevitably remain difficult to operate for users with limited dexterity.

[0010] In addition, a technology has been recently provided to enable easy use by people with disabilities by adding an auxiliary handle to the existing lever and handle, as in Public Utility Model No. 20-2022-0000962.

[0011] However, these auxiliary handles are not suitable for structures that open the door by pulling, such as refrigerators, as they are configured to be locked or unlocked by rotating the handle.

[0012] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the above-mentioned prior art, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device for a home appliance that improves convenience of use so that a disabled person or the elderly can easily open and close a door.

[0013] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device for a home appliance that can be selectively mounted on a home appliance and can be mounted on and used in existing home appliances.

[0014] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device for a home appliance that can be easily mounted on the home appliance and can be maintained in a stable mounted state.

[0015] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary device for a home appliance that enables accurate operation.

[0016] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, it can be applied to a home appliance having a door in which a handle groove is formed recessed on at least one peripheral surface.

[0017] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, it can be detachably installed in a handle groove of a door.

[0018] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a base portion may be installed on a door and formed so that at least a portion thereof protrudes forward of the door.

[0019] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a base portion may be included that is installed to cover a portion of a door's circumference where a handle groove is formed.

[0020] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a gripping portion that protrudes outside the door and is provided as a gripping portion may be included.

[0021] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the grip portion can be formed to be bent from the end of the base portion.

[0022] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the gripping portion can be formed to have a defined height or length that a user can grip.

[0023] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, an insertion part inserted into a handle groove may be included.

[0024] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the insertion portion can be formed to protrude from the base portion toward the handle groove.

[0025] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the base may include a front support portion that supports the front of the door.

[0026] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the front support portion can be formed between the insertion portion and the grip portion.

[0027] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a part of the door is inserted between the insertion part and the front support part, so that the auxiliary handle can be maintained in a state of being coupled to the door.

[0028] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the connection portion between the base portion and the front support portion can be formed so that the thickness gradually increases toward the base portion.

[0029] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the connection portion between the base portion and the front support portion can be formed in an inclined or curved structure.

[0030] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the front support part can be formed at a height sufficient to allow the door to be fixed between the front support part and the insertion part.

[0031] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the front support portion can be formed at a lower height than the grip portion.

[0032] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the gripping part can be formed at a height that allows a user to easily grip it.

[0033] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the grip portion can be formed at a height higher than the front support portion.

[0034] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a side support portion for supporting the side of the door may be included.

[0035] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the side support portion can be formed to extend from the base portion.

[0036] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the auxiliary handle can be formed to surround the rear side edge of the door.

[0037] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a bending portion that wraps around the rear side edge of the door can be formed at the rear end of the side support portion.

[0038] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the bending portion can be formed by bending from the rear end of the side support portion toward the rear of the door.

[0039] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the auxiliary handle can be formed to surround the lower rear edge of the door.

[0040] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a structure that wraps around the rear lower edge of the door can be formed at the rear end of the base portion.

[0041] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the end edge of the grip part can be formed to be rounded.

[0042] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the end edges of the grip portion can be formed to have different radii of curvature.

[0043] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, one end edge of the gripping portion can be formed to have a larger radius of curvature than the other end edge.

[0044] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the grip part can be formed to be spaced apart from the front of the door.

[0045] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the grip part can be formed to have a gap between the front of the door and the door that is large enough to allow a wrist to fit therebetween.

[0046] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the gap between the grip portion and the front surface of the door can be formed to be larger than the front-rear thickness of the insert portion.

[0047] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a grip projection can be formed on the inner surface of the grip portion.

[0048] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the grip projection can be formed as a long structure along the length direction of the grip portion.

[0049] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the phage projection can be formed into a curved surface.

[0050] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a side portion may be formed at one end of the grip portion.

[0051] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the side portion can extend from the end of the grip portion to the front of the door.

[0052] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, a strength reinforcement part can be formed at the inner connecting portion where the grip part and the side part are connected.

[0053] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the strength reinforcing portion can be formed thicker than other portions.

[0054] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the side support portion can extend from an end of the side portion.

[0055] According to the auxiliary device for a home appliance of the present invention, the grip portion can be formed thicker than the side support portion.

[0056] As described above, the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention provides the following various effects.

[0057] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention is provided separately from the home appliance and is selectively mounted on the door of the home appliance. This allows it to be selectively applied to existing home appliances.

[0058] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention provides a grip gap greater than the grip groove formed on the door. This not only facilitates easy manipulation of the grip, but also allows users with difficulty using their fingers to manipulate it using their wrists.

[0059] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention provides the effect that it can be installed on a door by means of an insertion part that is inserted and coupled into a handle groove.

[0060] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention is secured between the insertion portion and the front support portion, between the front surface of the door and the front surface within the handle groove. This provides the effect of allowing the auxiliary handle to be more stably installed on the door.

[0061] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention provides the effect that the gripping of the gripping part can be made more easily because the gripping projection is formed on the inner surface of the gripping part.

[0062] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention provides the effect of preventing bending deformation or damage of the front support part by being coupled to the door while the front and rear sides of the base part have a height difference.

[0063] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention provides a side support portion for supporting the side of the door, so that the problem of the front support portion being bent forward due to the pressure provided from the front of the door can be prevented.

[0064] The auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention provides an effect of preventing breakage or deformation of the grip part when the grip part is pulled by additionally providing a side part connecting the side of the grip part and the base part.

[0065] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing a state in which an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a door.

[0066] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rear side showing the auxiliary device for a home appliance of an embodiment of the present invention separated from the door.

[0067] Figure 3 is a front view showing a state in which an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the upper door.

[0068] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view showing a state in which an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the upper door.

[0069] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the upper door.

[0070] Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from different directions.

[0071] Figure 8 is a rear view of an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 9 is a side view of an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 10 is a side view of another example of an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to another form of the present invention installed on a door.

[0075] Figure 12 is a front exploded perspective view of an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to another form of the present invention installed on a door.

[0076] Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to another form of the present invention viewed from different directions.

[0077] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an auxiliary device for a home appliance according to another form of the present invention is installed on an upper door.

[0078] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing an example of an auxiliary handle installed on the upper door and an auxiliary handle installed on the lower door among auxiliary devices for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the installation state of an auxiliary handle installed on the upper door and an auxiliary handle installed on the lower door among auxiliary devices for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given identical reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings.

[0081] In addition, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0082] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0083] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of auxiliary devices for home appliances of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 17.

[0084] The attached drawings 1 to 4 are state diagrams for each direction to explain the appearance of the auxiliary handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an auxiliary handle according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on the upper door of a home appliance.

[0086] As shown in these drawings, the embodiment of the present invention provides an auxiliary device (hereinafter referred to as “auxiliary handle”) (100) for a home appliance that can be detachably installed on a door (10, 20) of the home appliance.

[0087] Here, the door (10, 20) may be a door having a handle groove (11, 21) formed recessed on at least one circumferential surface. For example, an auxiliary handle (100) of an embodiment of the present invention may be provided on a refrigerator door.

[0088] In particular, the auxiliary handle (100) of the embodiment of the present invention is formed with a structure that allows a disabled person or an elderly person to easily open and close the door (10, 20).

[0089] The auxiliary handle (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0090] Before the explanation, the door of the refrigerator may include at least one of an upper door (10) that opens and closes the upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment (20) that opens and closes the lower storage compartment, and as an example, it is a rotary door that opens and closes the corresponding storage compartment by rotating based on a hinge.

[0091] In addition, the auxiliary handle (100) described below is described based on the form installed on the upper door (10).

[0092] First, the auxiliary handle (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a base portion (110).

[0093] The above base portion (110) is formed to cover the portion of the periphery of the door (upper door) (10) where the handle groove (11) is formed. For example, the base portion (110) is formed to cover the portion of the bottom surface of the door (10) where the handle groove (11) is formed.

[0094] Preferably, the base portion (110) may be formed to cover a portion of the handle groove (11) of the bottom surface of the door (10). The portion of the handle groove (11) covered by the base portion (110) may be defined as a portion including the front (the side facing the interior) and the rear (the side facing the storage room) within the handle groove (11).

[0095] Although not shown, the base portion (110) may be formed to cover the entire handle groove (11) of the periphery of the door (10).

[0096] The above base portion (110) may be formed of a flat plate. The thickness of the base portion (110) may be formed thinner than the gap between the two upper and lower doors (10, 20).

[0097] The front-to-back width of the base portion (110) may be formed to be greater than the front-to-back width formed by the bottom surface (the perimeter surface of the door) of the door (10). For example, the base portion (110) may be formed to include a first portion (111) that covers the bottom surface where the handle groove (11) of the door (10) is formed, and a second portion (112) that protrudes forward from the front surface of the door (10).

[0098] Next, the auxiliary handle according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a grip portion (120).

[0099] The above grip portion (120) is formed so that the user can grip it with his / her hand.

[0100] The above-mentioned grip portion (120) can be formed by bending from the end of the base portion (110).

[0101] The above grip section (120) may be provided with a grip structure to enable the user to grip stably.

[0102] For example, the grip structure may include a grip protrusion (121) that is formed protruding on the inner surface of the grip portion (120). That is, when the user grips the grip portion (120), the user can grip the grip protrusion (121) together with the finger, thereby enabling more stable gripping without slipping.

[0103] The above grip protrusion (121) may be formed in a long structure along the longitudinal direction of the grip portion (120). That is, when the grip portion (120) has a structure that is longer left to right than up and down, the grip protrusion (121) is formed on the inner surface of the grip portion (120) in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion (120). This allows the user to grip stably regardless of where the grip portion (120) is gripped.

[0104] In addition, the grip protrusion (121) can be formed into a curved surface. That is, by forming it into a curved surface in consideration of the grip shape of the finger, the discomfort during gripping can be reduced.

[0105] Meanwhile, the grip protrusion (121) may be formed of a different material from the grip portion (120). For example, the grip protrusion (121) may be formed of a rubber material to prevent slipping. In this case, when the grip protrusion (121) is formed of a different material from the grip portion (120), the grip protrusion (121) may be provided attached to, fused to, double-injected with, or combined with the grip portion (120).

[0106] Additionally, the grip portion (120) can be formed into a structure for users who have difficulty using their fingers.

[0107] As an example, the grip portion (120) may be positioned apart from the front of the door (10) so as to have a gap between the grip portion and the front of the door (10) that allows a wrist to fit therebetween.

[0108] As another example, the grip portion (120) may be formed to have a higher vertical height than the recessed depth of the handle groove (11). For example, the height of the grip portion (120) may be formed higher than the depth of the handle groove (11) formed in the door (10). This allows for a smooth operation of pulling the grip portion (120) using the wrist. Of course, even if fingers are used, the elderly with weak finger strength can operate more comfortably because more gripping areas are provided than when operating the handle groove (11).

[0109] As another example, the end edges of the grip portion (120) may be formed to be rounded. For example, the grip portion (120) of the auxiliary handle (100) provided on the door (10) may be formed to have both upper edges rounded.

[0110] That is, a user who has difficulty using his or her fingers manipulates the grip portion (120) by inserting his or her wrist between the grip portion (120) and the front of the door (10). Considering this, the end edge of the grip portion (120) is formed to be rounded so that the wrist can be smoothly inserted between the grip portion (120) and the front of the door (10).

[0111] The above round is formed to a size sufficient to not pierce the wrist when inserted, unlike the round for general chamfering. For example, the round may be formed to have a radius greater than the thickness of the grip portion (120) or may be formed to have a radius greater than that of other corner portions.

[0112] The round formed at the corner of the grip portion (120) may be formed at both corners of the grip portion (120) or may be formed at only one corner. For example, if the round is formed at a side wall on one side of the grip portion (120), the round may be formed only at the corner on the side where the side wall is not formed.

[0113] When rounds are formed on both edges of the grip portion (120), the rounds on both edges may be formed with the same shape or different shapes. That is, one round may be formed to have a larger radius of curvature than the other round. For example, the round on the side toward which the user inserts the wrist may be formed with a larger radius of curvature than the round on the opposite side.

[0114] Meanwhile, the gap between the grip portion (120) and the front of the door (10) can be formed to be larger than the front-rear width of the handle groove (11). That is, the gap at which the grip portion (120) can be operated is formed to be larger than the handle groove (11) of the door (10), thereby enabling gripping more easily than the handle groove (11).

[0115] The gap (L1) between the above-mentioned grip portion (120) and the front surface of the door (10) (see FIG. 5) can be formed to be larger than the front-back thickness of the insertion portion (130) inserted into the handle groove (11) (or the front-back gap within the handle groove).

[0116] Next, the auxiliary handle (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention may include an insertion portion (130).

[0117] The above insertion portion (130) is formed to protrude from the upper surface of the base portion (110) and be inserted into the handle groove (11) of the door (10).

[0118] The above insertion portion (130) may be formed so as to be engaged with at least a portion of the handle groove (11). That is, the insertion portion (130) is formed in a shape corresponding to at least a portion of the shape of the handle groove (11), thereby allowing the insertion portion (130) to be maintained in a state of being coupled to any portion of the handle groove (11). Although not illustrated, the insertion portion (130) may also be formed so as to be engaged with the entirety of the handle groove (11).

[0119] The protruding height of the above insertion portion (130) may be formed lower than the recessed depth of the handle groove (11). That is, when the insertion portion (130) is inserted and coupled into the handle groove (11), the upper surface within the handle groove (11) is formed to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the insertion portion (130). By this structure, the occurrence of a gap between the base portion (110) and the door (10) can be prevented or minimized.

[0120] In particular, the entire insertion portion (130) or the upper portion of the insertion portion (130) may be formed so that the thickness gradually decreases as it goes upward. This allows the insertion portion (130) to be smoothly inserted into the handle groove (11).

[0121] Meanwhile, another auxiliary handle (100) in an embodiment of the present invention may further include a front support portion (140).

[0122] The above front support (140) is provided to support the front of the refrigerator door (10).

[0123] The front support portion (140) is formed to protrude upward while being positioned between the grip portion (120) and the insertion portion (130) on the upper surface of the base portion (110). More specifically, the front support portion (140) may be formed at the boundary between the first portion (111) and the second portion (112) forming the base portion (110).

[0124] The back surface of the above front support member (140) is positioned to contact the front surface of the door (10).

[0125] By providing the front support portion (140) and the insertion portion (130), the auxiliary handle (100) can be maintained in a state of being installed on the door (10) without a separate screw fastening, as it grips between the handle groove (11) of the door (10) and the front of the door (10). In other words, the auxiliary handle (100) of the embodiment of the present invention can be combined with an existing refrigerator by a simple fitting method.

[0126] In this case, it is preferable that the front surface of the insertion portion (130) be formed to be in close contact with the front surface within the handle groove (11). For example, the front surface of the insertion portion (130) may be formed to gradually come into close contact with the front surface within the handle groove (11) as the insertion into the handle groove (11) progresses, thereby pressing the handle groove (11) forward. To this end, the front surface of the insertion portion (130) may be formed to have a smaller inclination angle than the front surface within the handle groove (11). The inclination angle at this time may be defined as an angle of inclination based on a vertical line in the up-down direction.

[0127] In addition, in order to stably install the auxiliary handle (100) on the door (10), it is preferable that the distance between the front of the insertion portion (130) and the front support portion (140) be equal to or closer to the distance between the front of the handle groove (11) formed on the door (10) and the front of the door (11).

[0128] Of course, for more stable installation of the auxiliary handle (100) and the door (10), the contact areas between them can be fastened with screws or attached with adhesive tape or glue.

[0129] In addition, the higher the front support (140) is, the more stable the connection with the door (10) can be. However, if the height of the front support (140) is excessively high, the aesthetic appeal may be reduced as the front support (140) is exposed to the outside (outside of the refrigerator).

[0130] Considering this, it is preferable that the front support portion (140) be formed at a lower height than the grip portion (120). That is, by forming the front support portion (140) lower than the grip portion (120), the front support portion (140) is covered by the grip portion (120) so as not to be easily visible from the outside.

[0131] As shown in the attached drawings 5 ​​to 9, a reinforcing edge (151) having a slope or curved structure may be formed at the connecting portion connecting the base portion (110) and the front support portion (140) so that the thickness gradually increases toward the base portion (110). This reinforcing edge (151) is a structure to prevent bending deformation or damage of the front support portion (140) during the process in which the front support portion (140) and the insertion portion (130) are fitted between the front of the door (10) and the handle groove (11). At this time, the reinforcing edge (151) may be formed to have a larger radius of curvature than the edge provided at the connecting portion between the grip portion (120) and the base portion (110).

[0132] Of course, by providing a reinforcing edge (152) at the connection portion between the grip portion (120) and the base portion (110) as shown in the attached drawing 10, it is possible to minimize deformation or damage of the grip portion (120) from the base portion (110) when an operation of pulling the grip portion (120) occurs.

[0133] It is preferable that the above-mentioned connecting portion be formed in a curved structure to minimize interference when the user inserts the wrist.

[0134] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the first portion (111) and the second portion (112) forming the base portion (110) can be formed to have different thicknesses.

[0135] For example, the thickness of the first portion (111) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the second portion (112). That is, since the second portion (112) of the base portion (110) is a portion that fully receives the force of the grip portion (120), it is preferable to form it relatively thicker than the first portion (111) in order to prevent bending deformation or breakage.

[0136] On the other hand, since the first portion (111) of the base portion (110) only contacts the bottom surface of the door (10), the bending deformation force is provided to that portion less than that to the second portion (112). Accordingly, in order to reduce weight and manufacturing cost, it is preferable to form the first portion (111) relatively thinner than the second portion (112).

[0137] In particular, due to the height difference between the first portion (111) and the second portion (112) of the above-described base portion (110), the bottom surface of the door (10) can be positioned lower than the front upper surface of the above-described base portion (110). Accordingly, even if the front surface of the door (10) provides a force that presses the front support portion (140) forward, the front support portion (140) can be prevented from being bent due to the height difference and the reinforcing edge (151) described above.

[0138] Below, the process of installing the auxiliary handle (100) of the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention to the door (10) is described.

[0139] First, the insertion portion (120) formed in the auxiliary handle (100) of the embodiment of the present invention is positioned so as to face the handle groove (11) formed in the door (10) of the home appliance.

[0140] For example, when installing an auxiliary handle (100) of an embodiment of the present invention on a door (10) of a refrigerator, the auxiliary handle (100) is positioned at the bottom of the door (10). At this time, the auxiliary handle (100) is positioned so that the insertion portion (130) faces upward and faces the handle groove (11) formed on the bottom surface of the door (10).

[0141] Thereafter, the insertion part (130) of the auxiliary handle (100) is inserted into the handle groove (11) of the door (10). As a result, the front part of the door (10) and the front part within the handle groove (11) are inserted between the insertion part (130) of the auxiliary handle (100) and the front support part (140).

[0142] In particular, since the front of the insertion part (130) is formed to have a smaller inclination angle than the front within the handle groove (11), as the insertion part (130) is inserted into the handle groove (11), the front of the door (10) and the front within the handle groove (11) are gradually pressed between the insertion part (130) and the front support part (140).

[0143] At this time, since a reinforcing edge (151) is formed at the connection between the front lower part of the front support part (140) and the base part (110), bending deformation or damage of the front support part (140) can be prevented.

[0144] Therefore, the auxiliary handle (100) of the embodiment of the present invention is installed on the door (10) of the home appliance through the simple operation described above.

[0145] The auxiliary handle (100) of the present invention, which is installed in this manner, has a distance from the front of the door (10) to the grip portion (120) that is greater than the handle groove (11) of the door (10) and is also higher than the handle groove (11). Accordingly, users who have difficulty using their fingers or the elderly can open and close the door (10) more easily.

[0146] In addition, the auxiliary handle (100) of the present invention, which is installed as described above, can be operated by inserting the wrist into the corresponding area due to the sufficient gap between the front of the door (10) and the grip portion (120).

[0147] In particular, since the corners at both ends of the grip portion (120) are formed with a sufficiently large round shape, discomfort such as the wrist being stabbed when the wrist is inserted can be prevented.

[0148] As described above, the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention can be provided separately from the home appliance and selectively mounted on the door (10) of the home appliance. Accordingly, it can be selectively applied and used in existing home appliances as well.

[0149] The auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to the present invention is easy to operate because the grip portion (120) provides a grip gap greater than the handle groove (11) formed in the door (10), and it is also possible for a user who has difficulty using his or her fingers to operate it using his or her wrist.

[0150] In addition, the auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to the present invention can be installed in a more stable manner because the area between the front of the door (10) and the front inside the handle groove (11) is secured between the insertion portion (130) and the front support portion (140).

[0151] In addition, since the auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to the present invention has a grip projection (121) formed on the inner surface of the grip portion (120), gripping of the grip portion (120) can be performed more easily.

[0152] In addition, the auxiliary device (100) for a home appliance according to the present invention can prevent bending deformation or damage of the front support part (140) by being coupled to the door (10) while the front and rear sides of the base part (110) have a height difference.

[0153] Meanwhile, the auxiliary device for a home appliance according to the present invention can be implemented in various forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0154] In another form of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the auxiliary handle (100) may further be provided with a side support portion (160) for supporting the side of the door (10).

[0155] The above side support portion (160) can be formed on one end of the first portion (111) forming the base portion (110).

[0156] In particular, the side support portion (160) is formed to be connected to the front support portion (140), thereby preventing the front support portion (140) from being bent forward due to the pressure provided from the front of the door (10).

[0157] In addition, a folded portion (161) may be formed at the rear end of the side support portion (160) so as to be bent toward the rear of the door (10) to wrap around the rear edge of the door (10). That is, by allowing the rear edge of the door (10) to be wrapped by the folded portion (161), both the front and rear of the door (10) can be bound to the auxiliary handle (100) of the present invention.

[0158] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in the attached drawings 11 to 15, the grip portion (120) forming the auxiliary handle (100) may be formed in a vertically elongated structure. For example, the grip portion (120) may be formed in a vertically elongated flat plate-shaped structure.

[0159] When the gripping portion (120) is formed as a vertically elongated flat plate structure, a side portion (170) for supporting the gripping portion (120) may be further formed on the second portion (112) forming the base portion (110). At this time, the side portion (170) may be formed to connect the side end of the second portion (112) and the side end of the gripping portion (120) to each other. That is, by additionally providing the side portion (170), it is possible to prevent the gripping portion (120) from being damaged or deformed when the gripping portion (120) is pulled.

[0160] In particular, when the auxiliary handle (100) further has a side support portion (160), the side portion (170) may be formed to be integral with the side support portion (160). In this case, the side portion (170) may be formed to have a thickness thicker than the side support portion (160) in order to prevent damage or deformation during pulling operation of the grip portion (120).

[0161] The above grip portion (120) may be formed to have the same thickness as the side portion (170). That is, the above grip portion (120) may also be formed to have a thicker thickness than the side support portion (160).

[0162] A strength reinforcement part (153) for reinforcing strength may be formed at the inner connection part (corner) between the side part (170) and the grip part (120). That is, even if a pulling operation of the grip part (120) occurs due to the strength reinforcement part (153), the connection part between the grip part (120) and the side part (170) can be prevented from being damaged.

[0163] This strength reinforcement part (153) can be formed to have a thickness thicker than the grip part (120) or the side part (170).

[0164] Although not shown, the above-mentioned grip portion (120) may be formed as a long bar structure extending vertically.

[0165] In another embodiment of the present invention, although not shown, a structure may be formed at the rear end of the base portion (110) to surround the rear bottom edge of the door (10). For example, a folded portion (omitted from the illustration) that is bent toward the rear of the door (10) may be additionally formed at the rear end of the base portion (110). By additionally forming this rear folded portion, the handle groove (11) of the door (10) and the rear of the door (10) can also be gripped by the auxiliary handle (100) of the present invention.

[0166] In another form of the present invention, the base portion (110) forming the auxiliary handle (100) can be attached to the bottom surface of the door (10) or fastened using screws. That is, in addition to the press-fit joint by the insert portion (130) forming the auxiliary handle (100) and the front support portion (140), the attachment or fastening can be added so that a more stable mounting state is maintained.

[0167] In another form of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the auxiliary handle (100) installed in the upper door (10) and the auxiliary handle (100) installed in the lower door (20) can be formed in different shapes.

[0168] For example, in the case of the lower door (20), the height from the upper surface to the handle groove (21) can be formed to be longer than the height from the lower surface of the upper door (10) to the handle groove (11).

[0169] Considering this, in the case of the auxiliary handle (100) provided on the lower door (20), the height at which the insertion portion (130) and the front support portion (140) protrude from the base portion (110) can be formed higher than the insertion portion (130) and the front support portion (140) of the auxiliary handle (100) provided on the upper door (10).

[0170] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, mean that the corresponding component may be present, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0171] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a home appliance having a door with a handle groove formed on at least one circumferential surface, A base portion installed to cover a portion of the periphery of the door where a handle groove is formed, and formed so that at least a portion thereof protrudes toward the front of the door; A gripping portion formed by bending from the end of the above base portion and provided as a gripping portion; An auxiliary device for a home appliance, comprising an insertion part that protrudes from the base part and is inserted into the handle groove.

2. In paragraph 1, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, wherein the base portion further includes a front support portion formed between the insert portion and the grip portion to support the front of the door.

3. In paragraph 2, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, wherein the connecting portion between the base portion and the front support portion is formed in a sloped or curved structure so that the thickness gradually increases toward the base portion.

4. In paragraph 2, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, wherein the front support portion is formed at a lower height than the grip portion.

5. In paragraph 1, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, wherein the base part further includes a side support part that supports the side of the door.

6. In paragraph 5, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, wherein a folded portion is formed at the rear end of the side support portion so as to wrap around the rear side edge of the door.

7. In paragraph 1, An auxiliary device for home appliances in which the end corners of the above-mentioned grip part are formed to be rounded.

8. In paragraph 7, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, wherein one of the end edges of the above-mentioned grip portion is formed to have a larger radius of curvature than the other edge.

9. In paragraph 1, An auxiliary device for home appliances, wherein the above-mentioned grip part is spaced apart from the front of the door so that a gap between the grip part and the front of the door is sufficient to allow a wrist to fit therebetween.

10. In paragraph 1, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, characterized in that the gap between the above-mentioned part and the front of the door is formed larger than the front-rear thickness of the above-mentioned insertion part.

11. In paragraph 1, An auxiliary device for a home appliance characterized in that a grip protrusion is formed protrudingly on the inner surface of the grip section.

12. In paragraph 11, The above-mentioned phage protrusion is an auxiliary device for a home appliance formed as a long structure along the length of the phage portion.

13. In paragraph 11, An auxiliary device for home appliances, characterized in that the above-mentioned protrusion is formed into a curved surface.

14. In paragraph 1, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, wherein a side portion extending to the front of the door is formed at one end of the above-mentioned portion.

15. In paragraph 14, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, characterized in that a strength reinforcing part is formed at the inner connecting portion where the above-mentioned grip part and the side part are connected to reinforce strength.

16. In paragraph 14, An auxiliary device for a home appliance further comprising a side support portion that extends from an end of the side portion and supports the side of the door.

17. In paragraph 16, An auxiliary device for a home appliance, characterized in that the side portion is formed thicker than the side support portion.

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