WO2024219691A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

refrigerator

This specification relates to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space that is sealed by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to cool the inside of the storage space by using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant that circulates a refrigeration cycle, thereby allowing the stored food to be stored in an optimal condition.

Recently, refrigerators are becoming larger and more multifunctional in line with the changing eating habits and the trend toward higher quality products, and refrigerators with various structures that take user convenience into consideration are being released.

If the refrigerator door is equipped with a device to provide storage space or to provide additional functions such as an ice maker or dispenser, the weight of the door increases. If heavy materials such as glass or metal are used to enhance the appearance of the refrigerator door, the weight of the door also increases.

If the weight of the refrigerator door increases, there is a problem that it takes a lot of force to open and close the refrigerator door, and problems such as noise or falling of stored items may occur due to the impact when the door closes.

To solve this problem, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0075659 and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0132619 disclose a refrigerator equipped with a device that can provide a closing force of the door to the door rotation axis or an adjacent location of the refrigerator.

However, in such conventional technologies, there is a problem in that the closing force applied to the door is added, so that more force is required to open the door, and there is a problem in that the door may be opened by the rebound force at the moment the door closes.

One embodiment provides a refrigerator and home appliance in which the door can be automatically closed during the closing process of the door, while shock can be mitigated by a damping mechanism when the door is closed.

Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator and home appliance capable of preventing micro-opening of the door.

Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which, when the refrigerator door is composed of a main door and a sub-door, shock can be mitigated by a damping mechanism during the closing process of each of the main door and the sub-door.

A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet forming a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet. The door may include a main door for opening and closing the storage space, a sub-door rotatable with respect to the main door, and a damping mechanism for providing a damping force to the sub-door during the closing process of the sub-door.

The above refrigerator may further include an auto-closing device that provides closing force to the sub-door during the closing process of the sub-door.

In the process in which the above auto closing device provides closing force to the sub door, the damping mechanism can provide damping force to the sub door.

The above refrigerator may further include at least one of an additional auto-closing device that provides closing force to the main door during the closing process of the main door, and an additional damping mechanism that provides damping force to the main door during the closing process of the main door.

The above damping mechanism may include a damper that generates a damping force during the moving process.

The above auto closing device and the damping mechanism may be installed in the sub door. The main door may include a contact portion that pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub door.

The above door may further include a sub-door bracket that rotatably supports the sub-door. The sub-door bracket may include a contact portion that pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub-door.

The above auto closing device may include a lever rotatable at a position spaced from the rotation center of the door, and an elastic member connected to the lever.

During the closing process of the above sub-door, the lever can pressurize the damper.

The damper may include a connecting portion, and the lever may include a slot for engaging the connecting portion.

The auto closing device may further include a case that accommodates the elastic member. The case may be provided with an outer body that accommodates the damper, or the outer body may be installed on the door at a position adjacent to the case.

The above sub-door bracket may include a contact surface that comes into contact with the lever during the process of closing the sub-door.

The above damping mechanism can be located within the case.

The above damping mechanism further includes a damper connecting portion connected to the damper, and when the sub-door is opened and then closed, the lever can move the damper connecting portion to move the damper to a first position. After the damper is moved to the first position, the damper can be moved to a second position by being pressurized by the sub-door bracket to generate a damping force during an additional closing process of the sub-door.

The above auto closing device may be installed in the sub door, and the above damping mechanism may be installed in the main door.

The above auto-closing device may include an elastic body that contacts the sub-door bracket and pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub-door.

The above auto closing device may include a plate spring installed in the sub door bracket, and a damper contact portion that contacts the plate spring and pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub door.

The above auto closing device and the damping mechanism may be installed in the main door, or the auto closing device may be installed in the main door and the damping mechanism may be installed in the sub door.

The main door may be provided with an opening in which at least a part of the sub-door is positioned, and a slot for inserting the sub-door bracket. During the process of closing the sub-door, the sub-door or the sub-door bracket may pressurize the damper, or the main door may pressurize the damper.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a cabinet forming a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door may include a main door for opening and closing the storage space, a sub-door rotatable with respect to the main door, a first damping mechanism for providing a damping force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second damping mechanism for providing a damping force to the sub-door during a closing process of the sub-door.

According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet, wherein the door may include a main door for opening and closing the storage space, a sub-door rotatable with respect to the main door, a first auto-closing device for providing a closing force to the main door during a closing process of the main door, and a second auto-closing device for providing a closing force to the sub-door during a closing process of the sub-door.

In another aspect, the appliance may include some or all of the door-related components of the refrigerator mentioned above.

According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that the door can be automatically closed during the closing process of the door, while the impact can be mitigated by a damping mechanism when the door is closed.

In one embodiment, the auto-closing device provides force in the direction in which the door closes, thereby having the advantage of preventing micro-opening of the door.

According to one embodiment, even when the refrigerator door is composed of a main door and a sub door, there is an advantage in that the impact can be alleviated by a damping mechanism during the closing process of each of the main door and the sub door.

According to one embodiment, since the auto-closing device can be installed at a position spaced apart from the center of rotation of the sub-door, there is an advantage in that the auto-closing device can be installed on a thin sub-door.

Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

Figure 2 is a drawing of the door of Figure 1 viewed from below.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the main hinge bracket according to the first embodiment.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first damping mechanism according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the second damping mechanism according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second damping mechanism.

Figure 7 is a bottom view of an auto closing device according to the first embodiment.

Figure 8 is a bottom view of a sub-hinge bracket according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which the lever is in contact with the first part when the closing angle of the sub-door according to the first embodiment is the second set angle.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which the closing angle of the sub-door of FIG. 9 is reduced and the lever is positioned at the boundary between the first part and the second part.

Figure 11 is a drawing showing a state where the closing angle of the sub-door is reduced and the lever is in contact with the third part.

Figure 12 is a drawing showing the sub door in a closed state.

FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an auto closing device and a second damping mechanism according to a second embodiment installed in a sub door.

Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a part of the damping mechanism is separated in the auto closing device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which the lever is in contact with the first part when the closing angle of the sub-door according to the second embodiment is the second set angle.

Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which the closing angle of the sub-door of Fig. 15 is reduced and the lever is positioned at the boundary between the first part and the second part.

Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a drawing showing a state in which the first member in Fig. 19 is rotated.

Fig. 21 is a plan view of a door according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a front view of a door according to the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a drawing showing an open state of a sub-door according to the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a state in which the lever of the auto closing device of the sub-door according to the sixth embodiment is in contact with the first part of the sub-hinge bracket.

FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a state in which the lever of the auto closing device of the sub-door according to the sixth embodiment is in contact with the second part of the sub-hinge bracket.

Fig. 27 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 28 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the seventh embodiment.

Fig. 29 is a drawing showing a state in which the lever of the auto closing device of the sub-door according to the seventh embodiment is opened at a predetermined angle.

Fig. 30 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the eighth embodiment.

Fig. 31 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub-door according to the eighth embodiment is opened to a first angle.

Fig. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a sub-door according to the eighth embodiment is opened to a second angle.

Figure 33 (a) is a drawing showing a latch for joining the main door and the sub door, and Figure 33 (b) is a drawing showing an operating part for operating the latch.

Fig. 34 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 9th embodiment.

Fig. 35 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 10th embodiment.

Fig. 36 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 11th embodiment.

Fig. 37 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 12th embodiment.

Fig. 38 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 13th embodiment.

Fig. 39 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 14th embodiment.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a view of the door of Fig. 1 as seen from below, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 1.

Before the explanation, the direction is defined. In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction in which the front of the door shown in Fig. 1 faces is defined as front, the direction toward the cabinet based on the front of the door is defined as rear, the direction toward the floor surface on which the refrigerator is installed is defined as downward, and the direction away from the floor surface is defined as upward. When talking about directions that are not defined, the directions can be defined and explained based on each drawing.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment may be installed independently in a kitchen or accommodated in a furniture cabinet indoors. When the refrigerator (1) is installed in a furniture cabinet indoors, the refrigerator (1) may be installed alone or arranged left and right together with other refrigerators.

The above refrigerator (1) may include a cabinet (10) having a storage space. The above refrigerator (1) may further include a door (20) for opening and closing the storage space.

The storage space is not limited, but may be divided into a first space on the upper side and a second space on the lower side. The door (20) may also include a first door (21) that opens and closes the first space and a second door (22) that opens and closes the second space. The first space may be a refrigerator and the second space may be a freezer, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space that are divided left and right. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, and a single door may open and close the storage space.

At least one of the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be a rotary type door. Alternatively, a single door (20) may be a rotary type door.

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

When the main door (23) is rotated, the sub door (24) can be rotated together with the main door (23). The sub door (24) can be rotated independently of the main door (23). For example, the sub door (24) can be rotated while the main door (23) is closed.

The above refrigerator (1) may further include a main hinge bracket (31) for rotation of the main door (23). The main hinge bracket (31) may provide a center of rotation of the main door (23). For example, the main hinge bracket (31) may include a main door shaft.

The above main hinge bracket (31) may be positioned on the upper and lower sides of the main door (23). At this time, the shape of the main hinge bracket positioned on the upper side of the main door (23) may be the same as or different from the shape of the main hinge bracket positioned on the lower side of the main door (23). As an example, the main hinge bracket (31) positioned on the lower side of the main door (23) is illustrated in FIG. 3. The main hinge bracket (31) may be installed on the cabinet (10) to support the main door (23), for example.

The refrigerator (1) may further include a first damping mechanism (26) that provides damping force to the main door (23). The first damping mechanism (26) may be installed in the main door (23). When the main door (23) is opened and then closed, the first damping mechanism (26) may provide damping force to the main door (23) to reduce the closing speed of the main door (23). Since the first damping mechanism (26) applies damping force due to resistance in the flow of oil inside, it may be called a hydraulic damper or an oil damper.

The first damping mechanism (26) may be positioned on one side of the main hinge bracket (31). The first damping mechanism (26) may be selectively brought into contact with the main hinge bracket (31). The first damping mechanism (26) may be selectively pressurized by the main hinge bracket (31) according to the rotation angle of the main door (23) when the main door (23) is rotated in the closing direction.

The above main door (23) may include a cap deco (231). The first damping mechanism (26) may be installed in the cap deco (231). The cap deco (231) may be provided with a shielding member (232). The shielding member (232) may protrude from one surface of the cap deco (231) and may reduce the exposure of the first damping mechanism (26) from the front.

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

The above main door (23) may include an auto-closing device (25) (or a first auto-closing device) that provides a closing force to the main door (23) during the process of opening and closing the main door (23). The auto-closing device (25) may be positioned on the same extension as the rotation center of the main door (23) and may be combined with the main hinge bracket (31).

The above sub-door (24) may include an auto-closing device (40) (or a second auto-closing device) that provides closing force to the sub-door (24) during the process of opening and closing the sub-door (24).

The auto closing device (40) may be positioned adjacent to the sub hinge bracket (33). For example, FIG. 3 illustrates that the auto closing device (40) is positioned at the lower side of the sub door (24). The structure of the auto closing device (25) provided to the main door (23) may be different from the structure of the auto closing device (40) provided to the sub door (24), but in some cases, the same or similar structure may be applied.

The above auto closing device (40) can provide closing force to the sub door (24) while interacting with the sub hinge bracket (33) during the process of closing the sub door (24).

The sub-door (24) may include a door frame. The door frame may form an outer shape of the sub-door (24). The door frame may include a cap deco (241). The cap deco (241) may be provided with an operating portion (243) for operating a latch for coupling the main door (23) and the sub-door (24). When the main door (23) and the sub-door (24) are coupled by the latch, the main door (23) and the sub-door (24) may rotate together.

The cap deco (241) may be provided with a mounting portion (246) for mounting the auto closing device (40). The mounting portion (246) may be formed in a sunken shape, for example. The auto closing device (40) may be fastened to the cap deco (241) while being accommodated in the mounting portion (246).

In a state where the auto closing device (40) is accommodated in the mounting portion (246), a part of the auto closing device (40) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the sub door (33) in order to interact with the sub hinge bracket (33).

The above sub-door (24) may further include a second damping mechanism (50). The second damping mechanism (50) may generate a damping force when the sub-door (24) is closed.

In this specification, the second damping mechanism (50) can reduce the closing speed of the sub-door (24) in a section where the sub-door (24) is automatically closed by the auto-closing device (40).

The above main door (23) may include a contact portion (233) that comes into contact with the second damping mechanism (50). During the process of closing the sub door (24), the second damping mechanism (50) may come into contact with the contact portion (233) to generate a damping force. At this time, the contact portion (233) may be a separate component from the shield portion (232) or may be a part of the shield portion (232).

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the main hinge bracket according to the first embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 4, the main hinge bracket (31) may include a joining portion (311) for joining to the cabinet (10). The main hinge bracket (30) may further include a bracket body (312) extending from the joining portion (311).

The above bracket body (312) can provide a center of rotation (C1) of the main door (23). The above bracket body (312) can include a contact surface (313) that comes into contact with the first damping mechanism (26).

When the opening angle (or closing angle) of the main door (23) is within the first set angle, the first damping mechanism (26) can come into contact with the contact surface (313). When the main door (23) is opened or closed within an angle range smaller than the first set angle, the first damping mechanism (26) can move along the contact surface (313).

The above contact surface (313) may include a first part (314). The first part (314) is a portion that the first damping mechanism (26) initially comes into contact with during the process of closing the main door (23). Therefore, when the main door (23) is opened at an angle greater than the first set angle, the first damping mechanism (26) does not come into contact with the first part (314). When the opening angle of the main door (23) becomes less than the first set angle, the first damping mechanism (26) may come into contact with the first part (314).

The above contact surface (313) may further include a second part (315) extending from the first part (314). The distance from the center of rotation (C1) to the second part (315) may be greater than the distance from the center of rotation (C1) to the first part (314).

The above contact surface (313) may further include a third part (316) extending from the second part (315). When the main door (23) is closed, the first damping mechanism (26) may come into contact with the third part (316).

The distance from the rotation center (C1) to the third part (316) may be greater than the distance from the rotation center (C1) to the second part (315).

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first damping mechanism according to the first embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 5, the first damping mechanism (26) may include a housing (261). The housing (261) may be installed in the main door (23).

The housing (261) may be provided with an accommodation space (260) that is opened on one side. A cylinder (264) may be accommodated inside the accommodation space (260). One end of the housing (261) may be opened so that the cylinder (264) may be inserted, and the cylinder (264) may be protruded or inserted through the opened end of the housing (261).

A coupling part (262) mounted on the cap deco (231) may be formed on one side of the housing (261). A plurality of screw holes (262a) may be formed in the coupling part (262).

The above first damping mechanism (26) may include the cylinder (264). The cylinder (264) may be inserted into the receiving space (260). The cylinder (264) may include a contact portion (264a) that comes into contact with the contact surface (313).

The above contact portion (264a) may be formed in a shape in which the central portion protrudes and the ends become lower. Accordingly, the contact portion (264a) may be subject to force in a direction in which the protruding central portion comes into contact with the contact surface (313) and intersects with the tangent line of the contact surface (313), that is, in the insertion direction of the cylinder (264). The contact portion (264a) may be formed in a shape in which both ends become lower with respect to the central portion of the cylinder (264), thereby preventing unnecessary interference with points other than one point of the contact surface (213) during the rotation process of the main door (23). The contact portion (264a) may include a curved surface.

One end of the cylinder (264) is exposed to the outside of the housing (261), and the other end can be maintained in a state inserted into the interior of the receiving space (260). When the cylinder (264) is pressurized, the cylinder (264) can be inserted while being cushioned by the flow of oil inside the first damping mechanism (26).

Meanwhile, a buffer space (264b) having one end opened may be formed inside the cylinder (264). A piston (267) may be arranged in the buffer space (264b) so as to be relatively movable with respect to the cylinder (264). The open end of the cylinder (264) may be shielded by a sealing member (268). The piston (267) may be supported by the elastic member (265) in the buffer space (264b). Oil for damping may be filled in the buffer space (264b). A rod (266) may be connected to the piston (267). The rod (266) may pass through the sealing member (268) and extend to the outside of the cylinder (264) and may be fixed to the inside of the housing (261). The above buffer space (264b) may be formed in the receiving space (260) as needed. The above buffer space (264b) may be located inside the housing (261), that is, within the receiving space (260).

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

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

Fig. 6 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the second damping mechanism according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 6 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second damping mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 6, the second damping mechanism (50) may include an outer body (530) and a damper (510) accommodated in the outer body (530).

The outer body (530) may be installed on the sub door (24). The outer body (530) may include a fastening part (532) for fastening to the sub door (24).

The above damper (510) may include a housing (511) and a rod (512) that can move relative to the housing (511).

The above load (512) can be fixed to the outer body (530). The housing (511) can move with respect to the outer body (530) while being accommodated in the outer body (530).

The above second damping mechanism (50) may further include a spring (540) that provides elastic force to the damper (510).

The damper (510) may include a contact member (520) coupled to the housing (511) of the damper (510) and moving together with the housing (511). The contact member (520) may form the exterior of the damper (510). Alternatively, the contact member (520) may be coupled to the housing (511) at a position where it may come into contact with the contact portion (233) of the main door (23). Alternatively, the contact member (520) may be omitted.

Figure 7 is a bottom view of an auto closing device according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the auto closing device (40) of the present embodiment may include a case (410). At least a portion of the case (410) may be accommodated in the mounting portion (246).

The case (410) may include one or more extension parts (411). A fastening hole (412) may be formed in the extension part (411). A fastening member may be fastened to the sub-door (24) by passing through the fastening hole (412).

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

The above auto closing device (40) may further include an elastic member (440). The elastic member (440) may be accommodated in the case (410). The elastic member (440) may be connected to the lever (420). The elastic member (440) may be directly connected to the lever (420) or may be connected to the lever (420) by a separate member.

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

When the lever (420) is rotated in one direction while one end of the elastic member (440) is fixed, the other end of the elastic member (440) connected to the connector (430) can be rotated in the one direction.

When the other end of the elastic member (440) is rotated in the above-described one direction, the elastic member (440) accumulates elastic force. The elastic force accumulated by the elastic member (440) can act as the lever (420) to rotate the lever (420) in the other direction opposite to the above-described one direction.

The above lever (420) may include a first body (422). The first body (422) may be connected to the elastic member (440) or connected to the connector (430).

The center of rotation (C3) of the above lever (420) can penetrate the first body (422).

The above lever (420) may include a second body (424) extending to one side from the first body (422). The second body (424) may be provided with a contact portion (428) that comes into contact with the sub-hinge bracket (33). The contact portion (428) may be a part of the second body (424) or may be coupled to the second body (424).

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

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

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a sub-hinge bracket according to the first embodiment.

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

The above bracket body (332) can provide a center of rotation (C2) of the sub door (24). The above bracket body (332) can include a contact surface (333) that comes into contact with the lever (420).

When the opening angle (or closing angle) of the sub-door (24) is within the second set angle, the lever (420) can come into contact with the contact surface (333). When the sub-door (24) is opened or closed within an angle range smaller than the second set angle, the lever (420) can move along the contact surface (333).

The above contact surface (333) may include a first part (334). The first part (334) is a portion that the lever (420) initially comes into contact with during the closing process of the sub-door (24). Therefore, when the sub-door (24) is opened at an angle greater than the second set angle, the lever (420) does not come into contact with the first part (334). When the opening angle of the sub-door (24) becomes less than or equal to the second set angle, the lever (420) may come into contact with the first part (334). The first part (334) may include an initial point and an end point. The distance between the first part (334) and the center of rotation (C2) may increase from the initial point to the end point.

The above contact surface (333) may further include a second part (335) extending from the first part (334). The second part (335) may be inclined with respect to the first part (334). The second part (335) may include an initial point and an end point. The distance from the center of rotation (C2) in the second part (335) may decrease from the initial point to the end point.

The above contact surface (333) may further include a third part (336) extending from the second part (335). When the sub-door (24) is closed, the lever (420) may come into contact with the third part (336). The distance from the rotation center (C2) to the third part (336) may be smaller than the distance from the rotation center (C2) to the second part (335).

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever contacts a first part when the closing angle of a sub-door according to the first embodiment is a second set angle, and FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a closing angle of the sub-door of FIG. 9 is reduced and the lever is positioned at a boundary between the first part and the second part. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a closing angle of the sub-door is reduced and the lever is in contact with a third part. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which the sub-door is closed.

The position of the damper in Fig. 9 may be referred to as the first position, and the position of the damper in Fig. 12 may be referred to as the second position.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 12, when the lever (420) is separated from the contact surface (333) during the process of closing the sub-door (24) after the sub-door (24) is opened, an external force is not applied to the lever (420).

When the sub-door (24) closes in the first direction (counterclockwise in the drawing), when the sub-door (24) forms a second set angle with the front of the cabinet (10) or the front of the main door (23), the lever (420) comes into contact with the first part (334) of the contact surface (333). At the time when the lever (420) comes into contact with the contact surface (333), the damper (510) maintains a state in which it is positioned at the first position. The first position of the damper (510) may be a state in which the spring (540) within the damper (510) is tensioned so that the damper (510) protrudes to the maximum extent outward from the housing body (530).

When the sub-door (24) is additionally rotated in the first direction while the lever (420) is in contact with the first part (334), the lever (420) is rotated in a second direction (clockwise with reference to FIG. 10) opposite to the first direction due to the inclination of the first part (334). That is, during the process of closing the sub-door (24), the first part (334) applies a resistive force to the lever (420) so that the lever (420) is rotated in the second direction. When the lever (420) is rotated in the second direction, the other end of the elastic member (440) is rotated in the second direction, so that the elastic member (440) accumulates elastic force.

In the process of closing the sub-door (24), the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member (440) increases as the contact portion of the lever (420) moves from the starting point of the first part (334) toward the second part (335).

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

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

As the above lever (420) moves along the second part (335) and the third part (336), the auto closing device (40) provides a closing force to the sub-door (24), while the second damping mechanism (50) provides a damping force to the sub-door (24).

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, during the process of closing the sub-door (24), the sub-door (24) can be automatically closed by the auto-closing device (40), and in the section where the sub-door (24) is automatically closed by the auto-closing device (40), the sub-door (24) can be smoothly closed by the damping force of the second damping mechanism (50). In addition, when the sub-door (24) is closed, the auto-closing device (40) can continuously provide a closing force to the sub-door (24). Therefore, micro-opening of the sub-door (24) can be prevented.

FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an auto closing device and a second damping mechanism according to the second embodiment installed on a sub door, and FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a part of the damping mechanism is separated from the auto closing device of the second embodiment.

This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except that there is a difference in the shape and installation position of the second damping mechanism. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

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

The second damping mechanism (60) may include an outer body (610) and a damper (630) accommodated in the outer body (610). The outer body (610) may be formed integrally with the case (410) of the auto closing device (40a) or may be coupled to the case (410).

The above damper (630) may include a housing (631) and a rod (632) that is movable relative to the housing (631). The rod (632) may be fixed to the outer body (610). The housing (631) may move relative to the outer body (610) while being accommodated in the outer body (610).

The damper (630) may further include a contact member (620) positioned on the outside of the housing (631). The contact member (620) may form an outer appearance of the damper (630). Alternatively, the contact member (620) may be coupled to the housing (631) at a position where it may come into contact with the lever (420a) of the auto closing device (40a). Alternatively, the contact member (620) may be formed integrally with the housing (631). Alternatively, the contact member (620) may be omitted.

Since the sub-door bracket (33) of the present embodiment is the same as the sub-door bracket (33) of the first embodiment, a detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever is in contact with a first part when the closing angle of a sub-door according to a second embodiment is a second set angle, FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a closing angle of the sub-door of FIG. 15 is reduced and the lever is positioned at a boundary between the first part and the second part, and FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a closed state of a sub-door according to the second embodiment.

The position of the damper in Fig. 16 may be referred to as the first position, and the positions of the damper in Figs. 15 and 17 may be referred to as the second position.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, the second damping mechanism (60) may be positioned between the rotation center (C3) of the lever (420a) and the rotation center (C2) of the sub-door (24).

When the lever (420a) is separated from the contact surface (333) during the process of closing the sub-door (24) after the sub-door (24) is opened, an external force is not applied to the lever (420a).

In the process of closing the sub-door (24) in the first direction (counterclockwise in the drawing), when the sub-door (24) forms a second set angle with the front of the cabinet (10) or the front of the main door (23), the lever (420a) comes into contact with the first part (334) of the contact surface (333).

At the point when the lever (420a) comes into contact with the contact surface (333), the damper (630) is maintained in a state positioned at the second position. The second position of the damper (630) may be a state in which the lever (420a) presses the damper (630). When the damper (630) is pressurized, the spring (635) within the damper (630) may be in a contracted state.

When the sub-door (24) is additionally rotated in the first direction while the lever (420a) is in contact with the first part (334), the lever (420a) is rotated in a second direction (clockwise with reference to FIG. 16) opposite to the first direction due to the inclination of the first part (334). That is, in the process of closing the sub-door (24), the first part (334) applies a resistive force to the lever (420a) so that the lever (420a) is rotated in the second direction.

When the above lever (420a) is rotated in the second direction, the other end of the elastic member (440) is rotated in the second direction, causing the elastic member (440) to accumulate elastic force.

In the process of closing the sub-door (24), as the lever (420a) moves from the starting point of the first part (334) toward the second part (335), the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member (440) increases. In the process of rotating the lever (420a) in the second direction, the pressing force of the lever (420a) on the damper (630) decreases, so that the damper (630) moves in the third direction toward the first position by the spring (635).

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

When the lever (420a) reaches the end point of the first part (334) during the closing process of the sub-door (24), the damper (630) reaches the first position. The damping force that can be applied when the damper (630) is positioned at the first position can be maximum.

Meanwhile, the elastic force of the spring (635) provided in the second damping mechanism (60) may be smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member (440) of the auto closing device (40).

Accordingly, when the sub-door (24) is opened at an angle greater than the second set angle, the damper (630) can be maintained in the second position by the elastic force of the elastic member (440).

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

During the process in which the above lever (420a) moves along the second part (335), the first direction rotational force of the lever (420a) is transmitted to the damper (630).

The above damper (630) can be moved from the first position to the second position in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction by being pressurized by the lever (420a).

During the process in which the above damper (630) moves in the fourth direction, damping force can be applied to the lever (420a).

In the process in which the above lever (420a) moves along the second part (335), the auto closing device (40a) provides a closing force to the sub-door (24), while the damping mechanism (60) provides a damping force to the sub-door (24). In the closed state of the sub-door (24), the lever (420a) comes into contact with the third part (336), and the state in which the lever (420a) presses the damper (630) can be maintained.

Fig. 18 is a bottom view of a door according to the third embodiment. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a drawing showing the first member in Fig. 19 in a rotated state.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the auto closing device (70) of the present embodiment can provide not only a closing force to the sub-door (24), but also a damping force.

The above auto closing device (70) may include a case (710). The case (710) may be accommodated in the sub door (24).

The auto closing device (70) may include a first member (720) accommodated in the case (710). The auto closing device (70) may include a lever (750) connected to the first member (720).

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

Since the shape and function of the above lever (750) may be the same as the lever described in the previous embodiment, a detailed description is omitted.

The first member (720) can be rotated within the case (710). When the first member (720) is rotated, the lever (750) can also be rotated.

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

The first member (720) may include a first space (724) capable of containing oil. The second member (730) may include a second space (734) capable of containing oil. The first space (724) may be sunken in a direction away from the second member (730), for example. The second space (734) may be sunken in a direction away from the first member (730), for example.

To enable linear movement of the second member (730) when the first member (720) rotates, the first member (720) may include a first uneven portion (722), and the second member (730) may include a second uneven portion (732).

The first uneven portion (722) may include a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions that are arranged alternately. The second uneven portion (732) may include a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions that are arranged alternately.

Depending on the rotational position of the first member (720), the convex portion of the first uneven portion (722) can be accommodated in the concave portion of the second uneven portion (732). The convex portion of the second uneven portion (732) can be accommodated in the concave portion of the first uneven portion (732).

The auto closing device (70) may further include a support (740) that supports the second member (730). For example, the support (740) may be an elastic member that elastically supports the second member (730).

As long as no external force is applied to the first member (720), the first uneven portion (722) and the second uneven portion (732) can be maintained in an interlocked state by the elastic force of the elastic member (760) as shown in FIG. 20.

The second member (730) and the case (710) can form a buffer space (712) in which oil is received. The support (740) can be positioned in the buffer space (712).

Although not shown, the case (710) may be provided with a rotation guide that guides the rotation of the first member (720).

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

With the projection (736) accommodated in the projection groove (714), the projection (736) can move along the projection groove (714). The rotation of the second member (730) is restricted by the projection groove (714) and the projection (736), and linear movement can be stably performed.

The above first member (720) is capable of bidirectional rotation in the case (710).

In this embodiment, the first member (720), the second member (730), and the elastic member (740) positioned within the case (710) may be referred to as a second damping mechanism. That is, the second damping mechanism may be positioned within the auto closing device.

In Fig. 20, the position of the second member may be referred to as the first position. In Fig. 19, the position of the second member may be referred to as the second position. A damping force may be generated during the process in which the second member (730) moves from the first position to the second position.

When the second member (730) moves in one direction from the first position to the second position, the support (740) contracts and the oil in the buffer space (712) can flow through the second member (730) or between the second member (730) and the inner surface of the case (710) into the first space (724) or the second space (724).

Damping force may be generated during the process in which oil flows from the buffer space (712) to the first space (724) or the second space (724).

Fig. 21 is a plan view of a door according to the fourth embodiment.

This embodiment is identical to the previous embodiment in other aspects, except that the damping mechanism and the auto-closing device are positioned on the upper side of the sub-door. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 21, the door of the present embodiment may include a main door (23) and a sub door (24).

The above main door (23) can be rotatably connected to the cabinet by a main door bracket (31a). The above sub-door (24) can be rotatably connected to the main door (23) by a sub-door bracket (33a).

The above sub-door (24) may include an auto-closing device (40) and a second damping mechanism (50). The auto-closing device (40) may be installed on the upper side of the sub-door (24). The second damping mechanism (50) may be installed on the upper side of the sub-door (24). As mentioned in the previous embodiment, the auto-closing device (40) may cause the sub-door (24) to automatically close during the closing process of the sub-door (24). The second damping mechanism (50) may reduce the closing speed of the sub-door (24) during the operation of the auto-closing device (40). For example, the second damping mechanism (50) may come into contact with the main door (23) and be pressurized by the main door (23). The above main door (23) may include a contact portion for contacting the damper of the second damping mechanism (50).

FIG. 22 is a front view of a door according to the fifth embodiment, FIG. 23 is a drawing showing a sub-door according to the fifth embodiment in an open state, and FIG. 24 is a drawing showing a sub-door according to the fifth embodiment in a closed state.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, the door of the present embodiment may include a main door (23a) and a sub-door (24a) rotatably connected to the main door (23a).

The main door (23a) may include a main door frame (810) having an opening (811). The sub-door (24a) may open and close the opening (811). For example, at least a portion of the sub-door (24a) may be accommodated in the opening (811).

The above sub-door (24a) may include a sub-door frame (902), a door liner (904) connected to the sub-door frame (902), and a panel assembly (910) in contact with the sub-door frame (902).

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

The above sub door (24a) can be rotatably connected to the main door (23a) by a sub hinge bracket (920).

One side of the sub hinge bracket (920) may be connected to the sub door frame (902). The other side of the sub hinge bracket (920) may be connected to the main door frame (810).

For example, the main door frame (810) may be provided with a slot (812) for the sub-hinge bracket (920) to pass through. The sub-hinge bracket (920) may be inserted into the interior of the main door frame (810) through the slot (812).

The above main door frame (810) may be equipped with a second damping mechanism (1000). Since the basic structure and function of the above second damping mechanism (1000) are the same as the second damping mechanism described previously, a detailed description will be omitted.

The second damping mechanism (1000) can penetrate the slot (812) and be positioned within the main door frame (810).

The above second damping mechanism (1000) may include a damper (1020). As shown in FIG. 23, when the sub-door (24a) is open, the damper (1020) may protrude outward from the slot (812) by the elastic force of the spring.

In the process of closing the sub-door (24a), the contact portion (922) of the sub-hinge bracket (920) may come into contact with the damper (1020). When the contact portion (922) comes into contact with the damper (1020), the damper (1020) is pressurized and the damping force acts on the sub-door (24a). In the closed state of the sub-door (24a), the entire damper (1020) may be positioned within the main door frame (810). Alternatively, in the closed state of the sub-door (24a), a part of the damper (1020) may be positioned in the slot (812).

As another example, the damper (1020) of the second damping mechanism (1000) may be in contact with the sub-door frame (902) and be pressurized by the sub-door frame (902).

In the present embodiment, an auto-closing device for closing the sub-door (24a) may be provided or omitted. When an auto-closing device for the sub-door (24a) is provided, the auto-closing device may be positioned at the main door (23) and may operate with the sub-hinge bracket (920).

As another example, the auto closing device for the sub door (24a) may be provided in the main door (23a), and the second damping mechanism (1000) may also be provided in the sub door (24a). In this case, the damper (1020) of the second damping mechanism (1000) may be pressurized by the main door frame (810) during the closing process of the sub door (24a).

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

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, the door of the present embodiment may include a main door (23) and a sub-door (24) rotatably connected to the main door (23).

The above main door (23) can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a main door bracket (31a). The above sub-door (24) can be rotatably connected to the main door (23) by a sub-door bracket (33b).

The above sub-door bracket (33b) may include a first part (1051) connected to the main door (23) and a second part (1052) connected to the sub-door (24).

For example, the first part (1051) may be connected to the upper side of the main door (23). The first part (1051) may be a part that overlaps the upper surface of the main door (23) in the upper and lower direction. The second part (1052) may be a part that extends from the first part (1051) and does not overlap the upper surface of the main door (23).

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

The above sub-door bracket (33b) may include a contact surface that comes into contact with the lever (420) of the auto closing device (40). The contact surface may include a first part (1053), a second part (1054), and a third part (1055).

The above sub-door bracket (33b) may further include a contact portion (1056) for contacting the damper (510) of the second damping mechanism (50).

As shown in Fig. 25, when the lever (420) of the auto closing device (40) is in contact with the first part (1053), the damper (510) can be spaced apart from the contact portion (1056). As shown in Fig. 25, the position where the damper (510) is spaced apart from the contact portion (1056) can be referred to as the first position. As shown in Fig. 27, the position where the sub-door (24) is closed and the damper (510) is pressurized can be referred to as the second position.

When the above sub-door (24) is closed, if the lever (420) comes into contact with the boundary between the first part (1053) and the second part (1054) or comes into contact with the second part (1054), the damper (510) may come into contact with the contact portion (1056).

In the process of closing the sub-door (24), when the lever (420) moves along the second part (1054), the closing force acts on the sub-door (24). In the process of closing the sub-door (24), the damper (510) moves from the first position to the second position, and the damping force can act on the sub-door (24) by the movement of the damper (510). In the closed state of the sub-door (24), the lever (420) comes into contact with the third part (1055), and the damper (510) comes into contact with the contact portion (1056) while being positioned at the second position.

Fig. 28 is a drawing showing a closed state of a sub-door according to the seventh embodiment, and Fig. 29 is a drawing showing a state in which a lever of an auto-closing device of a sub-door according to the seventh embodiment is opened at a predetermined angle.

This embodiment is identical to the sixth embodiment in other respects, except that there is a difference in the position of the second damping mechanism. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

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

The above second damping mechanism (1250) may include a housing (1251) and a damper (1252). The housing (1251) may be installed in the sub-door (24).

The above damper (1252) may include a movable rod (1253). The rod (1253) may include a connecting portion (1254). The connecting portion (1254) may be connected to the lever (1210). The lever (1210) may be provided with a slot (1211) to which the connecting portion (1254) is connected.

The above connecting portion (1254) can be inserted into the slot (1211). The lever (1210) can rotate and the rod (1253) can move linearly. In order for the rotational force of the lever (1210) to be transmitted to the rod (1253), the slot (1211) can be formed larger than the connecting portion (1254). Therefore, during the rotation process of the lever (1210), the connecting portion (1254) can move within the slot (1211).

Even in this structure, when a closing force is applied by the auto closing device (1200), a damping force can be generated in the second damping mechanism (1250) as the load (1253) moves in conjunction with the lever (1210).

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

FIG. 30 is a drawing showing a closed state of a sub-door according to the eighth embodiment, FIG. 31 is a drawing showing a state where a sub-door according to the eighth embodiment is opened by a first angle, FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state where a sub-door according to the eighth embodiment is opened by a second angle, FIG. 33 (a) is a drawing showing a latch for coupling a main door and a sub-door, and FIG. 33 (b) is a drawing showing an operating unit for operating the latch.

Referring to FIGS. 30 to 33, the door of the present embodiment may include a main door (23) and a sub door (24). The basic structure of the main door (23) and the sub door (24) may be the same as in the previous embodiment.

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

In the closed state of the sub-door (24), the main door (24) can be maintained in a state of being joined to each other by the latch (1510). Since the main door (23) and the sub-door (24) are joined by the latch (1510), the gasket (G1) can be maintained in a state of being in close contact with the front surface of the main door (23).

The latch (1510) may be provided on the sub-door (24). The main door (23) may be provided with a catch (1530) for the latch (1510) to be caught. In order to open the sub-door (24) while the latch (1510) is caught on the catch (1530), the catch between the latch (1510) and the catch (1530) must be released. The sub-door (24) may be provided with an operating unit (1520) for operating the latch (1510). The operating force of the operating unit (1520) may be transmitted to the latch (1510) by a transmission unit, so that the catch between the latch (1510) and the catch (1530) may be released.

The above sub-door (24) may be equipped with an auto closing device (1300) and a second damping mechanism (1300).

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

The second damping mechanism (1400) may include a damper (1420) and a damper connection part (1430). The damper connection part (1430) may be connected to the damper (1420). In the present embodiment, the damper (1420) does not include a spring, and the position of the damper (1420) may be varied by the damper connection part (1430).

When the sub-door (24) is closed, the damper (1420) can be positioned at the second position. In the process of opening the sub-door (24), the damper (1420) is maintained at the second position, and the lever (1320) moves to one side of the damper connection part (1430).

During the opening and closing process of the above sub-door (24), the lever (1320) rotates in one direction while coming into contact with the contact surface (1060), and the rotational force of the lever (1320) is transmitted to the damper connecting portion (1430), causing the damper (1420) to move to the first position.

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

As the closing force increases during the process of closing the sub-door (24), the latch (1510) can be caught on the catch (1530) after the latch (1510) is rotated so that the inclined surface of the latch (1510) passes over the inclined surface of the catch (1530).

As another example, the lever (1320) of the auto closing device (1300) can move from a neutral position to a closed position and an open position. For example, the lever (1320) can be rotated counterclockwise in the drawing based on the center of rotation from the neutral position to a closed position. The lever (1320) can be rotated clockwise in the drawing based on the center of rotation from the neutral position to an open position. When the sub-door (24) is opened and then closed, the lever (1320) can move along the contact surface (1060) and can be rotated during this process. The lever (1320) can push the damper connection part (1430) during the process of opening the sub-door (24) to cause the damper (1420) to return to the first position.

Fig. 34 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 9th embodiment.

This embodiment is identical to the eighth embodiment in other respects, except that there is a difference in the type of gasket. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 34, the sub-door (23) may be equipped with an auto closing device (1300) and a second damping mechanism (1400) similar to the eighth embodiment.

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

Fig. 35 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 10th embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 35, the main door (23) of the present embodiment may be equipped with a second damping mechanism (1450). The sub door (24) may be equipped with an auto-closing device.

The above second damping mechanism (1450) is installed on the upper side of the sub door (24) and can be positioned on the lower side of the sub hinge bracket (33d).

The above second damping mechanism (1450) can be operated by the auto closing device. The auto closing device can include a plate spring (1610) provided in the sub hinge bracket (33d) and a damper contact portion (1620) that can come into contact with the damper (1452) of the second damping mechanism (1450).

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

When the sub-door (24) is opened, the damper (1452) can be positioned at the first position. When the sub-door (24) is opened, the damper contact portion (1620) can be spaced apart from the plate spring (1610). When the sub-door (24) is closed, the damper contact portion (1620) comes into contact with the first part (1611). The damper contact portion (1620) pressurizes the first part (1611) and as the plate spring (1610) is deformed, elastic force can be accumulated in the plate spring (1610). In the process of additionally closing the sub-door (24), the elastic force of the plate spring (1610) is transmitted to the damper contact portion (1620) as it passes over the boundary between the first part (1611) and the second part (1612). The elastic force transmitted to the damper contact portion (1620) can act as a closing force of the sub-door (24). After the damper contact portion (1620) passes over the boundary between the first part (1611) and the second part (1612), the damper contact portion (1620) can come into contact with the damper (1452). The above damper contact portion (1620) pressurizes the damper (1452) so that the damper (1452) moves from the first position to the second position, thereby generating a damping force.

Fig. 36 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 11th embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 36, the main door (23) of the present embodiment may be equipped with a second damping mechanism (1460). The sub door (24) may be equipped with an auto-closing device.

The above second damping mechanism (1460) is installed on the upper side of the main door (23) and can be positioned on the lower side of the sub hinge bracket (33e).

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

The above sub-hinge bracket (33e) may be provided with a contact surface (1060) that the elastic body (1630) comes into contact with. The contact surface (1060) may include a first part (1061) and a second part (1062) that is inclined with the first part (1061).

In this embodiment, the elastic body (1630) can be elastically deformed. For example, the elastic body (1630) can be formed in a shape that is bent one or more times. As an example, FIG. 36 illustrates that the elastic body (1630) is formed in a “U” shape, but is not limited thereto.

One end of the elastic body (1630) may be fixed to the sub door (24). One end of the elastic body (1630) may be a fixed end, and the other end may be a free end.

When the sub-door (24) is open, the damper (1462) can be positioned at the first position. When the sub-door (24) is open, the elastic body (1630) can be spaced apart from the contact surface (1060). In the process of closing the sub-door (24), the elastic body (1630) comes into contact with the contact surface (1060).

The above elastic body (1630) is elastically deformed and accumulates elastic force while moving along the first part (1061) of the above contact surface (1060). The accumulated elastic force can act as a closing force of the sub-door (24) while the above elastic body (1630) moves along the second part (1062).

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

Fig. 37 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 12th embodiment.

In the case of Fig. 37, a state in which the auto closing device (40) is omitted from Fig. 12 is illustrated. That is, the main door (23) may be equipped with a first damping mechanism (26), and the sub door (24) may be equipped with a second damping mechanism (50). Since the remaining structure is the same as Fig. 12, a detailed description will be omitted.

Fig. 38 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 13th embodiment.

Figure 38 shows a drawing of the main door and sub door viewed from below.

Referring to Fig. 38, even in the present embodiment, the auto closing device (40) may be omitted from the sub door (24).

The above main door (23) may be equipped with a first damping mechanism (26). The first damping mechanism (26) may come into contact with the main hinge bracket (31) during the process of closing the main door (23). Since the structure of the first damping mechanism (26) is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The sub-door (24) may be equipped with a second damping mechanism (50a). The second damping mechanism (50a) may come into contact with the sub-door bracket (33f) during the process of closing the sub-door (24). The sub-door bracket (33f) may include a first part (336a) and a second part (336b). The inclination of the first part (336a) with respect to the front of the main door (23) may be greater than the inclination of the second part (336b) with respect to the front of the main door (23). The second part (336b) may be positioned closer to the main door (23) than the first part (336a).

When the second damping mechanism (50a) comes into contact with the first part (336a) during the process of closing the sub-door (24), a first damping force may be generated in the second damping mechanism (50a). When the sub-door (24) is rotated further, the second damping mechanism (50a) comes into contact with the second part (336a) and generates a second damping force greater than the first damping force. When the sub-door (24) is completely closed, the second damping mechanism (50a) can maintain a state of being in contact with the second part (336a).

In the present embodiment, when the main door (23) is closed, the cylinder (see 264 of FIG. 5) of the first damping mechanism (26) can be extended in the first direction. When the sub-door (24) is closed, the damper (see 510 of FIG. 6) of the second damping mechanism (50a) can also be extended in the first direction. The first direction may be, for example, the left-right direction of the main door (23) or the sub-door (24). That is, the extension direction of the cylinder and the extension direction of the damper can be parallel.

Fig. 39 is a drawing showing a sub-door in a closed state according to the 14th embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 39, the main door (23) of the present embodiment may be provided with a first damping mechanism (26). The first damping mechanism (26) may come into contact with the main hinge bracket (31b) during the process of closing the main door (23). For example, it may come into contact with the joining portion (311) of the main hinge bracket (31b). Alternatively, the first damping mechanism (26) may come into contact with the cabinet (10) during the process of closing the main door (23). Since the structure of the first damping mechanism (26) is the same as that of the first damping mechanism (26) of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The sub-door (24) may be equipped with a second damping mechanism (50). The second damping mechanism (50) may come into contact with the contact portion (233) of the main door (23) during the process of closing the sub-door (24). Alternatively, the second damping mechanism (50) may come into contact with the sub-door bracket during the process of closing the sub-door (24). Since the structure of the second damping mechanism (50) is the same as that of the second damping mechanism (50) of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, when the main door (23) is closed, the cylinder (see 264 in FIG. 5) of the first damping mechanism (26) can extend in the second direction. When the sub-door (24) is closed, the damper (510) of the second damping mechanism (50) can also extend in the second direction. The second direction may be a direction intersecting the front of the main door (23) or the front of the sub-door (24). Alternatively, the second direction may be, for example, the arrangement direction of the main door (23) and the sub-door (24).

The extension direction of the cylinder (see 264 in FIG. 5) and the extension direction of the damper (510) may be parallel. Alternatively, at least a part of the first damping mechanism (26) may overlap the second damping mechanism (50) in the second direction. Alternatively, the entirety of the first damping mechanism (26) may not overlap the second damping mechanism (50) in the second direction.

Claims (20)

1. Cabinets forming storage space; and

   comprising a door connected to the above cabinet;

   The above door is a main door that opens and closes the storage space,

   A rotatable sub-door for the above main door,

   An auto closing device that provides closing force to the sub door during the closing process of the sub door,

   A refrigerator including a damping mechanism that provides damping force to the sub-door during the closing process of the sub-door.
2. In paragraph 1,

   A refrigerator in which the damping mechanism provides damping force to the sub-door during the process in which the auto-closing device provides closing force to the sub-door.
3. In paragraph 1,

   The above door,

   A refrigerator further comprising at least one of an additional auto-closing device that provides closing force to the main door during the closing process of the main door, and an additional damping mechanism that provides damping force to the main door during the closing process of the main door.
4. In paragraph 1,

   The above auto closing device and the above damping mechanism are installed in the sub door,

   The above damping mechanism is a refrigerator including a damper that generates a damping force during a moving process.
5. In paragraph 4,

   A refrigerator wherein the main door includes a contact portion that pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub door.
6. In paragraph 4,

   The above door,

   Further comprising a sub-door bracket that rotatably supports the above sub-door,

   A refrigerator wherein the sub-door bracket includes a contact portion that pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub-door.
7. In paragraph 4,

   The above auto closing device comprises a lever rotatable at a position spaced from the center of rotation of the door,

   A refrigerator comprising an elastic member connected to the lever.
8. In paragraph 7,

   A refrigerator in which the lever pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub-door.
9. In paragraph 7,

   The above damper includes a connecting portion,

   A refrigerator wherein the above lever includes a slot for engaging the above connecting portion.
10. In paragraph 7,

    The above auto closing device further includes a case that accommodates the elastic member,

    A refrigerator wherein the case is provided with an outer body that accommodates the damper, or wherein the outer body is installed on the door at a position adjacent to the case.
11. In paragraph 7,

    The above door,

    Further comprising a sub-door bracket that rotatably supports the above sub-door,

    A refrigerator wherein the sub-door bracket includes a contact surface that comes into contact with the lever during the closing process of the sub-door.
12. In paragraph 7,

    The above auto closing device further includes a case that accommodates the elastic member,

    A refrigerator wherein the damping mechanism is located within the case.
13. In paragraph 7,

    The above door further includes a sub-door bracket that rotatably supports the sub-door,

    The above damping mechanism further includes a damper connecting portion connected to the damper,

    In the process of opening and closing the above sub-door, the lever moves the damper connecting part so that the damper moves to the first position,

    A refrigerator in which, after the damper has been moved to the first position, the damper is moved to the second position by being pressurized by the sub-door bracket to generate damping force during an additional closing process of the sub-door.
14. In paragraph 1,

    The above auto closing device is installed in the sub door, and the above damping mechanism is installed in the main door.

    The above damping mechanism is a refrigerator including a damper that generates a damping force during a moving process.
15. In Article 14,

    The above door,

    Further comprising a sub-door bracket that rotatably supports the above sub-door,

    A refrigerator wherein the auto-closing device includes an elastic body that contacts the sub-door bracket and presses the damper during the closing process of the sub-door.
16. In Article 14,

    The above door,

    Further comprising a sub-door bracket that rotatably supports the above sub-door,

    The above auto closing device comprises a plate spring installed on the sub door bracket,

    A refrigerator including a damper contact portion that contacts the plate spring and pressurizes the damper during the closing process of the sub-door.
17. In paragraph 1,

    The above auto closing device and the above damping mechanism are installed on the main door, or

    The above auto closing device is installed in the main door and the above damping mechanism is installed in the sub door.

    The above damping mechanism is a refrigerator including a damper that generates a damping force during a moving process.
18. In Article 17,

    The above door further includes a sub-door bracket that rotatably supports the sub-door,

    The above main door is provided with an opening in which at least a part of the above sub-door is positioned, and a slot for inserting the above sub-door bracket,

    A refrigerator wherein the sub-door or the sub-door bracket presses the damper or the main door presses the damper during the closing process of the sub-door.
19. Cabinets forming storage space; and

    comprising a door connected to the above cabinet;

    The above door is a main door that opens and closes the storage space,

    A rotatable sub-door for the above main door,

    A first damping mechanism that provides damping force to the main door during the closing process of the main door;

    A refrigerator including a second damping mechanism that provides damping force to the sub-door during the closing process of the sub-door.
20. Cabinets forming storage space; and

    comprising a door connected to the above cabinet;

    The above door is a main door that opens and closes the storage space,

    A rotatable sub-door for the above main door,

    A first auto-closing device that provides closing force to the main door during the closing process of the main door;

    A refrigerator including a second auto-closing device that provides closing force to the sub-door during the closing process of the sub-door.

Images