Home appliance

Abstract

The home appliance of the present disclosure comprises: a cabinet providing a storage chamber opened forward; a door rotatably provided on the front of the cabinet to open / close the storage chamber; a hinge fixed to the cabinet and rotatably supporting the door; a soft closing device including a damper for providing a repulsive force when compressed, the soft closing device being provided on the door; and a lever provided on the door to be able to rotate according to the rotation of the door, the lever having a cam extending radially outward from the center of rotation so as to compress the damper.

Description

home appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to home appliances such as refrigerators, and more specifically, 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 purpose may be to provide an appliance that reduces the shock of the cabinet and door when the door is closed, thereby encouraging a softer closing.

[0011] Another object may be to provide an appliance comprising a soft closing device implemented in a manner that does not impair the appearance or insulation performance.

[0012] Another object may be to provide an appliance comprising a soft closing device that can be applied to doors of various structures.

[0013] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance in which the soft-close mechanism operates with a component other than a hinge to close the door.

[0014] For example, it may be possible to provide an appliance including an auto-closing device that can be applied to a door whose center of rotation changes depending on the opening angle of the door or a door that is thinner than a conventional door.

[0015] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance that prevents the door from not closing completely during the closing process due to damper operation.

[0016] Another object may be to provide an appliance having an auto-closing device that provides a closing force to a door when the opening angle of the door is below a certain angle.

[0017] Another purpose may be to provide an appliance that includes both an auto-closing device and a soft-closing device.

[0018] Another object may be to provide an appliance in which a lever rotatably provided in an auto-closing device and a damper of a soft-closing device interact.

[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 for achieving the above-described purpose, a home appliance can be provided that includes a soft closing device that reduces the closing speed of a door when the door is closed.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, a home appliance may include: a cabinet providing a storage compartment that opens forward; a door rotatably provided at a front of the cabinet for opening and closing the storage compartment; a hinge fixed to the cabinet and rotatably supporting the door; a soft closing device provided on the door, the soft closing device including a damper that provides a repulsive force when compressed; and a lever provided on the door, the lever being rotatably provided according to the rotation of the door, and having a cam that extends radially outward from a center of rotation to compress the damper.

[0023] The above soft closing device may further include a damper head connected to the damper and in contact with the cam.

[0024] The cam can be moved away from the damper head when the door is open.

[0025] When the door is open, the cam can be positioned in front of the damper head.

[0026] The above damper head can be inclined so that the front end is close to the damper and the rear end is far from the damper.

[0027] The above damper head may include: a first inclined portion forming a front portion; and a second inclined portion meeting the first inclined portion and forming a rear portion.

[0028] At the boundary where the first slope and the second slope meet, the slope of the second slope may be steeper than the slope of the second slope.

[0029] The second inclined portion may be positioned rearward of the center of rotation of the lever.

[0030] The above damper may include: a cylinder; a piston sliding within the cylinder; and a damper spring disposed inside the cylinder and compressed by the piston.

[0031] The cylinder may include: a first section contacting the outer circumference of the piston; a second section extending from the first section and having an inner diameter that is expanded; and a third section extending from the second section and having an inner diameter that is larger than the diameter of the piston.

[0032] The door may further include: a first door for opening and closing a portion of the storage room; a second door for opening and closing another portion of the storage room; and a filler rotatably provided on the first door or the second door and closing a space between the first and second doors when the first and second doors are closed.

[0033] The above cabinet may further include a filler guide that guides rotation of the filler.

[0034] During the closing process of the door, the piston may enter the second section and then the filler may come into contact with the filler guide.

[0035] It may further include a reference pin fixed to the above cabinet.

[0036] The above lever may include a slit into which the reference pin is inserted according to rotation of the lever.

[0037] The above reference pin may be located on the opposite side of the soft closing device with respect to the lever.

[0038] The above slit may be located on the opposite side of the cam with respect to the center of rotation of the lever.

[0039] The above hinge may include a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis spaced apart from each other.

[0040] The door may further include a guide member including an axis insertion groove into which the first and second hinge axes are inserted.

[0041] The above-mentioned shaft insertion groove may have a width corresponding to the diameter of the first and second hinge axes and may extend in an arc shape.

[0042] The lever may further include a finger in which the slit is formed.

[0043] The above cam can be formed integrally with the above finger.

[0044] Alternatively, the cam may be coupled to the body of the lever.

[0045] It may further include an auto-closing device that rotates the above lever.

[0046] The above auto-closing device and the above soft-closing device may be provided on the lower surface of the door.

[0047] The above soft closing device can be arranged to be inclined with respect to the width direction of the door.

[0048] The cam may include a pressure surface provided on the outer periphery of the cam.

[0049] The above soft closing device may further include a damper head connected to the damper.

[0050] The above damper head may include an action surface that contacts the pressure surface.

[0051] The above-mentioned pressure surface may have a shape inclined with respect to the radial direction of the lever.

[0052] The above-mentioned working surface may have a shape inclined with respect to the compression direction of the damper.

[0053] The above pressing surface may include: a first pressing surface positioned at the rear; and a second pressing surface positioned at the front of the first pressing surface.

[0054] The distance from the center of rotation of the lever to the first pressure surface may be shorter than the distance from the center of rotation to the second pressure surface.

[0055] The cam may further include an opposing surface extending from the second pressing surface to an opposite side of the first pressing surface.

[0056] The above-mentioned opposing surface includes a portion extending perpendicularly to the rotational radius direction of the lever and may have a shape corresponding to the damper head.

[0057] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0058]

[0059] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an appliance can be provided that reduces the impact between the cabinet and the door when the door is closed, thereby allowing the door to close smoothly. For example, the appliance can include a soft-closing device to reduce the door's closing speed.

[0060] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a home appliance including a soft closing device implemented in a manner that does not impair the appearance or insulation performance can be provided.

[0061] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a home appliance including a soft closing device that can be applied to doors of various structures can be provided.

[0062] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an appliance may be provided in which a soft closing device operates with a component other than a hinge to close the door.

[0063] For example, it is possible to provide an appliance including an auto-closing device that can be applied to a door whose center of rotation changes depending on the opening angle of the door or a door that is thinner than a conventional door.

[0064] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an appliance that prevents a problem in which a door is not completely closed during the closing process by damper operation.

[0065] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a home appliance can be provided having an auto-closing device that provides a closing force to a door when the opening angle of the door is less than a certain angle.

[0066] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a home appliance including both an auto-closing device and a soft-closing device can be provided.

[0067] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrical appliance can be provided in which a lever rotatably provided in an auto-closing device and a damper of a soft-closing device interact with each other.

[0068]

[0069] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 3 is a perspective view and an enlarged view of the door shown in Figure 1.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Figures 6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of the auto-closing device illustrated in Figure 4.

[0075] FIG. 8 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a lever of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an auto-closing device of a home appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the soft closing device illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0081] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the soft closing device illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0082] Figures 15 and 16 are drawings showing the operation of the lever of the auto-closing device and the soft closing device according to the opening angle of the door.

[0083] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an auto-closing device and a soft-closing device of a home appliance according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an auto-closing device and a soft-closing device of a home appliance according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an auto-closing device and a soft-closing device of a home appliance according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are drawings showing the operation of the lever of the auto-closing device and the soft-closing device according to the opening angle of the door of the home appliance according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an auto-closing device and a soft-closing device of a home appliance according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088]

[0089] 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 are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0092]

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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. 1).

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Shelves and / or drawers may be placed inside the storage room (11). The door (2) may also be equipped with shelves to store food.

[0104] A storage space is also formed on the inside of the door (2), so that storage capacity can be increased.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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').

[0117]

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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.

[0124] The filler (207) is installed so as to be rotatable and can be linked to the opening and closing operation of the door.

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129]

[0130] 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).

[0131] A handle (236) can be provided on the cap deco (23).

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] The hinge axis (3) can protrude from the supporter (36). The hinge axis (3) can protrude upward and downward from the supporter (36).

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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).

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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).

[0142] 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. 8 and 9.

[0143] 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).

[0144] 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.

[0145] An auto-closing device (4) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2).

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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).

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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).

[0151] 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 and the opening angle of the door (2) may be determined within the slit (53) 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.

[0152] A soft closing device (7) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2).

[0153] The soft closing device (7) can provide a deceleration force during the door closing process by coming into contact with the lever (5).

[0154] This reduces the impact on the door and allows for a smoother and more stable closing action.

[0155] 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.

[0156] The stopper (9) may include a stopper body (91) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the door (2).

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] The stopper (9) may include a stopper bracket (92). The stopper bracket (92) may be mounted on the lower surface of the door (2).

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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).

[0162] 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).

[0163] 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.

[0164] The cover (235) may be positioned further back than the front surface (201) of the door.

[0165]

[0166] 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).

[0167] 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).

[0168] 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).

[0169] 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).

[0170] 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).

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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).

[0173] 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.

[0174] Meanwhile, the auto-closing device (4) and the soft-closing device (7) of the home appliance according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may overlap at least partially vertically. For example, the fastening portion (415, see FIG. 6) of the driving unit (40) and the damper case (74, see FIG. 13) of the soft-closing device (7) may overlap vertically. Through this, both the auto-closing device (4) and the soft-closing device (7) can be installed in a narrow space, and even if the length of the cam (57) described later is designed to be small, the lever (5) and the damper head (75, see FIG. 13) of the soft-closing device (7) can come into contact. This can also be applied to the home appliances according to the second to fourth embodiments described later.

[0175]

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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).

[0178] 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).

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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).

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] 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).

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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).

[0186] 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).

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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).

[0189] 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).

[0190] 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'.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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).

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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).

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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).

[0197] The connector (450) may include a flange (456). The second spring coupling portion (453) may protrude upward from the flange (456).

[0198] 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).

[0199] The connector (45) may include a latch holder (457). The latch holder (457) may protrude downwardly from the flange (456).

[0200] 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).

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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).

[0203] The latches (47) may be provided in multiples. For example, there may be two latches (47).

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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).

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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).

[0209] 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).

[0210] The latch holder (457) can be placed between the clutch shaft (463) and the clutch housing (49).

[0211] 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).

[0212] 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).

[0213] 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).

[0214] 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).

[0215] 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).

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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).

[0218] The lever shaft (465) can pass through the shaft through hole (499).

[0219] The clutch (44) may include a bearing (48). The bearing (48) may rotatably support the shaft (46).

[0220] 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).

[0221] 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).

[0222] 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).

[0223] The lever shaft (465) can be coupled to the lever (5). The lever shaft (465) can rotate integrally with the lever (5).

[0224] 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).

[0225] 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).

[0226] 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).

[0227] 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).

[0228] 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).

[0229] 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.

[0230] An internal space (413) is formed on the inside of the side wall (411) of the housing (41).

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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).

[0233] 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).

[0234] 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).

[0235] 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).

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] A detailed description of the structure of the lever (5) and the hinge (3) 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. 8 to 10.

[0239] 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.

[0240]

[0241] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, 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.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 8, 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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).

[0245] 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.

[0246] The radius of curvature of the second curved part (832) may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the first curved part (831).

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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).

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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 depending on the degree of door opening. 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.

[0251] When the position of the rotation axis of the door (2) is fixed, 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.

[0252] The hinge shaft (31) and shaft insertion groove (83) of this embodiment can be configured so that even when the door (2) is opened, the front outer edge of the door (2) does not deviate from the position of the outer end of the door (2) when the door (2) is closed, or the extent to which it deviates is minimized (see Fig. 9).

[0253] 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.

[0254] Figure 9 shows a state in which the opening angle of the door (2) gradually decreases in the order of (a), (b), (c), and (d).

[0255] The door (2) may be opened further than in the state of Fig. 9(a). For example, the maximum opening angle of the door (2) may be greater than 90 degrees. When the door (2) is fully opened, 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. When the door (2) is fully opened, the first and second hinge axes (311, 312) may be positioned on the second curved part (832).

[0256] For example, 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). 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), and thus, the door (2) can be opened by coming forward. Accordingly, 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.

[0257] Figure 9(a) shows 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).

[0258] Looking at the process of opening the door (2) in the state of Fig. 9(a), since the second hinge axis (312) moves relatively along the second curved part (832), the outer side (204) in the width direction and the shear edge (203) of the door (2) move inward in the width direction of the cabinet (10) as the door (2) opens compared to when the center of rotation is fixed, and accordingly, the outer side (204) in the width direction and the shear edge (203) of the door (2) do not deviate from the outer end (204) of the door when the door is closed, or if they deviate from it, they deviate to a minimum.

[0259] Fig. 9(b) 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. 9(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).

[0260] When the door (2) is opened from the closed state through the state of Fig. 9(c) to the state of Fig. 9(b), the first and second hinge axes (311, 312) move relatively rearwardly along the first curved part (831), so that the outer surface (204) of the door (2) can move inwardly in the width direction as a whole while rotating so that the front end (203) faces rearward. Accordingly, even in this process, the outer surface (204) in the width direction 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.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 8, the lever (5) of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be rotatably provided on the bottom surface of the door (2). The lever (5) may include a slit (53) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted. The slit (53) may extend in a straight line or have a bent shape. For example, the slit (53) may have a curved shape.

[0262] 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).

[0263] 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).

[0264] 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).

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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).

[0267] The slit (53) may not include a portion extending in the forward-rear direction. In addition, the slit (53) may not include a portion extending in a tangential direction with respect to the rotational direction of the lever (5). For example, the angle (q531) 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.

[0268] If the slit (53) includes a portion extending in the forward and backward direction, there is a risk that the clutch may not operate properly if there is an error in the rotational position of the lever (65) due to the rotation of the door (2) from the designed standard.

[0269] For example, if the first region (531) includes a portion extending rearward from the inner end, when the door (2) is opened from a closed state, the reference pin (35) may slide along the first region (531), but the reference pin (35) may not press the lever (65). Accordingly, the door (2) is opened, the reference pin (35) may slide along the slit (53), but the lever (5) may not rotate. That is, when the reference pin (35) passes through the first region (531), there is a concern that an error may occur in the rotational position of the lever (5) according to the rotation of the door (2) compared to the design standard.

[0270] Therefore, the slit (53) of the present disclosure may not include a portion extending in the front-back direction.

[0271] Meanwhile, if the first region (531) includes a portion extending in a tangential direction with respect to the rotational direction of the lever (5), when the reference pin (35) slides along the portion extending in the tangential direction, no force may be applied between the reference pin (35) and the lever (5). That is, the reference pin (35) may slide along the slit (53), but the lever (5) may not rotate. Even in this case, there is a concern that an error may occur in the rotational position of the lever (5) according to the rotation of the door (2) compared to the design standard.

[0272] Accordingly, the slit (53) of the present disclosure may not include a portion extending in a tangential direction with respect to the rotational direction of the lever (5).

[0273] 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.

[0274] 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).

[0275] The radius of curvature of the first region (531) may be greater than the radius of curvature of the second region (532).

[0276] 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.

[0277] 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).

[0278] 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. 7, 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 (5) cannot be transmitted to the reference pin (35).

[0279] 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).

[0280] 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 of the first region (531) to be larger than the radius of curvature of the second region (532), sufficient force can be provided to close the door (2) with the torque of the auto-closing device (4).

[0281] 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).

[0282] 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).

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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).

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] 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.

[0288] 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).

[0289] 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).

[0290] 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).

[0291] The outer rear end of the lever (5) extends in a direction intersecting the width direction of the door (2), so that the angle (q) formed with the width direction of the door (2) can be formed to be less than 90 degrees.

[0292] The above angle (q) 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. 8), 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).

[0293] A lever stopper (416) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (2). The lever stopper (416) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the door (2). The lever stopper (416) may be located at the rear of the lever (5).

[0294] 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).

[0295] The lever stopper (416) protrudes from the lower surface of the door (2) and can be placed at the same height as the lever (5).

[0296] When the door (2) is opened, the lever (5) rotates in a direction in which the finger (51) faces rearward and can contact the lever stopper (416). The lever (5) may include a first contact portion (516) that contacts the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is opened.

[0297] The first contact portion (516) may have a distance between the rotation centers (c) of the lever (5) greater than the distance (d) between the rotation centers (c) and the lever stopper (416). The first contact portion (516) may include a portion in which the distance between the rotation centers (c) of the lever (5) greater than the distance (d) between the rotation centers (c) and the lever stopper (416).

[0298] Accordingly, the first contact portion (516) can come into contact with the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is opened, and the rotation of the lever (5) can be restricted.

[0299] When the door (2) is closed, the lever (5) rotates in a direction in which the finger (51) faces forward and can contact the lever stopper (416). The lever (5) may include a second contact portion (517) that contacts the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is closed.

[0300] The second contact portion (517) may have a distance between the rotation centers (c) of the lever (5) greater than the distance (d) between the rotation centers (c) and the lever stopper (416). The second contact portion (517) may include a portion in which the distance between the rotation centers (c) of the lever (5) greater than the distance (d) between the rotation centers (c) and the lever stopper (416).

[0301] Accordingly, the second contact portion (517) can come into contact with the lever stopper (416) when the door (2) is closed, and the rotation of the lever (5) can be restricted.

[0302] The reference pin (35) is fixed to the cabinet (10), and the lever (5) can be provided on the door (2). The reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (53) of the lever (5), and can slide along the slit (53). When the door (2) rotates while the reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (53), the lever (5) can rotate according to the rotation of the door (2).

[0303] When the door (2) rotates in the opening direction, the reference pin (35) is fixed to the cabinet (10) and is located between the hinge axis (31) and the center of rotation (C) of the lever (5), so that the lever (5) can rotate.

[0304] When the door (2) is closed, if the reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (53), the lever (5) rotates by the torque (T) of the driving unit (40) and can apply force to the door (2) in the closing direction.

[0305] The lever (5) can rotate in the same direction as the door (2). For example, as shown in Fig. 8, if the door (2) rotates counterclockwise when opened and clockwise when closed, the lever (5) can also rotate counterclockwise when the door is opened and clockwise when it is closed.

[0306] The rotation angles (qla, qlb, qlc) of the lever (5) may be greater than the rotation angles (qda, qdb, qdc) of the door (2). For example, the locking angle (qlb) of the present embodiment may be in the range of 45 to 50 degrees, and at this time, the angle (qdb) between the door (2) and the cabinet (10) may be in the range of 30 to 40 degrees. For example, the switching angle (qlc) may be in the range of 28 to 40 degrees, and at this time, the angle (qdc) 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 (qla) of the lever may be the same as the aforementioned locking angle (qlb), and the angle (qda) of the door may be in the range of 35 to 45 degrees.

[0307] The auto-closing device (4) can provide a torque (T) that rotates the lever (5). The auto-closing device (4) can rotate the lever (5) to close the door (2) by the action of the lever (5) and the reference pin (35).

[0308] For example, the reference pin (35) can be arranged between the hinge axis (31) and the rotation center (c) of the lever (5) in the width direction of the door (2). When the reference pin (35) is positioned in the slit (53), the reference pin (35) can be arranged between the hinge axis (31) and the rotation center (c) of the lever (5) in the width direction of the door (2).

[0309] Figure 9 (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.

[0310] 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).

[0311] 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 (412) comes into contact with the reference pin (35) and the lever can be rotated further, thereby placing the clutch in the normal position.

[0312] 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.

[0313] 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.

[0314] Figure 9 (b) shows a state where the rotation angle (qlb) of the lever (5) is the locking angle. At this time, the reference pin (35) may be positioned 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).

[0315] 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.

[0316] When an external force is applied to the door (2) in a closing direction, the lever (5) rotates with respect to the door (2) so that the finger (51) faces forward due to the repulsive force (Fm) acting on the first finger (511) from the reference pin (35).

[0317] Meanwhile, the lever (5) is mounted on the door (2), and the center of rotation (c) of the lever (5) 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 (5) changes. Accordingly, when the door (2) rotates, the reference pin (35) slides in the slit (53). Here, the sliding of the reference pin (35) means that the reference pin (35) is fixed and the slit (53) moves.

[0318] The third region (533) can be directed rearward as it moves inward. Therefore, even if the door (2) rotates slightly during the process of releasing the clutch (44), the lever (44) can rotate significantly. Therefore, the clutch (44) can be released quickly.

[0319] Fig. 9(c) shows a state in which the rotation angle (qlc) 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. 9(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).

[0320] In the state of Fig. 9(c), the clutch (44) is connected to the spring (43) and the shaft (44), so the driving unit (40) can close the door (2) by rotating the lever (5).

[0321] The spring (43) of the auto-closing device (4) provides torque to the lever (5) in the direction in which the finger (51) faces forward.

[0322] When the lever (5) is rotated so that the finger (51) faces forward (clockwise in Fig. 8), the lever (5) applies a force (Fa) forward to the reference pin (35). The position of the reference pin (35) is fixed, and the door (2) can rotate around the hinge axis (31) or a rotation center closer to the edge of the door (2) than the hinge axis (31). Therefore, the rotation center (c) of the lever (5) can move in the direction in which the lever (5) rotates around the reference pin (35). That is, the rotation center (c) of the lever (5) can move rearward. The door (2) can rotate so that the rotation center (c) of the lever (5) faces rearward.

[0323] Therefore, the door (2) can be closed through the force of the hinge part (40) rotating the lever (5).

[0324] When the lever (5) rotates and the door (2) closes, the reference pin (35) can slide relatively along the first area (532).

[0325] 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.

[0326] When the door (2) is closed as shown in Fig. 9(d), the reference pin (35) can contact the inner end of the slit (53). When the door (2) is closed as shown in Fig. 9(d), the second contact portion (517) can contact the stopper.

[0327] The opening of the door (2) can be performed in the order of (d), (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 (5) moves forward, and since the reference pin (35) is fixed, the lever (5) rotates so that the finger (51) faces rearward.

[0328] 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) may no longer rotate. The reference pin (35) may be released from the slit (613). In addition, the lever (5) may be restrained by the clutch (44).

[0329]

[0330] Referring to FIG. 11, 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.

[0331] 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.

[0332] 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).

[0333] 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).

[0334] 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).

[0335] 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).

[0336] 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).

[0337] The lever cover (500) may include a fastening hole (505). The fastening hole (505) may be formed in the rim receiving portion (506).

[0338] 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).

[0339] 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).

[0340]

[0341] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12, an auto-closing device (40) and a lever (402) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0342] Referring to FIG. 12, 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).

[0343] The lever (402) can be rotatably coupled to the drive unit (400). The lever (402) can be rotated horizontally with respect to a rotation centerline extending in the vertical direction.

[0344] 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.

[0345] 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.

[0346] The driving unit (400) may further include a first connector (404) connected to a lever (402). The first connector (404) is disposed within a housing (401) and a portion of it may protrude to the outside of the housing (401) to be connected to the lever (402).

[0347] The first connector (404) can be connected to the lever (402). The first connector (404) can be rotated together with the lever (402).

[0348] 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).

[0349] 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).

[0350] 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).

[0351] 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).

[0352] 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.

[0353] 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).

[0354] 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).

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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).

[0357] One end (4056) of the spring (405) can be inserted into the first coupling space (4065). When 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).

[0358] 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).

[0359] The driving unit (400) may further include an upper cap (4074) covering the upper opening of the housing (401).

[0360] 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).

[0361] 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).

[0362] The driving unit (400) may further include a fixing pin (408) for fixing the upper cap (4074) to the housing (401).

[0363] 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.

[0364] 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).

[0365] 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).

[0366] 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).

[0367] 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.

[0368] 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.

[0369] 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).

[0370] 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).

[0371] 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.

[0372] 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).

[0373] 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).

[0374] 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).

[0375] 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.

[0376] 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).

[0377] 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).

[0378] 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.

[0379] 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).

[0380] For example, the sliding member (4033) can be arranged to be slidable within the space formed by the second part (4024).

[0381] 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.

[0382] 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).

[0383] 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).

[0384] 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).

[0385] 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).

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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).

[0388] 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).

[0389] 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.

[0390] The above shaft (4037) can be coupled to the lever (402) at a lower position than the above sliding member (4033).

[0391] 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).

[0392] 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).

[0393] 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).

[0394] 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).

[0395] 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).

[0396] 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.

[0397] 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).

[0398] 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).

[0399] 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.

[0400]

[0401] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a soft closing device (7). The soft closing device (7) may provide a decelerating force to the door (2) during the door closing process by contacting the cam (57) of the lever (5).

[0402] The soft closing device may include a damper (71). The damper (71) may include a cylinder (715) and a piston (711). The piston (711) may slide along the cylinder (715). The piston (711) may have a disc shape. The outer circumference of the piston (711) may contact the inner diameter of the cylinder (715). This allows the damper to provide a damping force when compressed.

[0403] The cylinder (715) may have a cylindrical shape with one end open and the other end closed.

[0404] The cylinder (715) may include a first section (716) that the piston (711) contacts. The inner diameter of the first section (716) may be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the piston (711). Accordingly, friction and internal gas may be compressed when the piston (711) slides on the first section (716). The gas may be air.

[0405] The cylinder (715) may include a second section (717) extending from the first section and having an enlarged inner diameter. The second section (717) may extend from the first section (711) to the closed other side of the cylinder (715). At least a portion of the second section (717) may have an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the piston (711).

[0406] The cylinder (715) may include a third section (718) extending from the second section (717). The third section (718) may extend from the second section (717) to the closed other side of the cylinder (715). The inner diameter of the third section (718) may be larger than the diameter of the piston (711).

[0407] Accordingly, when the piston (711) is compressed, the air between the other side of the cylinder (715) and the piston (711) is compressed while passing through the first section (716) to provide damping force, and as the piston (711) passes through the second and third sections (717, 718), the air passes between the piston (711) and the inner wall of the cylinder (715) to release the damping force.

[0408] The length of the third section (718) is lc, and the distance from the closed side of the cylinder (715) to the second section is lb.

[0409] The damper (71) may include a rod (713) connected to a piston (711) and a bush (712) supporting the rod (713). The bush (712) may be fixed to an open side of a cylinder (715). The rod (713) may extend outside the cylinder (715) by penetrating the bush (712).

[0410] The soft closing device (71) may include a damper case (74) that accommodates a damper (71). The damper case (74) may provide a space (741) therein in which the damper is accommodated. One side of the space is open, and the damper (71) or a damper cover (75) described later may be introduced / withdrawn through the open side.

[0411] The damper (71) is fixed at one end to the damper case (74), and the other end can be introduced / withdrawn through the open side of the damper case (74).

[0412] For example, the load (713) of the damper (71) is fixed to the damper case (74), and the cylinder (715) can slide inside the damper case (74).

[0413] The soft closing device (7) may include a coupler (73) that secures the load (713) to the damper case (74). The coupler (73) may be coupled to the load (713) and secured to the damper case (74).

[0414] The damper (71) can slide relative to the internal space (741) of the damper case (74). For example, the piston (711) can be fixed and the cylinder (715) can slide. Conversely, the cylinder (715) can be fixed and the piston (711) and the rod (713) can slide.

[0415] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a piston (711) and a rod (713) are fixed to a damper case (74) by a coupler (73) and a cylinder (715) slides.

[0416] The damper (71) may include a spring (719) arranged between the closed side of the cylinder (715) and the piston (711).

[0417] The cylinder (715) is introduced into the internal space (741) of the damper case (74), and the air inside the cylinder (715) can be compressed. At this time, the spring (719) can also be compressed. When the cylinder (715) is introduced and the piston (711) passes the second and third sections (717, 718), the air between the piston (711) and the other side of the cylinder (715) can leak out. At this time, the spring (719) can be compressed. Therefore, the damping force disappears, and only the elastic force of the spring (719) remains. When the damper (711) is compressed and then the external force is removed, the damper (711) can be extended.

[0418] The soft closing device (7) may include a damper cover (75) coupled to the damper (71). The damper cover (75) may be in contact with the cam (57).

[0419] The damper cover (75) may include a head (755). The head (755) may be a portion that comes into contact with the cam (57).

[0420] The outer surface (756) of the head (755) can be inclined. The outer surface (756) is also called an inclined surface (756).

[0421] The head (755) may be long at the rear and short at the front. That is, the slope (756) may be inclined so that the front part is far from the lever (5) and the rear part is close to the lever (5).

[0422] The inclined surface (756) may include a first inclined portion (7561) forming a front portion and a second inclined portion (7562) forming a rear portion. The first inclined portion (7561) and the second inclined portion (7562) may have different slopes or different curvatures.

[0423] For example, the first slope (7561) may have a greater curvature than the second slope (7562).

[0424] A boundary (7563) may be formed between the first slope (7561) and the second slope (7562) where the slopes of the first and second slopes are discontinuous.

[0425] The damper cover (75) may include a space (751) for accommodating the damper (71). The damper (71) is accommodated in the damper cover (75), and the damper cover (75) may be accommodated together with the damper (71) in the internal space (741) of the damper case (74).

[0426] The damper cover (75) can be slidable with respect to the damper case (74). The damper cover (75) can be slidable in the damper case (74) together with the cylinder (715).

[0427] The damper cover (75) may include an outwardly protruding guide (754). The guide (754) may extend in the direction in which the damper cover (75) slides.

[0428] The damper cover (75) may include a first catch (757). The first catch (757) may protrude outward from the outer wall of the damper cover (75).

[0429] The damper case (74) may include a hole (747) into which the first catch (757) is inserted. The hole (747) may extend in the direction in which the damper cover (75) slides.

[0430] A second catch (748) may be provided at the end of the hole (747). Through this, the length by which the damper (71) extends may be limited.

[0431] The damper case (74) may include a coupling portion (742). A fastening hole is formed in the coupling portion (742), and a fastening member passes through the fastening hole and is inserted into the lower surface of the door (2), so that the soft closing device (7) can be coupled to the lower surface of the door (2).

[0432]

[0433] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the operation of the soft closing device (7) is explained. Figure 15 shows a state where the soft closing device (7) and the lever (5) are spaced apart, and Figure 16 shows a state where the soft closing device (7) and the lever (5) are in contact.

[0434] Figure 15 (a) shows the same state as Figure 9 (a).

[0435] Below, the operation and status of the door (2), auto-closing device (4) and lever (5) have been described with reference to Fig. 9, so they are briefly described and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0436] At this time, the cam (57) of the lever (5) and the head (755) of the soft closing device (7) may be spaced apart.

[0437] Figure 15 (b) shows the same state as Figure 9 (b). The door (2) is closed by an external force applied to the door, and the latch (47) is released from the second receiving portion (497) and the clutch (44) connects the spring (43) and the shaft (44), or the door is opened and the latch (47) is released from the first latch receiving groove (4637) and is received in the second receiving portion (497). At this time, the cam (57) of the lever (5) and the head (755) of the soft closing device (7) may be spaced apart.

[0438] Figure 15 (c) shows the same state as Figure 9 (c). The auto-closing device (4) provides torque to rotate the lever (5), and the door (2) can be closed by the action of the lever (5) and the reference pin (35). At this time, the cam (57) of the lever (5) and the head (755) of the soft closing device (7) may be spaced apart.

[0439] Figure 16 (a) shows a state in which the door (2) in Figure 9 (c) is further rotated in the closing direction so that the cam (57) of the lever (5) comes into contact with the first inclined surface (7561) of the damper head (755).

[0440] The distance between the piston (711) and the other side of the cylinder (715) may be la greater than the aforementioned lb. This may mean that the piston (711) is located in the first section (716) of the cylinder (715).

[0441] The reference pin (35) can be located in the first region (531) of the slit (53). The torque of the auto-closing device (4) rotates the lever (5), and the door (2) can be closed by the action of the lever (5) and the reference pin (35).

[0442] The door (2) is closed by the auto-closing device (4), and the soft closing device (7) can provide a decelerating force in the direction of slowing down the closing speed.

[0443] Figure 16 (b) shows a state in which the door (2) in Figure 16 (a) further rotates in the closing direction, the lever (5) rotates and presses the damper head (755), and the piston (715) enters the second section (717). The distance between the piston (711) and the other side of the cylinder (715) may be the aforementioned lb.

[0444] The piston (715) enters the second section (717), air between the piston (711) and the cylinder (715) is discharged, and the damping force can be removed.

[0445] The cam (57) may contact the boundary (7563) of the first inclined surface (7561) and the second inclined surface (7562). When the door is closed further, the cam (57) may contact the second inclined surface (7562).

[0446] In the width direction of the door (2), the first inclined surface (7561) may overlap with the rotation axis of the lever (5), and the second inclined surface (7562) may be positioned rearward of the rotation axis of the lever (5).

[0447] Accordingly, when the cam of the lever (5) is in contact with the second inclined surface (7562), the left-right length of the cam (57) may be shorter than when it is in contact with the first inclined surface (7561).

[0448] The second slope (7562) is set to have a steeper slope than the first slope (7561) or a smaller radius of curvature, so as to compensate for the shortening of the left-right length of the cam (57) according to the rotation of the lever (7562).

[0449] The door (2) is closed and the filler (207) can be rotated by the filler guide (17). Part of the force of the auto-closing device (4) to close the door (2) is consumed in rotating the filler (207).

[0450] When the filler (207) enters the filler guide (17), the damping force of the damper (71) is removed, so the auto-closing device (4) can provide sufficient force to close the door (2).

[0451] Figure 16 (c) shows a state in which the door is completely closed, similar to Figure 9 (d). The reference pin (35) may be located at the inner end of the first region (531). The cam (57) may contact the second inclined surface (7562). The piston (711) may be located in the third section (718).

[0452] The filler (207) can be rotated completely and placed parallel to the door (2). The gaskets of the first door (21) and the second door (22) are in contact with the filler (207), so that cold air does not leak between the first and second doors (21, 22).

[0453]

[0454] Referring to FIG. 17, a home appliance according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure may include an auto-closing device (4) including a lever (62) rotatably coupled to a driving unit (40) and a soft-closing device (70) compressed by the lever (62). The lever (62) includes a slit (623) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted, receives torque from the auto-closing device (4), and can close the door (2) by interacting with the reference pin (35). The soft-closing device (70) can provide a decelerating force during the door closing process by contacting the cam (627) of the lever (62). The home appliance according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure has differences in some shapes of the lever (62) and the soft-closing device (70) compared to the home appliance according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, the features of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment described above can be applied as is. Therefore, description of components other than the lever (62) and the soft closing device (70) is omitted.

[0455] The lever (62) includes fingers (621, 622). The fingers (621, 622) may include a first finger (621) and a second finger (622), and a slit (623) may be provided between the first finger (621) and the second finger (622).

[0456] The fingers (621, 622) and the slit (623) are identical to the fingers (51) and the slit (53) of the lever (5) of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0457] The lever (62) includes a cam (627) that pressurizes the soft closing device (70). The cam (627) can be located on the opposite side of the fingers (621, 622) with respect to the rotation center (C) of the lever (62).

[0458] The cam (627) may include a pressure surface (628) provided on the outer circumference. The pressure surface (628) may pressurize the soft closing device (70) according to the rotation of the lever (62).

[0459] The pressure surface (628) may be inclined with respect to the radial direction of the lever (62). For example, the distance between one end of the pressure surface (628) and the center (c) of the lever (62) may be different from the distance between the other end of the pressure surface (628) and the center (c) of the lever (62). For example, the front end of the pressure surface (628) may be further away from the center of the lever (62) than the rear end of the pressure surface (628).

[0460] Accordingly, when the lever (62) rotates to move the cam (627) rearward, the cam (627) can pressurize the soft closing device (70).

[0461] The pressing surface (628) may be formed in an arc shape. The pressing surface (628) may have a convex arc shape. Accordingly, the pressing surface (628) may contact the working surface (766) described below, and may pressurize the damper head (76) as the lever (62) rotates. Depending on the shape of the pressing surface (628), the displacement of the damper head (76) according to the rotation of the lever (62) may be large at the initial stage when the pressing surface (628) contacts the working surface (766), and as the lever (62) rotates, the displacement of the damper head (76) may gradually decrease.

[0462] Meanwhile, the elastic force of the spring (719) of the damper (71) may be proportional to the amount of compression. Due to the shape of the pressure surface (628) described above, as the damper head (76) is compressed, the ratio of the compression length of the damper (71) to the rotation angle of the lever (62) may decrease. Accordingly, even if the elastic force of the spring (719) increases, the auto-closing device (4) can overcome the elastic force of the spring (719) and close the door (2).

[0463] The soft closing device (70) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure has a difference in the shape of the damper head (76) compared to the soft closing device (7) according to the first embodiment described above. Since the soft closing device (70) of the present embodiment has the same features as the soft closing device (7) of the first embodiment described above except for the shape of the damper head (76), a description thereof will be omitted.

[0464] The damper head (76) may include an operating surface (766). The operating surface (766) may be formed on the outer periphery of the damper head (76). The operating surface (766) may contact the pressurizing surface (628) of the cam (627).

[0465] The working surface (766) may have an arc shape. The working surface (766) may have a convex arc shape.

[0466] Meanwhile, the cam (627) is formed as a separate member from the lever (62) and can be coupled to the lever (62). The cam (627) can be coupled to the lever (62) through a fastening member (626).

[0467]

[0468] Referring to FIG. 18, a home appliance according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure may include an auto-closing device (4) including a rotatably provided lever (63) and a soft-closing device (700) compressed by the lever (63). The auto-closing device (4) may further include a driving unit (40) that rotates the lever (5).

[0469] The lever (63) includes a slit (633) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted, receives torque from a driving unit (40), and can close the door (2) by interacting with the reference pin (35). The soft closing device (700) can provide a decelerating force to the door (2) when the door (2) is closed by contacting the cam (637) of the lever (63). The home appliance according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure has differences in some shapes of the lever (63) and the soft closing device (700) compared to the home appliance according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, the features of the home appliance according to the first and second embodiments described above can be applied as is. Therefore, a description of components other than the lever (62) and the soft closing device (700) is omitted.

[0470] The lever (63) may include fingers (631, 632) and a slit (633), which are identical to the fingers and slits of the levers (5, 62) of the first and second embodiments described above, and therefore, a description thereof is omitted.

[0471] The lever (63) includes a cam (637) that pressurizes the soft closing device (700). The cam (637) can be located on the opposite side of the fingers (631, 632) with respect to the rotation center (C) of the lever (63).

[0472] The cam (637) may include a pressure surface (638) provided on the outer circumference. The pressure surface (638) may pressurize the soft closing device (700) according to the rotation of the lever (63).

[0473] The pressure surface (638) may have a convex shape in the radial direction of the lever (63).

[0474] The soft closing device (700) according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure has a difference in the shape of the damper head (77) compared to the soft closing device (70) according to the second embodiment described above. The soft closing device (700) of the present embodiment has other features other than the shape of the damper head (77) that are identical to the soft closing devices (7, 70) of the first and second embodiments described above, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0475] The damper head (77) may include an operating surface (776). The operating surface (776) may be formed on the outer periphery of the damper head (77). The operating surface (776) may contact the pressurizing surface (638) of the cam (637).

[0476] The working surface (776) may have an arc shape. The working surface (776) may have a convex arc shape.

[0477] The working surface (776) may be inclined with respect to the direction in which the damper (71) is compressed. For example, the working surface (776) may be short at the front end and long at the rear end.

[0478] Accordingly, when the lever (63) rotates to move the cam (637) rearward, the cam (637) presses the working surface (776), the damper head (77) slides toward the spring (719), and the damper (71) can be compressed.

[0479] Meanwhile, the cam (637) is formed as a separate member from the lever (63) and can be coupled to the lever (63). The cam (637) can be coupled to the lever (63) via a fastening member (636).

[0480] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the pressure surface (628, 638) and the action surface (766, 776) may have a shape that allows the damper (71) to be compressed according to the rotation of the lever (62, 63).

[0481]

[0482] Hereinafter, a home appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0483] Referring to FIG. 19, a home appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may include an auto-closing device (4) including a rotatably provided lever (64) and a soft-closing device (70) compressed by the lever (64). The auto-closing device (4) may include a driving unit (40) that provides torque to the lever (64).

[0484] The lever (64) includes a slit (643) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted, and can close the door (2) by interacting with the reference pin (35). The soft closing device (70) can provide a decelerating force, i.e., a force in the direction in which the door opens, while contacting the cam (647) of the lever (64) during the closing of the door (2). The home appliance according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure has differences in some shapes of the lever (64) and the soft closing device (70) compared to the home appliance according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, the features of the home appliance according to the first to third embodiments described above can be applied as is. In addition, the soft closing device (70) can be the same as the soft closing device (70) according to the second embodiment described above. Therefore, a description of the configuration other than the lever (64) is omitted.

[0485] The lever (64) may include fingers (641, 642) extending radially outward from the center of rotation. A slit (643) may be formed in the fingers (641, 642). The slit (643) may be positioned between the first finger (641) and the second finger (642).

[0486] The above slit (643) can be extended straight. The slit (643) can be extended in a straight line. The slit (643) can be extended obliquely with respect to the width direction of the door (i.e., left and right direction). The slit (163) can 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) is positioned rearward, and the inner side is positioned forward, so that the slit can extend in a direction intersecting the width direction of the door (2).

[0487] Meanwhile, in contrast, the slit (643) may have the same shape as the slit (53) of the first embodiment described above.

[0488] The lever (64) includes a cam (647) that pressurizes the soft closing device (70). The cam (647) can be located on the opposite side of the fingers (641, 642) with respect to the rotation center (C) of the lever (64).

[0489] The cam (647) may include a pressure surface (648) provided on the outer circumference. The pressure surface (648) may pressurize the soft closing device (70) according to the rotation of the lever (64).

[0490] The pressurizing surface (648) may include a first pressurizing surface (6481) and a second pressurizing surface (6482). The first pressurizing surface (6481) may be positioned relatively rearward, and the second pressurizing surface (6482) may extend from the first pressurizing surface (6482).

[0491] Accordingly, when the door (2) is open, the damper head (766) comes into contact with the first pressure surface (6481), and when the lever (64) rotates during the process of closing the door (2), the damper head (766) can come into contact with the second pressure surface (6482).

[0492] The first pressure surface (6481) may extend away from the center (C) of the lever (64) toward the second pressure surface (6482). The second pressure surface (6482) may extend away from the center (C) of the lever (64) toward the opposite side of the first pressure surface (6481).

[0493] The distance from the center (c) of the lever (64) to the first pressure surface (6481) may be shorter than the distance from the center (c) to the second pressure surface (6482).

[0494] Therefore, when the lever (64) rotates (clockwise in Fig. 17) during the process of closing the door (2), the cam (647) can compress the damper (71).

[0495] The pressure surface (648) may have a concave arc shape. The first pressure surface (6481) may have a concave arc shape. The second pressure surface (6482) may have a concave arc shape.

[0496] The center of curvature of the first pressure surface (6481) and the center of curvature of the second pressure surface (6482) may be positioned at different positions. The angle between a tangent line of the first pressure surface at any point on the first pressure surface (6481) and a line connecting the point and the center (c) of the lever may be greater than the angle between a tangent line of the second pressure surface at any point on the second pressure surface (6482) and a line connecting the point and the center (c) of the lever. That is, the second pressure surface (6482) may have a shape that steeply moves away from the rotation center (c) of the lever (64), and the first pressure surface (6481) may have a shape that relatively gently moves away from it.

[0497] The cam (647) may include an opposing surface (649). The opposing surface (649) may extend from the second pressure surface (6482). The opposing surface (649) may extend from the second pressure surface (6482) to the opposite side of the first pressure surface (6481).

[0498] The opposing surface (649) may include a portion extending perpendicularly to the rotational radius direction of the lever (64). The opposing surface (649) may have a shape corresponding to the damper head (766). Therefore, even if the lever (644) rotates while the opposing surface (649) is in contact with the damper head (766), the opposing surface (649) may not further compress the damper (71).

[0499] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the lever (64) and the soft closing device (70) may be provided on the bottom surface of the door (2). The lever (64) and the soft closing device (70) may be positioned between the front surface (201) and the rear surface of the door (2).

[0500] The cam (647) may include a cam shear (646) connecting the shear end of the lever (64) and the opposing surface (649). The shear end of the lever (64) may mean the shear end of the first finger (641) and a portion extending from the shear end of the first finger (641).

[0501] When the door (2) is open, that is, when the lever (64) is rotated to the maximum angle (qa), the cam shear (646) may be parallel to the front surface (201) of the door (2). The angle (q64) between the cam shear (646) and the front end of the lever (64) may be equal to the maximum rotation angle of the lever (64). The maximum rotation angle of the lever (64) may mean the angle between the rotational position of the lever (64) when the door (2) is open and the rotational position of the lever (64) when the door (2) is closed.

[0502] When the door (2) is closed, the front end of the lever (64) can be arranged parallel to the front surface (201) of the door (2).

[0503] The soft closing device (70) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the width direction of the door (2), i.e., the left-right direction. For example, the soft closing device (70) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the width direction of the door (2) so that the damper head (766) is positioned at the front and the opposite side is positioned at the rear.

[0504] The soft closing device (70) can be arranged so that the damper head (766) is inclined toward the rotation center (c) of the lever (64).

[0505] Fig. 20(a) is a bottom view of the door (2) showing the state in which the reference pin (35) enters the slit (643) during the door closing process, and Fig. 20(b) is a bottom view showing the lever (64) and the soft closing device (70) in a state in which the clutch (44) is released from restraint and the spring (43) and the shaft (46) are connected.

[0506] Referring to Fig. 20(a), when the door (2) is open, the lever (64) can be fixed in position without being rotated by the clutch (44). The lever (64) can be fixed in a position rotated to the maximum rotation angle (qa). When the door (2) is closed and the reference pin (35) is inserted into the slit (643), when the door (2) is closed, the reference pin (35) presses the first finger (641) forward, thereby releasing the restraint by the clutch (44), and the lever (64) can be rotated in the direction in which the fingers (641, 642) face forward.

[0507] When the door (2) is open or the rotation of the lever (64) is restricted, the damper head (766) can contact the first pressure surface (6481).

[0508] Referring to Fig. 20(b), the lever (64) can be rotated by the reference pin (35) as the door (2) is further closed in the state of Fig. 20(a). In the state of Fig. 20(b), the rotation angle (qb) of the lever (64) can be smaller than the maximum rotation angle (qa) described above.

[0509] As the lever (64) rotates, the constraint by the clutch (44) is released, and the clutch (44) can connect the spring (43) and the shaft (46). For example, when the damper head (766) comes into contact with the boundary between the first pressure surface (6481) and the second pressure surface (6482), the clutch (44) can connect the spring (43) and the shaft (46).

[0510] The torque (T) provided by the driving unit (40) rotates the lever (64), and the second finger (642) can push the reference pin (35) forward. Since the reference pin (35) is fixed with respect to the cabinet (10), the rotation center (c) of the lever (64) moves rearward and can rotate in the direction in which the door (2) is closed.

[0511] As the lever (64) rotates, the damper head (766) can come into contact with the second pressure surface (6482). As the lever (64) rotates, the second pressure surface (6482) pushes the damper head (766), and the damper (71) can be compressed.

[0512] As described above, the second pressure surface (6482) may have a shape that moves away steeply from the rotation center (c) of the lever (64), and the first pressure surface (6481) may have a shape that moves away relatively gently. Therefore, the ratio of the compression amount of the damper (71) according to the rotation of the lever (64) in a state where the shaft (46) and the spring (43) are disconnected may be smaller than the ratio of the compression amount of the damper (71) according to the rotation of the lever (64) in a state where the shaft (46) and the spring (43) are connected to each other.

[0513] Accordingly, even if the user closes the door (2) with a small force, the constraint of the clutch (44) is released, the shaft (46) and the spring (43) can be connected, and when the torque (T) of the auto-closing device (4) is provided to the lever (64), the speed at which the door (2) closes can be controlled by the soft closing device (70).

[0514] FIG. 21(a) is a bottom view of the door (2) showing the lever (64) and the soft closing device (70) when the lever (64) rotates and the damper head (677) is positioned at the boundary between the second pressure surface (6482) and the opposing surface (649), and FIG. 21(b) is a bottom view of the door (2) showing the lever (64) and the soft closing device (70) when the door (2) is completely closed.

[0515] Referring to Fig. 21(a), as described above, the lever (64) is rotated by the auto-closing device (4), and the second finger (642) pushes the reference pin (35) forward, so that the door (2) can be closed. As the lever (64) rotates, the second pressure surface (6482) presses the damper head (766), and the closing speed of the door (2) can be reduced by the torque (T) of the auto-closing device (4).

[0516] Referring to FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b), the door (2) may include a filler (207). The filler (207) may be rotatably provided on the door (2). The filler (207) may be rotated by the filler guide (17) during the process of closing the door (2).

[0517] The filler (207) can rotate while in contact with the filler guide (17) due to the force of closing the door (2). That is, the rotation of the filler (207) can attenuate the force of closing the door (2).

[0518] When the filler (207) rotates while in contact with the filler guide (17), the damper head (766) may contact the opposite surface (649). Therefore, the damper (71) may not be compressed during this process.

[0519] Accordingly, even if the damper (71) does not include the second and third sections of the cylinder described above with reference to Fig. 14, the damping force of the damper (71) can be removed when the filler (207) enters the filler guide (17). Accordingly, the auto-closing device (4) can provide sufficient force to close the door (2).

[0520]

[0521] Referring to FIG. 22, a home appliance according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure may include an auto-closing device (4) including a rotatably provided lever (65) and a soft-closing device (7000) compressed by the lever (65). The auto-closing device (4) may further include a driving unit (40) that rotates the lever (65).

[0522] The lever (65) may include a slit (653) into which a reference pin (35) is inserted, and first and second fingers (651, 652) forming the slit. The shapes of the fingers (651, 652) and the slit (653) may have the same shape as the slits of the levers of the above-described embodiments. For example, the slit (653) may have a curved shape that is convexly bent backward.

[0523] The lever (65) receives torque from the driving unit (40) and can close the door (2) by interacting with the reference pin (35). The soft closing device (7000) comes into contact with the cam (657) of the lever (65) and can provide a deceleration force to the door (2) when the door (2) is closed.

[0524] The cam (657) can rotate integrally with the lever (65). The cam (657) can be formed integrally with the lever (65) or can be formed separately from the lever (65) and combined with the lever (65).

[0525] The home appliance according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the home appliance according to the third and fourth embodiments described above in the relative positions of the auto-closing device (4) and the soft-closing device (7000) and the shape of the cam (657). In addition, the features of the home appliance according to the third and fourth embodiments described above can be applied as is. The following will focus on the differences.

[0526] The auto-closing device (4) and the soft closing device (7000) can be spaced apart in the width direction of the door (2), i.e., in the left-right direction. For example, the fastening part (415) of the driving part (40) and the damper case (74) of the soft closing device (7000) can be spaced apart from each other.

[0527] The cam (657) can extend radially outward from the center of rotation (C) of the lever (65) and pressurize the soft closing device (7000). For example, the cam (657) can include an extension portion (6571) radially outward from the center of rotation (C) and a pressurizing portion (6572) disposed on the outside of the extension portion (6571) to pressurize the soft closing device (7000).

[0528] The extension (6571) is coupled to the lever (65) and can rotate integrally with the lever (65). The extension (6571) can extend radially outward from the rotation center (C) of the lever (65).

[0529] The pressurizing portion (6572) may be extended at an angle relative to the extension portion (6571). A pressurizing surface (658) for pressing the working surface (786) of the damper head (78) may be provided at the edge of the pressurizing portion (6572).

[0530] Accordingly, even if the auto-closing device (4) and the soft-closing device (7000) are spaced apart, the cam (657) and the damper head (78) can be in contact. In addition, through this, the auto-closing device (4) and the soft-closing device (7000) can be arranged without overlapping each other vertically.

[0531] The working surface (786) may be identical to or similar to the working surface (786) of the aforementioned embodiment. For example, the working surface (786) may have a short front end and a long rear end. For example, the working surface (786) may be formed as a plane.

[0532] 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.

[0533] 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.

[0534] 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

Cabinet providing a forward-facing storage compartment; A door rotatably provided at the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A hinge fixed to the cabinet and rotatably supporting the door; A soft closing device provided on the door, comprising a damper that provides a rebound force when compressed; and An electrical appliance including a lever provided on the door and rotatable according to the rotation of the door, and having a cam extending radially outward from the center of rotation to compress the damper. In the first paragraph, An electrical appliance wherein the soft closing device further includes a damper head connected to the damper and in contact with the cam. In the second paragraph, An appliance in which the cam is spaced apart from the damper head while the door is open. In the third paragraph, An appliance in which the cam is located in front of the damper head when the door is open. In the fourth paragraph, The above damper head is an electrical appliance in which the front end is inclined closer to the damper and the rear end is inclined away from the damper. In paragraph 5, The above damper head: The first inclined portion forming the front; and It includes a second slope that meets the first slope and forms a rear portion. An electrical appliance in which the slope of the second slope is steeper than the slope of the second slope at the boundary where the first slope and the second slope meet. In paragraph 6, A home appliance in which the second inclined portion is located behind the center of rotation of the lever. In the first paragraph, The above damper: cylinder; a piston sliding within said cylinder; and It includes a damper spring arranged inside the cylinder and compressed by the piston, The above cylinder: A first section in contact with the outer circumference of the piston; A second section extending from the first section and having an enlarged inner diameter; and An appliance comprising a third section extending from the second section and having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the piston. In paragraph 8, The above door: A first door for opening and closing a portion of the above storage room; A second door for opening and closing another part of the above storage room; and Further comprising a filler rotatably provided on the first door or the second door, and closing the space between the first and second doors when the first and second doors are closed; The above cabinet further includes a filler guide that guides the rotation of the filler, An appliance in which the piston enters the second section during the closing process of the door and the filler then comes into contact with the filler guide. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a reference pin fixed to the above cabinet, An appliance in which the above lever includes a slit into which the reference pin is inserted according to rotation of the above lever. In Article 10, The above reference pin is located on the opposite side of the soft closing device with respect to the lever, An appliance in which the above slit is located on the opposite side of the cam based on the center of rotation of the lever. In Article 10, The above hinge includes a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis spaced apart from each other, It further includes a guide member provided on the door and including an axis insertion groove into which the first and second hinge axes are inserted, A home appliance in which the above-mentioned shaft insertion groove has a width corresponding to the diameter of the first and second hinge axes and extends in an arc shape. In Article 10, The above lever further includes a finger in which the slit is formed, An electrical appliance in which the above cam is formed integrally with the above finger. In Article 10, The above cam is an electrical appliance that is coupled to the body of the above lever. In Article 10, Further comprising an auto-closing device that rotates the above lever, The above auto-closing device and the above soft-closing device are home appliances provided on the lower surface of the door.

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