Home appliance

Abstract

A home appliance according to the present disclosure comprises: a cabinet providing a storage chamber opened to the front; a door rotatably provided in front of the cabinet to open and close the storage chamber; a hinge fixed to the cabinet and including a hinge shaft rotatably supporting the door and a reference pin spaced apart from the hinge shaft; an auto-closing device providing force to the door in a direction in which the door is closed; and a lever rotatably coupled to the auto-closing device to receive torque from the auto-closing device and including a slit into which the reference pin is inserted. The slit includes a first region in which the reference pin is located in a state in which the door is closed, and the first region extends rearward as the distance from the center of rotation of the lever increases.

Description

home appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to home appliances such as refrigerators, and more particularly, to home appliances having doors.

[0002] Home appliances have internal storage or processing chambers, and can supply cold air, heat, steam, or water to these chambers to regulate or maintain the condition of items stored within. Examples of such appliances include refrigerators for keeping food or beverages fresh, and clothing treatment devices (e.g., stylers) for deodorizing, drying, or refreshing clothing.

[0003] A door is placed at the front of the storage or processing room. Recently, home appliances are increasingly being placed alongside furniture or other appliances. In these cases, appliances with thinner doors than conventional doors are being released to match the depth of the front-to-back space with the furniture or other appliances.

[0004] Meanwhile, if the door of a home appliance such as a refrigerator is not completely closed, cold air from the storage compartment may escape, and to solve this problem, an 'auto-closing' function has been required to induce the door to automatically close when it is opened below a certain angle.

[0005] When a device providing such an auto-closing function is attached to a hinge shaft and directly provides torque to the hinge shaft, a large force may be required to rotate the door. Accordingly, the device may be bulky in order to provide a large force. Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0057859 (hereinafter, “Prior Document 1”) discloses an auto-closing device that interacts with a bracket body of a hinge. The auto-closing device of Prior Document 1 may have a problem in that, depending on the shape of the bracket body of the hinge, the force provided by the auto-closing device to the door acts in the direction in which the door opens.

[0006] Meanwhile, if the door closes quickly, a shock may occur between the door and the cabinet.

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119985 (hereinafter, "Prior Document 2") discloses a refrigerator including a damper mounted on a cabinet and protruding forward. The damper of Prior Document 2 has a portion that is exposed to the outside when the door is opened.

[0008]

[0009] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0010] Another object may be to provide a home appliance having an auto-closing device that provides a closing force to a door when the door's opening angle is below a certain angle. Another object may be to provide a home appliance including an auto-closing device that can be applied to doors of various structures. For example, a home appliance including an auto-closing device that can be applied to a door whose center of rotation varies depending on the door's opening angle or a door that is thinner than a conventional door may be provided.

[0011] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance in which the auto-closing device operates with a component other than a hinge axis to close the door.

[0012] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance having an auto-closing device that can close the door with little force.

[0013] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance that prevents the problem of the door not closing by allowing the door to close naturally without a repulsive force acting in the direction of opening the door in the closing section of the door.

[0014] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance having a simple structure in which a lever coupled to a driving part of an auto-closing device is provided.

[0015] Another object may be to provide an appliance including a lever having a slit designed to take into account the direction of force acting on the lever during the process of closing or opening the door.

[0016] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance in which no impact occurs between the reference pin and the slit of the lever during the door closing process.

[0017] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance having a clutch within the driving part of an auto-closing device.

[0018] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance that reduces the shock between the cabinet and the door when the door is closed, thereby allowing for a smooth closing and improving the operating feel.

[0019] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0020]

[0021] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, to achieve the above-described purpose, a home appliance including an auto-closing device is provided. The auto-closing device can apply force to the door in a closing direction. The auto-closing device can apply force in a closing direction to a door opened below a certain angle.

[0022] The above home appliance includes a cabinet providing a storage compartment open to the front; a door rotatably provided at the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge including a hinge axis rotatably supporting the door.

[0023] The above hinge can be fixed to the above cabinet.

[0024] The auto-closing device includes a driving unit and a lever rotatably coupled to the driving unit. The driving unit can provide torque to the lever. The driving unit can provide spring elasticity to the lever. The spring of the driving unit may be a torsion spring.

[0025] The hinge includes a reference pin, and the lever includes a slit into which the reference pin is inserted.

[0026] The above reference pin can be spaced apart from the hinge axis.

[0027] The above reference pin can be positioned in the slit when the door is closed.

[0028] The slit may include a first region where the reference pin is positioned when the door is closed. The lever may be rotatably coupled to the driving unit, and the first region may extend rearwardly as it moves away from the center of rotation of the lever. The center of rotation of the lever may be provided by the driving unit. For example, the driving unit may include a lever shaft that is rotatably provided, and the lever may be coupled to the lever shaft and rotate integrally with the lever shaft. The lever shaft may serve as a rotational center axis of the lever.

[0029] The slit may further include a second region extending away from the center of rotation of the lever from the first region. The second region may extend forward as it moves away from the center of rotation of the lever.

[0030] The first region may extend in a curved shape. The second region may extend in a curved shape. The radius of curvature of the first region may be greater than the radius of curvature of the second region. The radii of curvature of the first and second regions may refer to the radii of curvature of the longitudinal center lines of the first and second regions, respectively.

[0031] The slit may further include a third region extending from the second region and open outwardly. The third region may extend in a straight line.

[0032] The driving unit may include a torsion spring. The torsion spring may have one end fixed. One end of the torsion spring may be fixed to the driving unit or the door. For example, one end of the torsion spring may be fixed to the housing or cover of the driving unit. The driving unit may include a lever shaft that rotates integrally with the lever, and a clutch that selectively connects or disconnects the torsion spring and the lever shaft.

[0033] When the clutch connects the torsion spring and the lever shaft, when the lever shaft rotates, at least a portion of the torsion spring can rotate together with the lever shaft. The at least a portion may be an opposite end of the one end. In this state, when the lever shaft is rotated by an external force, the elastic energy stored in the torsion spring can increase. When the torsion spring is rotated from a free state and no external force is applied to the lever shaft, or when the elastic force of the torsion spring is greater than the external force applied to the lever shaft, the lever shaft can rotate by the elastic force of the torsion spring.

[0034] When the clutch disengages the connection between the torsion spring and the lever shaft, the torsion spring may not rotate even if the lever shaft rotates.

[0035] The clutch can connect the torsion spring and the lever shaft when the rotation angle of the lever is less than or equal to a first angle based on the rotational position of the lever when the door is closed.

[0036] The clutch can release the connection between the torsion spring and the lever shaft when the rotation angle of the lever is greater than the first angle.

[0037] The rotation angle of the lever may be defined based on the position of the lever when the door is closed. The rotation angle of the lever may be defined as the direction in which the lever rotates during the process of opening the door, based on the position of the lever when the door is closed. The rotation angle of the lever in a specific state may be defined as the angle between the position of the lever when the door is closed and the position of the lever in the specific state.

[0038] The clutch can restrict the rotation of the lever shaft when the rotation angle of the lever is a second angle or greater than the first angle.

[0039] The above reference pin can be positioned in the first region of the slit when the rotation angle of the lever is smaller than the first angle.

[0040] The above reference pin can be located in the second region of the slit when the rotation angle of the lever is between the first angle and the second angle.

[0041] When the reference pin is positioned in the slit, the rotation angle of the lever may be greater than the rotation angle of the door.

[0042] The rotation angle of the above door can be defined as the angle between the door and the cabinet.

[0043] The above door may include a guide member into which the hinge axis is inserted.

[0044] The above lever can be spaced apart from the guide member in the width direction of the door.

[0045] The above hinge axis may include a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0046] The above guide member may include an axis insertion groove into which the first and second hinge axes are inserted and which extends in a curved shape.

[0047] When the door rotates relative to the cabinet, the first and second hinge axes can slide relatively along the shaft insertion grooves so that the position of the rotation center of the door can be changed.

[0048] The front portion of the lever may include a front edge that is arranged parallel to the front surface of the door when the door is closed.

[0049] The above door may include a cover that protrudes downward from the bottom of the door and is positioned forward of the front portion of the lever.

[0050] When the door is open and the reference pin is out of the slit, the rear portion of the lever may include a rear edge parallel to the rear surface of the door.

[0051] The above cabinet may include a joint that is fixed to the cabinet. The joint may include a joint hole through which a joint member passes.

[0052] The hinge may include a supporter protruding forward from the joint and having the reference pin.

[0053] The above fastening hole may be spaced apart from the reference pin in the width direction of the cabinet.

[0054] The angle between the center line of the first region and the line connecting the center of the reference pin and the center of rotation of the lever when the door is closed may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The center line of the first region may refer to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the first region.

[0055] The first region may include a portion extending rearward from the inner end of the slit. The inner end of the slit may refer to a portion of the slit closest to the center of rotation of the lever.

[0056] The first region may include a portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the lever.

[0057] The above reference pin may include: a first reference pin positioned in the first region when the door is closed; and a second reference pin positioned in the second region when the door is closed.

[0058] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0059]

[0060] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance can be provided that includes an auto-closing device that provides a closing force to the door when the door's opening angle is below a certain angle. This allows the refrigerator door to automatically close, thereby improving user convenience and energy efficiency.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance can be provided that includes an auto-closing device applicable to doors of various structures. For example, the auto-closing device may not directly act on the hinge axis, but rather provide closing force to the door through the actions of a drive unit, a lever, and a reference pin. This structure allows the auto-closing device to be applied to doors whose center of rotation varies depending on the door opening angle.

[0062] Furthermore, the auto-closing device may be capable of operating independently of the hinge axis through a lever that operates with a reference pin, rather than directly on the hinge axis.

[0063] Additionally, because the auto-closing mechanism does not act directly on the hinge axis, but rather the lever applies force to the reference pin to close the door, the moment arm can be lengthened. Consequently, the actuator can close the door with less force. This reduces the volume of the actuator and allows it to be applied to doors with thin front-to-rear thickness.

[0064] Additionally, during the door closing process, a reference pin fixed to the cabinet is inserted into a slit formed in the lever, so that when the lever is rotated by the driving unit, the point of application of force is always located behind the reference pin. This prevents the occurrence of a repulsive force that acts in the direction of opening the door when the door is closed by the auto-closing device. Consequently, the problem of the door not closing can be prevented.

[0065] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clutch can be installed within the driving unit, thereby enabling the lever to have a simple structure. In particular, by utilizing the clutch mechanism of the driving unit without a separate locking member within the lever, component reliability can be improved and assembly ease can be enhanced.

[0066] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the slit of the lever has a first region that is convexly curved toward the front and rearward as it approaches the center of rotation of the lever, so that the direction of force applied by the lever to the reference pin can be forward or at a small angle of inclination with respect to the front. This allows the torque of the driving unit to be efficiently utilized to close the door.

[0067] Additionally, the slopes of the first and second regions can be connected continuously or nearly continuously through a second region that is convexly curved backward and forward as the slit moves away from the center of rotation of the lever from the first region. This allows the reference pin to move smoothly along the slit during the door closing process. Furthermore, the door can close naturally without abrupt changes in speed during the closing process.

[0068] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lever can be fixed at a constant rotational position when the door is opened by a structure of an outer end of the lever located opposite the center of rotation of the lever, for example, a third area extending from a second area of ​​the slit, or a structure having a curvature of the outer end of the second finger (a portion located at the rear of the slit). This allows the reference pin to be inserted into the slit without colliding with the lever when the door is closed.

[0069] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a home appliance can be provided in which a soft closing device is provided on the door to reduce the impact between the cabinet and the door when the door is closed, thereby inducing a soft closing and improving the operating feel.

[0070]

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 3 is a perspective view and an enlarged view of the door shown in Figure 1.

[0074] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, and is an exploded perspective view of a door, hinge, auto-closing device, and soft-closing device of a home appliance according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the part shown in Figure 1, where (a) is the inside of the door, (b) is the front view with the cover removed, and (c) is the front view.

[0076] Figures 6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of the auto-closing device illustrated in Figure 4.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a door showing an auto-closing system of a home appliance according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the positions of the lever and reference pin according to the opening angle of the door illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the torque of the driving unit, the engagement and release of the clutch, and the restraint of the lever according to the opening angle of the door of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Fig. 11 is a bottom view showing a lever of an auto-closing device of a home appliance according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a door showing an auto-closing system of a home appliance according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figures 13 to 15 are drawings showing the positions of the lever and reference pin according to the opening angle of the door illustrated in Figure 12.

[0083] FIGS. 16 and 17 are exploded perspective views showing a hinge and a guide member of a home appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and drawings showing the positions of the hinge and the guide member according to the opening angle of the door.

[0084] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an auto-closing system of a home appliance according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an auto-closing system of a home appliance according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Fig. 20 is a bottom view of a door showing an auto-closing system of a home appliance according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Fig. 21 is a drawing showing the positions of the lever and reference pin according to the opening angle of the door illustrated in Fig. 20.

[0088] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a door showing an auto-closing system of a home appliance according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0089] Fig. 23 is a drawing showing the positions of the lever and reference pin according to the opening angle of the door illustrated in Fig. 22.

[0090] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a lever of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing an auto-closing device of a home appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092]

[0093] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0094] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0095] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0096]

[0097] Referring to FIG. 1, a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a refrigerator. The refrigerator (1) includes a cabinet (10) providing a storage compartment (11) and a door (2) for opening and closing the storage compartment (11).

[0098] The storage compartment (11) may be open to the front. The storage compartment (11) may provide space and / or configuration for storing food or beverages therein. The storage compartment (11) may be configured to be open to the front to facilitate user access and food storage.

[0099] The storage compartment (11) may be provided in multiple forms. For example, the storage compartment (11) may include an upper storage compartment (12) and a lower storage compartment (13) that are partitioned vertically. The upper storage compartment (12) may be provided as a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage compartment (13) may be provided as a freezer compartment. However, the configuration of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment is not limited thereto.

[0100] A door (2) is provided at the front of the cabinet (10) and can open and close the storage room (11). The door (2) is provided rotatably at the front of the cabinet (10) and can open and close the storage room (11).

[0101] The door (2) may include an upper door (20) that opens and closes the upper storage compartment (12). The door (2) may include a lower door (25) that opens and closes the lower storage compartment (13).

[0102] A plurality of doors (2) may be provided. A plurality of doors (2) may open and close a single storage compartment. For example, a single upper storage compartment (12) may be opened and closed by the first door (21) and the second door (22) together. That is, the first door (21) may open and close a portion of the upper storage compartment (12) (the left portion in FIG. 1), and the second door (22) may open and close another portion of the upper storage compartment (12) (the right portion in FIG. 3).

[0103] In contrast, a plurality of doors (20) may be provided, and one storage compartment may be opened and closed with one door. For example, the lower storage compartment (13) may be provided with two storage compartments (131, 132) divided into left and right, and the lower door (25) for opening and closing the lower storage compartment (13) may include a first lower door (26) for opening and closing the first lower storage compartment (26) and a second lower door (27) for opening and closing the second lower storage compartment (132).

[0104] The storage chamber (11) and door (2) composed of the aforementioned plurality may be configured differently. For example, the upper storage chamber (12) may be divided into left and right sections, or the lower storage chamber (13) may be provided as one unit without being divided into left and right sections.

[0105] Food can be stored in the storage room (11). Cold air can be supplied to the storage room (11). The door (20) can close the storage room (11) to prevent cold air from leaking out to the outside.

[0106] A refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle. Through the refrigeration cycle, air can be heat-exchanged with a refrigerant to supply cold air to a storage compartment.

[0107] Shelves and / or drawers may be placed inside the storage room (11). The door (2) may also be equipped with shelves to store food.

[0108] A storage space is also formed on the inside of the door (2), so that storage capacity can be increased.

[0109] The door (2) may further include a window (24). The window (24) may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, so as to allow the interior of the storage room to be visually confirmed from the outside.

[0110] The window (24) can be configured to allow the food inside to be visible from the outside when the light inside the door or storage compartment is turned on.

[0111] The window (24) may include a display function. Therefore, the window (24) may also be referred to as a display (24). The window (24) may display the status of the refrigerator (1) and the status inside the storage compartment (11).

[0112] The window (24) serves as a user interface means and can receive commands from a user. For example, the window (24) may include a touch display that operates by detecting a user's touch input.

[0113] A refrigerator (1) may include a hinge (3) connecting a cabinet (10) and a door (2). The hinge (3) may rotatably support the door (2) relative to the cabinet (10). The door (2) may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) by the hinge (3).

[0114] The hinge (3) can connect the upper and lower parts of the door (2) to the cabinet (10). For example, a hinge (3) can be provided at the upper and lower parts of the upper door (20), and a hinge (3) can also be provided at the upper and lower parts of the lower door (25).

[0115] The refrigerator (1) may include an auto-closing device (4) that provides a force in the closing direction to the door (2). The auto-closing device (4) may be provided at the top or bottom of the door (2), or may be provided at the top and bottom, respectively. A detailed description of the auto-closing device (4) will be described later.

[0116] The left-right direction of Fig. 1 (the direction in which the first and second doors (21, 22) are arranged) can be referred to as the width direction of the refrigerator, the width direction of the cabinet (10), or the width direction of the door (2).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 2, a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a garment treatment device (1'). The garment treatment device (1) includes a cabinet (100) providing a treatment room (110), a door (200) for opening and closing the treatment room (110), and a hinge (300) for rotatably connecting the door (200) to the cabinet (100). The hinge (300) may be provided at the upper and / or lower portions of the door (200).

[0118] The treatment room (110) may be open to the front. The treatment room (110) may provide a space for storing or processing clothing within it. The treatment room (110) may be configured to be open to the front to facilitate user access.

[0119] The garment treatment device (1') can supply air with controlled temperature and humidity into the treatment room (110) and recover the same. In addition, the garment treatment device (1') can supply steam into the treatment room (110). Clothing, etc., can be hung inside the treatment room (110).

[0120] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described using a refrigerator (1) as an example, but it can also be applied to a clothing treatment device (1'). For example, the components mounted on the door (2) and cabinet (10) of the refrigerator (1) can be mounted on the door (200) and cabinet (100) of the clothing treatment device (1'). For example, the hinge (300) of the clothing treatment device (1') can have the same structure as the hinge (3) of the refrigerator (1), and an auto-closing device (4) can be mounted on the door (200) of the clothing treatment device (1'). In addition, a soft-closing device (7) can be mounted on the door (200) of the clothing treatment device (1').

[0121] Hereinafter, the door (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The first door (21) will be described as an example, but the features described below can also be applied to the second door (22) or the lower door (25).

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the door (2) may include a door panel (201) forming an exterior. The door panel (201) may provide the front surface of the door (2). Hereinafter, the door panel (201) is also referred to as the front surface of the door or the front surface of the refrigerator.

[0123] The door (2) may include a front side (201) and a rear side (202). The front side (201) constitutes an outer side of the door, and the rear side (202) constitutes an inner side facing the storage compartment (11).

[0124] A gasket (205, see Fig. 8) is provided on the rear surface (202) of the door (2) to seal the storage compartment (11) when the door (2) is closed.

[0125] A filler (207) may be provided on one side of the door (2). The filler (207) may be provided at the rear of the door (2).

[0126] The filler (207) is configured to block the gap between the first door (21) and the second door (22), thereby improving the insulation and appearance quality when both doors are closed.

[0127] The filler (207) is installed so as to be rotatable and can be linked to the opening and closing operation of the door.

[0128] The door (2) may include a lower cap deco (23) that provides the lower surface of the door (2). The lower cap deco (23) may be coupled to the lower side of the front surface (201) and the lower side of the rear surface (202) of the door (2).

[0129] The door (2) may include an upper cap deco that provides the upper surface of the door (2). It may be coupled to the upper portion of the front surface (201) and the upper portion of the rear surface (202) of the door (92).

[0130] Through this, the door (2) can be configured to have an internal space, and the internal space of the door (2) can be filled with insulating material. Through this, when the door (2) closes the storage compartment (11), the storage compartment (11) can be insulated from the outside.

[0131] Hereinafter, the lower cap deco (23) is referred to as cap deco (23), and the description of the cap deco (23) can be applied directly or similarly to the upper cap deco.

[0132]

[0133] A handle (236) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2). The handle (236) may be recessed upward from the lower surface of the door (2). The handle (236) may be located on the opposite side of the hinge (3) in the width direction of the door (2).

[0134] A handle (236) can be provided on the cap deco (23).

[0135] The hinge (3) provided at the lower part of the door (2) can be coupled to the lower surface of the door (2), and the hinge provided at the upper part of the door (2) can be coupled to a mounting part provided at the upper surface or upper part of the door (2). Hereinafter, the hinge (3) and the guide member (8) provided at the lower part of the door (2) will be described as an example, and the description thereof can also be applied to hinges and guide members provided at other locations.

[0136] The hinge (2) can be fixed to the cabinet (10) and support the door (2). The hinge (3) can include a hinge shaft (31) that rotatably supports the door (2). The hinge (3) can include a connecting portion (33) that is fixed to the cabinet (10).

[0137] A fastening hole (34) is formed in the joint (33), so that the hinge can be fixed to the cabinet via a fastening member. The fastening hole (34) can be positioned at a position spaced apart from the reference pin (35) described later in the width direction of the cabinet (10) (see Fig. 5(b)). Accordingly, the hinge can be fixed to the cabinet via the fastening member without structural interference.

[0138] The hinge (3) may include a supporter (36) that protrudes forward of the cabinet (10). The supporter (36) may protrude forward from the joint (33). The supporter (36) may be arranged horizontally.

[0139] The hinge axis (3) can protrude from the supporter (36). The hinge axis (3) can protrude upward and downward from the supporter (36).

[0140] The hinge provided on the lower side of the upper door (20) and the hinge provided on the upper side of the lower door (25) may have hinge axes (311, 316) protruding upward and downward from one supporter (36). That is, the hinge axis (311) protruding upward from the supporter (36) can support the lower part of the upper door (20), and the hinge axis (316) protruding downward from the supporter (36) can support the upper part of the lower door (25).

[0141] The door (2) may include a guide member (8) that is coupled with the hinge (3). The guide member (8) may be inserted into the lower or upper surface of the door (2).

[0142] The guide member (8) may include an axis insertion groove (83) into which a hinge shaft (31) is inserted. The door (2) may be opened and closed as the hinge shaft (31) rotates in the axis insertion groove (83) or moves along the axis insertion groove (83).

[0143] When the door (2) is opened and closed while the hinge shaft (31) moves along the shaft insertion groove (83), the position of the center of rotation of the door (2) can be changed depending on the degree of opening of the door (2). This provides the advantage of not interfering with other furniture or storage units placed next to the refrigerator when the door is opened.

[0144] However, in the structure of the hinge (3) and guide member (8), it is difficult to close the door by directly providing torque to the hinge axis. The auto-closing device (4) of the present disclosure can also be applied to a door (2) that opens and closes while the hinge axis (31) moves along the axis insertion groove (83).

[0145] A detailed description of the structure of the guide member (8) and the movement of the hinge axis (31) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0146] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can automatically close a door (2) even if a user does not completely close the door (2). This function can be implemented through the interaction of an auto-closing device (4) provided on the door (2) and a reference pin (35) provided on the cabinet (10). The auto-closing device (4) and the reference pin (35) can be referred to as an auto-closing system. The auto-closing system can also be viewed as a concept including a hinge (3) connecting the door (2) and the cabinet (10).

[0147] The above auto-closing system can provide force to the door (2) in a closing direction by interaction between the auto-closing device (4) and the reference pin (35) when the door is opened below a certain angle. For example, when the door (2) is opened / closed at a certain angle, the reference pin (35) can be positioned in the slit (53) of the lever (5) described below, and the driving unit (40) can rotate the lever (5). Accordingly, the door (2) can be automatically closed even if the user does not completely close the door (2). The auto-closing system will be described below.

[0148] An auto-closing device (4) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2).

[0149] The auto-closing device (4) can provide force in the closing direction to the door (2). When the angle between the cabinet (10) and the door (2) is less than a certain angle while the door (2) is open, the auto-closing device (4) can provide force in the closing direction to the door.

[0150] The auto-closing device (4) may include a driving unit (40) and a lever (5) coupled to the driving unit (40). The lever (5) may be rotatably coupled to the driving unit (40). The driving unit (40) may provide torque to the lever (5). The lever (5) may rotate according to the opening and closing operation of the door (2).

[0151] The driving unit (40) can be spaced apart from the hinge axis (31) in the direction of the rotational radius of the door (2). The auto-closing device (4) can close the door (2) by applying force to the hinge (3) via the lever (5). The lever (5) can apply force to a different component of the hinge (3) other than the hinge axis (31).

[0152] The hinge (3) may include a reference pin (35) to which a lever (5) applies force. The reference pin (35) may be spaced apart from the hinge axis (31). The reference pin (35) may be provided on a supporter (36). The position of the reference pin (35) with respect to the cabinet (10) may be fixed. The reference pin (35) may protrude vertically from the supporter (36). The reference pin (35) may extend parallel to the hinge axis (31).

[0153] Meanwhile, although the reference pin (35) has been described as a sub-component of the hinge (3), the reference pin (35) may be configured as a separate component from the hinge (3). For example, the reference pin (35) may not protrude from the support (36) of the hinge (3), but may be configured as a separate component separate from the hinge (3), and the hinge (3) and the reference pin (35) may be each fixed to the cabinet (10).

[0154] The lever (5) may include a slit (53) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted. Depending on the opening and closing operation of the door (2), the reference pin (35) may slide in or out of the slit (53). Depending on the opening angle of the door (2), the reference pin (35) may slide in the slit (53) of the lever (5), and the lever (5) may rotate. Alternatively, the position of the reference pin within the slit (53) and the opening angle of the door (2) may be determined depending on the rotation angle of the lever (5). The sliding of the reference pin (35) in the slit (53) may mean that the relative position of the reference pin (35) with respect to the slit (53) changes depending on the rotation and movement of the lever (5) because the reference pin (35) is fixed.

[0155] A soft closing device (7) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2).

[0156] The soft closing device (7) can provide a deceleration force during the door closing process by coming into contact with the lever (5).

[0157] This reduces the impact on the door and allows for a smoother and more stable closing action.

[0158] The door (2) may include a stopper (9). The stopper (9) may prevent the door (2) from opening beyond a set angle. For example, the set angle may be set within a range of 100 to 180 degrees.

[0159] The stopper (9) may include a stopper body (91) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the door (2).

[0160] The hinge (3) may include a stopper contact portion (39). The stopper contact portion (39) may be provided on the supporter (36). The stopper contact portion (39) may be formed on the front portion of the supporter (36) and the outer portion in the width direction of the cabinet.

[0161] During the opening process of the door (2), the stopper body (91) may come into contact with the stopper body contact portion (39). Accordingly, the maximum angle at which the door (2) can be opened may be limited. The maximum angle at which the door (2) can be opened may refer to the set angle described above.

[0162] The stopper (9) may include a stopper bracket (92). The stopper bracket (92) may be mounted on the lower surface of the door (2).

[0163] A hole (98) can be formed in the stopper bracket (92). The hole (98) can penetrate the stopper bracket (92) upwardly and downwardly. A guide member (8) can be inserted into the hole (98). The guide member (8) can penetrate the stopper bracket (92) upwardly and downwardly.

[0164] The stopper body (91) may be placed at the rear of the cover (235) described later. A portion of the stopper body (91) may overlap the cover (235) in the front-back direction, and the remaining portion may protrude outward in the width direction of the door (2) from the cover (235).

[0165] A cover (235) may be provided in front of the lever (5). The cover (235) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the door (2).

[0166] The cover (235) is an exterior component that conceals the mechanism exposed at the bottom of the lever (5) or door (2) from the outside, and can provide aesthetics and safety.

[0167] The cover (235) may be positioned further back than the front surface (201) of the door.

[0168]

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the capdeco (23) may include a guide housing (238). The guide housing (238) may accommodate a guide member (8). The guide member (8) may be mounted and fixed to the guide housing (238).

[0170] The guide housing (238) can be sunken upward from the lower surface of the door (2). The guide housing (238) can have a shape corresponding to the guide member (8).

[0171] The guide housing (238) may be provided in the stopper mounting portion (239). The guide housing (238) may be recessed upward from the stopper mounting portion (239).

[0172] The cap deco (23) may include an auto-closing receiving portion (234) in which an auto-closing device (4) is placed. The auto-closing receiving portion (234) may be recessed upward from the lower surface of the door (2) to provide a space for receiving the auto-closing device (4).

[0173] The cap deco (23) may include a soft closing receiving portion (237) in which a soft closing device (7) is mounted. The soft closing receiving portion (237) may be recessed upward from the lower surface of the door (2).

[0174] At least a portion of each of the guide member (8), the stopper (9), the auto-closing device (4), and the soft closing device (7) can be hidden from the front outside through the guide housing (238), the stopper mounting portion (239), the auto-closing receiving portion (234), and the soft-closing receiving portion (237) of the cap deco (23). For example, the driving portion (40) can be hidden from the front outside by the cap deco (23), and the lever (5) can be positioned lower than the lower surface of the door (2) so as not to be hidden by the cap deco (23). For example, the upper portion of the soft-closing device (7) can be hidden from the front outside by the cap deco (23), and the lower portion can protrude lower than the lower surface of the door (2) so as not to be hidden by the cap deco (23). For example, at least a portion of the stopper body (91) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the door (2) and may not be covered from the front outside by the cap deco (23).

[0175] The cover (235) can be placed in front of the lever (5) to cover the lever (5) from the front outside. In addition, a part of the soft closing device (7) that comes into contact with the lever (5) can be covered by the cover (235).

[0176] In addition, the stopper body (91) may be partially positioned at the rear of the cover (235) and thus may be covered from the front outside. The stopper body (91) may be exposed to the front with its outer end positioned outside the cover (235) in the width direction of the cabinet (10). In this way, while a portion of the stopper body (91) is covered by the cover body (235), the outer end of the stopper body (91) may come into contact with the stopper contact portion (39) when the door (2) is opened to the maximum angle.

[0177]

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the driving unit (40) may include a housing (41). The housing (41) may be fixed to the cabinet (10) and may provide an internal space (413) for accommodating a plurality of components therein.

[0179] The upper side of the housing (41) can be opened, and a housing cover (412) can be coupled to the upper side. The housing cover (412) can cover the housing (41). The housing cover (412) can include a first protrusion (4121) that protrudes downward. The first protrusion (4121) can be inserted into the internal space (413) of the housing (41), so that the housing cover (412) can be coupled to the housing (41).

[0180] The housing (41) may include a coupling groove (414) extending outward from the space (413). The housing cover (412) may include a second protrusion (4122) inserted into the coupling groove (414).

[0181] The second protrusion (4122) may protrude outward from the outer periphery of the first protrusion (4121). The cover (412) may be fixed to the housing (41) by being inserted into the engaging groove (414) of the housing (41). The cover (412) may be restrained to the housing (41) so as not to rotate.

[0182] A spring (43), a clutch (44), a lever shaft (46), etc. can be inserted into the internal space (413) of the housing (41). These elements can be inserted from the upper side of the housing (41) before the housing cover (412) is coupled to the housing (41).

[0183] The driving unit (40) may include a spring (43). The spring (43) may be a torsion spring that provides torque. The spring (43) may be mounted to provide torque in the direction in which the door (2) closes.

[0184] The driving unit (40) may include a holder (42) to which a spring (43) is coupled. One end (432) of the spring (43) may be coupled and / or fixed to the holder (42).

[0185] The holder (42) can be coupled and / or fixed to the housing cover (412). The holder (42) can include a fixing portion (421) extending upward. The fixing portion (421) can be inserted into an insertion groove (4123) formed in the cover (412).

[0186] The holder (42) may include a support member (422). The support member (422) may have a width greater than that of the fixing member (421). The support member (422) may be in contact with the lower surface of the housing cover (412).

[0187] The holder (42) may include a first spring coupling portion (423). One end (432) of a spring may be coupled to the first spring coupling portion (423). The first spring coupling portion (423) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the support portion (422). The support portion (422) may support the upper end of the spring (43).

[0188] The driving unit (4) can provide rotational force to the lever (5) through the action of a spring (43), a clutch (44), and a shaft (46).

[0189] The spring (43) may include one end (432) and the other end (434). A spiral portion (433) extending spirally may be formed between the one end (432) and the other end (434). The spring (43) is configured as a torsion spring and can generate rotational torque in a certain direction.

[0190] The shaft (46) is connected to the spring (43) and can receive torque. The shaft (46) is coupled to the lever (5) and can rotate integrally with the lever (5).

[0191] A clutch (44) is arranged between a spring (43) and a shaft (46), and can selectively control their connection. That is, the clutch (44) can selectively connect or disconnect the spring (43) and the shaft (46). The clutch (44) can connect or disconnect the spring (43) and the shaft (46) based on the rotation angle of the lever (5).

[0192] For example, when the door (2) is closed, the clutch (44) connects the spring (43) and the shaft (46) while the lever (5) rotates to a preset angle from the rotational position of the lever (5), and when the lever (5) rotates further, the clutch (44) can release the connection between the spring (43) and the shaft (46). The preset angle is called a switching angle. The 'connection' is also called a 'connection'.

[0193] When the lever (5) or the shaft (46) is rotated by an external force, the elastic energy stored in the spring (43) may increase. When no external force is applied to the lever (5) and the shaft (46) from the position where the spring (43) is rotated from a free state, or when the elastic force of the spring (43) is greater than the external force applied to the lever (5) and the shaft (46), the lever (6) and the shaft (46) may be rotated by the elastic force of the spring (43). When the clutch (44) releases the connection between the spring (43) and the shaft (46), the spring (43) may not rotate even if the lever (5) and the shaft (46) rotate.

[0194] The clutch (44) can restrict or release the rotation of the shaft (46). The clutch (44) can restrict or release the rotation of the shaft (46) based on the rotation angle of the lever (5). For example, when the rotation angle of the lever (5) is greater than the locking angle that is greater than the switching angle, the clutch (44) can restrict the rotation of the shaft (46), and when the rotation angle of the lever (5) is less than the locking angle, the clutch (44) can release the restriction of the shaft (46).

[0195] That is, when the door (2) is opened from a closed state and the lever (5) rotates by the action of the reference pin (35), when the rotation angle of the lever (5) is greater than the switching angle, the clutch (44) releases the connection between the spring (43) and the shaft (46), and when the lever (5) rotates further and the rotation angle of the lever (5) becomes the locking angle, the clutch (44) can restrict the rotation of the shaft (46). Therefore, even if the door (2) is opened further, the position of the lever (5) can be fixed.

[0196] In addition, when the door (2) is closed, the reference pin (35) enters the slit (53), and the lever (5) rotates by the action of the reference pin (35) and the lever (5), and the restraint is released. When the lever (5) rotates further and the rotation angle of the lever (5) becomes smaller than the switching angle, the clutch (44) connects the spring (43) and the shaft (46), so that the lever (5) rotates by the torque of the spring (43), and the door (2) can be automatically closed even if no external force is applied to the door (2) by the action of the lever (5) and the reference pin (35).

[0197] A description of the switching angle and locking angle according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0198] The clutch (44) may be coupled to the other end (434) of the spring (43). The clutch (44) may include a connector (45). The connector (45) may include a second spring coupling portion (453) coupled to the other end (434) of the spring (43).

[0199] The connector (450) may include a flange (456). The second spring coupling portion (453) may protrude upward from the flange (456).

[0200] The flange (456) may be formed in a disc shape. The flange (456) may have a width greater than that of the second spring coupling portion (453). It may support the lower portion of the spring (43).

[0201] The connector (45) may include a latch holder (457). The latch holder (457) may protrude downwardly from the flange (456).

[0202] The shaft (46) may include a clutch shaft (463). The latch holder (457) may surround the clutch shaft (463). The clutch shaft (463) may be accommodated inside the latch holder (457). The clutch shaft (463) may be inserted into the inside of the latch holder (457).

[0203] The latch holder (457) may include a first latch receiving portion (4571). The latch holder (457) is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and the first latch receiving portion (4571) is formed in a shape penetrating between the inner and outer surfaces of the cylindrical shape and may extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0204] The clutch (44) may include a latch (47). The latch (47) may be arranged in the first latch receiving portion (4571). The latch (47) may have a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the latch (47) may correspond to the width of the first latch receiving portion (4571).

[0205] The latches (47) may be provided in multiples. For example, there may be two latches (47).

[0206] The latch holder (457) may be formed in an arc shape. The first latch receiving portion (4571) may be provided at an end of the arc shape.

[0207] The latch holder (457) can be formed into a plurality of arc shapes. The first latch receiving portion (4571) can be placed between these arc shapes.

[0208] A first latch mounting groove (4637) may be formed in the clutch shaft (463). The first latch mounting groove (4637) may be recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the clutch shaft (463). The width of the first latch mounting groove (4637) may be smaller than the diameter of the latch (47). Depending on the rotation of the lever (5) and / or the clutch shaft (463), the latch (47) may be mounted in or removed from the first latch mounting groove (4637).

[0209] When the latch (47) is released from the first latch mounting groove (4637), the connection between the connector (45) and the shaft (46) can be released. Accordingly, the connection between the spring (43) and the shaft (46) can be released.

[0210] The clutch (44) may include a clutch housing (49). The clutch housing (49) may include a shaft receiving portion (496). The shaft receiving portion (496) may be provided inside the clutch housing (49). The shaft receiving portion (496) may be formed in a hollow portion of the clutch housing (49).

[0211] A clutch shaft (463) may be placed in the shaft receiving portion (496). The inner diameter of the shaft receiving portion (496) may be larger than the outer diameter of the clutch shaft (463).

[0212] The latch holder (457) can be placed between the clutch shaft (463) and the clutch housing (49).

[0213] The inner diameter of the shaft receiving portion (496) can correspond to the outer diameter of the latch holder (457). The inner diameter of the shaft receiving portion (496) can be the same size as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the latch holder (457). The latch holder (457) can be rotatably supported on the clutch housing (49).

[0214] The clutch housing (49) may include a second latch receiving portion (497). The second latch receiving portion (497) may be recessed outward from the shaft receiving portion (496).

[0215] The clutch shaft (463) can rotate according to the rotation of the lever (5). When the clutch shaft (463) rotates according to the rotation of the lever (5), and the first latch seating groove (4637) and the second latch receiving portion (497) are aligned, the clutch shaft (463) can be received in the second latch receiving portion (497).

[0216] When the latch (47) is positioned in the groove of the clutch shaft (463) and the second latch receiving portion (497), the clutch shaft (463) can be rotated relative to the clutch housing (49) and the housing (41) by the latch (47).

[0217] The housing (41) can be fixed to the door (2). Accordingly, the lever (5) can be in a state where rotation is restricted with respect to the door (2).

[0218] The shaft (46) may include a lever shaft (465). The lever shaft (465) may rotate integrally with the clutch shaft (463). The lever shaft (465) and the clutch shaft (463) may be formed integrally.

[0219] A shaft through hole (499) may be formed at the bottom (498) of the clutch housing (49). The shaft through hole (499) may be connected to the shaft receiving portion (496).

[0220] The lever shaft (465) can pass through the shaft through hole (499).

[0221] The clutch (44) may include a bearing (48). The bearing (48) may rotatably support the shaft (46).

[0222] The bearing (48) can be placed on the upper side of the lower part of the clutch housing (49). The lever shaft (465) can pass through the bearing (48).

[0223] The shaft (44) may include a support ring (464). The support ring (464) may protrude in the radial direction of the shaft. A portion of the shaft (44) positioned above the support ring (464) may be referred to as a latch shaft (463), and a portion positioned below the support ring may be referred to as a lever shaft (465). The support ring (464) may be positioned between the latch shaft (463) and the lever shaft (465).

[0224] The support ring (464) can support the latch (47) from the lower side of the latch (47). The support ring (464) can be arranged on the upper side of the bearing (48) to support the shaft (44).

[0225] The lever shaft (465) can be coupled to the lever (5). The lever shaft (465) can rotate integrally with the lever (5).

[0226] The lever (5) may include an axle insertion hole (54) into which a lever shaft (465) is inserted. The outer circumference of the lever shaft (465) may be formed non-circular. The axle insertion hole (54) may have a shape corresponding to the lever shaft (465).

[0227] The lever (5) may include a rim (542) arranged around the shaft insertion hole (54). The rim (542) may protrude upward from the body of the lever (5).

[0228] A fastening hole (466) may be formed at the end of the lever shaft (465). A fastening hole (56) may also be formed in the lever (5). A fastening member may pass through the fastening hole of the lever (5) and be inserted into the fastening hole (466) of the lever shaft (465) to connect the lever (5) and the lever shaft (465).

[0229] The lever (5) may include a rim (562) arranged around the fastening hole (56). The rim (562) may protrude downward from the body of the lever (5).

[0230] When the latch (47) is positioned in the groove of the clutch shaft (463) and the second latch receiving portion (497), the lever (5) can be restricted from rotating with respect to the door (2).

[0231] The housing (41) may include a side wall (411). The side wall (411) may be formed in an angular shape, for example, a square pillar shape.

[0232] An internal space (413) is formed on the inside of the side wall (411) of the housing (41).

[0233] The housing (41) may include a fastening portion (415) protruding from the side wall (411). The fastening portion (415) may be provided at the lower end of the side wall (411). The fastening portions (415) may be provided as a pair on the left and right sides.

[0234] The housing (41) is inserted into the auto-closing receiving portion (234), and the fastening portion (415) can be fastened to the lower surface of the door (2).

[0235] The lever shaft (46) can provide a center of rotation to the lever (5). The lever (5) can rotate around the shaft insertion hole (54).

[0236] The lever (5) may include a finger (51) in which a slit (53) is formed. The finger (51) may extend radially outward from the center of rotation of the lever (5).

[0237] The finger (51) may include a first finger (511) positioned on one side of the slit (53) and a second finger (512) positioned on the other side. The first finger (511) may be positioned in front of the slit (53), and the second finger (512) may be positioned in the rear of the slit (53).

[0238] When an external force is applied to the door (2) in the direction in which the door (2) is closed while the reference pin (35) is positioned in the slit (53), a force (repulsive force) is applied to the first finger (511) by the fixed reference pin (35), and the lever (5) can be rotated so that the finger (51) moves forward.

[0239] When the lever (5) is rotated by the auto-closing device (4) while the reference pin (35) is positioned in the slit (53), the second finger (512) pushes the reference pin (35), and since the reference pin (35) is fixed, the door (2) can rotate or move so that the auto-closing device (4) faces rearward.

[0240] A detailed description of the structure of the lever (5) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the operation of the lever (5) and the reference pin (35) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24.

[0241] The lever (5) may include a cam (57). The cam (57) may protrude radially outside the lever (5). The cam (57) may extend from the center of rotation of the lever (5) in a direction different from that of the finger (51). During the closing process of the door (2), the cam (57) may contact the soft closing device (7), and the soft closing device (7) may apply force to the lever (5) in the opposite direction in which the lever (5) rotates.

[0242]

[0243] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, the structure of the lever (61) of the auto-closing device (4A) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure and the operation of the lever (61) and the reference pin (35) will be described.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 8, the lever (61) of the auto-closing device (4A) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may be rotatably provided on the bottom surface of the door (2). The lever (61) may include a slit (613) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted. The reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (613) of the lever (61) and may slide along the slit (613). When the door (2) rotates while the reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (613), the lever (61) may rotate according to the rotation of the door (2).

[0245] When the door (2) rotates in the opening direction (do), the reference pin (35) is fixed to the cabinet (10) and is located between the hinge axis (32) and the center of rotation (C) of the lever (61), so that the lever (61) can rotate.

[0246] When the door (2) is closed, if the reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (613), the lever (61) rotates by the torque (T) of the auto-closing device (4), and force can be applied to the door (2) in the closing direction (dc).

[0247] The lever (61) can rotate in the same direction as the door (2). For example, as shown in Fig. 7, if the door (2) rotates counterclockwise when opened and clockwise when closed, the lever (61) can also rotate counterclockwise when the door is opened and clockwise when it is closed.

[0248] The lever (61) may include fingers (611, 612) extending radially outward from the center of rotation. A slit (613) may be formed in the fingers (611, 612).

[0249] The above slit (613) can be extended straight. The slit (613) can be extended in a straight line.

[0250] The slit (613) may extend obliquely with respect to the width direction of the door (i.e., left-right direction). The slit (613) may be formed obliquely with respect to the radial direction of the lever (61). More specifically, when the door (2) is closed and the position of the lever (61) is taken as the standard, the outer side of the slit (613) may be positioned rearward, and the inner side may be positioned forward, so as to extend in a direction intersecting the width direction of the door (2).

[0251] The fingers (611, 612) may include a first finger (611) and a second finger (612). A slit (613) may be formed between these fingers.

[0252] The slit (613) may include a first region (6131) located on the inside and a second region (6132) located on the outside. The first region (6131) and the second region (6132) are positioned in a straight line with each other, and the slit (613) may be formed in a structure that opens outward. Accordingly, the second region (6132) may have a shape that opens toward the outer end of the lever (61).

[0253] The lever (61) may be positioned between the front surface (201) and the rear surface (202) of the door (2). When the door (2) is closed, the front end of the lever (61) may extend parallel to the front surface of the door (2) and may be positioned rearward of the front surface of the door (2). The outer rear end (6122) of the lever (61) may extend in a direction intersecting the width direction of the door (2), so that an angle (θ61) formed with the width direction of the door (2) may be formed to be less than 90 degrees.

[0254] The above angle (θ61) may be the maximum rotation angle of the lever (61). That is, when the door (2) is opened to the maximum extent and the lever (61) is rotationally constrained (see Fig. 8(a)), the outer rear end (6122) of the lever (61) may be arranged parallel to the rear surface (202) of the door (2). At this time, the outer rear end (6122) of the lever (61) may be positioned forward of the rear surface of the door (2) or forward of the gasket (205) provided on the door (2).

[0255] A lever stopper (416) can protrude from the lower surface of the door (2). The lever stopper (416) can be located at the rear of the lever (61).

[0256] The lever stopper (416) may be a component of the auto-closing device (4). Alternatively, it may be a component of the cap deco (23) or a component mounted on the cap deco (23).

[0257] The lever stopper (416) protrudes from the lower surface of the door (2) and can be placed at the same height as the lever (61).

[0258] When the door (2) is opened, the lever (61) can rotate in a direction in which the fingers (611, 612) face rearward and come into contact with the lever stopper (416). The lever (61) can include a first contact portion (616) that comes into contact with the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is opened.

[0259] The first contact portion (616) may have a distance between the rotation center (c) of the lever (61) that is greater than the distance (d) between the rotation center (c) and the lever stopper (416). The first contact portion (616) may include a portion where the distance between the rotation center (c) of the lever (61) is greater than the distance (d) between the rotation center (c) and the lever stopper (416).

[0260] Accordingly, the first contact portion (616) can come into contact with the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is opened, and the rotation of the lever (61) can be restricted.

[0261] When the door (2) is closed, the lever (61) can rotate in a direction in which the fingers (611, 612) face forward and come into contact with the lever stopper (416). The lever (61) can include a second contact portion (617) that comes into contact with the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is closed.

[0262] The second contact portion (617) may have a distance between the rotation centers (c) of the lever (61) that is greater than the distance (d) between the rotation centers (c) and the lever stopper (416). The second contact portion (617) may include a portion where the distance between the rotation centers (c) of the lever (61) is greater than the distance (d) between the rotation centers (c) and the lever stopper (416).

[0263] Accordingly, the second contact portion (617) can come into contact with the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is closed, and the rotation of the lever (61) can be restricted.

[0264] Meanwhile, the refrigerator of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 may have the same structure as the hinge (3) and guide member (8) of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, or may have a different structure. For example, unlike the first embodiment, the refrigerator of the second embodiment has a hinge axis (32) formed as one axis to provide a rotation center fixed to the door (2), and the door (2) can open and close the storage compartment (11) by rotating around the fixed rotation center.

[0265] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the driving unit (40) can rotate the lever (61) to close the door (2) by the action of the lever (61) and the reference pin (35).

[0266] The reference pin (35) can be arranged between the hinge axis (32) and the rotation center (c) of the lever (61) in the width direction of the door (2). When the reference pin (35) is positioned in the slit (613), the reference pin (35) can be arranged between the hinge axis (32) and the rotation center (c) of the lever (61) in the width direction of the door (2).

[0267] Figures 9 (a) and (b) show the state where the reference pin is located at the dotted lines 9 (a) and 9 (b) shown in Figure 8, respectively. Figure 10 shows the rotation of the lever (5), the torque of the driving unit (40), and the connection and restraint of the clutch (44) according to the opening of the door (2).

[0268] When the door (2) is in the state (a) of Fig. 9 or is in a state more open than (a) of Fig. 9, the clutch (44) can restrict the rotation of the shaft (46). Therefore, the lever (61) does not automatically rotate with respect to the door (2). That is, the rotation angle of the lever (61) in Fig. 9 (a) is the locking angle at which the clutch (44) restricts the rotation of the shaft (46).

[0269] In the state of Fig. 9(a), the clutch (44) restricts the rotation of the shaft (46), and the connection between the spring (43) and the shaft (46) is released. Therefore, the torque of the spring (43) may not be transmitted to the lever (5).

[0270] In the state of Fig. 9(a), the rotation angle (θ61) of the lever (61) may be smaller than the rotation angle (θ9) of the door (2). For example, the rotation angle (θ61) of the lever (61) may be a specific angle between 30 degrees and 35 degrees, and the opening angle (θ9) of the door may be a specific angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0271] When an external force is applied to the door (2) in a closing direction, the lever (61) rotates relative to the door (2) so that the fingers (611, 612) face forward due to the repulsive force (Fm) acting on the first finger (611) from the reference pin (35).

[0272] Meanwhile, the lever (61) is mounted on the door (2), and the center of rotation (c) of the lever is at a fixed position on the door (2), so that when the door (2) rotates, the distance between the reference pin (35) and the center (c) of the lever (61) changes. Accordingly, when the door (2) rotates, the reference pin (35) slides in the slit (613). Here, the sliding of the reference pin (35) means that the reference pin (35) is fixed and the slit (613) moves.

[0273] When the door (2) is closed in the state of Fig. 9(a), the lever (61) can rotate in a direction in which the rotation angle (θ61) becomes smaller. When the lever (61) rotates and the rotation angle (θ61) of the lever (61) becomes smaller than the locking angle, the clutch (44) can release the restraint of the shaft (46). In addition, as the lever (61) and the shaft (46) rotate, the clutch (44) can gradually connect the spring (43) and the shaft (46). As the clutch (44) connects the spring (43) and the shaft (46), the torque applied to the lever (61) from the driving unit (40) can increase as the rotation angle of the lever (61) becomes smaller.

[0274] When the door (2) is closed and reaches the state of Fig. 9(b), the connection between the clutch (44) and the spring (43) and the shaft (46) is completed, and the torque of the spring (43) can be fully transmitted to the shaft (46). In Fig. 9(b), the rotation angle (θ61) of the lever (61) corresponds to the switching angle at which the clutch (44) connects the spring (43) and the shaft (46).

[0275] In the state of Fig. 9(b), the rotation angle (θ61) of the lever (61) may be less than or equal to the rotation angle (θ9) of the door (2). For example, the rotation angle (θ61) of the door (2) and the lever (61) may be a specific angle between 25 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0276] When the lever (61) rotates to the state of FIG. 9(b), the clutch (44) connects the spring (43) and the shaft (46), and in this state, the torque (T) of the spring (43) is transmitted to the lever (61), causing the lever (61) to rotate. The spring (43) of the driving unit (40) provides torque to the lever (61) so that the lever (61) rotates in the direction in which the finger (61) faces forward. As the lever (61) rotates, the torque of the spring (43) decreases.

[0277] When the lever (61) is rotated so that the finger (61) faces forward (clockwise in Fig. 8), the lever (61) applies a force (Fa) forward to the reference pin (35). Since the position of the reference pin (35) is fixed and the door (2) can rotate around the hinge axis (32), the rotation center (c) of the lever (61) can move in the direction in which the lever (61) rotates with respect to the reference pin (35). That is, the rotation center (c) can move rearward. Since the door (2) is provided with a rotation center by the hinge axis (32), the door (2) can rotate so that the rotation center (c) of the lever (61) faces rearward.

[0278] Accordingly, the door (2) can be closed through the force of the auto-closing device (4) rotating the lever (61).

[0279] As the lever (61) rotates so that the finger (61) faces forward, the torque of the spring (43) decreases.

[0280] When the door (2) is closed as shown in Fig. 9(c), the reference pin (35) can come into contact with the inner end of the slit (613).

[0281] When the door (2) is closed as shown in Fig. 9(c), the second contact portion (617) can contact the stopper.

[0282] The opening of the door (2) can be performed in the order of (c), (b), and (a) of Fig. 9 (excluding the force and direction indicated by the arrow). When the door (2) is opened, the rotation center (c) of the lever (61) moves forward, and since the reference pin (35) is fixed, the lever (61) rotates so that the fingers (611, 612) face rearward.

[0283] When the door (2) is further opened past the state (a) of Fig. 9, the first contact portion (616) comes into contact with the lever stopper (416), so that the lever (61) can no longer rotate. The reference pin (35) can come out of the slit (613).

[0284]

[0285] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the levers (62, 63) of the auto-closing devices (4B, 4C) according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0286] The lever (62) according to the third embodiment may include a slit (623) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted. The outer end of the slit (623) may be positioned forward of the inner end. The outer end and the inner end may refer to the outer end and the inner end in the direction of the rotational radius of the lever (62). That is, the end closer to the rotational center (c) of the lever (61) may be referred to as the inner end, and the end farther away may be referred to as the outer end. In the description of other embodiments, the inner end and the outer end of the slit may also refer to the outer end and the inner end in the direction of the rotational radius of the lever.

[0287] The lever (62) according to the third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11(a) differs from the lever (61) according to the first embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 8 in that the position of the outer end of the slit (623) is located further forward than the inner end, and may have all other features of the lever (61) according to the first embodiment.

[0288] The lever (62) according to the third embodiment has a slit (623) formed between the first finger (621) and the second finger (622), and the slit (623) may be a straight line connecting the outer end and the inner end.

[0289] The positions of the outer and inner ends of the slit (633) of the fourth embodiment may be the same as the positions of the outer and inner ends of the slit (423) of the third embodiment. The outer end of the slit (633) may be positioned forward of the inner end.

[0290] In addition, the clutch (44) of the auto-closing device (4B) according to the third embodiment and the clutch (44) of the auto-closing device (4C) according to the fourth embodiment may have the same locking angle. In addition, the clutch (44) according to the third and fourth embodiments may have a locking angle greater than the locking angle of the clutch (44) of the first and second embodiments described above. For example, the locking angle of the clutch (44) of the first and second embodiments may be an angle selected from the range of 25 degrees to 35 degrees, and the locking angle of the clutch (44) of the third and fourth embodiments may be an angle selected from the range of 35 degrees to 45 degrees.

[0291] The lever (63) according to the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11(b) differs from the lever (63) according to the third embodiment in that the slit (633) has a bent shape. The lever (63) according to the fourth embodiment has a slit (633) formed between the first finger (631) and the second finger (632), and the slit (633) may include a first region (6331) extending from the inner end and a second region (6332) extending from the outer end.

[0292] The first region (6331) and the second region (6332) may each have a convex arc shape toward the rear, and their respective curvature radii may be different. For example, the curvature radius of the first region (6331) may be greater than the curvature radius of the second region (6332).

[0293] Through this, in the auto-closing device (4C) according to the fourth embodiment, compared to the auto-closing device (4B) according to the third embodiment, the lever (63) can rotate relatively more when the reference pin (35) passes through the second area (6332) of the slit (623, 633), and can rotate relatively less when it passes through the first area (6331). Accordingly, the clutch (44) can be quickly engaged during the process of closing the door (2), and the door (2) can be smoothly closed by the auto-closing device (4C).

[0294]

[0295] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15, the structure of the lever (64) of the auto-closing device (4D) according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure and the operation of the lever (64) and the reference pin (35) will be described.

[0296] Referring to FIG. 12, a door (2) of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be rotatably provided at the front of a cabinet (10), and the position of the center of rotation of the door (2) may be changed depending on the degree of door opening.

[0297] The shaft insertion groove (83) of the guide member (8) may have a structure that extends with a constant width. For example, the shaft insertion groove (83) may extend in a curved shape. For example, the shaft insertion groove (83) may have an arc shape. For example, the shaft insertion groove (83) may have a shape in which two arcs with different radii of curvature are connected.

[0298] The shaft insertion groove (83) may include a first curved part (831) where the hinge shaft (31) is positioned when the door (2) is closed, and a second curved part (832) where the hinge shaft (31) is positioned when the door (2) is open. The second curved part (832) may be positioned relatively close to the outer end of the door (2), and the first curved part (831) may be positioned relatively far from the outer end of the door (2).

[0299] The first and second curved parts (831, 832) can be connected. The first curved part (831) can extend rearward toward the second curved part (832), and the second curved part (832) can extend rearward toward the first curved part (831). The shaft insertion groove (83) can have a rearward convex shape.

[0300] The radius of curvature of the second curved part (832) may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first curved part (831).

[0301] The shaft insertion groove (83) movably supports the hinge shaft (31). The door can be opened and closed as the hinge shaft (31) rotates and / or moves within the guide member.

[0302] The width of the shaft insertion groove (83) can correspond to the outer diameter of the hinge shaft (31). That is, the width of the shaft insertion groove (83) is formed to be equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hinge shaft (31), so that the hinge shaft (31) can slide along the shaft insertion groove (83).

[0303] The hinge axis (31) may be provided in two or more numbers. For example, the hinge (3) may include two hinge axes (311, 312). Hereinafter, among the two hinge axes (311, 312), the hinge axis (311) located relatively inside in the width direction of the door (2) is referred to as the first hinge axis (311), and the hinge axis (312) located outside is referred to as the second hinge axis (312). That is, the first hinge axis (311) may be arranged relatively close to the front end of the first curved part (831) when the door (2) is closed, and the second hinge axis (312) may be arranged relatively close to the front end of the second curved part (832) when the door (2) is open.

[0304] The door (2) can be provided with a center of rotation by the first and second hinge axes (311, 312). At this time, the position of the center of rotation of the door (2) can be changed according to the degree of door opening as described above. That is, when the door (2) is opened, the two hinge axes (31) slide along the shaft insertion groove (83) within the shaft insertion groove (83), and the door (2) can rotate.

[0305] In the case where the position of the rotation axis of the door (2) is fixed as in the second embodiment, the front outer edge (203) of the door (2) may deviate from the position of the outer end (204) in the width direction of the door (2) when the door (2) is closed as the door is opened (see Fig. 9).

[0306] The hinge shaft (31) and shaft insertion groove (83) of the present embodiment can be configured so that even when the door (2) is opened, the front outer edge (203) of the door (2) does not deviate from the position of the outer end (204) of the door (2) when the door (2) is closed, or the extent of deviation can be minimized (see FIGS. 13 to 15).

[0307] Accordingly, in a situation where other furniture is placed next to the refrigerator, or the refrigerator is placed in a cabinet and the refrigerator door does not protrude forward relative to the other furniture or cabinet, the door may not interfere with the other furniture or cabinet even when opened.

[0308] Figures 13 to 15 show a state in which the opening angle of the door (2) gradually decreases in the order of (a), (b), and (c) of Figure 13, (a), (b), and (c) of Figure 14, and (a), (b), (c), and (d) of Figure 15.

[0309] The door (2) may be opened further than in the state of Fig. 13(a). For example, the door opening angle (θ13a) of Fig. 13(a) is 90 degrees, and the maximum opening angle of the door (2) may be greater than 90 degrees. When the door (2) is opened to the maximum, the second hinge axis (312) may be in contact with the front end of the second curved part (832) or may be slightly separated from it.

[0310] Referring to Fig. 13(a), when the door (2) is opened 90 degrees, the first hinge axis (311) can be located at the boundary between the second curved part (832) and the first curved part (831). Therefore, when the door (2) is opened more than 90 degrees, the first and second hinge axes (311, 312) can slide along the second curved part (832) (the first and second hinge axes (311, 312) are fixed, and the guide member (8) moves). Therefore, the door (2) can be opened by coming forward. Therefore, when the door (2) is opened to the maximum, interference with other furniture or appliances placed on the side of the refrigerator (1) can be minimized.

[0311] Figures 13(b) to 14(c) show a state in which the first hinge axis (311) is located on the first curved part (831) and the second hinge axis (312) is located on the second curved part (832).

[0312] Looking at the process of opening the door (2) in the order of FIG. 13(b) in FIG. 14(c), since the second hinge axis (312) moves relatively along the second curved part (832), the widthwise outer side (204) and the shear edge (203) of the door (2) move inward in the widthwise direction of the cabinet (10) as the door (2) opens compared to when the center of rotation is fixed, and accordingly, the widthwise outer side (204) and the shear edge (203) of the door (2) do not deviate from the outer end of the door when the door is closed, or if they deviate, they deviate to a minimum.

[0313] Fig. 15(a) shows a state in which the second hinge axis (312) is located at the boundary between the first curved part (831) and the second curved part (832), and the first hinge axis (311) is located at the first curved part (831), and Fig. 15(d) shows a state in which the door (2) is closed. When the door (2) is closed, the first hinge axis (311) may be located at the front end of the first curved part (831).

[0314] When the door (2) is opened from the closed state through the states of Fig. 15(c) and Fig. 15(b) to the state of Fig. 15(a), the first and second hinge axes (311, 312) move relatively rearwardly outward along the first curved part (831), so that the outer surface of the door (2) can move inwardly in the width direction as a whole while rotating so that the front end faces rearward. Accordingly, even in this process, the widthwise outer side (204) and the front edge (203) of the door (2) do not deviate from the outer end of the door when the door is closed, or if they do, they deviate minimally.

[0315] Referring to FIG. 12, the auto-closing device (40) of the present disclosure includes the same driving unit (40) as the driving unit (40) of the embodiment described above, and the structure of the lever (64) may be different from the levers (5, 61, 62, 63) of the embodiment described above.

[0316] The lever (64) can be rotatably coupled to the driving unit (40). The driving unit (40) can provide a center of rotation (c) and torque to the lever (64). The lever (64) includes fingers (641, 642) extending radially outward from the center of rotation (c), and slits (643) can be formed in the fingers (641, 642). The fingers (641, 642) can include a first finger (641) positioned in front of the slit (643) and a second finger (642) positioned in the rear.

[0317] The slit (653) may have an arc shape. The slit (643) may have a curved shape convex toward the rear.

[0318] The slit (643) may include a first region (6431) forming an inner end of the slit (643) close to the center of rotation (c). The first region (6431) may extend rearward from the inner end of the slit (643).

[0319] The first region (6531) may be an arc shape. The first region (6531) may be an arc shape with the center of curvature positioned forward. In other words, the first region (6531) may be an arc shape that is convex toward the rear.

[0320] The first region (6531) may include a portion extending in the forward-backward direction. When the door (2) is closed, the first region (6531) may include a portion extending in the forward-backward direction. The portion extending in the forward-backward direction may extend rearward from the inner end.

[0321] The reference pin (35) can be inserted into the slit (643). When the door (2) is closed, the reference pin (35) can be located at the inner end of the slit (643).

[0322] Meanwhile, as described above, the first region (6531) includes a portion extending rearward from the inner end, and the first reference pin (351) may be positioned at the inner end when the door (2) is closed. Accordingly, when the door (2) is opened from the closed state, the first reference pin (351) may slide along the first region (6531), but the first reference pin (351) may not press the lever (65).

[0323] Accordingly, the lever (65) may not rotate when opening the door (2), in which case the user can open the door (2) with relatively little force.

[0324] The slit (643) may include a second region (6432) extending radially outward from the first region (6431).

[0325] The second region (6432) may be an arc shape. The second region (6432) may be an arc shape with the center of curvature positioned forward. In other words, the second region (6432) may be a shape that is convex toward the rear. The second region (6432) may extend forward as it moves away from the first region (6431).

[0326] The slit (643) may include a third region (6433). The third region (6433) may extend from the second region (6432) and may extend to the outer end of the slit (643) in the direction of the rotational radius of the lever (64). The third region (6433) may extend continuously from the second region (6432) or may be bent from the second region (6432). The third region (6433) may extend in a forward direction as it moves away from the second region (6432).

[0327] The driving unit (40) may be arranged between the front surface (201) and the rear surface (202) of the door (2). The rotation center (c) of the lever (64) may also be arranged between the front surface (201) and the rear surface (202) of the door (2). When the door (2) is closed, the lever (64) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the width direction of the door (2) so that the fingers (641, 642) are positioned forward of the rotation center (c).

[0328] In FIGS. 13 to 15, the rotation angle of the lever (64) may refer to the angle between the rotational position of the lever (64) when the door (2) is closed and the rotational position of the lever (64) at a specific point in time. For example, the angle between the straight line (64o) parallel to the front end of the first finger (641) when the door (2) is closed and the front end of the first finger (641) in each of the states of FIGS. 13 to 15 may be referred to as the rotation angle of the lever (64).

[0329] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, when the door (2) is open and the reference pin (35) is out of the slit (643), the shaft (46) can be restrained and not rotated by the clutch (44). Therefore, even if the door (2) rotates, the lever (64) may not rotate with respect to the door (2) when the reference pin (35) is out of the slit (643). Therefore, the rotation angle (θ64a) of the lever (64) in FIG. 13(a) and the rotation angle (θ64b) of the lever (64) in FIG. 13(b) may be the same.

[0330] Fig. 13(c) shows a state where the reference pin (35) enters the third area (6433) of the slit (643). When the door (2) is closed and the reference pin (35) enters the third area (6433) of the slit (643), and the door (2) is further closed, the lever (64) is rotated by the reference pin (35) in the direction in which the fingers (641, 642) move forward, and the clutch (44) can release the restraint of the shaft (46). Therefore, the rotation angle (θ64c) of the lever (64) of Fig. 13(c) can be referred to as a locking angle. In the present embodiment, the locking angle (θ64c) of the lever (64) can be a specific angle within the range of 45 degrees to 55 degrees. The rotation angle (θ64a, θ64b) of the lever (64) in FIGS. 13(a) and (b) may be the same as the locking angle.

[0331] When the reference pin (35) is positioned inside the slit (643), the rotation angle of the lever may vary depending on the rotation angle of the door (2). For example, the rotation angle of the lever (64) may be proportional to the rotation angle of the door (2). In the present embodiment, the rotation angle of the lever (64) may be equal to the rotation angle of the door (2).

[0332] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, when the door (2) is closed, the reference pin (35) can relatively slide along the third area (6433) of the slit (643). As the reference pin (35) slides along the third area (6433), the lever (64) and the shaft (46) rotate, and accordingly, the clutch (44) can connect the spring (43) and the shaft (46).

[0333] Fig. 14(c) shows a state where the rotation angle (θ64f) of the lever (64) is the switching angle, and the reference pin (35) can be located at the boundary between the third region (6433) and the second region 6432). In this embodiment, the switching angle can be within the range of 25 to 35 degrees.

[0334] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 15, if the rotation angle (θ64) of the lever (64) is smaller than the switching angle, the torque of the driving unit (40) may be proportional to the rotation angle (θ64) of the lever (64).

[0335] Fig. 15(a) shows a state in which the reference pin (35) is located in the second region (6432), and Fig. 15(b) shows a state in which the reference pin (35) is located at the boundary between the second region (6432) and the first region (6431). When the reference pin (35) is located at the boundary between the first and second regions (6431, 6432), the rotation angle of the lever can be within the range of 10 to 20 degrees.

[0336] Fig. 15(c) shows a state in which the reference pin (35) is located in the first region (6432), and Fig. 15(d) shows a state in which the door (2) is closed. When the door (2) is closed, the reference pin (35) can contact the inner end of the slit (643).

[0337]

[0338] Hereinafter, a hinge (30) and a guide member (80) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The hinge (3) of this embodiment can be applied to all other embodiments of the present disclosure, i.e., home appliances of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0339] The hinge (30) of the present embodiment may include a joint (33), a support (36), and a reference pin (35) similar to the hinge (3) of the aforementioned embodiment. In addition, the hinge (30) of the present embodiment may include two hinge axes (33) similar to the hinge (3) of the aforementioned embodiment. The hinge axes (33) may include a first hinge axis (331) arranged on the outer side in the width direction of the cabinet (10) and a second hinge axis (332) arranged on the inner side.

[0340] The guide member (80) of the present embodiment may include a first shaft receiving portion (841) and a second shaft receiving portion (843). A first shaft receiving groove (842) into which a first hinge shaft (331) is inserted may be formed in the first shaft receiving portion (841), and a second shaft receiving groove (844) into which a second hinge shaft (332) is inserted may be formed in the second shaft receiving portion (843).

[0341] The guide member (80) may include a guide base (845). A fastening hole (846) is formed in the guide base (845), and the guide base (845) can be connected to the lower surface of the door (2), i.e., the cap deco (23), through the fastening member.

[0342] The first and second axis receiving portions (841, 843) protrude upward from the guide base (845), and the first and second axis receiving grooves (842, 844) can be opened downward.

[0343] As the door (2) is opened, the first hinge axis (331) can move relatively along the first shaft receiving groove (842), and the second hinge axis (332) can move relatively along the second shaft receiving groove (844). Through this, the door (2) can rotate with respect to the cabinet (10) while its center of rotation moves.

[0344] Fig. 17(a) shows a closed state of the door (2). When the door (2) is closed, the first hinge axis (331) may be positioned at the inner end of the first shaft receiving groove (842), and the second hinge axis (332) may be positioned at the inner end (8441) of the second shaft receiving groove (844). When the door (2) begins to open from the closed state, the door (2) may rotate around the imaginary first rotation center (C1).

[0345] The first rotation center (C1) may be located in front of the first and second hinge axes (331, 332). The first rotation center (C1) may be located between the first and second hinge axes (331, 332) in the width direction of the cabinet (10).

[0346] Fig. 17(b) shows a state in which the door (2) is rotated a first angle relative to the cabinet (10). For example, the first angle may be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0347] When the door (2) is rotated by a first angle, the door (2) can be rotated around a virtual second rotation center (C2). The second rotation center (C2) can be located at a different location from the first rotation center (C1). That is, the location of the rotation center can change during the process of rotating the door (2).

[0348] The second rotation center (C2) may be located forward of the first rotation center (C1). The second rotation center (c2) may be located outward in the width direction of the cabinet (10) relative to the first rotation center (C1).

[0349] The second rotation center (C2) may be located forward of the first and second rotation axes (331, 332). The second rotation center (C2) may be located between the first and second hinge axes (331, 332) in the width direction of the cabinet (10).

[0350] Figure 17(c) shows a state in which the door (2) is rotated by a second angle, more than the first angle. For example, the second angle may be greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0351] When the door (2) is rotated by a second angle, the door (2) can be rotated based on a virtual third rotation center (C3). The third rotation center (C3) can be located at a different location from the first and second rotation centers (C1, C2).

[0352] The third rotation center (C3) may be located forward of the second rotation center (C2). The third rotation center (C3) may be located outward in the width direction of the cabinet (10) relative to the second rotation center (C2).

[0353] The third rotation center (C3) may be positioned forward of the first and second rotation axes (331, 332). The third rotation center (C3) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the first hinge axis (331) in the width direction of the cabinet (10). That is, the third rotation center (C3) and the first rotation axis (331) may be positioned to overlap in the front-rear direction.

[0354] Figure 17(d) shows a state where the door (2) is rotated by 90 degrees, more than the second angle.

[0355] When the door (2) is rotated 90 degrees, the door (2) can be rotated based on a virtual fourth rotation center (C4). The fourth rotation center (C4) can be located at a different location from the first, second, and third rotation centers (C1, C2, C3).

[0356] The fourth rotation center (C4) may be located rearward of the third rotation center (C3). The fourth rotation center (C4) may be located outward in the width direction of the cabinet (10) of the third rotation center (C3).

[0357] The fourth rotation center (C4) may be located forward of the first and second rotation axes (331, 332). The fourth rotation center (C4) may be located outside the first hinge axis (331) in the width direction of the cabinet (10).

[0358]

[0359] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18, the lever (65) and hinge (3) of the home appliance according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The driving unit (40) of the auto-closing device (4E) of this embodiment is the same as that of the aforementioned embodiment, and the hinge (3) may be the same as the hinge (3) of the first to fifth embodiments described above. Hereinafter, the structure of the lever (65) and the operation of the lever (65) and the reference pin (35) of this embodiment will be described.

[0360] Referring to Fig. 18, the lever (65) may be provided to be rotatable about a center of rotation (C). The lever (65) may extend radially from the center of rotation (c).

[0361] The lever (65) may include fingers (651, 652) and a slit (653). The fingers (651, 652) may include a first finger (651) positioned forward and a second finger (652) positioned rearward. The slit (653) may be provided between the first finger (651) and the second finger (652).

[0362] The lever (65) of the present embodiment may have a different shape of the first finger (651) compared to the lever (64) of the fifth embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. In particular, the front end of the first finger (651) may include a first portion (6511) extending parallel to the rotation radius of the lever (65), a third portion forming the outer end of the first finger (651) and extending at an angle with respect to the first portion (6511), and a second portion (6512) connecting the first and third portions.

[0363] The third portion (6513) may be positioned parallel to the front surface (201) of the door (2) when the door (2) is closed. In addition, the third portion (6513) may be positioned rearward of the front surface (201) of the door (2). Accordingly, even if the length of the lever (65) is long, it may not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the door (2).

[0364] A reference pin (35) can be inserted into the slit (653). The slit (653) can have an arc shape.

[0365] The slit (653) may include a first region (6531) extending from the inner end and a second region (6532) extending radially outward from the first region (6531).

[0366] The second region (6532) may extend to the outer end. The second region (6532) may be arc-shaped. The second region (6532) may be arc-shaped with the center of curvature positioned anteriorly. In other words, the second region (6532) may have a shape that is convex toward the rear.

[0367] Meanwhile, the first region (6531) of the present embodiment may have the same shape as the first region (6431) of the fifth embodiment described above. Furthermore, the slit (653) of the present embodiment may have the same shape as the slit (643) of the fifth embodiment described above not only for the first region (6531) but also for other regions. That is, the second region (6532) is the same as the second region (6432) of the fifth embodiment, and a third region may be further provided on the outside of the second region (6532).

[0368] The first region (6531) may extend from the second region (6532) to the inner end. The first region (6531) may have an arc shape. The first region (6531) may have an arc shape with a center of curvature positioned anteriorly. In other words, the first region (6531) may have an arc shape that is convex toward the rear.

[0369] The first region (6531) may include a portion extending in the forward-backward direction. When the door (2) is closed, the first region (6531) may include a portion extending in the forward-backward direction. The portion extending in the forward-backward direction may extend rearward from the inner end.

[0370] In the process of closing the door (2), the reference pin (35) enters the slit (653) and slides in the second area (6532) and presses the lever (65) to release the restraint of the shaft (46) by the clutch (44), and when the reference pin (35) slides in the first area (6531), the lever (65) presses the reference pin (35) to close the door (2), and when the door (2) is closed, the reference pin (35) can be located at the inner end of the slit (653).

[0371] The first region (6531) includes a portion extending rearward from the inner end, and the reference pin (35) may be positioned at the inner end when the door (2) is closed. Accordingly, when the door (2) is opened from the closed state, the reference pin (35) may slide along the first region (6531), but the first reference pin (351) may not press the lever (65).

[0372] Accordingly, the lever (65) may not rotate when opening the door (2), in which case the user can open the door (2) with relatively little force.

[0373] When the door (2) is closed, if the door closes too quickly just before closing, the impact may be large and the door may be opened again due to the rebound force. As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure can control the closing speed of the door (2) through the soft closing device (7).

[0374] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, just before the door (2) closes, the reference pin (35) passes through a portion extending in the forward / reverse direction of the first area (6531), and the torque (T) of the auto-closing device (4) may not act on the reference pin (35).

[0375]

[0376] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, the operation of the lever (65) and the reference pin (35) of the home appliance according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0377] The auto-closing device (4E) of the present embodiment has the same structure as the auto-closing device (4E) according to the sixth embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 18. Accordingly, the first region (6531) may include a portion extending in the forward-rearward direction. This has the aforementioned advantages, but when the reference pin (35) passes through the first region (6531), there is a risk that an error may occur in the rotational position of the lever (65) according to the rotation of the door (2) compared to the design standard.

[0378] Meanwhile, the first region (6531) may include a portion extending in a tangential direction with respect to the rotational direction of the lever (65). When the first reference pin (351) slides the portion extending in the tangential direction, no force may be applied between the first reference pin (351) and the lever (65).

[0379] Referring to Fig. 19, the reference pin (35) may include a first reference pin (351). The first reference pin (351) may be the same as the reference pin (35) of the above-described embodiment.

[0380] The reference pin (35) may further include a second reference pin (352) in addition to the first reference pin (351) described above. The second reference pin (352) may be spaced apart from the first reference pin (351). The second reference pin (352) may be positioned so that it enters the slit (653) later than the first reference pin (351) during the closing process of the door (2).

[0381] The second reference pin (352) can be located in the second region (6532) when the first reference pin (351) is located in the first region (6531).

[0382] Through this, the rotational position of the lever (65) according to the rotation of the door (2) can be compared with the design standard to prevent errors from occurring.

[0383]

[0384] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the structure and operation of the lever (66) of the auto-closing device (4F) according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In this embodiment, the hinge (3) is described as an example in which the hinge axis (32) is formed as a single axis, as in the second embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 8, but a hinge (3) having a different structure as described above may also be applied.

[0385] Referring to FIG. 20, a lever (66) of a refrigerator according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure may be rotatably provided on the bottom surface of the door (2). The lever (66) may include a slit (663) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted. The reference pin (35) may be fixed to the cabinet (10), and the lever (66) may be provided on the door (2). The reference pin (35) may be inserted into the slit (663) of the lever (66) and may slide along the slit (663). When the door (2) rotates while the reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (663), the lever (66) may rotate according to the rotation of the door (2). The rotation angle of the lever (66) may be greater than the rotation angle of the door (2).

[0386] Unlike the lever (61) of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lever (66) of the present embodiment includes a slit (663) having a bent shape. For example, the slit (663) may have a bent straight shape or a curved shape.

[0387] The slit (663) may include a first region (6631) extending outward from the inner end of the slit (663), and a second region (6632) extending outward from the first region (6631).

[0388] The first region (6631) is located at the inner end of the slit (663) and may extend rearwardly as it goes outward. The second region (6632) may extend from the first region (6631) and may be formed to face forward as it goes outward.

[0389] The first region (6631) may extend in a curved shape. The center of curvature of the first region (6631) may be located in front of the slit (663). The second region (6632) may extend in a curved shape. The center of curvature of the second region (6632) may be located in front of the slit (663). The radius of curvature of the first region (6631) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the second region (6632). This is the same as the first and second regions (531, 532) of the slit (53) according to the first embodiment of FIG. 22, and a detailed description will be given later.

[0390] The slit (663) may include a third region (6633). The third region (6633) may extend from the second region (6632) and be located at the outermost end of the slit (663). The third region (6633) may be angled away from the second region (6632). For example, the second region (6632) may face forward as it goes outward, and the third region (6633) may extend radially.

[0391] The lever (66) may include fingers (661, 662) extending radially outward from the center of rotation. A slit (663) may be formed in the fingers (661, 662).

[0392] The finger (661) may include first and second fingers (661, 662). The first finger (661) may be positioned in front of the slit (663), and the second finger (662) may be positioned in back of the slit (6632).

[0393] When the door (2) is closed, the front end of the lever (66) (or the front end of the first finger (661)) may extend parallel to the front surface of the door (2) and be positioned rearward of the front surface of the door (2).

[0394] The second finger (662) may have a shape corresponding to the slit (663). The second finger (662) may have a shape that is bent forward as it goes outward.

[0395] When the door (2) is fully open and the rotation of the lever (66) is restricted, the second finger (662) may be positioned forward of the rear surface of the door (2) or forward of the gasket (205). Alternatively, the second finger (662) may be positioned vertically below the gasket (205) in the above state.

[0396] A lever stopper (416) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2). The lever (66) may include first and second contact portions (666, 667). The lever stopper (416) and the first and second contact portions (666, 667) are the same as those in the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0397] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 20 to 21, the auto-closing device (4) can provide a torque (T) that rotates the lever (61). The auto-closing device (4F) provides the torque (T) to the lever (66) and the arrangement of the hinge shaft (32), the reference pin (35), and the center (c) of the lever (66) are the same as in the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, so a description thereof is omitted.

[0398] (a), (b) and (c) of Fig. 21 show a state in which the reference pin (35) is located on the dotted lines 21(a), 21(b) and 21(c) shown in Fig. 20, respectively.

[0399] Fig. 21(a) shows a state in which the reference pin (35) enters the slit (663). When the door (2) is open, the clutch (44) can restrict the rotation of the shaft (43). However, in the process of repeatedly opening and closing the door (2), the rotation angle (θ66) of the lever (66) with respect to the door (2) may deviate from the set angle (i.e., the locking angle described above). When the rotation angle of the lever (66) deviates from the locking angle described above, the door (2) closes, the reference pin (35) passes through the third area (6633), and the position of the lever (66) is adjusted, so that the rotation angle of the clutch (44) can be aligned to the set angle.

[0400] Fig. 21(b) may correspond to Fig. 9(a). In addition, as described above, the clutch (44) may restrict the rotation of the shaft (46), and the lever (66) may not automatically rotate relative to the door (2). The rotation angle of the lever (66) of Fig. 21(b) may be referred to as a locking angle. During the process of closing the door (2), the reference pin (35) may slide along the second region (6632). During this process, the clutch (44) may release the restriction of the shaft (46).

[0401] The position of the reference pin (35) is fixed with respect to the cabinet (10), and as the door (2) closes, the door (2) rotates with respect to the cabinet (10), so that a force (Fm) can be applied between the reference pin (35) and the lever (66). When the reference pin (35) is positioned in the second region (6632), the reference pin (35) comes into contact with the first finger (661). As the door (2) closes, the reference pin (35) can press the first finger (661) so that the first finger (661) rotates toward the front. As the lever (66) rotates, the restraint of the shaft (46) by the clutch (44) can be released.

[0402] In the eighth embodiment, the second region (6632) may face rearward as it goes inward, unlike the second region (6132) of the second embodiment.

[0403] Therefore, in the case of the eighth embodiment, compared to the second embodiment, even if the door (2) rotates slightly during the process of releasing the clutch (44), the lever (44) can rotate significantly. Accordingly, the clutch (44) can be released quickly.

[0404] Fig. 21(c) may be a state corresponding to Fig. 9(b). In the state of Fig. 21(b) where the lever (66) is positioned at a locking angle, when the door (2) rotates further, the reference pin (35) rotates relatively along the second region (6632) and the lever (66) may rotate further. As the lever (66) rotates, the clutch (44) may gradually connect the spring (43) and the shaft (46). The rotation angle (θ66) of the lever (66) of Fig. 21(c) may be referred to as a switching angle. At this time, the reference pin (35) may be positioned at the boundary of the first and second regions (6231, 6232).

[0405] When the rotation angle (θ66) of the lever (66) is the switching angle, the clutch (44) is in a state where the spring (43) and the shaft (44) are connected, so that the driving unit (40) rotates the lever (66) and can close the door (2) as shown in (d) of Fig. 21. At this time, the reference pin (35) can slide along the first region (6632).

[0406] As the door (2) closes, the second finger (662) pushes the reference pin (35) forward. In the second embodiment, the second region (6632) may be formed to be curved, unlike the second region (6132) of the first embodiment. Accordingly, when the lever (66) rotates and applies force to the reference pin (35), the reference pin (35) can slide smoothly.

[0407] In addition, the operation of the clutch (44), lever (66), and door (2) during the process of the reference pin (35) sliding the first area (6631) is the same as the description for Fig. 9(b), so it is omitted.

[0408] As shown in Fig. 21(d), when the door (2) is closed, the reference pin (35) can contact the inner end of the slit (663). When the door (2) is closed, the second contact portion (667) can contact the stopper.

[0409] The opening of the door (2) can be performed in the order of (d), (c), (b), and (a) of Fig. 10 (excluding the force and direction indicated by the arrow). When the door (2) is opened, the rotation center (c) of the lever (66) moves forward, and since the reference pin (35) is fixed, the lever (66) rotates so that the fingers (661, 662) face rearward.

[0410] When the door (2) is further opened past the state (a) of Fig. 21, the first contact portion (666) comes into contact with the lever stopper (416), so that the lever (61) can no longer rotate. The reference pin (35) can come out of the slit (663).

[0411] Hereinafter, the shapes of the slits (613, 623, 633, 643, 653, 663, 53) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 11, 12, 18, 20, and 22.

[0412] The inner end of the slit (613, 623, 633, 643, 653, 663) can be determined according to the position of the reference pin (35) and the position of the lever (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 5) when the door (2) is closed. That is, the slit (613, 623, 633, 643, 653, 663, 53) can be formed so that the inner end is located at the position of the reference pin (35) when the door is closed.

[0413] The position of the outer end of the slit (613, 623, 633, 643, 653, 663, 53) can be determined depending on how many degrees the rotation angle of the lever (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 5) is set. That is, the angle between the position of the lever (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 5) when the door (2) is closed and the position at which the lever is rotated to the maximum, that is, how many degrees the aforementioned locking angle is set.

[0414] For example, the locking angles of the lever (61) of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 8 and the lever (66) of the eighth embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 20 may be the same, and the positions of the inner and outer ends of each slit (613, 663) may be the same.

[0415] In the first and second embodiments described above, the outer end of the slit (613, 663) may be positioned further back than the inner end.

[0416] However, the shape of the slit connecting the outer and inner ends of the slits (613, 663) can be formed taking into consideration various functions.

[0417] For example, in the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 8, the slit (613) may have a straight line shape connecting the outer end and the inner end. When the shape of the slit (613) is a straight line, the rotation angle of the lever (61) according to the rotation angle of the door (2) is easily maintained constant, and even if an error occurs, there may be no problem in the operation of the lever (61).

[0418] For example, in the case of the eighth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 20, the slit (663) has a first region (6631) extending from the inner end and second and third regions (6632, 6633) extending from the outer end that are not positioned on a straight line. For example, the first region (6631) may extend from the inner end in an arc shape and may be convex toward the rear. The second region (6632) may extend from the first region in an arc shape and may be convex toward the rear. Through this, when the clutch (44) releases the restraint of the shaft (46) during the closing process of the door (2), the reference pin (35) may slide the second region (6632) and the first finger (661) may advantageously press the reference pin (35). In addition, in a state where the clutch (44) connects the shaft (46) and the spring (43), the reference pin (35) may slide in the first area (6631) and the second finger (662) may advantageously press the reference pin (35).

[0419]

[0420] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the structure of the lever (5) of the auto-closing device (4) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the operation of the lever (5) and the hinge (3) will be described. The hinge (3) and the guide member (8) of the present embodiment are identical to the hinge (3) and the guide member (8) of the home appliance of the fifth embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. However, a hinge (3, 30) having a different structure as described above may also be applied.

[0421] A lever (5) of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may be rotatably provided on a bottom surface of a door (2). The lever (5) may include a slit (53) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted. The reference pin (35) may be fixed to a cabinet (10), and the lever (5) may be provided on the door (2). The reference pin (35) may be inserted into the slit (53) of the lever (5) and may slide along the slit (53). When the door (2) rotates while the reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (53), the lever (5) may rotate according to the rotation of the door (2). The rotation angles (θla, θlb, θlc) of the lever (5) may be greater than the rotation angles (θda, θdb, θdc) of the door (2).

[0422] Unlike the lever (61) of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lever (5) of the present embodiment includes a slit (53) having a bent shape. For example, the slit (53) may have a bent straight shape or a curved shape.

[0423] The lever (5) may include a finger (51) extending radially outward from the center of rotation. A slit (53) may be formed in the finger (51).

[0424] The finger (51) may include first and second fingers (511, 512). A slit (53) may be formed between the first and second fingers (511, 512). The first finger (511) may be positioned in front of the slit (53), and the second finger (512) may be positioned in the rear of the slit (532).

[0425] The slit (53) may include a first region (531) extending outward from the inner end of the slit (53), and a second region (532) extending outward from the first region (531).

[0426] The first region (531) is located at the inner end of the slit (53) and may extend so as to face rearward as it goes outward. The second region (532) may extend from the first region (531) and may be formed so as to face forward as it goes outward.

[0427] The first region (531) may extend in a curved shape. The first region (531) may have an arc shape. The center of curvature of the first region (531) may be located in front of the slit (53).

[0428] The slit (53) of the present embodiment does not include a portion extending in the front-rear direction, compared to the slit (653) of the sixth embodiment described above. In addition, the slit (53) of the present embodiment does not include a portion extending in a tangential direction with respect to the rotational direction of the lever (5), compared to the slit (653) of the sixth embodiment described above. For example, the angle (θ531) between the extension direction of the inner end of the first region (531) and the radial direction of the lever (5) may be an obtuse angle. That is, the angle between the center line of the first region (531) and the line connecting the center of the reference pin (35) and the rotational center (C) of the lever (5) when the door (2) is closed may be greater than 90 degrees. The angle may be less than 180 degrees.

[0429] Accordingly, the rotational position of the lever (65) according to the rotation of the door (2) can be compared with the design standard to prevent errors from occurring.

[0430] The second region (532) may extend in a curved shape. The second region (532) may have an arc shape. The center of curvature of the second region (532) may be located in front of the slit (53).

[0431] The radius of curvature (r1) of the first region (531) may be greater than the radius of curvature (r2) of the second region (532).

[0432] The torque (T) of the auto-closing device (4), i.e., the torque (T) of the spring (53), may be proportional to the angle of rotation from the free state. The auto-closing device (4) rotates the lever (5), and the force that the lever (5) exerts on the reference pin (35) corresponds to the torque divided by the distance between the reference pin (35) and the center of rotation of the lever.

[0433] The force applied by the lever (5) to the reference pin (35) may be in the vertical direction of the surface where the reference pin (35) contacts the lever (5). That is, the force applied by the lever (5) to the reference pin (35) may be directed toward the center of curvature of the slit (53). Among the forces applied by the lever (5) to the reference pin (35), a component of the force parallel to the forward and backward direction of the door, which is the rotation radius of the lever (5), may be the force that closes the door (2) through the auto-closing device (4).

[0434] Meanwhile, the slit (53) may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lever (5) at the position where the first region (531) and the second region (532) meet. That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the tangential direction of the portion where the first and second regions (531, 532) meet may be the left and right directions based on the position of the lever (5) when the door is closed. If the inner end of the slit (53) extends parallel to the front-back direction of the door and parallel to the tangential direction of the rotation radius of the reference pin (35), when the reference pin (35) is positioned at that portion, the torque of the auto-closing device (4) cannot be transmitted to the reference pin (35).

[0435] Accordingly, the more gently the slit (53) is bent, the more advantageous it is for the torque (T) of the auto-closing device (4) to be converted into a force for closing the door (2).

[0436] As the reference pin (35) moves from the outer end to the inner end of the slit (53), the rotation angle of the lever (5) and the torque of the auto-closing device (4) gradually decrease. Even if the torque decreases by designing the radius of curvature (r1) of the first region (531) to be larger than the radius of curvature (r2) of the second region (532), sufficient force can be provided to close the door (2) with the torque of the auto-closing device (4).

[0437] The slit (53) may include a third region (533). The third region (533) may extend from the second region (532) and may be located at the outermost end of the slit (53).

[0438] The third region (533) may be extended straight. The third region (533) may extend parallel to the outer end of the second region (532). The first finger (51) may include a straight portion (5113) forming the third region (533). Since the slit (53) includes the straight third region (533), when the reference pin (31) enters the slit (53) during the closing process of the door (2), the reference pin (31) may move smoothly along the slit (53).

[0439] If the outer end of the slit (53) is located in front of the first finger (511), when the reference pin (35) enters the slit (53) during the process of closing the door (2), the reference pin (35) may press the lever (5) backward. In other words, a problem of the lever (5) rotating in the opposite direction may occur.

[0440] In addition, the larger the rotation angle of the lever (5) for releasing the constraint of the shaft (46) by the clutch (44) is set, the less force may be required to release the constraint. Accordingly, if the length of the slit (53) corresponding to releasing the constraint of the clutch (44) is formed short to prevent the opposite rotation of the lever (5) described above, a relatively large force may be required to release the constraint of the clutch (44) during the process of closing the door (2).

[0441] The lever (5) of the present embodiment includes a third region (533) extending straight from the second region (532), so that the length of the second and third regions (532, 533) corresponding to the process of releasing the constraint of the clutch (44) is sufficiently secured, and the lever (5) can be prevented from rotating in the opposite direction.

[0442] Meanwhile, the first region (531) may extend in a curved manner such that the outer end where it meets the second region (531) is positioned at the rear and the inner end is positioned at the front. Accordingly, the second region (532) and the first region (531) may be connected in a continuous or nearly continuous manner in slope.

[0443] In contrast, if the curved section of the second region (532) does not exist and the straight section of the third region (531) meets the first region (531), the sliding direction of the reference pin (35) may change abruptly in the section where the reference pin (53) enters the first region (531). In this case, the reference pin (35) may get caught in the slit (53) during the closing process of the door (2), which may generate noise.

[0444] In the lever (5) of this embodiment, the second region (532) and the first region (531) of the slit (53) are each extended in a curved manner and the slopes are continuously connected so that the reference pin (35) can move smoothly along the slit (53).

[0445] The outer end (5123) of the second finger (532) may be formed to be curved. The outer end (5123) of the second finger (532) may have an arc shape. When the door (2) is opened, the reference pin (35) may move out of the outer end (5123) of the second finger (532) and rotate the lever (5), thereby inducing the latch (47) to be seated on the second latch seating portion (4638).

[0446] The lever (5) may be positioned between the front surface (201) and the rear surface (202) of the door (2). When the door (2) is closed, the front end of the lever (5) may extend parallel to the front surface of the door (2). The front end of the lever (5) may be positioned rearward of the front surface of the door (2).

[0447] The outer rear end of the lever (5) extends in a direction intersecting the width direction of the door (2), so that the angle (θ) formed with the width direction of the door (2) can be formed to be less than 90 degrees.

[0448] The above angle (θ) may be the maximum rotation angle of the lever (5). That is, when the door (2) is opened to the maximum extent and the lever (61) is rotationally constrained (see (a) of FIG. 15), the outer rear end of the lever (5) may be arranged parallel to the rear surface (202) of the door (2). At this time, the outer rear end (6122) of the lever (61) may be positioned forward of the rear surface of the door (2) or forward of the gasket (205) provided on the door (2).

[0449] A lever stopper (416) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2). The lever (5) may include first and second contact portions (516, 517). The lever stopper (416) and the first and second contact portions (516, 517) are the same as those in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0450] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 21 to FIG. 22, the operation of the lever (5) and the reference pin (35) of the auto-closing device (4) according to the degree of opening of the door (2) of the home appliance according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0451] Figure 23 (a) shows the point in time when the reference pin (35) contacts the lever (5). When the clutch (44) is not in the normal position, the lever (5) and the outer end (5123) of the second finger come into contact, and the clutch (44) can be guided to the normal position. The normal position may mean a case where the rotation angle of the lever (5) is the locking angle described above.

[0452] When the door (2) is open or the reference pin (35) is further rotated by the outer end (5213) of the second finger (512) so that the clutch (44) is aligned in the correct position, the clutch (44) can restrain the rotation of the shaft (46) so that the lever (5) does not automatically rotate with respect to the door (2).

[0453] For example, if the clutch (44) is rotated less than the normal position when the door (2) is open, when the door (2) is closed and the reference pin (35) enters the slit (53), the outer end of the curved second finger (52) comes into contact with the reference pin (35) and the lever can be rotated further, thereby placing the clutch in the normal position.

[0454] For example, when the reference pin (35) is released from the slit (53) during the process of closing the door (2), if the clutch (44) is rotated less than the normal position, when the door (2) opens, the reference pin (35) and the outer end (5123) of the second finger come into contact, and the lever (5) can rotate further, and accordingly, the clutch (44) can be placed in the normal position.

[0455] In the process of placing the clutch (44) in the fixed position, the first contact portion (516) comes into contact with the stopper (416), so that the lever (5) and the clutch (44) may not rotate further than the fixed position.

[0456] Figure 23 (b) shows a state where the rotation angle (θlb) of the lever (5) is the locking angle. At this time, the reference pin (35) may be located in the third area (533) of the slit (53). During the process of closing the door (2), the reference pin (35) may slide along the third area (533). During this process, the clutch (44) may release the restraint of the shaft (46).

[0457] When the door (2) is closed, a force (Fm) may be applied between the reference pin (35) and the lever (5). When the reference pin (35) is positioned in the third region (533), the reference pin (35) comes into contact with the first finger (511). As the door (2) closes, the reference pin (35) may press the first finger (511) so that the first finger (511) rotates forward. As the lever (5) rotates, the restraint of the shaft (46) by the clutch (44) may be released.

[0458] . The third region (533) can be directed rearward as it goes inward. Therefore, even if the door (2) rotates slightly during the process of releasing the constraint of the clutch (44), the lever (44) can rotate significantly. Therefore, the constraint release of the clutch (44) can be achieved quickly.

[0459] Fig. 23(c) shows a state in which the rotation angle (θlc) of the lever (5) is the switching angle. That is, as the door (2) closes, the clutch (44) gradually connects the shaft (46) and the spring (43), and in the state of Fig. 23(c), the clutch (44) can connect the shaft (46) and the spring (43). At this time, the reference pin (35) can be located at the boundary between the second region (532) and the first region (531). At this time

[0460] Fig. 23(c) shows a state in which the clutch (44) connects the spring (43) and the shaft (44), so that at this time, the driving unit (40) can close the door (2) by rotating the lever (5). At this time, the reference pin (35) can slide relatively along the first region (532).

[0461] As the door (2) closes, the second finger (52) pushes the reference pin (35) forward. The second region (532) may be formed to be curved. Accordingly, when the lever (5) rotates and applies force to the reference pin (35), the reference pin (35) can slide smoothly.

[0462] When the door (2) is closed as shown in Fig. 15(d), the reference pin (35) can contact the inner end of the slit (53). When the door (2) is closed as shown in Fig. 15(d), the second contact portion (517) can contact the stopper.

[0463] The opening of the door (2) can be performed in the order of (d), (c), (b), and (a) of Fig. 15 (excluding the force and direction indicated by the arrow). When the door (2) is opened, the rotation center (c) of the lever (5) moves forward, and since the reference pin (35) is fixed, the lever (5) rotates so that the finger (51) faces rearward.

[0464] When the door (2) is further opened past the state (a) of Fig. 15, the first contact portion (516) comes into contact with the lever stopper (416), so that the lever (5) can no longer rotate. The reference pin (35) can come out of the slit (53).

[0465] In the present embodiment, when the reference pin (35) is positioned at the slit (53), the rotation angles (θla, θlb, θlc) of the lever (5) with respect to the door (2) may be greater than the rotation angles (θda, θdb, θdc) of the door with respect to the cabinet (10). For example, the locking angle (θlb) of the present embodiment may be in the range of 45 to 50 degrees, and at this time, the angle (θdb) between the door (2) and the cabinet (10) may be in the range of 30 to 40 degrees. For example, the switching angle (θlc) may be in the range of 28 to 40 degrees, and at this time, the angle (θdc) between the door (2) and the cabinet (10) may be in the range of 20 to 30 degrees. For example, when the reference pin (35) contacts the lever (5), the angle (θla) of the lever may be the same as the locking angle (θlb) described above, and the angle (θda) of the door may be within the range of 35 to 45 degrees.

[0466]

[0467] Referring to FIG. 24, a lever (5) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cam (57). The cam (57) may protrude radially outward from the center of rotation of the lever (5). The cam (57) may be inclined so as to face rearward as it goes outward radially.

[0468] Even though the cam (57) of the lever (5, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66) is not shown in the drawing for the above-described embodiment, this is to explain the operation of the reference pin (35), the slit (53) and the finger (510). That is, the above-described levers (5, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) may also include the cam (57). In addition, they may include all of the features of the lever (5) described below.

[0469] The lever (5) may include a lever body (50). The lever body (50) may include the finger (51), slit (53), and cam (57) described above.

[0470] The aforementioned shaft insertion hole (54) may be formed in the lever body (50). A rim (542) may protrude from the lever body (50). The rim (542) may protrude upward from the lever body (50). The shaft insertion hole (54) may have a shape that penetrates the lever body (50) and the rim (542).

[0471] The lever (5) may include a lever cap (500). The lever cap (500) may be coupled to the lever body (50). The lever cap (500) may have a shape corresponding to the lever body (50).

[0472] The lever cap (500) may include a first finger cap (501) coupled with a first finger (511) and a second finger cap (502) coupled with a second finger (512).

[0473] A slit cover (504) may protrude upward along the inner edge of the first and second finger caps (502). The slit cover (504) may be inserted into the slit (53) of the lever body (50). A slit (503) is formed on the inner side of the slit cover (504), and a reference pin (35) may be inserted into the slit (503).

[0474] The lever cover (500) may include a rim receiving portion (506). A rim (562) protruding downward from the lever body (50) may be inserted into the rim receiving portion (506).

[0475] The lever cover (500) may include a fastening hole (505). The fastening hole (505) may be formed in the rim receiving portion (506).

[0476] The fastening hole (505) can penetrate the lever cover (500) upwardly and downwardly. The fastening member can penetrate the fastening holes (505, 56) of the lever cover (500) and the lever body (50) and be inserted into the fastening hole (466) of the shaft (46), thereby connecting the lever (5) and the shaft (46).

[0477] The outer end of the cam (57) of the lever cover (500) may be positioned inside the cam (57). That is, the cam (57) may be formed only by the lever body (50).

[0478]

[0479] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 25, an auto-closing device (4') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0480] Referring to Fig. 25, the auto-closing device (4') of the present embodiment may include a driving unit (400) and a lever (402). The driving unit (400) may include a housing (401) and a spring (405). The housing (401) may form the outer shape of the driving unit (400).

[0481] The lever (402) can be rotatably coupled to the driving unit (400). The lever (402) can be rotated horizontally with respect to a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction.

[0482] The spring (405) may be, for example, a torsion spring. The spring (405) may include a spiral portion (4052) formed by winding a wire multiple times.

[0483] The spring (405) may include one end (4056) extending from the upper end of the spiral portion and the other end (4054) extending from the lower end of the spiral portion (4052). The one end (4056) and the other end (4054) may extend inwardly of the radius of the spiral portion.

[0484] The driving unit (400) may further include a first connector (404) connected to the lever (402). The first connector (404) is disposed within the housing (401) and a portion thereof may protrude outside the housing (401) to be connected to the lever (402).

[0485] The first connector (404) can be connected to the lever (402). The first connector (404) can be rotated together with the lever (402).

[0486] The first connector (404) can connect the spring (405) and the lever (402). The first connector (404) can include a lever coupling portion (4041a) and a first spring coupling portion (4041b).

[0487] The other end (4054) of the spring (405) can be coupled to the first connector (404). For example, the other end (4054) of the spring (405) can be inserted into the coupling space (4048) of the first spring coupling portion (4041b).

[0488] When the other end (4054) of the spring (405) is accommodated in the coupling space (4048), the first spring coupling portion (4041b) can be accommodated inside the spiral portion (4052). That is, the spiral portion (4052) can be coupled with the first spring coupling portion (4041b) while surrounding the first spring coupling portion (4041b).

[0489] The spring coupling portion (4041b) may include a first rib (4046) and a second rib (4047) that are spaced apart horizontally. A coupling space (4048) may be formed between the first rib (4046) and the second rib (4047). The other end (4054) of the spring (405) may be accommodated in the coupling space (4048).

[0490] The lever coupling portion (4041a) may be formed with a non-circular horizontal cross-section to prevent it from spinning while coupled with the lever (402). For example, the lever coupling portion (4041a) may be formed with a polygonal horizontal cross-section.

[0491] The driving unit (400) may further include a second connector (406) coupled with a spring (405). One end (4056) of the spring (405) may be coupled to the second connector (406). The second connector (406) may be formed in a similar shape to the first connector (405).

[0492] The second connector (406) may include a second spring coupling portion (4061a) and a pin coupling portion (4061b). The second connector (406) may further include a partition plate (4062) disposed between the second elastic member coupling portion (4061a) and the pin coupling portion (4061b).

[0493] Based on the partition plate (4062), the pin coupling part (4061b) may be provided on the upper side, and the second spring coupling part (4061a) may be provided on the lower side.

[0494] The second spring coupling portion (4061a) may include a first rib (4063) and a second rib (4064) that are spaced apart in a horizontal direction. A first coupling space (4065) may be formed between the first rib (4063) and the second rib (4064).

[0495] One end (4056) of the spring (405) can be inserted into the first coupling space (4065). When the one end (4056) of the spring (405) is accommodated in the first coupling space (4065), the second elastic member coupling portion (4061a) can be accommodated inside the spiral portion (4052). That is, the spiral portion (4052) can be coupled with the second spring coupling portion (4061a) while surrounding the second spring coupling portion (4061a).

[0496] The above pin joint (4061b) may include a third rib (4066) and a fourth rib (4067) that are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. A second joint space (4068) may be formed between the third rib (4066) and the fourth rib (4067).

[0497] The driving unit (400) may further include an upper cap (4074) covering the upper opening of the housing (401).

[0498] The upper cap (4074) may include a cap body (4072) having a hollow space (4073) formed therein, and a flange (4074) extending horizontally from the top of the cap body (4072).

[0499] The cap body (4072) is inserted into the interior of the housing (401), and the flange (4074) can be mounted on the upper surface of the housing (401). The pin coupling portion (4061b) is inserted into the hollow (4073).

[0500] The driving unit (400) may further include a fixing pin (408) for fixing the upper cap (4074) to the housing (401).

[0501] The housing (401) may be formed with a pair of first pin holes (4018) through which the fixing pin (408) passes. The cap body (4072) may include a pair of second pin holes (4075) through which the fixing pin (408) passes.

[0502] The above fixed pin (408) can be inserted into the second coupling space (4068). That is, the fixed pin (408) can pass through the first pin hole (4018) and the second pin hole (4075), then pass through the second coupling space (4068), and then pass through another second pin hole (4075) and another first pin hole (4018).

[0503] The upper cap (407) and the second connector (406) are fixed in position while connected to the housing (401) by the fixing pin (408). That is, the rotation of the upper cap (407) and the second connector (406) is restricted by the fixing pin (408).

[0504] That is, in the present embodiment, the first end (4056) of the spring (405) is a fixed end, and the second end (4054) is a movable end. Therefore, while the first end (4056) is fixed, the second end (4054) can rotate together with the lever (402).

[0505] When the other end (4054) of the spring (405) is rotated in one direction while one end (4056) of the spring (405) is fixed, the spring (405) accumulates elastic force. The elastic force accumulated in the spring (405) can act on the lever (402) so that the lever (402) rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0506] The elastic force accumulated by the spring (405) in this way actually acts on the door (2) during the closing process of the door (2), so that the door (2) automatically closes at a predetermined position.

[0507] The structure for fixing one end (4056) of the spring (405) described above is exemplary, and various fixing structures can be applied, such as one end (4056) being directly fixed to the housing (401) or the upper cap (407).

[0508] The housing (401) may include a first body (4011) that accommodates a first connector (404) and a second body (4017) that accommodates a spring (405).

[0509] The second body (4017) may be provided on the upper side of the first body (4011). The space inside the second body (4017) where the spring (405) is placed and the space inside the first body (4011) where the first connector (404) is placed may be connected to each other.

[0510] The housing (401) may include a laterally protruding coupling portion (4013). The coupling portion (4013) may be coupled to the door (2). A fastening hole (4014) is formed in the coupling portion (4013), and a fastening member may pass through the fastening hole (4014) and be coupled to the door (2) to fasten the auto-closing device (40) to the door (2).

[0511] The lever (402) may include a coupling slot (4022) that is coupled with the lever coupling portion (4041a). The coupling slot (4022) may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the lever coupling portion (4041a).

[0512] The lever (402) may include a first portion (4021) that is coupled with a first connector (404). The first portion (4021) may be provided with a coupling slot (4022).

[0513] The lever (402) may include a first portion (4021) and a second portion (4024). The second portion (4024) may include an upper surface and two sides, and a lower surface may be open. In addition, the lower surface of the first portion (4021) may also be open.

[0514] The second part (4024) may be stepped from the first part (4021). The lower surface of the lever (402) may be stepped. The lower surface of the lever (402) may be covered by the first cover (4030) and the second cover (4031).

[0515] The above lever (402) may include a slit (4025) through which the reference pin (35) can be received and moved. For example, the slit (4025) may be formed in the central portion of the second portion (4024).

[0516] The slit (4025) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the lever (402). For example, the slit (4025) may extend horizontally from the end of the second portion (4024) toward the first portion (4022). The reference pin (35) may be pulled out of the slit (4025) when the first door (21) is opened by a reference angle or more, and may be inserted into the slit (4025) when the first door (21) is opened or closed by a reference angle or less.

[0517] The driving unit (400) may further include a sliding member (4033) that is slidably connected to the lever (402). The sliding member (4033) may slide horizontally on the lever (402). That is, the sliding member (4033) may move in a direction intersecting the rotational center line of the lever (402).

[0518] For example, the sliding member (4033) can be arranged to be slidable within the space formed by the second part (4024).

[0519] The above sliding member (4033) may include a guide rib (4035) for guiding the sliding of the sliding member (4033). The second part (4024) may be provided with a rib slot (4026) in which the guide rib (4035) is received.

[0520] An elastic member that provides elastic force to the sliding member (4033) may be provided within the lever (402). The elastic member may be, for example, a coil spring (4092). In addition, a spring holder (409) that supports the coil spring (4092) may be provided within the lever (402).

[0521] The sliding member (4033) may be provided with an extension portion (4034) for supporting the coil spring (4092). For example, the sliding member (4033) may be movable in a first direction (longitudinal direction), and the extension portion (4034) may extend from the sliding member (4033) in a direction intersecting the first direction. Accordingly, the coil spring (4092) may be positioned on one side of the sliding member (4033). As another example, a pair of coil springs (4092) may be positioned on both sides of the sliding member (4033) to elastically support the sliding member (4033).

[0522] The above coil spring (4092) can provide elastic force to the sliding member (4033) in a direction in which a portion of the sliding member (4033) is exposed to the slit (4025).

[0523] The direction in which a portion of the sliding member (4033) is exposed to the slit (4025) is the direction in which the sliding member (4033) moves away from the center of rotation of the lever (402).

[0524] The above sliding member (4033) can move in both forward and reverse directions. The direction in which the sliding member (4033) moves away from the center of rotation of the lever (402) can be referred to as the forward direction.

[0525] If no external force is applied to the sliding member (4033), the sliding member (4033) is positioned in the slit (4025) by the elastic force of the coil spring (4092).

[0526] The above auto-closing device (4') may further include a locking member (4036) that is rotatably provided on the lever (402). For example, the locking member (4036) may be positioned within the lever (402).

[0527] The locking member (4036) is coupled with a shaft (4037), and the shaft (4037) can be inserted into a shaft hole (4028) of the second part (4024) and rotated. The shaft (4037) can extend in a horizontal direction, for example. That is, the locking member (4036) can be rotated around a rotation center line extending in a horizontal direction.

[0528] The above shaft (4037) can be coupled to the lever (402) at a lower position than the above sliding member (4033).

[0529] Accordingly, the locking member (4036) can rotate together with the lever (402), and can also rotate relative to the lever (402) with respect to the shaft (4037).

[0530] The locking member (4036) may be connected to an elastic member. The elastic member may be, for example, a torsion spring (4038). One end of the torsion spring (4038) may be connected to the locking member (4036), and the other end may be supported or in contact with the second portion (4024). Of course, other types of springs than the torsion spring (4038) may also provide elastic force to the locking member (4036).

[0531] The above lever (402) may be provided with an opening (4027) for the locking member (4036) to pass through. For example, the opening (4027) may be formed on the upper surface of the second portion (4024).

[0532] The locking member (4036) is provided with elastic force from the torsion spring (4038) in the direction in which the locking member (4036) rotates upward while penetrating the opening (4027) while being installed on the lever (402).

[0533] The locking member (4036) can be rotated by the sliding member (4033) when the sliding member (4033) moves in the reverse direction. If no external force is applied to the locking member (4036) (if the sliding member (4033) has moved in the forward direction to the stop position), a part of the locking member (4036) can pass through the opening (4027) of the lever (402) and be coupled to the housing (401).

[0534] The housing (401) may be provided with a locking groove (4015) that accommodates the locking member (4036) protruding upward from the lever (402). For example, the locking groove (4015) may be provided on the lower surface of the fastening extension.

[0535] When the locking member (4036) is inserted into the locking groove (4015), the lever (402) cannot be rotated with respect to the housing (401). On the other hand, when the locking member (4036) is removed from the locking groove (4015), the lever (402) can be rotated with respect to the housing (401).

[0536] Therefore, in the present embodiment, a state in which the locking member (4036) is inserted into the locking groove (4015) can be referred to as a locked state of the lever (402). A state in which the locking member (4036) is removed from the locking groove (4015) can be referred to as an unlocked state of the lever (402).

[0537] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the locking member (4036) rotates to be inserted into the locking groove (4015) may be referred to as the locking direction, and the direction in which the locking member (4036) rotates to be removed from the locking groove (4015) may be referred to as the unlocking direction.

[0538] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0539] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0540] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet providing a storage space open to the front; A door rotatably provided at the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A hinge fixed to the cabinet, comprising a hinge axis that rotatably supports the door and a reference pin spaced apart from the hinge axis; An auto-closing device that provides force to the door in the direction in which the door closes; The above auto-closing device: Drive unit; and A lever is included that is rotatably coupled to the driving unit and receives torque from the driving unit, The above lever includes a slit into which the reference pin is inserted, The slit includes a first region where the reference pin is located when the door is closed, The above first region is an electrical appliance that extends rearward as it moves away from the center of rotation of the lever.

2. In paragraph 1, The slit further includes a second region extending away from the center of rotation of the lever from the first region, The above second region is an electrical appliance that extends forward as it moves away from the center of rotation of the lever.

3. In paragraph 2, An electrical appliance in which the radius of curvature of the first region is greater than the radius of curvature of the second region.

4. In paragraph 2, The appliance further includes a third region extending from the second region and open outwardly.

5. In paragraph 4, The third area above is a home appliance extending in a straight line.

6. In paragraph 2, The above auto-closing device: A torsion spring that is fixed at one end; A lever shaft that rotates integrally with the above lever; and An electrical appliance including a clutch that selectively connects or disconnects the torsion spring and the lever shaft.

7. In paragraph 6, The above clutch: Connecting the torsion spring and the lever shaft until the rotation angle of the lever reaches the first angle from the state where the door is closed; When the rotation angle of the lever is greater than the first angle, the connection between the torsion spring and the lever shaft is released. A home appliance in which the rotation angle of the above lever is defined based on the position of the lever when the door is closed.

8. In paragraph 7, The clutch is an electrical appliance that restricts the rotation of the lever shaft when the rotation angle of the lever is a second angle greater than the first angle.

9. In paragraph 8, An electrical appliance in which the reference pin is located in the first region of the slit when the rotation angle of the lever is less than the first angle, and is located in the second region of the slit when the rotation angle of the lever is between the first angle and the second angle.

10. In paragraph 1, When the reference pin is positioned in the slit, the rotation angle of the lever is greater than the rotation angle of the door, The rotation angle of the above lever is defined based on the state in which the door is closed, A home appliance in which the rotation angle of the door is defined as the angle between the door and the cabinet.

11. In paragraph 1, The above door includes a guide member into which the hinge axis is inserted, The above lever is spaced apart from the guide member in the width direction of the door, The above hinge axis includes a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction, The above guide member includes an axis insertion groove into which the first and second hinge axes are inserted and which extends in a curved shape. A refrigerator in which, when the door rotates relative to the cabinet, the first and second hinge axes slide relatively along the shaft insertion grooves, thereby changing the position of the center of rotation of the door.

12. In paragraph 1, A home appliance in which the front portion of the lever includes an edge that is arranged parallel to the front surface of the door when the door is closed.

13. In paragraph 1, An appliance in which the rear portion of the lever includes an edge parallel to the rear surface of the door, wherein the door is open and the reference pin is out of the slit.

14. In paragraph 1, The above hinge: A joint fixed to the cabinet, including a fastening hole through which a fastening member passes; A supporter protruding forward from the above-mentioned joint and having the above-mentioned reference pin, The above fastening hole is a home appliance spaced apart from the reference pin in the width direction of the cabinet.

15. In paragraph 1, An appliance in which the angle between the center line of the first region and the line connecting the center of the reference pin and the center of rotation of the lever when the door is closed is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

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