Patent Abstract:
A washing machine which includes a lid assembly opening/closing a laundry entrance hole, wherein the lid assembly includes a lid frame and a lid inner coupled to an inside of the lid frame and having a hinge unit, is provided. The lid assembly may be easily assembled and maintain a secure coupling, thereby allowing for a reliable and stable washing machine. Further, the lid assembly may be easily opened or closed by the hinge unit, and this increases convenience.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0071056 filed on Jul. 31, 2009, and No. 10-2009-0071058 filed on Jul. 31, 2009, No. 10-2010-0017969 filed on Feb. 26, 2010 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/230,590 and 61/230,510 filed on Jul. 31, 2009 in the USPTO, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure is directed to a washing machine, and more specifically, to a washing machine with a lid assembly which may increase reliability, stability, and convenience of use. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     In general, a washing machine may include a laundry washer which gets rid of contaminants from clothing or bedding (hereinafter, referred to as “laundry”) using a chemical action between water and detergent and a mechanical action, and a dryer which dries wet laundry using air heated by a heater and a mechanical action. Also, a washing machine may have both a washing function and a drying function. Further, a washing machine may also include a refresher which sprays hot steam to laundry to prevent allergies. A washing machine may include various devices that exert physical or chemical actions to laundry to clean the laundry. 
     Washing machines may be categorized based on the location of a laundry entrance hole. For example, top load type washing machine have a laundry entrance hole at an upper surface of a cabinet and wash the laundry by a rotational water current generated when a washing tub rotates. Drum type washing machines have a laundry entrance hole at a front surface of a cabinet and wash the laundry by dropping the laundry in a drum while rotating the drum. 
     A lid assembly is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet of a top load type washing machine to open and close the laundry entrance hole. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a washing machine with a lid assembly which may increase stability, reliability, and convenience of use. 
     According to an embodiment, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a top cover arranged at an open top surface of the cabinet and has a laundry entrance hole; and a lid assembly disposed to be able to rotate at the top cover and opens/closes the laundry entrance hole, wherein the lid assembly includes a lid frame which forms the appearance and a lid inner coupled to an inside of the lid frame and has a hinge unit. 
     According to an embodiment, the lid frame includes an upper lid frame which forms an upper portion of the lid frame and supports the lid inner, and a lower lid frame coupled to a lower side of the upper lid frame. 
     According to an embodiment, the upper lid frame and the lower lid frame are coupled to each other by a connecting member in upper and lower directions. 
     According to an embodiment, the lid frame may have a lid inner inserting groove to which the lid inner is inserted. 
     According to an embodiment, a plurality of lid inners are provided that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and wherein a plurality of hinge units are provided that are connected to neighboring lid inners of the plurality of lid inners. 
     According to an embodiment, the plurality of hinge units include a first hinge unit which adjusts a degree of rotation of the lid assembly when the lid assembly opens or closes, and a second hinge unit which adjusts rotation speed of the lid assembly when the lid assembly opens or closes. 
     According to an embodiment, the first hinge unit includes a hydraulic damper filled with a fluid and adjusts rotation speed by a fluid pressure, and the second hinge unit includes an elastic member which provides an elastic force in a direction which opens the lid assembly. 
     According to an embodiment, at least two or more lid inners having the hinge unit among the plurality of lid inners are arranged at a side of the lid frame, wherein each of the lid inners having the hinge unit are connected to the lid frame by a connecting member so that hinge axes of the hinge units connected to neighboring lid inners are in alignment with each other. 
     According to an embodiment, the plurality of lid inners include four lid inners which are spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the lid inners has a similar shape to that of a corner of the lid frame, wherein two lid inners are arranged at a side of the lid frame. 
     According to an embodiment, the plurality of hinge units include first and second hinge units which are arranged at the lid inners respectively, wherein the lid inners are connected to the lid frame by a connecting member so that a first hinge axis of the first hinge unit is in alignment with a second hinge axis of the second hinge unit. 
     According to an embodiment, the lid frame includes a gap press-fitting part protruded and is inserted into a gap between neighboring lid inners and pressurizes the lid inners in a direction away from each other, so that the lid inners are brought in tight contact with an inner surface of the lid frame. 
     According to an embodiment, the gap press-fitting part includes a plurality of ribs which protrude from the lid frame and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. 
     According to an embodiment, the lid frame includes a hinge cover extended and wraps around the hinge unit. 
     According to an embodiment, the hinge unit includes a housing inserted into the lid inner and wraps around a hinge shaft, and a connecting arm which protrudes from a side of the housing and fits into a side surface of the lid inner. 
     According to an embodiment, the lid inner, the connecting arm of the hinge unit, and the lid frame are arranged in an order thereof, and then integrally connected to each other by a connecting member. 
     According to an embodiment, each of the lid frame and the lid inner may be formed to have an opening at a central portion thereof, wherein a glass unit is arranged at the opening. 
     According to an embodiment, the lid inner further may include a glass guide rib which guides the positions of the glass unit. 
     According to an embodiment, a plurality of lid inners are provided, wherein the glass unit pressurizes the plurality of lid inners toward the lid frame so that the lid inners are brought in tight contact with the lid frame. 
     According to an embodiment, the washing machine may further comprise a handle which protrudes forwards more than the top cover so that a user&#39;s hand is inserted into a space between the lid frame and the top cover, wherein the user can hold the handle. 
     According to an embodiment, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a top cover arranged at an open top surface of the cabinet and has a laundry entrance hole; and a lid assembly disposed to be able to rotate at the top cover and opens/closes the laundry entrance hole, wherein the lid assembly includes a lid frame which forms the appearance, a plurality of lid inners which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval inside the lid assembly, a plurality of hinge units connected to the lid inners and the lid frame, wherein a hinge unit is inserted into each of two neighboring lid inners among the plurality of lid inners, a glass unit coupled to the lid inner and pressurizes the lid inner toward the lid frame so that the lid inner is brought in tight contact with the lid frame, and a decoration panel coupled to a front and lower side of the lid frame. 
     The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lid assembly which opens/closes a laundry entrance hole, wherein the lid assembly includes a lid frame and a lid inner coupled to an inner portion of the lid frame and having a hinge unit. Thus, the washing machine may be easily and securely assembled, thereby allowing for a reliable, stable washing machine. 
     Further, the lid assembly may be easily opened and closed by the hinge unit. This may increase convenience of use. 
     Further, since the plurality of lid inners are arranged so that an end of a lid inner is spaced apart from an end of a neighboring lid inner, the lid inner may be prevented from colliding with each other even when the lid inners are deformed due to heat. 
     Further, the washing machine includes first and second hinge units wherein while the hinge axes of the first and second hinge units are arranged in alignment with each other, the two lid inners coupled with the first and second hinge units, respectively, are connected to the upper lid frame by a connecting member, such as a screw. Accordingly, the lid assembly may be prevented from being twisted when being opened or closed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the washing machine shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the top cover and the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of  FIG. 3  wherein the lid assembly is left open. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating an upper surface of the upper lid frame shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface of the upper lid frame shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view illustrating lid inners and hinge units which are dissembled from each other. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating lid inners and hinge units which are assembled to each other. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the lid inners shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the lower lid frame shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating the lower surface of the lower lid frame shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating the decoration panel shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface of the decoration panel shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is an expanded perspective view of part B shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view as viewed in the direction of arrow A of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a process of assembling the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a top load type washing machine (hereinafter, referred to as “washing machine”) will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the washing machine shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the washing machine W includes a cabinet  10 , a top cover  200 , a lid assembly  100 , and a control panel  500 . The top cover  200  is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet  10  and includes a laundry entrance hole  211 . The lid assembly  100  is connected to be able to rotate to the top cover  200  to open and close the laundry entrance hole  211 . The control panel  500  allows a user to control the washing machine W. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an outer tub  30  is supported by a support member  20  inside the cabinet  10 . An inner tub  35  for containing laundry is disposed to be able to rotate inside the outer tub  30 . 
     An upper end of the support member  20  is connected to the top cover  200  or an upper side of the cabinet  10 . A damper  25  connected to a lower portion of the outer tub  30  is provided at a lower end of the support member  20 . 
     A plurality of pores is provided along the circumferential surface of the inner tub  35 . A pulsator  40  is positioned at the bottom surface of the inner tub  35  to generate a rotational water flow. 
     A motor  55  is positioned at a lower portion of the outer tub  30  to rotate the inner tub  35  and the pulsator  40 . The motor  55  is connected to the inner tub  35  via a rotational shaft to rotate the inner tub  35 . A clutch (not shown) is positioned between the inner tub  35  and the pulsator  40  to selectively transfer a rotational force to at least one of the inner tub  35  and the pulsator  40 . By the clutch, either or both of the inner tub  35  and the pulsator  40  may be rotated. 
     A detergent box is positioned at the top cover  200  to receive a detergent. 
     The washing machine W further includes a water supply hose  75  which guides water from an external tab (not shown) to the detergent box  60  and a water supply valve (not shown) which opens/closes washing water passing through the water supply hose  75 . 
     The washing machine W further includes a drainage hose  80  connected to a lower portion of the outer tub  30  to guide washing water from the outer tub  30  to the outside, a drainage pump  86  which pumps washing water in the outer tub  30 , and a drainage valve  85  which opens/closes washing water discharged through the drainage hose  80  to the outside. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the top cover and the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4  is a side view of  FIG. 3  wherein the lid assembly is left open, and  FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the lid assembly  100  is connected to be able to rotate to the top cover  200  to open/close the laundry entrance hole  211 . The lid assembly  100  may be connected to be able to rotate to the top cover  200  by a hinge unit  300  which will be described below. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the lid assembly  100  includes a lid frame  110  which forms the appearance of the lid assembly  100 , a lid inner  140  connected to the lid frame  110  at the inside of the lid frame  110  and has a hinge unit  300 , a glass unit  150  positioned at a portion where the lid frame  110  and the lid inner  140  are open, and a decoration panel  160  connected to the lid frame  110  at a front portion of the lid frame  110 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the lid frame  110  includes an upper lid frame  120  which forms the appearance of an upper portion of the lid frame  110  and a lower lid frame  130  which forms the appearance of a lower portion of the lid frame  110  and is connected to a lower side of the upper lid frame  120 . 
     A plurality of lid inners  140  may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. For purposes of brevity, it is assumed that four lid inners  140  are provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least two or more lid inners  140  may be provided. 
     Each of the four lid inners  140  may have the similar shape to that of a corner of the lid frame  110 . For example, each of the four lid inners  140  may be shaped as the symbol             Two lid inners  140  are arranged at each side of the lid frame  110 . For example, the lid inners  140  may include first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144 , wherein the first and third lid inners  141  and  143  may be arranged at a front side, and the second and fourth lid inners  142  and  144  may be arranged at a rear side. The hinge unit  300  may be coupled to each of the second and fourth lid inners  142  and  144 .
     At least one hinge unit  300  may be provided. For example, a plurality of hinge units may be provided so that one hinge unit may be coupled to each of a plurality of neighboring lid inners. 
     An embodiment will be described where the hinge unit  300  includes a first hinge unit  310  coupled to the second lid inner  142  and a second hinge unit  320  coupled to the fourth lid inner  144 . The hinge unit  300  will be described in greater detail later. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating an upper surface of the upper lid frame shown in  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface of the upper lid frame shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the upper lid frame  120  has an opening at its central portion. The glass unit  150  is arranged at the opening. 
     The upper lid frame  120  includes a rectangular frame part  121  which has an opening at its central portion and a coupling part  122  which extends from a front end of the frame part  121  and is coupled to the lower lid frame  130 . 
     The coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120  is formed to be inclined downwards from the front direction of the frame part  121  by a predetermined angle. 
     The decoration panel  160  is coupled to an upper side of the coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120 , and the lower lid frame  130  is coupled to a lower side of the coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120  includes a connecting protrusion coupling hole  123  to which a connecting protrusion  161  is connected, a guide protrusion coupling hole  124  to which a guide protrusion  162  is connected, and a screw connecting hole  125  connected to the lower lid frame  130  via a connecting member, such as a screw. The connecting protrusion  161  and the guide protrusion  162  are formed on the decoration panel  160 . The connecting protrusion  161  and the guide protrusion  162  will be described below. 
     The guide protrusion  162  (refer to  FIG. 16 ) is inserted into the guide protrusion coupling hole  124  in upper and lower directions to guide and position the decoration panel  160  upon assembly of the decoration panel  160 . For example, the guide protrusion coupling hole  124  may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the guide protrusion  162  which will be described below. 
     The connecting protrusion  161  is connected by sliding after being inserted to the connection protrusion coupling hole  123 , so that the decoration panel  160  can be connected by sliding to the coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120 . 
     The connecting protrusion  161  which will be described below is formed in the shape of             The connecting protrusion coupling hole  123  includes an inserting part  123   a  into which the connecting protrusion  161  is inserted and a connecting part  123   b  which extends from the inserting part  123   a  with a reduced width. The connecting protrusion  161  is connected to the connecting part  123   b.  
     Since the decoration panel  160  is positioned over the coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120 , the connecting protrusion coupling hole  123 , the guide protrusion coupling hole  124 , and the screw connecting hole  125  may be covered by the decoration panel  160 . 
     The left and right side surfaces and the rear surface of the frame part  121  may be coupled to the lower lid frame  130 . An embodiment will be described where each of the left and right side surfaces and rear surface of the frame part  121  is coupled via a connecting member, such as a screw, to the lower lid frame  130  connected with the hinge unit  300 . 
     The frame part  121  of the upper lid frame  120 , the hinge unit  300 , and the lid inner  140  may be integrally connected to each other by a screw. The frame part  121  of the upper lid frame  120  and the lid inner  140  may be only connected to each other by a screw. A side screw coupling hole  121   a  is formed at each of the left and right side surfaces of the frame part  121  to for screw connection. A plurality of side screw coupling holes  121   a  may be provided. The side screw coupling hole  121   a  may be positioned at a location close to the hinge unit  300 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the side screw coupling hole  121   a  may be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a rear screw coupling hole  121   b  is provided at the rear surface of the frame part  121  for screw connection. Two rear screw coupling holes  121   b  may be provided, each of which may be positioned at a location close to the hinge unit  300 . Because of being positioned at a location where the hinge unit  300  is connected, the side screw coupling hole  121   a  and the rear screw coupling hole  121   b  may effectively support the hinge unit  300 . 
     Each of the left and right side surfaces of the upper lid frame  120  may be connected to the lid inner  140  via a connecting member, such as a screw. The screw connecting hole  121   c  may be formed at the left and right side surfaces of the upper lid frame  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the upper lid frame  120  includes a hinge cover  127  which covers the hinge unit  300 . 
     The hinge cover  127  is extended downwards from each of the left and right side surfaces of the upper lid frame  120 . The hinge cover  127  has a through-hole  127   a  for the hinge shaft of the hinge unit  300  to pass therethrough. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a lid inner inserting groove  120   a  is formed at each of the left and right side surfaces of the upper lid frame  120  so that the lid inner  140  may be seated on the lid inner inserting groove  120   a . The lid inner inserting groove  120   a  may have a cross section shaped as the symbol “[”. 
     The upper lid frame  120  may be made of a metallic material or an elastic material. An embodiment will be described where the upper lid frame  120  is made of steel with rigidity. 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view illustrating lid inners and hinge units which are dissembled from each other,  FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating lid inners and hinge units which are assembled to each other, and  FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the lid inners shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     As described above, the plurality of lid inners  140  include the first and third lid inners  141  and  143  positioned at a front side and the second and fourth lid inners  142  and  144  positioned at a rear side and having the hinge unit  300 . 
     Each of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  is shaped as the symbol             and positioned near a corner. Further, the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. Specifically, an end of each of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  is spaced apart from an end of a neighboring lid inner of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144 . This prevents the lid inners from colliding with each other even when the lid inners are deformed due to heat.
     The second lid inner  142  includes a first hinge unit receiving part  142   a  to which the first hinge unit  310  is inserted. 
     The fourth lid inner  144  includes a second hinge unit receiving part  144   a  to which the second hinge unit  320  is inserted. 
     Although the first and second hinge unit receiving parts  142   a  and  144   a  are described to be provided in the second and fourth lid inners  142  and  144 , the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second hinge unit receiving parts  142   a  and  144   a  may also be formed by coupling the second and fourth lid inners  142  and  144  with the lower lid frame  130 . 
     The first and second hinge units  310  and  320  are inserted in the axial direction into the first and second hinge unit receiving parts  142   a  and  144   a , respectively. 
     The first and second hinge units  310  and  320  include hinge housings  311  and  321 , respectively, and connecting arms  312  and  322 , respectively. The hinge housings  311  and  321  are inserted to the second and fourth lid inners  142  and  144 , respectively, and wrap around the hinge shaft. The connecting arms  312  and  322  protrude from side surfaces of the hinge housings  311  and  321 , respectively, and fit into side surfaces of the second and fourth lid inners  142  and  144 , respectively. 
     The connecting arms  312  and  322  of the first and second hinge units  310  and  320  may be integrally connected to the lid inner  140  and the lid frame  110 , or may be connected only to the lid inner  140 . 
     The first and second hinge units  310  and  320  may have the same or different functions. An embodiment will be described where the first hinge unit  310  adjusts the degree of rotation of the lid assembly  100  when the lid assembly  100  is opened or closed and the second hinge unit  320  reduces the rotation speed of the lid assembly  100  when the lid assembly  100  is opened or closed to alleviate shock. 
     For example, the first hinge unit  310  may include a hydraulic damper filled with a fluid to adjust the rotation speed by fluid pressure. 
     The second hinge unit  320  includes an elastic member which provides an elastic force in the direction which opens the lid assembly  100 . 
     However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned hinges. The hinge unit may also include various devices or parts which may control the rotation angle or rotation speed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a plurality of ribs are provided at a lower surface of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144 . 
     A glass guide rib  140   a  protrudes from a lower surface of each of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  to seat the glass unit  150  thereon. 
     The glass guide rib  140   a  guides and positions the glass unit  150  upon assembly of the glass unit  150 . The protruded glass guide rib  140   a  may also be bent in the shape of            .
     The first lid inner  141  and the third lid inner  143  are formed symmetrical to each other, and for purposes of brevity, the description will focus on the third lid inner  143 . 
     A first reinforcing rib  143   a  is formed on a lower surface of the third lid inner  143  to reinforce intensity. The first reinforcing rib  143   a  is longitudinally formed in the front and rear directions. A plurality of first reinforcing ribs  143   a  may be provided in the left and right directions and be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The first reinforcing rib  143   a  may prevent the third lid inner  143  from being deformed due to a force exerted by the glass unit  150  to the third lid inner  143  when the glass unit  150  is assembled. 
     An inner downward rib  143   b  protrudes downwards from a lower surface of the third lid inner  143  to be coupled to the lower lid frame  130 . A coupling hole  143   c  is also formed on the lower surface of the third lid inner  143  to be coupled to the lower lid frame  130 . 
     Specifically, the inner downward rib  143   b  is coupled to an inner downward rib coupling part  131   a  provided in the lower lid frame  130  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The inner downward rib coupling part will be described below. 
     The coupling hole  143   c  is coupled to a frame rib  131   b  provided on the lower lid frame  130  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The frame rib  131   b  is inserted into the coupling hole  143   c . A protrusion  143   d  protrudes from a side surface of the coupling hole  143   c  to hook the inserted frame rib  131   b.    
     A plurality of inner front protrusions  143   e  spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval may protrude frontwards from a front surface of the third lid inner. The inner front protrusion  143   e  is coupled to a front protrusion coupling rib  132   d  provided in the lower lid frame  130 . The front protrusion coupling rib  132   d  will be described below. 
     The second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144  may be formed symmetrical to each other. Accordingly, the description will now focus on the second lid inner  142  for purposes of brevity. 
     A second reinforcing rib  142   b  is formed on a lower surface of the second lid inner  142  to reinforce intensity. The second reinforcing rib  142   b  is longitudinally formed long in the front and rear directions. A plurality of second reinforcing ribs  142   b  may be provided in the left and right directions to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The second reinforcing rib  142   b  may prevent the second lid inner  142  from being deformed due to a force exerted by the glass unit  150  to the second lid inner  142  when the glass unit  150  is assembled. 
     A coupling hole  142   c  is formed on a lower surface of the second lid inner  142  to be coupled to a frame rib  131   c  provided on the lower lid frame  130  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The frame rib  131   b  may be inserted into the coupling hole  142   c . A protrusion  142   d  protrudes from a side surface of the coupling hole  142   c  to hook the inserted frame rib  131   b.    
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the lower lid frame shown in  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating the lower surface of the lower lid frame shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the lower lid frame  130  includes a frame part  131  which opens at its central portion and a coupling part  132  which extends from a front end of the frame part  131  and is coupled to the upper lid frame  120 . The coupling part  132  of the lower lid frame  130  may be formed to be inclined from the frame part  131  by a predetermined angle. The coupling part  132  may include a locking device connecting hole  132   a  for connecting a locking device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the coupling part  132  includes a screw connecting hole  132   b  which corresponds to the screw connecting hole  125  of the upper lid frame  120 . 
     A frame front rib  132   c  protrudes frontwards from a lower end of the coupling part  132  to be coupled to the decoration panel  160 . 
     Specifically, the frame front rib  132   c  is coupled to a decoration panel protrusion  163  as shown in  FIG. 16 . The decoration panel protrusion  163  will be described below. 
     The coupling part  132  includes a gap press-fitting part  133  protruded and inserted into the gap between the two adjacent lid inners  140  and pressurizes the lid inners  140  in the direction away from each other so that the lid inners  140  may be brought in tight contact with an inner surface of the lid frame  110 . 
     The gap press-fitting part  133  includes a pair of ribs which protrude upwards from an upper surface of the coupling part  132  and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The gap press-fitting part  133  may also be a protrusion having a predetermined thickness. An embodiment will be described where the gap press-fitting part  133  includes a pair of ribs. 
     The gap press-fitting part  133  includes a front gap press-fitting part  133   a , a right gap press-fitting part  133   b , a rear gap press-fitting part  133   c , and a left gap press-fitting part (not shown). The front gap press-fitting part  133   a  is provided at a front side of the coupling part  132  and inserted into the space between the first lid inner  141  and the third lid inner  143 . The right gap press-fitting part  133   b  is provided at a right side of the frame part  131  and inserted into the space between the first lid inner  141  and the second lid inner  142 . The rear gap press-fitting part  133   c  is provided at a rear side of the frame part  131  and inserted into the space between the second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144 . The left gap press-fitting part is provided at a left side of the frame part  131  and inserted into the space between the third lid inner  143  and the fourth lid inner  144 . 
     Both ends of the first lid inner  141  are pressurized by the front gap press-fitting part  133   a  and the right gap press-fitting part  133   b  so that the first lid inner  141  is brought in tight contact with a front and right edge in the upper lid frame  120 . 
     Both ends of the third lid inner  143  are pressurized by the front gap press-fitting part  133   a  and the left gap press-fitting part so that the third lid inner  143  is brought in tight contact with a front and left edge in the upper lid frame  120 . 
     Both ends of the second lid inner  142  are pressurized by the right gap press-fitting part  133   b  and the rear gap press-fitting part  133   c  so that the second lid inner  142  is brought in tight contact with a rear and right edge in the upper lid frame  120 . 
     Both ends of the fourth lid inner  144  are pressurized by the rear gap press-fitting part  133   c  and the left gap press-fitting part so that the fourth lid inner  144  is brought in tight contact with a rear and left edge in the upper lid frame  120 . 
     An inner downward rib coupling part  131   a  is provided on the lower lid frame  130  to be coupled to the inner downward rib  143   b . The inner downward rib coupling part  131   a  will be described below. 
     A frame rib  131   b  inserted into the coupling hole  143   c  protrudes from an upper surface of the lower lid frame  130 . The frame rib  131   b  may be formed at each of left and right edges and the rear edge of the lower lid frame  130 . The frame rib  131   b  includes a protrusion hole  131   c  to which the protrusion  143   d  provided on the coupling hole  143   c  may be inserted. 
     The front protrusion coupling rib  132   d  is formed on an upper surface of the lower lid frame  130  to be coupled to the inner front protrusion  143   e . The front protrusion coupling rib  132   d  includes an inserting hole to which the inner front protrusion  143   e  may be inserted in the front and rear directions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the lower lid frame  130  forms the appearance of a lower portion of the lid assembly  100 . 
     The lower lid frame  130  may include a handle groove  134  which allows a user to easily hold the lid assembly. According to an embodiment, a handle which will be described below may be only used without the handle groove  134 . 
     A cushion part connecting hole  136  is formed on a lower surface of the lower lid frame  130  to mount a cushion part  135 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating the decoration panel shown in  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating a lower surface of the decoration panel shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the decoration panel  160  is connected by sliding to the upper lid frame  120  coupled to the lower lid frame  130 . The decoration panel  160  may be formed to be inclined or bent downwards to correspond to a coupling part of the lower lid frame  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a decoration panel protrusion  163  is formed on a lower surface of the decoration panel  160  to be coupled to the frame front rib  132   c  of the lower lid frame  130 . The decoration panel protrusion  163  is connected to the connecting hole formed on the frame front rib  132   c.    
     A plurality of connecting protrusions  161  are formed on a lower surface of the decoration panel  160 . Each connecting protrusion  161  may be shaped as the symbol             and is coupled to the connecting protrusion coupling hole  123  formed on the coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120 .
     A plurality of guide protrusions  162  are formed on a lower surface of the decoration panel  160 . The guide protrusion  162  is coupled to the guide protrusion coupling hole  124  formed on the coupling part  122  to guide and position the decoration panel  160  upon assembling the decoration panel  160 . 
       FIG. 17  is an expanded perspective view of part B shown in  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view as viewed in the direction of arrow A of  FIG. 17 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a front end of the lid assembly  100  protrudes more than a front end of the top cover  200 , thereby defining a handle  400 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , a front end of the lid assembly  100  protrudes forwards more than the top cover  200  by a predetermined distance (d) to allow a user to easily hold the handle  400 . 
     The handle  400  and the top cover  200  are spaced apart from each other in the upper and lower directions and in the left and right directions, thereby defining spaces S 1  and S 2 . The spaces S 1  and S 2  are sized to sufficiently accommodate an adult hand. The space S 1  is formed in the upper and lower directions, and the space S 2  is formed in the left and right directions. 
     A user&#39;s hand is sequentially inserted into the space S 1  and the space S 2  so that the user may hold the handle  400  and lift the lid assembly  100 . 
     The spaces S 1  and S 2  may be formed by a step part  210  provided at a front side of the top cover  200 . 
     The step part  210  is formed by letting a front end of the top cover  200  spaced apart from the handle  400  by a predetermined interval. Each corner of the step part  210  may be rounded. 
     The handle  400  may be a lower part of a combined structure formed by coupling the lower lid frame  130  with the decoration panel  160 . The lower part of the handle  400  may be rounded. 
     A thickness (t) of the lower part of the handle  400  may be as long as a joint of adult middle finger. For example, the thickness (t) may be in a range from 15 mm to 17 mm. When the thickness (t) is set as above, user&#39;s hand may be easily inserted into the spaces S 1  and S 2 . 
     A process of assembling a lid assembly will be described with reference to  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a process of assembling the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , the upper lid frame  120  is arranged so that the lower surface faces the user. 
     The first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  are arranged on the lower surface of the upper lid frame  120  so that an end of each lid inner is spaced apart from an end of its adjacent lid inner. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  is formed to have the similar shape to each corner of the upper lid frame  120 . The first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144 , are respectively arranged at the corners of the upper lid frame  120 . 
     After completing the arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144 , the glass unit  150  is assembled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19C and 19D , the glass unit  150  is arranged on the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144 . The glass unit  150  is guided by the glass guide rib  140   a  for positioning. When a force is exerted onto the glass unit  150  with the glass unit  150  seated on the glass guide rib  140   a , the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  are pressurized to be brought in tight contact with four sides of the upper lid frame  120 . Each of the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  is inserted to the lid inner inserting groove  120   a  as shown in  FIG. 9  and then brought in tight contact with each corresponding side of the upper lid frame  120 . Therefore, the first, second, third, and fourth lid inners  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  may be securely fixed to the upper lid frame  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19E and 19F , the first hinge unit  310  and the second hinge unit  320  are coupled to the second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144 , respectively. The first hinge unit  310  is inserted to the first hinge unit receiving part  142   a  of the second lid inner  142  as shown in  FIG. 10 , and the second hinge unit  320  is inserted to the second hinge unit receiving part  144   a  of the fourth lid inner  144  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Although it has been described that after the lid inner  140  and the upper lid frame  120  are coupled to each other, the first hinge unit  310  and the second hinge unit  320  are coupled, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144  may be first coupled to the first hinge unit  310  and the second hinge unit  320 , and then with the upper lid frame  120 . 
     The hinge axis of the first hinge unit  310  and the hinge axis of the second hinge unit  320  need to be in alignment with each other since the lid assembly may be otherwise twisted when being opened and closed. 
     To arrange the hinge axes of the first hinge unit  310  and the second hinge unit  320  in alignment with each other, the second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144  coupled to the first hinge unit  310  and the second hinge unit  320 , respectively, are connected to the upper lid frame  120  by a connecting member, such as a screw. For example, the connection may be performed at a position close to the hinge units  310  and  320 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a side screw connecting hole  121   a  and a rear screw connecting hole  121   b  are formed at the upper lid frame  120  to be screw-connected to the second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144 , respectively. 
     Although it has been described that the second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144  are connected to the upper lid frame  120 , the second lid inner  142  and the fourth lid inner  144  may be connected to the lower lid frame  130  as well. 
     After the assembly of the glass unit  150  and the hinge units  310  and  320 , the lower lid frame  130  is assembled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19G and 19H , the lower lid frame  130  is arranged over the glass unit  150  with the lower surface up. The lower lid frame  130  is coupled to the lid inner  140 . Specifically, the inner downward rib  143   b  formed on the lid inner  140  as shown in  FIG. 12  is coupled to the inner downward rib coupling part  131   a  formed on the lower lid frame  130  as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Further, the coupling hole  143   c  formed on the lid inner  140  as shown in  FIG. 12  is coupled to the frame rib  131   b  formed on the lower lid frame  130  as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Further, the inner front protrusions  143   e  formed on the first lid inner  141  and the third lid inner  143  as shown in  FIG. 12  is coupled to the front protrusion coupling rib  132   d  formed on the lower lid frame  130 . 
     Accordingly, the lower lid frame  130  and the lid inner  140  may be securely assembled to each other. 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 19  I, the assembled result shown in  FIG. 19H  is flipped so that the upper surface of the upper lid frame  120  faces upward. 
     The upper lid frame  120  and the lower lid frame  130  are connected to each other by a connecting member, such as a screw. Specifically, a connecting member, such as a screw, is inserted into the screw connecting hole  125  formed on the coupling part  122  as shown in  FIG. 8  and the front protrusion coupling rib  132   d  formed on the coupling part  132  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, the upper lid frame  120  and the lower lid frame  130  may be securely connected to each other. 
     Then, as shown in  FIGS. 19I and 19J , the decoration panel  160  is coupled to the coupling part  122  of the upper lid frame  120 . 
     For example, the decoration panel  160  may be coupled by sliding to the coupling part  122 . 
     The guide protrusion  162  formed on the decoration panel  160  as shown in  FIG. 16  is coupled to the guide protrusion coupling hole  124  formed on the coupling part  122  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     The connecting protrusion  161  formed on the decoration panel  160  as shown in  FIG. 16  is coupled to the connecting protrusion coupling hole  123  formed on the coupling part  122  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Since the decoration panel  160  is coupled by sliding to the coupling part  122 , the coupling process of the decoration panel  160  may be easily performed. 
     The invention has been explained above with reference to exemplary embodiments. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Further, although the invention has been described in the context its implementation in particular environments and for particular applications, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention&#39;s usefulness is not limited thereto and that the invention can be beneficially utilized in any number of environments and implementations. The foregoing description and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3