Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a storage compartment; a door rotatable to open and close the storage chamber; a lever movably mounted to the door; a guide having a first contact surface and a second contact surface for guiding the movement of the lever when the door is rotated; and a door pusher for pressing the door to open the storage chamber. When the door rotates, the lever contacts and moves along the guide part. When the lever makes contact with the first contact face, the lever applies acting force in the direction of closing the storage chamber to the door. When the lever makes contact with the second contact face, the lever applies acting force in the direction of opening the storage chamber to the door. The door pusher is operable to press the door in the direction of opening the storage chamber until the lever is in contact with the second contact surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] A refrigerator is a device composed of a main body including a storage compartment and a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment to keep food fresh. The storage compartment includes a refrigeration compartment in which food is kept refrigerated by maintaining a temperature of about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and a freezer compartment in which food is kept frozen by maintaining a temperature of about -30 to 0 degrees Celsius. A front surface of the storage compartment is provided to be open so as to allow food to be taken in and out.

[0003] The refrigerator uses a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to repeat a cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant. At this time, the freezer compartment and the refrigeration compartment can be cooled by a single evaporator provided on the freezer compartment, or the freezer compartment and the refrigeration compartment can each be provided with an evaporator, thereby being cooled independently of each other.

[0004] The refrigerator includes a door that opens and closes the storage compartment. The door is rotatable with respect to the main body so as to open and close the storage compartment.

[0005] The door can be provided to allow a user to hold a handle provided on the door, so the user can open and close the door with respect to the main body by rotating the door. Alternatively, the refrigerator can include a door opening and closing structure configured to easily open or close the door. SUMMARY

[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide a refrigerator including an improved structure to allow a door to be automatically opened.

[0008] Further, the present disclosure aims to provide a refrigerator including an improved structure to allow a door to be easily opened.

[0009] Further, the present disclosure aims to provide a refrigerator including an improved structure to allow a door to be rotated without stopping to a fully opened position during opening.

[0010] Further, the present disclosure aims to provide a refrigerator including an improved structure to allow a door to be easily closed.

[0011] The technical tasks to be achieved in the present document are not limited to the above-mentioned technical tasks, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure will be presented in the description below. Aspects of the present disclosure can also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that upon attaining an understanding of the aspects described herein, or through practice of the aspects described herein, will be able to implement or use the present disclosure in ways that were not previously known.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator can include a main body having a storage compartment, a door rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, a lever installed to the door and movable relative to the door, a guide configured to contact the lever to guide the lever to move when the door is rotated to open and close the storage compartment, the guide having a first contact surface and a second contact surface, and a door opener configured to press the door to open the storage compartment. The guide, the lever, and the door opener can be configured such that, when the door is rotated to open and close the storage compartment, the lever moves along the guide in contact, when the lever is in contact with the first contact surface of the guide, the lever applies a force to the door in a direction to close the storage compartment, when the lever is in contact with the second contact surface of the guide, the lever applies a force to the door in a direction to open the storage compartment, and the door opener is operable to press the door in the direction to open the storage compartment until the lever is in contact with the second contact surface.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the lever is in contact with the second contact surface when the door moves at an angle greater than that when the lever is in contact with the first contact surface during rotation of the door from a closed position to an open position of the storage compartment.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the guide can include a bending point between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. The lever can sequentially contact the first contact surface, the bending point, and the second contact surface when the door is rotated to open the storage compartment. The lever can sequentially contact the second contact surface, the bending point, and the first contact surface when the door is rotated to close the storage compartment.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator can further include a spring connected to the lever, the spring configured to be compressed and stretched in response to the lever moving relative to the door. The spring can be configured to accumulate a maximum elastic force when the lever is in contact with the bending point. The spring can be configured to be compressed by the lever in response to the lever moving along the first contact surface toward the bending point. The spring can be configured to apply an elastic force to the door in the direction to open the storage compartment when the lever moves along the second contact surface away from the bending point.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the door opener can be configured to move between a first push stroke position and a second push stroke position, the first push stroke position being a position of the door opener when the storage compartment is closed, and the second push stroke position being a position to which the door opener moves to press the door in the direction to open the storage compartment. The lever can be in contact with the second contact surface when the door opener is in the second push stroke position.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the door opener can be configured to move linearly between the first push stroke position and the second push stroke position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the door pusher can include a stopper configured to limit movement of the door pusher relative to the main body when the door pusher reaches the second stroke position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a distance between the stopper and an end of the door pusher configured to contact the door is equal to a distance of movement of the door pusher between the first stroke position and the second stroke position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator can further include a stroke housing installed to the main body and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the door pusher. The door pusher can be configured to move relative to the stroke housing. The stroke housing can include a housing entrance and exit portion through which the door pusher moves. The stopper can be configured to be locked with the housing entrance and exit portion when the door pusher reaches the second stroke position.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator can further include a power source configured to deliver power to the door pusher; and a controller electrically connected to the power source. The controller can be configured to control the power source to operate the door pusher to press the door in the direction of opening the storage compartment based on a condition of opening the storage compartment until the lever contacts the second contact surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the door pusher can be configured to move between a first stroke position, which is a position of the door pusher when the storage compartment is closed, and a second stroke position, which is a position to which the door pusher moves when the door pusher presses the door in the direction of opening the storage compartment. The controller can be configured to control the power source to deliver power to operate the door pusher until the door pusher reaches the second stroke position based on a condition of opening the storage compartment.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator can further include a position detection sensor electrically connected to the controller and configured to detect a position of the door pusher. The controller can be configured to control the power source to operate the door pusher to stop moving or move to the first stroke position based on the door pusher reaching the second stroke position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the door is a first door, the refrigerator further includes a second door disposed in parallel with the first door and rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, and a rotation lever coupled to the first door and rotatable with respect to the first door, the rotation lever configured to cover a gap between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door are in positions to close the storage compartment. The rotation lever can be configured to rotate with respect to the first door between a first lever position corresponding to a position of the first door when the first door closes the storage compartment and a second lever position corresponding to a position of the first door when the first door opens the storage compartment. When the first door is rotated by an angle smaller than a first opening angle from the position to close the storage compartment, the lever contacts the first contact surface, and the rotation lever is biased to rotate to the first lever position. When the first door is rotated by an angle greater than the first opening angle and smaller than a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle from the position to close the storage compartment, the lever contacts the first contact surface, and the rotation lever is biased to rotate to the second lever position. When the first door is rotated by the second opening angle from the position to close the storage compartment, the lever contacts the second contact surface.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator further includes a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door to support rotation of the door with respect to the main body. The guide can be coupled to the hinge bracket.

[0028] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, the door configured to rotate in a first direction to open and in a second direction to close, a guide configured to apply an action force in the second direction to the door when the door is rotated by an angle smaller than a reference angle from a closed position in the first direction, and configured to apply an action force in the first direction to the door when the door is rotated by an angle greater than the reference angle from the closed position in the first direction, and a door closer installed to the main body and configured to press the door to open the door. The door closer is configured to apply a press to the door until the door is rotated by an angle greater than or equal to the reference angle from the closed position in the first direction.

[0029] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, a lever installed to the door, a guide configured to contact the lever when the door rotates, and a door closer movable with respect to the main body between a first push stroke position and a second push stroke position, the door closer configured to press the door in a direction to open the door when moving from the first push stroke position to the second push stroke position. The guide includes a first contact surface configured to apply an action force in a direction to close the door to the lever when contacting the lever, and a second contact surface configured to apply an action force in a direction to open the door to the lever when contacting the lever. The lever contacts the second contact surface when the door closer is in the second push stroke position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 is a top view showing a top stand separate from a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 is a view showing a top stand and a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is located at a first pusher position.

[0034] Figure 4 is a view showing a top stand and a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is located at a second pusher position.

[0035] Figure 5 is a view showing a partial configuration of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 is a view showing a partial configuration of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is at a first pusher position.

[0037] Figure 7 is a sectional view of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is at a first pusher position.

[0038] Figure 8 is a view showing a partial configuration of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is at a second pusher position.

[0039] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is at a second pusher position.

[0040] Figure 10 is a view showing a partial configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 11 is a view showing a lever device and a guide of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 12 is a view showing a configuration of a lever device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 13is a view showing a configuration of a lever device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0044] Figure 14 is a view showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure when a door is in a closed position.

[0045] Figure 15 is a view showing a state in which a roller of a lever moves along a first contact surface of a guide while a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] Figure 16 is a view showing a state in which a roller of a lever contacts a bending point of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] Figure 17 is a view showing a state in which a roller of a lever moves along a second contact surface of a guide while a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] Figure 18 is a view showing a state in which a door closer presses a door when a roller of a lever contacts a first contact surface of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0049] Figure 19 is a view showing a state in which a door closer presses a door when a roller of a lever contacts a bending point of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0050] Figure 20 is a view showing a state in which a door closer is in a stopped state when a roller of a lever contacts a second contact surface of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0051] Figure 21 is a view showing a rotating lever of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0052] Figure 22 is an enlarged view showing a partial configuration of a rotating lever when a door is in an open position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0053] Figure 23 is an enlarged view showing a partial configuration of a rotating lever when a door is in a closed position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] Figure 24 is a view showing a lever and a door closer when a rotating lever is in a first lever position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] Figure 25is a view illustrating a lever and a door pusher when the rotating lever is rotated from the first lever position to the second lever position in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] Figure 26 is a view illustrating a lever and a door pusher when the rotating lever is rotated from the first lever position to the second lever position in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The various embodiments described herein, and the terms used therein, are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to particular embodiments, and it is to be understood that various modifications, equivalents or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments are included.

[0058] With regard to the description of the drawings, like reference numerals can be used to refer to similar or related components.

[0059] The singular forms of nouns corresponding to the items are intended to include one or more of the items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0060] In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" are intended to include any one of the items listed or any combination of the items listed.

[0061] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0062] Terms such as "first," "second," "primary," or "secondary" can be used to distinguish one component from another component, but are not otherwise limiting in terms of (for example) importance or order.

[0063] In addition, as used herein, the terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "side," "left," "right," and the like are defined with reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each element.

[0064] It should be understood that the terms "comprise", "include", "contain", and / or "embrace" as used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0065] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other component or intervening components can be present. When a component is referred to as being "supported by" another component, it can be supported directly by the other component or intervening components can be present.

[0066] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components can be present.

[0067] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body.

[0068] The "main body" can include an inner case, an outer case located outside the inner case, and a thermal insulation member disposed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0069] The "inner case" can include a housing forming a storage compartment, a plate, a panel, or a liner. The inner case can be integrally formed, or can be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" can form an appearance of the main body, and is coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the thermal insulation member is located between the inner case and the outer case.

[0070] The "thermal insulation member" can thermally insulate an inside of the storage compartment from an outside, to maintain an inside temperature of the storage compartment at an appropriate level, regardless of an outside environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermal insulation member can include a foamed thermal insulation material. The foamed thermal insulation material can be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with a jig or the like, and then injecting and foaming polyurethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a blowing agent, between the inner case and the outer case.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermal insulation member can further include a vacuum thermal insulation material, in addition to the foamed thermal insulation material, or can be configured as only the vacuum thermal insulation material, instead of the foamed thermal insulation material. The vacuum thermal insulation material can include a core material and a cladding material that accommodates the core material and seals an inside to a vacuum or a pressure close to a vacuum. The vacuum thermal insulation material can further include a sorbent for adsorbing gas and moisture to stably maintain a vacuum state. However, the thermal insulation member is not limited to the foamed thermal insulation material or the vacuum thermal insulation material described above, and can include various materials that can be used for thermal insulation.

[0072] The "storage compartment" can include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment can further include the inner case defining a space corresponding to the storage compartment. Various items such as food, medicine, cosmetics, or the like can be stored in the storage compartment, and the storage compartment can be open at least one side to facilitate the items to be taken in and out.

[0073] The refrigerator can include one or more storage compartments. In a case where two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, each storage compartment can have a different purpose of use, and can be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the storage compartments can be partitioned by a partition wall including a thermal insulation member.

[0074] The storage compartment can be maintained in an appropriate temperature range according to the purpose of use, and includes a "fresh food compartment", a "freezer compartment", and a "variable temperature compartment" according to the purpose of use and / or the temperature range. The fresh food compartment can be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food cold, and the freezer compartment can be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. "Cold storage" refers to keeping food cool without freezing the food, for example, the fresh food compartment can be maintained in a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" refers to freezing food or keeping food in a frozen state, for example, the freezer compartment can be maintained in a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The variable temperature compartment can be used as either one of the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment according to the user's selection or without depending on the user's selection.

[0075] In addition to the "fresh food compartment", the "freezer compartment", and the "variable temperature compartment", the storage compartment can also be referred to as a "vegetable compartment", a "crisper", a "cooling compartment", an "ice making compartment", and various other terms, and the terms such as "fresh food compartment", "freezer compartment", "variable temperature compartment", and the like used below should be understood to mean the storage compartment having the corresponding purpose of use and the corresponding temperature range.

[0076] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include at least one door configured to open and close a front side of a storage compartment. Each door can be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door can be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door can be rotatably or slidably installed to the front of the main body.

[0077] The "door" can seal the storage compartment in a closed state. Like the main body, the door can include a heat insulating member to insulate the storage compartment in the closed state.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the door can include an outer door panel forming a front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming a rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door heat insulating member disposed therein.

[0079] An edge of the inner door panel can be provided with a gasket that is in close contact with the front surface of the main body to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The inner door panel can include a boss protruding rearward so as to fit a door storage basket for storing items.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the door can include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to a front of the door body and forming a front surface of the door. The door body can include an outer door panel forming a front surface of the door body, an inner door panel forming a rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door heat insulating member disposed therein.

[0081] The refrigerator can be classified into a French door type, a side by side type, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type, a top mounted freezer (TMF) type, or a single door refrigerator according to the arrangement of the door and the storage compartment.

[0082] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to a storage compartment.

[0083] The "cold air supply device" can include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and / or a combination system capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

[0085] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0086] The "machine room" can be partitioned and thermally insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by the components installed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat of the components installed inside the machine room, the machine room can be communicated with the outside of the main body.

[0087] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a dispenser provided on a door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser can be provided on the door so that a user can obtain water and / or ice without opening the door.

[0088] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include an ice making device for making ice. The ice making device can include an ice making tray for storing water, an ice moving device for separating ice from the ice making tray, and an ice storage tub for storing ice generated in the ice making tray.

[0089] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0090] The "controller" can include a memory for storing and / or memorizing data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting a control signal for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. according to the programs and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0091] The memory can store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated when generating a control signal for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory can include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0092] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. It controls the refrigerator's components by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural network processor (NPU) that performs calculations on artificial intelligence (AI) models. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor generates control signals for controlling the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor may receive temperature information from a temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment and generate refrigeration control signals based on this information.

[0093] Furthermore, the processor can process user input to the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface can be provided through input and output interfaces. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor can send display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying images on the user interface in response to user input.

[0094] The processor and memory can be integrated or configured separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory modules.

[0095] A refrigerator according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all components included in the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories for separately controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a cold air supply device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0096] The communication module can communicate with external devices (such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances) via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user equipment is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user equipment can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0097] The input interface may include buttons, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface can receive user input and transmit the received user input to the processor.

[0098] The output interface may include a display, speakers, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0099] In the following, various embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0100] The terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. used in the following description are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below can refer to the front and rear of the refrigerator with respect to the drawings in the X direction, respectively. The terms "upper" and "lower" can refer to the upper and lower of the refrigerator with respect to the drawings in the Z direction, respectively. The terms "left" and "right" can refer to the left and right of the refrigerator with respect to the drawings in the Y direction, respectively.

[0101] Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0102] Referring to Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body 10, a storage compartment 20 disposed inside the main body 10, a door 30 configured to open and close the storage compartment 20, and a refrigerating system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0103] The main body 10 can include an inner case 11 disposed to form the storage compartment 20 and an outer case 12 disposed to form the outside of the refrigerator 1.

[0104] The outer case 12 can be formed in a box shape with the front surface open. The outer case 12 can form the upper surface, the lower surface, the left side surface, the right side surface, the rear surface, etc. of the refrigerator 1.

[0105] The front surface of the inner case 11 can be open. The storage compartment 20 can be disposed in the inner case 11, and the inner case 11 can be disposed inside the outer case 12. The inner wall of the inner case 11 can form the inner wall of the storage compartment 20.

[0106] A main body thermal insulation material can be disposed between the outer case 12 and the inner case 11 of the main body 10 to thermally insulate the outer case 12 and the inner case 11 from each other. The storage compartment 20 can be formed inside the main body 10. For example, the storage compartment 20 can include a refrigerating compartment that stores food in a refrigerated state by maintaining the temperature at about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. For example, the storage compartment 20 can include a freezing compartment that stores food in a frozen state by maintaining the temperature at about -30 to 0 degrees Celsius.

[0107] For example, the storage compartment 20 can be divided into a plurality of areas by a partition wall 15. In particular, the storage compartment 20 can be divided into a first storage compartment 21 disposed at the upper portion thereof and lower storage compartments 22 and 23 disposed at the lower portion thereof by a first partition wall 17 extending in the horizontal direction. In addition, the storage compartments 22 and 23 disposed at the lower portion of the storage compartment 20 can be divided into a second storage compartment 22 on the left and a third storage compartment 23 on the right by a second partition wall 19 extending in the vertical direction. At this time, the first storage compartment 21 can serve as a refrigerating compartment. Both the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23 can serve as freezing compartments. Alternatively, one of the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23 can serve as a freezing compartment, and the other can serve as a refrigerating compartment.

[0108] The division of the storage compartment 20 and the purposes of the respective divided storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0109] The storage compartment 20 can be provided with a shelf 24 for placing food and a storage container 26 for storing food.

[0110] The refrigerator 1 can include a refrigerating system configured to generate cool air using a refrigeration cycle and supply the generated cool air to the storage compartment 20. The refrigerating system can generate cool air using a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. For example, the refrigerating system can include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower, etc.

[0111] The main body 10 can include a cool air supply duct provided to form a cool air flow path through which cool air generated by the refrigerating system flows into the storage compartment 20. The cool air supply duct can be formed at a rear portion of the inner case 11 and can be provided at a rear portion of the storage compartment 20 and communicate with the storage compartment 20.

[0112] The door 30 can be configured to open and close the storage compartment 20. The door 30 can be configured to open and close an opening formed at one side of the main body 10. The door 30 can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10.

[0113] An outer surface of the door 30 can form a portion of an exterior of the refrigerator 1. When the door 30 is in a closed position, the outer surface of the door 30 can form at least a portion of a front exterior of the refrigerator 1. When the door 30 is in the closed position, an inner surface of the door 30 can face an interior of the storage compartment 20. The inner surface of the door 30 refers to one surface of the door 30 that faces the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. In addition, the outer surface of the door 30 refers to another surface of the door 30 opposite the inner surface of the door 30 that faces the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, and refers to a front surface of the door 30 when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front.

[0114] A door gasket 37 can be provided on the inner surface of the door 30, the door gasket 37 being provided to seal a gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 to prevent cool air from leaking into the storage compartment 20. The door gasket 37 can be arranged along an inner periphery of the door 30. The door gasket 37 can be formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0115] The refrigerator 1 can include a plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D configured to open and close the respective divided storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

[0116] In particular, the first storage compartment 21 can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors 30A and 30B. The refrigerator 1 can include a first door 30A configured to open and close a portion of the first storage compartment 21 and a second door 30B configured to open and close another portion of the first storage compartment 21. The first door 30A and the second door 30B can each be independently rotatable with respect to the main body 10.

[0117] The first door 30A and the second door 30B can be arranged side by side with respect to each other. In particular, the first door 30A and the second door 30B can be arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y direction). For example, the first door 30A can be configured to open and close a left portion of the first storage compartment 21, and the second door 30B can be configured to open and close a right portion of the first storage compartment 21.

[0118] The refrigerator 1 can include a rotating bar 500. The rotating bar 500 can be configured to be rotatable with respect to one of the pair of upper doors 30A and 30B (e.g., the first door 30A) and disposed to cover a gap between the pair of upper doors 30A and 30B when the pair of upper doors 30A and 30B closes the first storage compartment 21.

[0119] In addition, the second storage compartment 22 can be opened and closed by a left lower door 30C. The refrigerator 1 can include a third door 30C configured to open and close the second storage compartment 22. The third door 30C can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10. For example, the first door 30A and the third door 30C can be arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z direction).

[0120] In addition, the third storage compartment 23 can be opened and closed by a right lower door 30D. The refrigerator 1 can include a fourth door 30D configured to open and close the third storage compartment 23. The fourth door 30D can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10. For example, the second door 30B and the fourth door 30D can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction (Z direction). In addition, the third door 30C and the fourth door 30D can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0121] For example, each of the plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D can be provided with a handle by which a user can open and close each of the plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D. In other words, the user can open and close each of the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 by gripping the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D.

[0122] For example, the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D can include a recessed shape for gripping.

[0123] For example, a rear surface of the first door 30A can be provided with a door storage basket 36 for storing food. For example, a rear surface of the second door 30B can be provided with a door storage basket 36 for storing food.

[0124] The refrigerator 1 can include a hinge bracket 40 disposed to connect the main body 10 and the door 30. The hinge bracket 40 can be disposed to allow the door 30 to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10.

[0125] The hinge bracket 40 can be fixed to the main body 10. In particular, the hinge bracket 40 can be coupled to the outer case 12.

[0126] The hinge bracket 40 can rotatably support the door 30. The door 30 can be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 through the hinge bracket 40. A rotation axis of the door 30 can pass through the hinge bracket 40.

[0127] In particular, the refrigerator 1 can include a plurality of hinge brackets 41, 42, and 43 disposed to support each of a plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D.

[0128] For example, the refrigerator 1 can include an upper door hinge bracket 41. The upper door hinge bracket 41 can be coupled to an upper portion of the main body 10. For example, the upper door hinge bracket 41 can be disposed as a pair to rotatably support the first door 30A and the second door 30B, respectively. The pair of upper door hinge brackets 41 can be disposed at left and right upper sides of the main body 10, respectively. Each of the pair of upper door hinge brackets 41 can be coupled to an upper portion of the first door 30A and an upper portion of the second door 30B.

[0129] For example, the refrigerator 1 can include a lower door hinge bracket 43. The lower door hinge bracket 43 can be coupled to a lower portion of the main body 10. For example, the lower door hinge bracket 43 can be disposed as a pair to rotatably support the third door 30C and the fourth door 30D, respectively. The pair of lower door hinge brackets 43 can be disposed at left and right lower sides of the main body 10, respectively. Each of the pair of lower door hinge brackets 43 can be coupled to a lower portion of the third door 30C and a lower portion of the fourth door 30D.

[0130] For example, the refrigerator 1 can include an intermediate hinge bracket 42. The intermediate hinge bracket 42 can be coupled to a middle portion of the main body 10. The intermediate hinge bracket 42 can be disposed between the upper door hinge bracket 41 and the lower door hinge bracket 43. For example, the intermediate hinge bracket 42 can be disposed as a pair to rotatably support the first door 30A and the second door 20B, respectively. In addition, the intermediate hinge bracket 42 can be disposed as a pair to rotatably support the third door 30C and the fourth door 30D, respectively. The pair of intermediate hinge brackets 42 can be disposed at left and right sides of the middle portion of the main body 10, respectively. Each of the pair of intermediate hinge brackets 42 can be coupled to a lower portion of the first door 30A and a lower portion of the second door 20B. In addition, each of the pair of intermediate hinge brackets 42 can be coupled to an upper portion of the third door 30C and an upper portion of the fourth door 30D.

[0131] The upper door hinge bracket 41 and the middle hinge bracket 42 can be arranged side by side in a direction in which the rotation axis of the first and second doors 30A and 30B extends. As shown in Figure 1 , the upper door hinge bracket 41 and the middle hinge bracket 42 can be arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z direction).

[0132] The lower door hinge bracket 43 and the middle hinge bracket 42 can be arranged side by side in a direction in which the rotation axis of the third and fourth doors 30C and 30D extends. As shown in Figure 1 , the lower door hinge bracket 43 and the middle hinge bracket 42 can be arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z direction).

[0133] Detailed descriptions of the structure of the hinge bracket 40 will be described later.

[0134] The main body 10 can further include a top deck 13 provided at an upper portion of the main body 10. In particular, the top deck 13 can be coupled to an upper portion of the outer case 12. The top deck 13 can be coupled to an upper surface of the outer case 12. The top deck 13 can be fixed to the outer case 12.

[0135] The top deck 13 can cover the upper door hinge bracket 41. Accordingly, the top deck 13 can be referred to as a "hinge bracket cover 13".

[0136] The top deck 13 can cover various electrical components. An accommodation space 13a (refer to Figure 3 ) to accommodate the various electrical components can be formed in the top deck 13. In particular, the top deck 13 can cover the door opening device 400 which will be described later, and the door opening device 400 can be accommodated in the top deck 13. Accordingly, the top deck 13 can be referred to as a "door opening device cover 13".

[0137] Detailed descriptions of the structure of the top deck 13 will be described later.

[0138] The configuration of the refrigerator 1 described above with reference to Figure 1 is merely an example for describing a refrigerator according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator according to the present disclosure can be provided to include various configurations to perform a function of supplying cold air to a storage compartment for storing food.

[0139] The type of refrigerator to which the refrigerator according to the present disclosure is applied is not limited to the type of the refrigerator 1 shown in the drawings, and the refrigerator according to the present disclosure can include various types of refrigerators, such as a side-by-side type, a French door type, a bottom mount freezer type (BMF), a top mount freezer type (TMF), or a single door type.

[0140] In addition, the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is assumed to be a direct cooling type in the description, but is not limited thereto. The present disclosure can be applied to a direct cooling type refrigerator.

[0141] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure will be described based on Figure 1 to Figure 26A refrigerator according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0142] Figure 2 A top view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the top deck separated.

[0143] Referring to Figure 2 The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include a door opening device 400 configured to open the door 30.

[0144] The door opening device 400 can be configured to automatically open the door 30. The door opening device 400 can be configured to automatically rotate the door 30 with respect to the main body 10 to open the storage compartment 20.

[0145] In particular, the door opening device 400 can be installed to the main body 10. In a state in which the door opening device 400 is installed to the main body 10, the door opening device 400 can open the door 30 by pressing the door 30 in an opening direction. The door opening device 400 can be configured to press the door 30 based on a condition for opening the door 30.

[0146] The door opening device 400 can be configured to automatically open the first storage compartment 21. That is, the refrigerator 1 can include a first door opening device 400A configured to open the first door 30A and a second door opening device 400B configured to open the second door 30B.

[0147] In particular, the first door opening device 400A can be configured to open the first door 30A. The first door opening device 400A can be configured to automatically open the first door 30A based on a condition for opening the first door 30A. The first door opening device 400A can be configured to open a portion of the first storage compartment 21 by rotating the first door 30A with respect to the main body 10.

[0148] In addition, the second door opening device 400B can be configured to open the second door 30B. The second door opening device 400B can be configured to automatically open the second door 30B based on a condition for opening the second door 30B. The second door opening device 400B can be configured to open another portion of the first storage compartment 21 by rotating the second door 30B with respect to the main body 10.

[0149] The first door opening device 400A and the second door opening device 400B can be configured to open the first storage compartment 21 independently of each other.

[0150] In this configuration, the door opening device 400 can be installed on the upper part of the main body 10. Specifically, the door opening device 400 can be housed inside the top platform 13. The upper part of the door opening device 400 can be covered by the top platform 13. The door opening device 400 can be disposed on the upper surface of the housing 12. For example, the first door opening device 400A can be disposed on the upper left side of the main body 10 relative to the center of the main body, and the second door opening device 400B can be disposed on the upper right side of the main body 10 relative to the center of the main body. That is, the first door opening device 400A and the second door opening device 400B can be arranged side-by-side in the horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0151] A door opening device 400 can be installed on the upper part of the main body 10 to press the upper part of the door 30. For example, a first door opening device 400A can be configured to press the upper part of the first door 30A. In addition, a second door opening device 400B can be configured to press the upper part of the second door 30B.

[0152] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The door opening device 400 can be installed in various positions on the main body 10 and configured to open the first storage room 21 by pressing various parts of the first door 30A or the second door 30B except for the upper part.

[0153] For example, with Figure 2 Unlike other doors, the door opening device 400 can be installed on the horizontal partition wall 17 to press the lower part of the first door 30A or the second door 30B.

[0154] In addition, with Figure 2 Unlike other storage compartments, the door opening device 400 can be configured to open the second storage compartment 22. In other words, the door opening device 400 can be configured to press the third door 30C based on the condition of opening the second storage compartment 22. In this case, the door opening device 400 can be installed on the lower part of the main body 10 or on the horizontal partition wall 17.

[0155] In addition, with Figure 2 Unlike other options, the door opening device 400 can be configured to open the third storage compartment 23. In other words, the door opening device 400 can be configured to press the fourth door 30D based on the condition of opening the third storage compartment 23. In this case, the door opening device 400 can be installed on the lower part of the main body 10 or on the horizontal partition wall 17.

[0156] In the following text, for ease of description, the door opening device 400 will be described by way of an example in which the door opening device 400 is mounted on the upper part of the main body 10 and configured to open the first storage room 21 by pressing the first door 30A or the second door 30B.

[0157] Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the first door opening device 400A among the first door opening device 400A and the second door opening device 400B will be described as an example, and for the convenience, the first door opening device 400A can be referred to as a “door opening device 400”. The features of the door opening device 400 described below can be applied to the second door opening device 400B accordingly.

[0158] Referring to Figure 2 , the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a door switch guide module configured to guide opening and closing of the door 30.

[0159] In particular, the refrigerator 1 can include a guide 200. The guide 200 can be provided to guide rotation of the door 30 when the door 30 is opened or closed. In other words, the guide 200 can be provided to guide the door 30 to rotate in a specific direction according to a position of the door 30. In other words, the guide 200 can be provided to assist opening or closing of the door 30 according to the position of the door 30.

[0160] In particular, the guide 200 can be provided to apply an opening or closing direction force to the door 30 according to the position of the door 30 when the door 30 is opened or closed. The door 30 receiving the opening direction or closing direction force through the guide 200 can vary according to the relative position of the door 30 with respect to the guide 200. That is, when the door 30 is located at a specific position during opening, the guide 200 can guide the door 30 to rotate in the opening direction. Also, when the door 30 is located at a specific position during closing, the guide 200 can guide the door 30 to rotate in the closing direction. When a direction in which the door 30 rotates during opening is defined as a first direction, and a direction in which the door 30 rotates during closing is defined as a second direction, when the door 30 rotates in the first direction or the second direction, the guide 200 can guide the door 30 to rotate in the first direction by transmitting a force that makes the door 30 rotate in the first direction, and the guide 200 can guide the door 30 to rotate in the second direction by transmitting a force that makes the door 30 rotate in the second direction.

[0161] The guide 200 can be fixed to the main body 10. For example, the guide 200 can be coupled to the hinge bracket 40. As Figure 2 indicated, the guide 200 can be coupled to the upper door hinge bracket 41. Alternatively, the guide 200 can be integrally formed with the upper door hinge bracket 41.

[0162] The refrigerator 1 can include a lever device 100. The lever device 100 can be installed to the door 30. As Figure 2 indicated, the lever device 100 can be installed to an upper portion of the door 30.

[0163] The lever device 100 can include a lever 130 provided to be in contact with the guide 200 when the door 30 is opened or closed (refer to Figure 11The lever device 100 can receive a force from the guide 200 when the lever 130 is in contact with the guide 200. The force applied from the guide 200 to the lever device 100 when the lever 130 is in contact with the guide 200 can vary according to the relative position of the lever 130 with respect to the guide 200. The "variation of the force applied from the guide 200 to the lever device 100" means that the magnitude or direction of the force applied from the guide 200 to the lever device 100 can vary according to the relative position of the lever 130 with respect to the guide 200. Accordingly, when the lever 130 is in contact with the guide 200, the lever device 100 can transmit a force in an opening direction to the door 30 or transmit a force in a closing direction to the door 30 according to the relative position of the lever 130 with respect to the guide 200. In other words, the lever device 100 can transmit a force in an opening direction to the door 30 or transmit a force in a closing direction to the door 30 according to the position of the door 30 in the opening or closing process. The direction in which the door 30 rotates in the opening process can be referred to as a first direction, and the direction in which the door 30 rotates in the closing process can be referred to as a second direction. Accordingly, when the door 30 rotates in the first direction or the second direction, the lever device 100 can transmit a force that rotates the door 30 in the first direction to the door 30 or transmit a force that rotates the door 30 in the second direction to the door 30 according to the position of the door 30.

[0164] The door opening and closing guide module can be provided to guide opening and closing of each of the first and second doors 30A and 30B.

[0165] In particular, the refrigerator 1 can include a first guide 200A provided to guide rotation of the first door 30A in opening or closing of the first door 30A. The first guide 200A can be provided to apply a force in an opening or closing direction to the first door 30A according to the position of the first door 30A in the opening or closing process.

[0166] The first guide 200A can be fixed to the main body 10. For example, the first guide 200A can be coupled to the upper door hinge bracket 41 connected to the first door 30A among the pair of upper door hinge brackets 41. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the first guide 200A can be coupled to the upper door hinge bracket 41 provided at the left side. Figure 2

[0167] In addition, the refrigerator 1 can include a first lever device 100A installed to the first door 30A. For example, the first lever device 100A can be installed to an upper portion of the first door 30A.

[0168] The lever 130 of the first lever device 100A (refer to FIG. 1) can be in contact with the first guide 200A when the first door 30A is opened or closed. The first guide 200A can be provided to apply a force in an opening or closing direction to the first lever device 100A according to the position of the first door 30A in the opening or closing process. Figure 11 ​) can be disposed to contact the first guide 200A. According to the position of the first door 30A during the opening or closing process, the first lever device 100A can be disposed to apply an action force in the opening direction to the first door 30A or to apply an action force in the closing direction to the first door 30A.

[0169] In addition, the refrigerator 1 can include a second guide 200B disposed to guide the rotation of the second door 30B when the second door 30B is opened or closed. According to the position of the second door 30B during the opening or closing process, the second guide 200B can be disposed to apply an action force in the opening or closing direction to the second door 30B.

[0170] The second guide 200B can be fixed to the main body 10. For example, the second guide 200B can be coupled to the upper door hinge bracket 41 connected to the second door 30B among the pair of upper door hinge brackets 41. In other words, as shown in Figure 2 , the second guide 200B can be coupled to the upper door hinge bracket 41 disposed on the right side.

[0171] In addition, the refrigerator 1 can include a second lever device 100B installed to the second door 30B. For example, the second lever device 100B can be installed to the upper portion of the second door 30B.

[0172] When the second door 30B is opened or closed, the lever 130 (refer to Figure 11 ) of the second lever device 100B can be disposed to contact the second guide 200B. According to the position of the second door 30B during the opening or closing process, the second lever device 100B can be disposed to apply an action force in the direction in which the second door 30B is opened to the first door 30A or to apply an action force in the direction in which the second door 30B is closed to the second door 30B.

[0173] However, the arrangement of the door opening and closing guide module such as the lever device 100 and the guide 200 is not limited thereto.

[0174] For example, unlike Figure 2 , the lever device 100 can be installed to the lower portion of the first door 30A or the second door 30B, and the guide 200 can be installed to the middle hinge bracket 42.

[0175] For example, unlike Figure 2 , the guide 200 can be disposed to guide the rotation of the third door 30C. When the third door 30C rotates, the guide 200 can be disposed to transmit an action force to the third door 30C. At this time, the guide 200 can be disposed on the lower door hinge bracket 43 or the middle hinge bracket 42. In addition, when the third door 30C rotates, the lever device 100 can be disposed to contact the guide 200 and can be disposed to transmit an action force to the third door 30C. At this time, the lever device 100 can be installed to the lower portion or the upper portion of the third door 30C to correspond to the position of the guide 200.

[0176] For example, with Figure 2 Unlike other methods, the guide member 200 can be configured to guide the rotation of the fourth door 30D. When the fourth door 30D rotates, the guide member 200 can be configured to transmit force to the fourth door 30D. At this time, the guide member 200 can be mounted on the lower door hinge bracket 43 or the middle hinge bracket 42. Furthermore, when the fourth door 30D rotates, the lever device 100 can be configured to contact the guide member 200 and transmit force to the fourth door 30D. At this time, the lever device 100 can be installed on the lower or upper part of the fourth door 30D, corresponding to the position of the guide member 200.

[0177] In the following description, for ease of description, the configuration will be described as follows: the guide member 200 is connected to the upper door hinge bracket 41 and the lever device 100 is mounted on the upper part of the first door 30A or the upper part of the second door 30B to guide the rotation of the first door 30A or the second door 30B.

[0178] In the following description, for ease of description, the first lever device 100A of the first lever device 100A and the second lever device 100B will be described as an example. For convenience, the first lever device 100A will be referred to as "lever device 100". The features of the lever device 100 described below can be applied accordingly to the second lever device 100B.

[0179] In the following description, for ease of description, the first guide 200A of the first guide 200A and the second guide 200B will be used as an example. For convenience, the first guide 200A will be referred to as "guide 200". The features of guide 200 described below can be applied to the second guide 200B accordingly.

[0180] In the following text, for ease of description, the first door 30A among multiple doors 30A, 30B, 30C and 30D will be used as an example. For convenience, the first door 30A will be referred to as "door 30".

[0181] In the following description, for ease of description, among the various hinge brackets 41, 42 and 43, the upper door hinge bracket 41 connecting the first door 30A and the main body 10 will be used as an example. The upper door hinge bracket 41 may be referred to as "hinge bracket 40".

[0182] In the following text, among the divided storage rooms 21, 22 and 23, the first storage room 21, which is switched by the first door 30A, will be described as an example. The first storage room 21 may be referred to as "storage room 20".

[0183] The door 30 can be configured to rotate between an open position where the storage compartment 20 is fully opened and a closed position where the storage compartment 20 is closed. That is, when the door 30 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the storage compartment 20 can be opened, and when the door 30 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the storage compartment 20 can be closed. The open and closed positions of the door 30 can be defined relative to the body 10 and the storage compartment 20.

[0184] Door 30 can be opened by rotating in a first direction and closed by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. That is, door 30 can be configured to rotate from a closed position to an open position in the first direction and can be configured to rotate from an open position to a closed position in the second direction.

[0185] The opening angle of door 30 can be defined as the angle by which door 30 rotates from the closed position. That is, the opening angle of door 30 can be defined as the angle by which door 30 rotates from the closed position along a first direction. As the opening angle of door 30 increases, the degree to which the door 30 opens the storage compartment 20 can increase. The opening position of door 30 can be defined as the position when the opening angle of door 30 is at its maximum.

[0186] For example, when door 30 is in the open position, the opening angle of door 30 can be approximately 80 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0187] Door 30 can be configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in one direction. For example, door 30 can be configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0188] The axis of rotation of door 30 may vary depending on the connection between door 30 and body 10. The axis of rotation of door 30 may pass through door 30 and hinge bracket 40. Therefore, door 30 may rotate about the axis of rotation relative to hinge bracket 40.

[0189] like Figure 2 As shown, when the hinge bracket 40 is fixed to the body 10 and the portion of the door 30 and the hinge bracket 40 connected to each other is fixed to the body 10, the rotation axis of the door 30 can be defined as an imaginary straight line fixed to the body 10. That is, the door 30 can be configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position about the rotation axis fixed to the body 10.

[0190] However, when the door 30 is opened or closed, the axis of rotation of the door 30 can not be fixed to the main body 10 when the hinge bracket 40 moves with respect to the main body 10 and the portions of the door 30 and the hinge bracket 40 connected to each other move with respect to the main body 10 (for example, a multi-joint hinge type in which a plurality of links are rotatably connected to each other). Even in this case, the opening angle of the door 30 can be defined as an angle at which the door 30 is rotated in the first direction from the closed position, and the opening angle of the door 30 can increase as the door 30 is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0191] The door opening device 400 described above can be configured to rotate the door 30 from the closed position to the open position. The door opening device 400 can press the door 30 and rotate the door 30 toward the open position.

[0192] The guide 200 described above can be provided to guide the rotation of the door 30 when the door 30 is opened or closed. The guide 200 can apply a force to the door 30 when the door 30 is opened or closed. The magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door 30 by the guide 200 can vary according to the opening angle of the door 30 during the opening of the door 30. Also, the magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door 30 by the guide 200 can vary according to the opening angle of the door 30 during the closing of the door 30.

[0193] The lever device 100 described above can be installed to the door 30 and can move together with the door 30 when the door 30 is opened or closed. The lever device 100 can transmit a force to the door 30 by contacting the guide 200 during the opening or closing of the door 30. The relative position of the lever device 100 with respect to the guide 200 can vary according to the opening angle of the door 30, and the point at which the lever 130 of the lever device 100 contacts the guide 200 can vary according to the opening angle of the door 30. The magnitude and direction of the force applied to the door 30 can vary according to the point at which the lever 130 of the lever device 100 contacts the guide 200.

[0194] Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the door opening device 400, the guide 200, and the lever device 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 to Figure 26 Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the door opening device 400, the guide 200, and the lever device 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0195] Figure 3 A schematic view of the top plate and the door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when the door closer is located at the first push stroke position. Figure 4 A schematic view of the top plate and the door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when the door closer is located at the second push stroke position.

[0196] Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the door opening device 400, the guide 200, and the lever device 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 and Figure 4According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door opening device 400 of the refrigerator 1 may include a door pusher 420. The door pusher 420 may be configured to press the door 30 to open the door 30.

[0197] The pusher 420 can be mounted on the main body 10. The pusher 420 can be supported by the push-stroke housing 410, which will be described later, and the push-stroke housing 410 can be fixed to the main body 10. Therefore, the pusher 420 can be mounted on the main body 10 via the push-stroke housing 410.

[0198] The door opening device 400 may include a push-out housing 410 configured to support a pusher 420. The push-out housing 410 may accommodate at least a portion of the pusher 420.

[0199] The push-stroke housing 410 can be installed on the main body 10. The push-stroke housing 410 can be fixed to the main body 10.

[0200] For example, the push-stroke housing 410 may be mounted on the top platform 13. The push-stroke housing 410 may include a fixing part 410c that is connected to the top platform 13 and fixed to the main body 10. For example, the push-stroke housing 410 may be fixed to the top platform 13 by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) passing through the fixing part 410c.

[0201] The top platform 13 can be secured to the housing 12. The top platform 13 may include a housing connection portion configured to be secured to the housing 12. For example, the top platform 13 can be secured to the housing 12 by threading the housing connection portion 13c to a surface of the housing 12 or the hinge bracket 40. Alternatively, the top platform 13 can be secured to the housing 12 by hooking the housing connection portion 13d to the housing 12 or the hinge bracket 40. With the top platform 13 secured to the housing 12, the door opening device 400, including the push-out housing 410, can be stably mounted to the body 10.

[0202] For example, the push-stroke housing 410 may be covered by the top platform 13. The push-stroke housing 410 may be accommodated inside the top platform 13. The top platform 13 may be connected to the interior of the top platform 13. The top platform 13 may include a receiving space 13a configured to accommodate the door opening device 400, and the push-stroke housing 410 may be disposed inside the receiving space 13a.

[0203] For example, the thrust housing 410 may include a first thrust housing 411 and a second thrust housing 412. The first thrust housing 411 may be connected to the upper part of the second thrust housing 412. To secure the first thrust housing 411 and the second thrust housing 412, a fastening hole 118 and a fastening groove 119 may be formed in the first thrust housing 410a and the second thrust housing 410b, respectively. A fastening member passing through the fastening hole 118 may be fastened to the fastening groove 119, thus the first thrust housing 411 and the second thrust housing 412 may be fastened to each other.

[0204] For example, the first push stroke housing 411 can be disposed above the second push stroke housing 412. The first push stroke housing 411 and the second push stroke housing 412 can be coupled to each other in a vertical direction.

[0205] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the push stroke housing 410 can include various structures.

[0206] The door pusher 420 can be configured to be movable with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 420 can be configured to press the door 30 while moving with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 420 can be movably installed to the main body 10.

[0207] The door pusher 420 can be movable in the push stroke housing 410. The push stroke housing 410 can movably support the door pusher 420. Since the door pusher 420 is movably supported on the push stroke housing 410 and the push stroke housing 410 is fixed to the main body 10, the door pusher 420 can be installed to the main body 10 while the door pusher 420 is movable with respect to the main body 10.

[0208] The door pusher 420 can be movable with respect to the accommodation space 13a in the top stand 13. The door pusher 420 can be inserted into and accommodated in the accommodation space 13a, or can be withdrawn from the accommodation space 13a to press the door 30.

[0209] The top stand 13 can include an opening 13b formed at one side of the accommodation space 13a. The door pusher 420 can be disposed to pass through the opening 13b and be movable with respect to the accommodation space 13a. The opening 13b can be formed on one surface of the top stand 13 that faces the door 30 when the door 30 is in the closed position. For example, the opening 13b can be formed on one front surface of the top stand 13.

[0210] The door pusher 420 can be movable between a first push stroke position P1 and a second push stroke position P2. In particular, the door pusher 420 can be configured to reciprocate between the first push stroke position P1 and the second push stroke position P2.

[0211] The first push stroke position P1 can be a position of the door pusher 420 when the door 30 is in the closed position. The second push stroke position P2 can be a position of the door pusher 420 when the door pusher 420 moves in a direction to press the door 30 from the first push stroke position P1. The door pusher 420 can move from the first push stroke position P1 to the second push stroke position P2 and press the closed door 30 to open the closed door 30. The second push stroke position P2 can be a position of the door pusher 420 that moves forward from the first push stroke position P1.

[0212] When the door pusher 420 is located at the first push stroke position P1, the door pusher 420 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 13a of the top stand 13. That is, when the door pusher 420 is located at the first push stroke position P1, the door pusher 420 can be in a state of being inserted into the accommodation space 13a of the top stand 13. The door pusher 420 can be withdrawn from the accommodation space 13a and moved from the first push stroke position P1 to the second push stroke position P2. The door pusher 420 can be movable between the first push stroke position P1 and the second push stroke position P2 while passing through the opening 13b of the top stand 13.

[0213] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the door pusher 420 can be provided to be linearly movable between the first push stroke position P1 and the second push stroke position P2. As shown in the drawings, the door pusher 420 can be configured to be linearly movable in the front-rear direction (X direction). However, the door pusher 420 can be non-linearly movable between the first push stroke position P1 and the second push stroke position P2. Figure 3 Figure 4 As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the door pusher 420 can be provided to be linearly movable between the first push stroke position P1 and the second push stroke position P2. As shown in the drawings, the door pusher 420 can be configured to be linearly movable in the front-rear direction (X direction). However, the door pusher 420 can be non-linearly movable between the first push stroke position P1 and the second push stroke position P2.

[0214] The door pusher 420 can be configured to press the door 30 until the door pusher 420 reaches the second push stroke position P2. Thereafter, based on reaching the second push stroke position P2, the door pusher 420 can stop moving or move to the first push stroke position P1. In this case, the door pusher 420 can no longer press the door 30.

[0215] The door pusher 420 can include a moving rod 421 configured to be movable with respect to the main body 10. The moving rod 421 can be configured to be movable with respect to the push stroke housing 410. The moving rod 421 can be supported on the push stroke housing 410. At least a portion of the moving rod 421 can be accommodated in the push stroke housing 410. The moving rod 421 can be provided to be movable with respect to the accommodation space 13a of the top stand 13. At least a portion of the moving rod 421 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 13a. The moving rod 421 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the accommodation space 13a.

[0216] For example, the moving rod 421 can be configured to be linearly movable with respect to the main body 10. The moving rod 421 can be configured to be linearly movable with respect to the push stroke housing 410.

[0217] The door pusher 420 can include a push roller 422. The push roller 422 can be mounted on one side of the moving rod 421 with respect to a direction in which the door 30 is pressed. The push roller 422 can come into contact with the door 30 when the door pusher 420 moves from the first push stroke position P1 to the second push stroke position P2. That is, the door 30 can be pressed by the push roller 422.

[0218] The push roller 422 can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the moving rod 421. The push roller 422 can be configured to be rotatable with respect to the moving rod 421.

[0219] ​Since the rotatable pressing roller 422 is disposed at one side of the moving bar 421, friction between the door opener 420 and the door 30 can be reduced, and wear of the door opener 420 and the door 30 can be prevented. Accordingly, the door 30 can be more efficiently opened.

[0220] The door opener 420 can include an opening cover 423 disposed at one side of the moving bar 421. The opening cover 423 can be disposed to cover the opening 13b of the top bench 13 when the door opener 420 is located at the first push stroke position P1. The opening cover 423 can be disposed to seal a gap between the door opener 420 and the opening 13b when the door opener 420 is located at the first push stroke position P1.

[0221] As described above, the door opening device 400 can automatically open the door 30 by including the door opener 420 configured to be movable with respect to the main body 10 and configured to press the door 30.

[0222] An example of a structure included in the door opening device 400 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 5 to Figure 9

[0223] Figure 5 A partial structure diagram of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 6 A partial structure diagram of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a door opener is located at a first push stroke position. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a door opener is located at a first push stroke position. Figure 8 A partial structure diagram of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a door opener is located at a second push stroke position. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a door opener is located at a second push stroke position.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 5 to Figure 9 The door opening device 400 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a power source 430 configured to generate power for moving the door opener 420. The power source 430 can generate power required for the door opener 420 to move between the first push stroke position P1 and the second push stroke position P2.

[0225] For example, the power source 430 can include a driving motor and a motor driver connected to the driving motor. The driving motor can generate power by receiving driving current from the motor driver. The motor driver can be electrically connected with a controller of the refrigerator 1, and can operate based on a control signal received from the controller.

[0226] The power source 430 can be supported on the push stroke housing 410. The power source 430 can be accommodated inside the push stroke housing 410.

[0227] ​The door opening device 400 can include a power transmission member 440 disposed to transmit power generated by the power source 430 to the door pusher 420.

[0228] The power transmission member 440 can be supported on the push stroke housing 410. The power transmission member 440 can be accommodated inside the push stroke housing 410.

[0229] The door pusher 420 can include a structure configured to receive power from the power transmission member 440. In particular, the structure configured to receive power from the power transmission member 440 can be disposed in the moving bar 421. Accordingly, power generated by the power source 430 can be transmitted to the door pusher 420 through the power transmission member 440.

[0230] For example, the power transmission member 440 can include at least one gear. As Figure 5 As illustrated, the power transmission member 440 can include a plurality of gears. At this time, the moving bar 421 can include a bar gear portion 421a engaged with one or more gears of the power transmission member 440, and the bar gear portion 421a can receive power from the gears of the power transmission member 440.

[0231] For example, the power transmission member 440 and the bar gear portion 421a can form a rack-and-pinion structure. Accordingly, the moving bar 421 can be linearly moved with respect to the push stroke housing 410.

[0232] The power source 430 can be controlled by a controller of the refrigerator 1. The power source 430 can be electrically connected with the controller. The controller can transmit a control signal for controlling the power source 430 to the power source 430, and the power source 430 can operate based on the control signal received from the controller.

[0233] The controller of the refrigerator 1 can control the power source 430 to move the door pusher 420 from the first push stroke position P1 to the second push stroke position P2 based on a condition for opening the door 30. For example, the condition for opening the door 30 can include obtaining a user input for opening the door 30.

[0234] The refrigerator 1 can include a user interface with an input button. The input button can be configured to obtain a user input for opening the door 30.

[0235] For example, the input button can include a touch sensor such as a capacitive sensor. When a user touches or presses the input button, the input button can be configured to obtain a user input for opening the door 30. However, the input button is not limited thereto, and the input button can obtain a user input in various ways.

[0236] For example, the input button can be provided on the door 30. In particular, the input button can be provided on or near a handle of the door 30. In this case, when a user touches the handle of the door 30, the input button can easily obtain a user input for opening the door 30. Also, the input button can be provided in various positions, for example, a front surface of the door 30.

[0237] The input button can be electrically connected with the controller. The input button can transmit an electrical signal related to the obtained user input to the controller. The controller can control the power source 430 to open the door 30 based on the user input for opening the door 30 obtained through the input button.

[0238] Meanwhile, when the door closer 420 reaches the second push stroke position P2, it can be necessary to control the door closer 420 to prevent the door closer 420 from moving further in a direction in which the door 30 is pressed from the second push stroke position P2. Accordingly, the controller can control the power source 430 to stop the movement of the door closer 420 based on the door closer 420 reaching the second push stroke position P2.

[0239] Also, when the door opening device 400 opens the door 30, the door closer 420 can need to immediately return to the first push stroke position P1 between after the door 30 moves to the open position or at a certain point of time before the door 30 reaches the closed position. Accordingly, the controller can control the power source 430 to move the door closer 420 to the first push stroke position P1 based on the door closer 420 reaching the second push stroke position P2.

[0240] For example, the door opening device 400 can include a position detection sensor 450 configured to detect a position of the door closer 420.

[0241] The position detection sensor 450 can be supported on the push stroke housing 410. The position detection sensor 450 can be accommodated in the push stroke housing 410. Alternatively, the position detection sensor 450 can be configured to detect the position of the door closer 420 from the outside of the push stroke housing 410.

[0242] The position detection sensor 450 can detect the position of the door closer 420 in various ways. For example, the position detection sensor 450 can be configured to detect a magnetic field of a magnet 460 mounted on the door closer 420. In particular, the door closer 420 can be provided with a magnet mounting portion 425 on which the magnet 460 is mounted and moves together with the door closer 420. The position detection sensor 450 can detect a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnet 460 as the door closer 420 moves.

[0243] For example, the magnet mounting portion 425 can be provided on the moving bar 421. The magnet mounting portion 425 can extend from the moving bar 421 in a direction in which the position detection sensor 450 is located.

[0244] For example, the position detection sensor 450 may include a Hall sensor configured to detect a magnetic field. However, the type of position detection sensor 450 is not limited to this; it may include various types of sensors configured to detect the position of the pusher 420, and in particular, sensors configured to at least detect that the pusher 420 has reached the second push position P2. For example, the position detection sensor 450 may include various types of sensors, such as reed switches and optical sensors.

[0245] The position detection sensor 450 can be electrically connected to the controller of the refrigerator 1. The position detection sensor 450 can send an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the door pusher 420 to the controller. When the position detection sensor 450 detects that the door pusher 420 has reached the second push position P2, the position detection sensor 450 can output a corresponding electrical signal and send the signal to the controller. When the controller receives the electrical signal indicating that the door pusher 420 has reached the second push position P2, the controller can control the power source 430 to stop the door pusher 420 from moving or return it to the first push position P1.

[0246] In addition, the controller can determine whether the pusher 420 has reached the second push position P2 by various methods, and determine the control power source 430 based on this.

[0247] For example, based on the position information of the rotor of the drive motor set in the power source 430, the controller can control the power source 430 to move the pusher 420 to the second push position P2, and when the pusher 420 reaches the second push position P2, the controller can control the power source 430 to stop the pusher 420 from moving or return it to the first push position P1.

[0248] For example, the power source 430 may include a stepper motor. In this case, based on the number of pulse signals input to the stepper motor, the controller may control the power source 430 to move the pusher 420 to the second push position P2, and when the pusher 420 reaches the second push position P2, the controller may control the power source 430 to stop the pusher 420 from moving or return it to the first push position P1.

[0249] like Figure 5 to Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment, when the pusher 420 reaches the second push position P2, the pusher 420 can stop its movement by a mechanical structure.

[0250] For example, the door pusher 420 may include a limiting member 424. The limiting member 424 may be configured to prevent the door pusher 420 from moving further toward the pressing door 30 when the door pusher 420 is in a specific position relative to the push-out housing 410. Figure 8 and Figure 9As illustrated, the stopper 424 can restrict the door closer 420 with respect to the main body 10 and the stroke housing 410 when the door closer 420 reaches the second stroke position P2.

[0251] For example, the distance between the end of the door closer 420 (e.g., the roller 422) that contacts the door 30 and the stopper 424 can be the same as the distance between the first stroke position P1 and the second stroke position P2. However, this can vary depending on the distance between the door closer 420 and the door 30 at the first stroke position P1, the position of the stopper 424, etc.

[0252] For example, the stopper 424 can be provided on the moving bar 421. For example, the stopper 424 can be formed in a rib shape that protrudes from the moving bar 421. For example, the stopper 424 can protrude in the vertical direction (Z direction) from the moving bar 421.

[0253] For example, the stopper 424 can be provided to stop the movement of the door closer 420 with respect to the stroke housing 410 by being locked with the stroke housing 410 when the door closer 420 moves.

[0254] In particular, the stroke housing 410 can include a housing entrance and exit portion 410a through which the door closer 420 moves. The housing entrance and exit portion 410a can be formed on one side of the stroke housing 410 (e.g., the front side of the stroke housing 410) with respect to the direction in which the door closer 420 is withdrawn from the stroke housing 410. The housing entrance and exit portion 410a can have the shape of a hole that connects the inside and the outside of the stroke housing 410. The door closer 420 can be provided to be withdrawn to the outside of the stroke housing 410 or inserted into the inside of the stroke housing 410 through the housing entrance and exit portion 410a.

[0255] When the door closer 420 is withdrawn from the stroke housing 410, the stopper 424 can be provided to be locked with the housing entrance and exit portion 410a. For example, when the door closer 420 reaches the second stroke position P2, the stopper 424 can be provided to be locked with the housing entrance and exit portion 410a. When the stopper 424 is locked with the housing entrance and exit portion 410a, the door closer 420 can no longer move in the direction in which it is withdrawn from the stroke housing 410, and the door closer 420 can stop.

[0256] The housing entrance and exit portion 410a can include a locking portion 410b provided to allow the stopper 424 to be locked therewith. For example, the locking portion 410b can have a rib shape that extends from the inner wall of the stroke housing 410 to the inside of the stroke housing 410.

[0257] When the door closer 420 reaches the second stroke position P2, the stopper 424 can be in contact with the locking portion in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the door closer 420 (the front and back direction based on the drawing) to prevent the door closer 420 from passing through the housing entrance and exit portion 410a.

[0258] When the door pusher 420 moves in the direction in which the door 30 is pushed, the moving bar 421 can pass through the housing inlet / outlet part 410a without being locked with the locking part 410b, but the stopper 424 can be locked with the locking part 410b. Accordingly, the stopper 424 can not pass through the housing inlet / outlet part 410a, so the door pusher 420 can be stopped.

[0259] The configuration of the stopper 424 is not limited thereto, and the stopper 424 can be configured to be locked with various configurations provided at various parts of the push stroke housing 410 or inside the push stroke housing 410 when the door pusher 420 moves to the second push stroke position P2, to stop the door pusher 420.

[0260] However, when the stopper 424 is locked with the housing inlet / outlet part 410a, the position of the door pusher 420 and the second push stroke position P2 can be different from each other. For example, when the door pusher 420 is withdrawn from the push stroke housing 410, the door pusher 420 can reach the second push stroke position P2 before the stopper 424 is locked with the housing inlet / outlet part 410a. In this case, the controller can control the power source 430 to stop the door pusher 420 from moving or return the door pusher 420 to the first push stroke position P1 based on the output signal of the position detection sensor 450 corresponding to the door pusher 420 reaching the second push stroke position P2. Even in this case, when the door pusher 420 is withdrawn beyond the second push stroke position P2 due to a control error or the like, the stopper 424 can prevent the door pusher 420 from being separated from the push stroke housing 410 through the housing inlet / outlet part 410a.

[0261] The structure of the door opening device 400 described above with reference to Figure 5 to Figure 9 is an example of the structure of a door opening device included in a refrigerator according to the present disclosure and configured to automatically open a door, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0262] Hereinafter, a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 10 to Figure 26 the door opening device described above in Figure 2 includes a lever device 100 and a guide 200.

[0263] Figure 10 A partial structure diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0264] With reference to Figure 10 , a part of a hinge bracket 40 of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be fixed to a main body 10, and the other part can rotatably support a door 30.

[0265] In particular, the hinge bracket 40 can include a body fixing portion 40a fixed to the main body 10 and a door support portion 40b supporting the door 30. The body fixing portion 40a and the door support portion 40b can be connected to each other. The door support portion 40b can be formed to extend from the body fixing portion 40a toward the door 30. For example, the body fixing portion 40a and the door support portion 40b can be integrally formed.

[0266] For example, the body fixing portion 40a can be coupled to the housing 12. The body fixing portion 40a can be seated on one surface of the housing 12. For example, the main body 10 can include a hinge bracket coupling member 12a coupled to the housing 12. The body fixing portion 40a can be coupled to the housing 12 by being coupled by fitting to the hinge bracket coupling member 12a. Alternatively, the body fixing portion 40a can be coupled to the housing 12 by being threadedly connected to the hinge bracket coupling member 12a.

[0267] For example, the door support portion 40b can be disposed at one side of the door 30. At one side of the door 30, the door support portion 40b can be disposed at a position close to the rotational axis of the door 30. The door support portion 40b can rotatably support the door 30.

[0268] The refrigerator 1 can include a hinge shaft 70 coupled to the door 30 and the hinge bracket 40. The hinge shaft 70 can pass through the rotational axis of the door 30. The hinge bracket 40 can include a hinge shaft coupling portion 40c to which the hinge shaft 70 is coupled. The hinge shaft coupling portion 40c can be disposed on the door support portion 40b.

[0269] For example, the hinge shaft 70 can be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a central axis corresponding to the rotational axis of the door 30.

[0270] For example, the hinge shaft 70 can be fixed to the hinge shaft coupling portion 40c of the door support portion 40b, and the door 30 can rotate about the hinge shaft 70. The hinge shaft 70 can be inserted to one side of the door 30. The door 30 can include a shaft hole 32a into which the hinge shaft 70 is inserted, the shaft hole 32a can be formed on one surface of the door 30 facing the hinge bracket 40.

[0271] For example, the hinge shaft coupling portion 40c can be formed to allow the hinge shaft 70 to pass therethrough. The hinge shaft 70 can be disposed to pass through the hinge shaft coupling portion 40c while being fitted into the hinge shaft coupling portion 40c. The hinge shaft coupling portion 40c can be disposed at a position corresponding to the shaft hole 32a.

[0272] The door 30 can include a door frame 31 and a door cover 32 coupled to the door frame 31. The door frame 31 and the door cover 32 can each form the outside of the door 30. The door frame 31 can be formed along the edges of the door 30, and can form the left and right side appearances of the door 30. The door cover 32 can be disposed in pairs, and can be coupled to the upper and lower portions of the door frame 31, respectively. The pair of door covers 32 can form the left and right side appearances of the door 30. Figure 10The following explanation will be based on the example of a door cover 32 located on the upper part of a door 30.

[0273] For example, the door support portion 40b of the hinge bracket 40 can be configured as a door cover 32 supporting the door 30. A shaft hole 32a can be formed in the door cover 32, and the hinge shaft 70 can pass through the shaft hole 32a formed in the door cover 32 to connect the hinge bracket 40 and the door 30.

[0274] The guide member 200 can be connected to the hinge bracket 40. The guide member 200 can be fixed to the main body 10 by fixing it to the hinge bracket 40. For example, the guide member 200 can be fixed to the main body fixing part 40a of the hinge bracket 40.

[0275] like Figure 10 As shown, the hinge bracket 40 may include a guide member connecting portion 40d, to which the guide member 200 is coupled to support the guide member 200. The guide member 200 may include a hinge bracket connecting portion 215 coupled to the guide member connecting portion 40d. For example, the guide member 200 may be fastened to the hinge bracket 40 by screws passing through the guide member connecting portion 40d and the hinge bracket connecting portion 215. For example, the hinge bracket connecting portion 215 of the guide member 200 may have a protruding shape passing through the guide member connecting portion 40d. As the hinge bracket connecting portion 215 passes through the guide member connecting portion 40d, the guide member 200 may be coupled to the hinge bracket 40. However, the method of securing the guide member 200 to the hinge bracket 40 is not limited to this.

[0276] When the guide member 200 is connected to the hinge bracket 40 as described above, the guide member 200 can have a fixed position relative to the body 10 at a location away from the body 10. That is, as the guide member 200 is connected to the hinge bracket 40, the guide member 200 can be positioned closer to the door 30 and fixed to the body 10. As a result, the guide member 200 can have a simple structure and can apply a force to the door 30 (or the lever device 100 mounted on the door 30) when the door 30 rotates.

[0277] The lever device 100 can be installed on the door 30. In particular, the lever device 100 can be installed on the side of the door 30 near the hinge bracket 40.

[0278] The lever device 100 can be coupled to the door cover 32. For example, one side of the door cover 32 can be provided with a lever device coupling protrusion 32b which can be inserted into an insertion hole 117 formed in the lever device 100 to fix the lever device 100. For example, one side of the door cover 32 can be formed with a lever device coupling hole 32c, and a coupling hole 115 corresponding to the lever device coupling hole 32c can be formed in the lever device 100. Accordingly, the lever device 100 can be coupled to the door cover 32 by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) passing through the coupling hole 115 and the lever device coupling hole 32c. However, the structure in which the lever device 100 is installed to the door 30 is not limited thereto.

[0279] Figure 11 A schematic view of a lever device and a guide of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0280] Referring to Figure 11 The refrigerator 1 can include a lever device 100 and a guide 200. The lever device 100 and the guide 200 can form a door opening and closing guide module configured to apply a force to the door 30 and guide the rotation of the door 30 when the door 30 rotates.

[0281] The lever device 100 can be configured to receive a force from the guide 200 and transmit the force to the door 30 when the door 30 rotates. For example, the lever device 100 can receive a force from the guide 200 and transmit the force to the opening direction (i.e., a first direction) of the door 30 when the door 30 rotates to the open position. For example, the lever device 100 can receive a force from the guide 200 and transmit the force to the closing direction (i.e., a second direction) of the door 30 when the door 30 rotates to the closed position.

[0282] In particular, the lever device 100 can include a lever 130 disposed to be in contact with the guide 200. The guide 200 can be configured to guide the movement of the lever 130 by being in contact with the lever 130 when the door 30 rotates. Since the guide 200 is fixed to the main body 10 and the lever 130 is installed to the door 30, the relative position of the lever 130 with respect to the guide 200 can vary according to the position of the door 30. That is, the position at which the lever 130 is in contact with the guide 200 can vary according to the opening angle of the door 30. The guide 200 can have a cam structure that guides the movement of the lever 130.

[0283] The guide 200 can include a guide surface 210 disposed to be in contact with the lever 130 when the door 30 is opened or closed. The guide surface 210 can form a portion of the outer surface of the guide 200.

[0284] In particular, the guide surface 210 can include a first contact surface 211 disposed to apply an acting force of the closing direction (i.e., the second direction) of the door 30 to the lever 130 by contact with the lever 130. When the lever 130 is in contact with the first contact surface 211, the lever 130 can apply an acting force of the closing direction (i.e., the second direction) of the door 30 to the door 30. When the lever 130 is in contact with the first contact surface 211 during the closing of the door 30, the lever 130 can apply an acting force of the closing direction to the door 30. At this time, the lever 130 can move along the first contact surface 211.

[0285] In addition, the guide surface 210 can include a second contact surface 212 disposed to transmit an acting force of the opening direction (i.e., the first direction) of the door 30 to the lever 130 by contact with the lever 130. When the lever 130 is in contact with the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200, the lever 130 can apply an acting force of the opening direction (i.e., the first direction) of the door 30 to the door 30. When the lever 130 is in contact with the second contact surface 212 during the opening of the door 30, the lever 130 can apply an acting force of the opening direction to the door 30. At this time, the lever 130 can move along the second contact surface 212.

[0286] The guide surface 210 can include a bending point 213 disposed between the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 212. The first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 212 can be connected to each other based on the bending point 213. During the opening of the door 30, the lever 130 in contact with the guide 200 can move by sequentially passing through the first contact surface 211, the bending point 213, and the second contact surface 212. During the closing of the door 30, the lever 130 in contact with the guide 200 can move by sequentially passing through the second contact surface 212, the bending point 213, and the first contact surface 211. That is, as the opening angle of the door 30 increases, the lever 130 can move while sequentially contacting the first contact surface 211, the bending point 213, and the second contact surface 212. In contrast, as the opening angle of the door 30 decreases, the lever 130 can move while sequentially contacting the second contact surface 212, the bending point 213, and the first contact surface 211.

[0287] When the lever 130 is in contact with the bending point 213 of the guide 200, the opening angle of the door 30 is defined as a reference angle a0 (refer to FIG. 4). Figure 16 .

[0288] When the opening angle of the door 30 is less than the reference angle a0, the lever 130 can be in contact with the first contact surface 211 of the guide 200. In this case, the lever 130 can apply an action force in the closing direction (i.e., the second direction) to the door 30. Through the lever 130, the guide 200 can apply an action force in the closing direction (i.e., the second direction) to the door 30. When no additional external force is applied to the door 30 in the state in which the lever 130 is in contact with the first contact surface 211, the door 30 can be rotated in the second direction and closed. When a force greater than the action force applied by the guide 200 and the lever 130 in the opening direction is transmitted to the door 30, the door 30 can be rotated to the open position despite the lever 130 and the guide 200.

[0289] In contrast, when the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the reference angle a0, the lever 130 can be in contact with the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200. In this case, the lever 130 can apply an action force in the opening direction (i.e., the first direction) to the door 30. Through the lever 130, the guide 200 can apply an action force in the opening direction (i.e., the first direction) to the door 30. When no additional external force is applied to the door 30 in the state in which the lever 130 is in contact with the second contact surface 212, the door 30 can be rotated in the first direction and opened. When a force greater than the action force applied by the guide 200 and the lever 130 in the closing direction is transmitted to the door 30, the door 30 can be rotated to the closed position.

[0290] With this configuration, during the closing of the door 30, the guide 200 and the lever device 100 can transmit an action force in the closing direction (i.e., the second direction) to the door 30. That is, when the door 30 is closed by more than a certain angle in the second direction from the maximum open position, the guide 200 and the lever device 100 can automatically close the door 30. In addition, during the opening of the door 30, the guide 200 and the lever device 100 can apply an action force in the opening direction to the door 30. That is, when the door 30 is opened by more than a certain angle in the first direction from the closed position, only a small force is required to easily open the door 30.

[0291] The action force applied to the door 30 when the guide 200 is in contact with the lever 130 can include an elastic force caused by the lever 130. In particular, the lever device 100 can include a spring 140 connected to the lever 130 (refer to FIG. 2). Figure 12 The spring 140 can elastically support the lever 130. For example, the spring 140 can include a compression spring.

[0292] Depending on the contact position between the lever 130 and the guide 200, the spring 140 can accumulate a spring force or provide a spring force to the door 30. The spring 140 can be configured to compress or extend depending on the contact position between the lever 130 and the guide 200. For example, the lever 130 can be movable relative to the door 30, with one end of the spring 140 connected to the lever 130 and the other end fixed to the door 30. In this case, depending on the contact position between the lever 130 and the guide 200, the relative position of the lever 130 with the door 30 can change, and the spring 140 can be compressed or extended. The lever 130 can then provide a spring force to the door 30 using the spring 140.

[0293] When lever 130 contacts the first contact surface 211 of guide 200, spring 140 provides a closing force (i.e., a second direction) to door 30. In other words, when lever 130 contacts the first contact surface 211 of guide 200, lever 130 applies a closing force (i.e., a second direction) to door 30 using spring 140. When lever 130 contacts the second contact surface 212 of guide 200, spring 140 provides an opening force (i.e., a first direction) to door 30. In other words, when lever 130 contacts the second contact surface 212 of guide 200, lever 130 applies an opening force (i.e., a first direction) to door 30 using spring 140. Maximum force accumulates in spring 140 when lever 130 contacts the bend point 213 located between the first and second contact surfaces 211 and 212.

[0294] When the lever 130 is in contact with the guide surface 210, the guide surface 210 may have a shape that protrudes toward the lever 130. The guide surface 210 may form the maximum protrusion at the bend point 213.

[0295] like Figure 14 to Figure 17 As shown, in the region on the guide surface 210, the distance between the bending point 213 and the rotation axis of the door 30 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction (Y)) can be the greatest. The first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 212 can be configured such that the distance between them and the rotation axis of the door 30 in the horizontal direction (Y) decreases as they move away from the bending point 213. That is, the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 212 of the guide surface 210 can be configured to be inclined in the direction opposite to the direction of protrusion of the guide surface 210 based on the bending point 213.

[0296] With this configuration, when the lever 130 contacts the bending point 213, the maximum elastic force can accumulate in the spring 140, and when the lever 130 moves from the position of contact with the bending point 213 to the first contact surface 211 or the second contact surface 212, the spring 140 can return to its original position, and the accumulated elastic force can be applied to the door 30. The bending point 213 can serve as a reference point for applying the accumulated elastic force in the spring 140 to the door 30.

[0297] Hereinafter, a structure of the lever device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 A structure of the lever device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

[0298] Figure 12 A structure of the lever device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described. Figure 13 A structure of the lever device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

[0299] Hereinafter, a structure of the lever device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The lever device 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a lever housing 110. The lever housing 110 can be fixed to the door 30. For example, the lever housing 110 can be installed to the door cover 32. The lever housing 110 can form an exterior of the lever device 100. The lever housing 110 can support various components of the lever device 100, such as the lever 130 and the spring 140.

[0300] For example, the lever housing 110 can include a first housing 110a and a second housing 110b. The first housing 110a can be coupled to an upper portion of the second housing 110b. In order to fasten the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b, a fastening hole 118 and a fastening groove 119 can be formed in the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b, respectively. A fastening member passing through the fastening hole 118 can be fastened to the fastening groove 119, and thus the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b can be fastened to each other.

[0301] The lever housing 110 can movably support the lever 130. The lever 130 can be configured to be movable with respect to the lever housing 110. In particular, the lever 130 can be rotatably coupled to the lever housing 110.

[0302] The lever housing 110 can include a lever shaft 113 to which the lever 130 is rotatably coupled. The lever 130 can be rotatably coupled to the lever shaft 113 and can be rotatable about the lever shaft 113. For example, when the lever 130 is in contact with the guide 200 as the door 30 is rotated, the lever 130 can be configured to be rotatable about the lever shaft 113.

[0303] For example, the lever shaft 113 can have a cylindrical shape of a central axis corresponding to a rotation axis of the lever 130.

[0304] The lever housing 110 can include a lever opening 114 provided to be open to allow the lever 130 to rotate about the lever shaft 113. The lever opening 114 can be formed to prevent the lever 130 from interfering with the lever housing 110 when the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113. The lever opening 114 can form a space to allow the lever 130 to rotate about the lever shaft 113. A portion of the lever 130 accommodated inside the lever housing 110 can be exposed to the outside of the lever housing 110 through the lever opening 114.

[0305] The lever housing 110 can include a coupling hole 115 corresponding to the lever device coupling hole 32c of the door cover 32. The coupling hole 115 can be formed in the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b.

[0306] The lever housing 110 can include an insertion hole 117 into which the lever device coupling protrusion 32b of the door cover 32 is inserted. As the lever device coupling protrusion 32b is inserted into the insertion hole 117, the lever device 100 can be fixed to the door cover 32. The insertion hole 117 can be formed in the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b.

[0307] The lever device 100 can include a support 120. The support 120 can be installed inside the lever housing 110. The support 120 can be fixed to the lever housing 110. For example, the support 120 can be coupled to the lever housing 110 by a fastening member. For example, the lever housing 110 can include a support installation groove 111, and the support 120 can include an installation hole 121 installed in the support installation groove 111 by a fastening member. For example, the support installation groove 111 can be formed in the second housing 110b. For example, the support installation groove 111 and the installation hole 121 can be provided as a pair.

[0308] The support 120 can be provided to support the spring 140. The support 120 can be provided to support one end of the spring 140. In the lever housing 110, both ends of the spring 140 can be supported by the support 120 and the lever 130, respectively.

[0309] For example, the support 120 can include a first support protrusion 123 on which one end of the spring 140 is supported. One end of the spring 140 can be supported on the first support protrusion 123 of the support 120 fixed inside the lever housing 110, and the other end can be supported on the lever 130. During rotation of the door 30, the lever 130 can come into contact with the guide surface 210 and rotate about the lever shaft 113 to compress the spring 140 or reset the compressed spring 140 to the length before compression.

[0310] Alternatively, as long as the spring 140 is disposed to be fixed when the lever 130 rotates, one end of the spring 140 can be fixed to a portion other than the support 120. For example, one end of the spring 140 can be fixed to the inside of the lever housing 110. In order to fix one end of the spring 140 to the inside of the lever housing 110, the first support protrusion 123 can be integrally disposed inside the lever housing 110. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The support 120 is shown to be separately disposed and installed inside the lever housing 110, but is not limited thereto. That is, the support 120 can be integrally formed with the lever housing 110.

[0311] As described above, the lever 130 is rotatably coupled to the inside of the lever housing 110. The lever 130 can include a rotation hole 131 rotatably coupled to the lever shaft 113 of the lever housing 110. The lever shaft 113 can be disposed to pass through the rotation hole 131. In a state in which the lever shaft 113 passes through the rotation hole 131, the lever shaft 113 can rotatably support the lever 130.

[0312] The lever 130 can include a second support protrusion 133 on which the other end of the spring 140 is supported. One end of the spring 140 can be supported on the first support protrusion 123 of the support 120 fixed to the inside of the lever housing 110, and the other end can be supported on the second support protrusion 133 of the lever 130 rotatably coupled to the inside of the lever housing 110. Accordingly, one end of the spring 140 is fixed to the support 120, and the other end is connected to the lever 130, and thus, when the lever 130 rotates according to the opening and closing of the door 30, the lever 130 can rotate with respect to the lever housing 110, thereby compressing the spring 140 or resetting the compressed spring 140 to the length before compression. When the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113, the spring 140 can be compressed or reset to the original length according to the rotation direction of the lever 130. When the spring 140 is compressed by the lever 130, the spring 140 can accumulate an elastic force corresponding to the amount of compression, and when the compressed spring 140 is reset to the length before compression, the accumulated elastic force can be applied to the door 30.

[0313] The lever 130 can include a roller 135 disposed to be in contact with the guide 200. The roller 135 can be disposed to be in contact with the guide surface 210 when the door 30 is rotated. The roller 135 in contact with the guide surface 210 can move along the shape of the guide surface 210. As the roller 135 moves along the guide surface 210, the lever 130 can rotate about the lever shaft 113. As the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113, the roller 135 can move while maintaining contact with the guide surface 210 due to the elastic force of the spring 140. As the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113, the roller 135 can move while maintaining contact with the guide surface 210. Accordingly, the spring 140 can be more effectively compressed, and the elastic force of the spring 140 can be more effectively provided to the door 30 when the spring 140 is returned to the length before compression. As the roller 135 moves along the guide surface 210 while being in contact with the guide surface 210, the spring 140 can be compressed or returned.

[0314] For example, the roller 135 can include a plurality of grooves 136 formed along the outer circumferential surface of the roller 135. As the roller 135 comes into contact with the guide surface 210, the contact area between the roller 135 and the guide surface 210 can decrease due to the plurality of grooves 136 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the roller 135. Accordingly, the friction between the roller 135 and the guide surface 210 can decrease.

[0315] For example, the roller 135 can be rotatably installed to the lever 130. The lever 130 can include a roller installation hole 137 on which the roller 135 is installed. The roller 135 can be rotatably installed to the roller installation hole 137 by a fastening member.

[0316] With the above-described structure, as the door 30 is rotated, the lever 130 can rotate about the lever shaft 113 while the roller 135 is in contact with the guide surface 210 of the guide 200 and moves along the shape of the guide surface 210.

[0317] Figure 14 A schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a door is in a closed position. Figure 15 A schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a roller of a lever moves along a first contact surface of a guide during opening of a door. Figure 16 A schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a roller of a lever is in contact with a bending point of a guide. Figure 17 A schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a roller of a lever moves along a second contact surface of a guide during opening of a door.

[0318] Reference will now be made in detail to Figure 14 to Figure 17In the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the door opening and closing guide module including the guide 200 and the lever device 100 can guide the rotation of the door 30 during the opening or closing of the door 30. The door opening and closing guide module including the guide 200 and the lever device 100 can apply an opening direction (i.e., a first direction) or a closing direction (i.e., a second direction) force to the door 30 during the opening or closing of the door 30.

[0319] In particular, during the opening of the door 30, the lever 130 can move and rotate with respect to the door 30 in a state of contacting the first contact surface 211 of the guide 200. At this time, the spring 140 can be compressed to accumulate an elastic force. That is, when the lever 130 contacts the first contact surface 211 and moves along the first contact surface 211 toward the bending point 213, the spring 140 can be disposed to be compressed by the lever 130. The first contact surface 211 can be a portion of the lever device 100 to accumulate an elastic force during the opening of the door 30. When the lever 130 (in particular, the roller 135 of the lever 130) passes the first contact surface 211 and reaches the bending point 213, the elastic force accumulated in the lever 130 can be maximized.

[0320] After the lever 130 contacts the bending point 213, when the opening angle of the door 30 is further increased, the lever can contact the second contact surface 212, and the lever 130 can rotate in a direction in which the compressed spring 140 is reset. As the compressed spring 140 is reset, the elastic force accumulated in the spring 140 can be applied to the door 30 in a direction in which the opening angle of the door 30 is further increased. That is, when the lever 130 contacts the second contact surface 212 and moves along the second contact surface 212 away from the bending point 213, the spring 140 can apply an elastic force to the door 30 in a direction in which the opening angle of the door 30 is increased. The second contact surface 212 can be a portion of the lever device 100 to provide an elastic force to the door 30 during the opening of the door 30.

[0321] In particular, when the door 30 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1A, the lever 130 can contact the first contact surface 211 of the guide surface 210. When the door 30 is rotated in the first direction from the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1B, the lever 130 can move along the first contact surface 211 and rotate about the lever shaft 113. As the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113, the spring 140 can be compressed by the lever 130 and accumulate an elastic force. Based on the drawings, as the lever 130 moves along the first contact surface 211 toward the bending point 213, the lever 130 can rotate clockwise about the lever shaft 113, and thus the spring 140 can be compressed. Figure 14 Figure 15 In particular, when the door 30 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1A, the lever 130 can contact the first contact surface 211 of the guide surface 210. When the door 30 is rotated in the first direction from the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1B, the lever 130 can move along the first contact surface 211 and rotate about the lever shaft 113. As the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113, the spring 140 can be compressed by the lever 130 and accumulate an elastic force. Based on the drawings, as the lever 130 moves along the first contact surface 211 toward the bending point 213, the lever 130 can rotate clockwise about the lever shaft 113, and thus the spring 140 can be compressed.

[0322] When the opening angle of the door 30 is less than the reference angle a0 (refer to FIG. 1C), as shown in FIG. 1D, the lever 130 can contact the second contact surface 212 of the guide surface 210. When the door 30 is rotated in the second direction from the opening position, as shown in FIG. 1E, the lever 130 can move along the second contact surface 212 and rotate about the lever shaft 113. As the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113, the spring 140 can be compressed by the lever 130 and accumulate an elastic force. Based on the drawings, as the lever 130 moves along the second contact surface 212 away from the bending point 213, the lever 130 can rotate counterclockwise about the lever shaft 113, and thus the spring 140 can be compressed. Figure 16 Figure 15 ​​As shown, the lever 130 can be in contact with the first contact surface 211. The spring 140 can be compressed during the movement of the lever 130 along the first contact surface 211 until reaching the inflection point 213.

[0323] When the opening angle of the door 30 is equal to the reference angle a0, as shown in FIG. 4, the lever 130 can be in contact with the inflection point 213. When the lever 130 passes the first contact surface 211 and reaches the inflection point 213, the spring 140 can be maximally compressed. Figure 16 As shown, the lever 130 can be in contact with the inflection point 213. When the lever 130 passes the first contact surface 211 and reaches the inflection point 213, the spring 140 can be maximally compressed.

[0324] When the lever 130 passes the first contact surface 211 and reaches the inflection point 213, the spring 140 is maximally compressed, the repulsive force Fn of the guide 200 caused by the elastic force of the spring 140 can be generated in a direction perpendicular to a tangent line between the roller 135 of the lever 130 and the guide surface 210.

[0325] When the opening angle of the door 30 exceeds the reference angle a0, as shown in FIG. 5, the lever 130 can move from the inflection point 213 of the guide 200 to the second contact surface 212 and then be in contact with the second contact surface 212. At this time, when the lever 130 moves along the second contact surface 212 and away from the inflection point 213, the spring 140 can be stretched from the maximum compression length and reset to the length before compression. The lever 130 can rotate by changing the rotation direction to the opposite direction while moving along the second contact surface 212. Based on the drawings, when the lever 130 moves along the second contact surface 212 in a direction away from the inflection point 213, the lever 130 can rotate counterclockwise about the lever shaft 113. Figure 17 When the spring 140 is reset, the elastic force accumulated in the spring 140 can be applied to the door 30. When the roller 135 of the lever 130 is in contact with the second contact surface 212, the repulsive force Fn of the guide 200 caused by the elastic force of the spring 140, which is generated in a direction perpendicular to a tangent line between the roller 135 and the guide surface 210, can be applied to the door 30 in the opening direction (i.e., the first direction) of the door 30. Accordingly, when the lever 130 is in contact with the second contact surface 212 as the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the reference angle a0, the door 30 can be opened by the elastic force transmitted from the lever device 100.

[0326] As shown in FIG. 6,

[0327] and Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200 can include a first point 212a and a second point 212b, where the lever 130 contacts the second contact surface 212 and enters the first point 212a as the opening angle of the door 30 increases, and the lever 130 separates from the second contact surface 212 at the second point 212b. That is, as the opening angle of the door 30 increases, the lever 130 can pass the first contact surface 211 and the bending point 213, and enter the second contact surface 212 through the first point 212a. The lever 130 can move along the second contact surface 212 from the first point 212a toward the second point 212b, and then separate from the second contact surface 212 when the lever 130 reaches the second point 212b.

[0328] The first point 212a of the second contact surface 212 can be disposed at an end of the second contact surface 212 closest to the bending point 213, and the second point 212b can be disposed at the other end of the second contact surface 212 opposite the first point 212a. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first point 212a of the second contact surface 212 can be disposed at an end of the second contact surface 212 closest to the bending point 213, and the second point 212b can be disposed at the other end of the second contact surface 212 opposite the first point 212a. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the first point 212a of the second contact surface 212 can coincide with the bending point 213.

[0329] When the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the reference angle a0, the lever 130 can pass the first point 212a and reach the second contact surface 212. In this state, as the opening angle of the door 30 further increases, the lever 130 can pass the second point 212b of the second contact surface 212 and separate from the second contact surface 212. The elastic force is applied to the door 30 during movement of the lever 130 along the second contact surface 212, so the door 30 can continue to rotate toward the open position due to inertia even after the lever 130 is completely separated from the second contact surface 212.

[0330] With this structure, after the door 30 is opened beyond the reference angle a0, the door 30 can automatically rotate in the first direction and then be fully opened.

[0331] The operation during closing of the door 30, which is opposite to the operation described above with reference to Figure 14 and Figure 17 will be described.

[0332] In particular, the lever 130 can move and rotate with respect to the door 30 in a state of contact with the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200 during the closing of the door 30. At this time, the spring 140 can be compressed to accumulate elastic force. That is, when the lever 130 contacts the second contact surface 212 and moves along the second contact surface 212 toward the inflection point 213, the spring 140 can be disposed to be compressed by the lever 130. The second contact surface 212 can be a portion of the lever device 100 to accumulate elastic force during the closing of the door 30. When the lever 130 (in particular, the roller 135 of the lever 130) passes the second contact surface 212 and reaches the inflection point 213, the elastic force accumulated in the lever 130 can be maximized.

[0333] After the lever 130 contacts the inflection point 213, when the opening angle of the door 30 is further reduced, the lever 130 can contact the first contact surface 211, and the lever 130 can rotate in a direction in which the compressed spring 140 is reset. As the compressed spring 140 is reset, the elastic force accumulated in the spring 140 can be applied to the door 30 in a direction in which the opening angle of the door 30 is further reduced. That is, when the lever 130 contacts the first contact surface 211 and moves along the first contact surface 211 away from the inflection point 213, the spring 140 can apply elastic force to the door 30 in a direction in which the opening angle of the door 30 is reduced. The first contact surface 211 can be a portion of the lever device 100 to provide elastic force to the door 30 during the closing of the door 30.

[0334] In particular, when the door 30 rotates by a predetermined angle in the second direction from the fully open position, the lever 130 can contact the second contact surface 212 of the guide surface 210. In particular, the lever 130 can enter the second contact surface 212 through the second point 212b of the second contact surface 212 and move along the second contact surface 212 to the first point 212a. The lever 130 can move along the second contact surface 212 and rotate about the lever shaft 113. When the lever 130 rotates about the lever shaft 113, the spring 140 can be compressed by the lever 130 and accumulate elastic force. Based on the drawings, when the lever 130 moves along the second contact surface 212 toward the inflection point 213, the lever 130 can rotate clockwise about the lever shaft 113, and thus the spring 140 can be compressed.

[0335] During the closing of the door 30, when the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the reference angle a0, the lever 130 can contact the second contact surface 212. During the movement of the lever 130 along the second contact surface 212 until reaching the inflection point 213, the spring 140 can be compressed.

[0336] When the opening angle of the door 30 is equal to the reference angle a0, the lever 130 can contact the inflection point 213, and the spring 140 can be maximally compressed.

[0337] When the lever 130 passes the second contact surface 212 and reaches the bending point 213, and the spring 140 is compressed to the maximum extent, the repulsive force Fn of the guide member 200 caused by the elastic force of the spring 140 can be generated in the direction perpendicular to the tangent between the roller 135 of the lever 130 and the guide surface 210.

[0338] When the opening angle of the door 30 is less than the reference angle α0, the lever 130 can move from the bending point 213 of the guide 200 to the first contact surface 211 and then contact the first contact surface 211. At this time, as the lever 130 moves along the first contact surface 211 and away from the bending point 213, the spring 140 can be stretched from its maximum compressed length and returned to its original length. The lever 130 can rotate in the opposite direction while moving along the first contact surface 211. Based on the accompanying drawings, when the lever 130 moves along the first contact surface 211 away from the bending point 213, the lever 130 can rotate counterclockwise about the lever axis 113.

[0339] When the spring 140 returns to its original position, the accumulated elastic force in the spring 140 can be applied to the door 30. When the roller 135 of the lever 130 contacts the first contact surface 211, the repulsive force Fn of the guide member 200 generated by the elastic force of the spring 140 in a direction perpendicular to the tangent between the roller 135 and the guide surface 210 can be applied to the door 30 in the closing direction (i.e., the second direction). Therefore, when the opening angle of the door 30 is less than the reference angle a0 and the lever 130 contacts the first contact surface 211, the door 30 can be closed by the elastic force transmitted from the lever device 100.

[0340] Using this door switch guide module, the door 30 can be easily opened or closed, and the door 30 can be opened or closed automatically even if only a small force is applied to it.

[0341] Furthermore, a refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door switch guide module, which includes various configurations configured to transmit a force to the door 30 to guide the rotation of the door 30 when the door 30 rotates between an open position and a closed position.

[0342] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the door pusher pressing the door when the roller of the lever contacts the first contact surface of the guide member in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the door pusher pressing the door when the roller of the lever contacts the bending point of the guide member in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the door pusher is in a stopped state when the roller of the lever contacts the second contact surface of the guide.

[0343] Reference Figure 18 to Figure 20According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator 1 may include a door opening device 400 configured to open the door 30. Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 may include a guide 200 configured to apply a force to the door 30 when it is opened or closed. Additionally, the refrigerator 1 may include a lever device 100 mounted on the door 30 and configured to apply a force to the door 30 by contacting the guide 200 when it is opened or closed. The detailed descriptions of the various components described above are the same as those described above and are therefore omitted.

[0344] like Figure 18 to Figure 20 As shown, the door 30 can be opened as the pusher 420 of the door opening device 400 moves from the first push position P1 to the second push position P2 and presses the door 30.

[0345] like Figure 18 As shown, when the opening angle of door 30 is less than the reference angle a0 (reference... Figure 19 When the door 30 is open, the guide member 200 can transmit a force to the door 30 in the closing direction. Specifically, when the opening angle of the door 30 is less than the reference angle α0, the lever 130 of the lever device 100 can contact the first contact surface 211 of the guide member 200, and the lever 130 in contact with the first contact surface 211 of the guide member 200 can apply a force to the door 30 in the closing direction. During the opening process of the door 30, the lever 130 in contact with the first contact surface 211 can press the spring 140, and the spring force can accumulate in the spring 140.

[0346] like Figure 19 As shown, when the opening angle of the door 30 is equal to the reference angle a0, the lever 130 can contact the bending point 213 of the guide 200, and the spring 140 can be compressed to the maximum extent.

[0347] During the opening of door 30, if the opening angle of door 30 does not exceed the reference angle a0, no force may be applied to door 30 in the opening direction. Specifically, when the opening angle of door 30 does not exceed the reference angle a0, lever 130 may only move before contacting the second contact surface 212 of guide member 200, therefore the spring force accumulated in spring 140 may not be applied to door 30 in the opening direction. When the rotation of door 30 stops while lever 130 is in contact with the first contact surface 211 of guide member 200, the spring force accumulated in spring 140 can be applied to door 30 in the closing direction.

[0348] If the pusher 420 of the door opening device 400 includes a structure such that even when the pusher 420 moves to the second push position P2 of the door 30 at its maximum pressing position, the opening angle of the door 30 is still less than the reference angle a0, then the door 30 may not be able to open and may instead be closed.

[0349] Therefore, the pusher 420 can be configured to press the door 30 until the door 30 rotates from the closed position along the first direction by an angle greater than or equal to the reference angle a0. In other words, when the pusher 420 is in the second push position P2, the opening angle of the door 30 can be greater than or equal to the reference angle a0.

[0350] like Figure 20 As shown, when the pusher 420 presses down on the door 30, and the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the reference angle a0, the guide member 200 can apply a force to the door 30 in the opening direction. Specifically, when the pusher 420 presses down on the door 30, and the door 30 rotates from the closed position by an angle greater than the reference angle a0, the lever 130 of the lever device 100 can contact the second contact surface 212 of the guide member 200, and the spring force accumulated in the spring 140 can be applied to the door 30. At this time, the spring force transmitted to the door 30 can open the door 30. Therefore, when the pusher 420 moves to the second push position P2 and presses down on the door 30 until the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the reference angle a0, the opening angle of the door 30 can continue to increase even though the pusher 420 stops at the second push position P2.

[0351] Furthermore, even if the pusher 420 only presses the door 30 until the opening angle of the door 30 equals the reference angle a0, after the operation of the pusher 420 stops, the opening angle of the door 30, which rotates in the first direction, can slightly increase due to the inertia of the door 30. As a result, the door 30 can be moved to a position where the angle of rotation from the closed position is greater than the reference angle a0, and the guide 200 can transmit force to the door 30 in the opening direction.

[0352] The reference angle α0 of door 30 can vary according to the shape of guide surface 210. The second push position P2 of pusher 420 can vary according to reference angle α0, width of door 30, and distance in the horizontal direction (Y) between the point where pusher 420 presses on door 30 and the axis of rotation of door 30. In other words, the moving distance or the withdrawing distance of pusher 420 can vary according to reference angle α0, width of door 30, and distance in the horizontal direction (Y) between the point where pusher 420 presses on door 30 and the axis of rotation of door 30.

[0353] When the pusher 420 is in the second push position P2, the guide 200 can be configured to apply a force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30. In other words, the pusher 420 can press the door 30 while moving from the first push position P1 until the guide 200 transmits a force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30.

[0354] When the door pusher 420 is located at the second push stroke position P2, the lever 130 can be disposed in contact with the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200. In other words, the door pusher 420 can be disposed to press the door 30 until the lever 130 comes into contact with the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200.

[0355] The door pusher 420 can press the door 30 until the lever 130 in contact with the first contact surface 211 passes the bending point 213 and reaches the second contact surface 212.

[0356] The door pusher 420 can be configured to move from a position corresponding to the lever 130 being in contact with the first contact surface 211 to a position corresponding to the lever 130 being in contact with the second contact surface 212.

[0357] When the door pusher 420 is located at the second push stroke position P2, the lever 130 can apply a force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30. In other words, the door pusher 420 can be disposed to press the door 30 until the lever 130 applies a force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30.

[0358] When the door pusher 420 is located at the second push stroke position P2, the spring 140 can provide a cumulative elastic force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30. In other words, the door pusher 420 can be disposed to press the door 30 until the spring 140 applies a cumulative elastic force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30.

[0359] When the door pusher 420 is located at the second push stroke position P2, the lever 130 can be in point contact with a point between a first point 212a (see Figure 17 ) and a second point 212b (see Figure 17 ) on the second contact surface 212. In other words, the door pusher 420 can be configured to press the door 30 until the lever 130 reaches a point between the first point 212a and the second point 212b on the second contact surface 212. The door pusher 420 can be configured to press the door 30 until the lever 130 reaches a point between the first point 212a and the second point 212b on the second contact surface 212 during the opening of the door 30.

[0360] Even if the door pusher 420 presses the door 30 only until the lever 130 reaches a point between the first point 212a (see Figure 17 ) and the second point 212b (see Figure 17 ) on the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200, the lever 130 can move along the second contact surface 212 and continuously apply a force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30.

[0361] When the opening angle of the door 30 in the state where the door closer 420 is located at the second push stroke position P2 is defined as a first opening guide angle, the door closer 420 can press the door 30 until the angle of the door 30 rotated from the closed position to the open position reaches the first opening guide angle. The door opening device 400 can open the door 30 until the opening angle of the door 30 reaches the first opening guide angle. The first opening guide angle can be an angle greater than or equal to the reference angle a0.

[0362] When the opening angle of the door 30 is between the first opening guide angle and a second opening guide angle (the second opening guide angle is greater than the first opening guide angle), the guide 200 can be configured to apply a force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30. The second opening guide angle can be the opening angle of the door 30 when the lever 130 contacts the second point 212b (refer to Figure 17 ) of the second contact surface 212.

[0363] When the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the second opening guide angle, the door 30 can no longer receive a force from the guide 200. In particular, when the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the second opening guide angle, the lever 130 can pass the second point 212b (refer to Figure 17 ) and separate from the guide 200. Thus, the lever 130 can no longer be in contact with the guide 200. Even in this case, the door 30 during the opening process can continue to open due to inertia. Thus, the door 30 can be fully opened even without applying an additional external force.

[0364] With this configuration, the door 30 can be automatically opened, and can be easily rotated to the fully open position without a stop during the opening process.

[0365] Figure 21 A schematic view of a rotating lever of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 22 An enlarged schematic view of a part of the structure of a rotating lever of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a door is in an open position. Figure 23 An enlarged schematic view of a part of the structure of a rotating lever of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a door is in a closed position.

[0366] Referring to Figure 21 to Figure 23 , a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a rotating lever 500.

[0367] As Figure 1As shown, the refrigerator 1 can include a first door 30A and a second door 30B arranged side by side with each other. The first door 30A and the second door 30B can be configured to open and close a single first storage compartment 21. When the first door 30A and the second door 30B close the first storage compartment 21, a rotary bar 500 can be provided to cover a gap between the first door 30A and the second door 30B. The rotary bar 500 can be rotatably coupled to the first door 30A. The rotary bar 500 can be formed in a bar shape extending in a height direction (Z direction) of the first door 30A.

[0368] As shown, the refrigerator 1 can include a rotary guide 80 provided to guide movement of the rotary bar 500. The rotary guide 80 can be provided to guide movement of the rotary bar 500 when the first door 30A is rotated between the open position and the closed position. The rotary guide 80 can include a groove structure into which a portion of the rotary bar 500 is inserted and moved. The rotary guide 80 can be installed to the main body 10. In particular, the rotary guide 80 can be installed to an upper portion of the inner case 11. Figure 1

[0369] The rotary bar 500 can be configured to rotate with respect to the first door 30A between a first bar position B1 (refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 ) and a second bar position B2 (refer to Figure 22 and Figure 26 ). The first bar position B1 of the rotary bar 500 is a position of the rotary bar 500 with respect to the first door 30A when the first door 30A is located in the closed position, and the second bar position B2 of the rotary bar 500 is a position of the rotary bar 500 with respect to the first door 30A when the first door 30A is located in the open position.

[0370] In other words, when the first door 30A is in the closed position, the rotary bar 500 can be located in the first bar position B1 (refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 ), and during opening of the first door 30A, the rotary bar 500 can be rotated to the second bar position B2 (refer to Figure 24 and Figure 22 ) under guidance of the rotary guide 80. When the first door 30A is in the open position, the rotary bar 500 can be located in the second bar position B2, and during closing of the first door 30A, the rotary bar 500 can be rotated to the first bar position B1 under guidance of the rotary guide 80. Figure 26 For example, when the rotary bar 500 is located in the first bar position B1, the rotary bar 500 can be arranged substantially in parallel to the first door 30A. For example, when the rotary bar 500 is located in the second bar position B2, the rotary bar 500 can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first door 30A.

[0371]

[0372] ​​According to one embodiment, with respect to a certain position (hereinafter referred to as a "reference position") between a first lever position B1 (refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 ) and a second lever position B2 (refer to Figure 22 and Figure 26 ) of the rotating lever 500 with respect to the first door 30A, when the rotating lever 500 is positioned closer to the first lever position B1 than the reference position, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate to the first lever position B1. Conversely, when the rotating lever 500 is positioned closer to the second lever position B2 than the reference position, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate to the second lever position B2.

[0373] Hereinafter, the structure of the rotating lever 500 will be described with reference to Figure 21 to Figure 23

[0374] Referring to Figure 21 to Figure 23 , the rotating lever 500 can include a lever housing 510 having one open surface, lever covers 511 and 512 provided to cover the open surface of the lever housing 510, lever hinge members 520, 530, and 540 provided to rotatably support the lever housing 510 and the lever covers 511 and 512 with respect to the first door 30A, and a guide protrusion 550.

[0375] The guide protrusion 550 can be provided to be inserted into a groove formed in the rotation guide 80. As the guide protrusion 550 moves along the rotation guide 80, the rotation of the rotating lever 500 can be guided.

[0376] For example, the rotating lever 500 can include an upper lever hinge member 520, a lower lever hinge member 530, and a middle lever hinge member 540. The upper lever hinge member 520, the lower lever hinge member 530, and the middle lever hinge member 540 can each be fixed to the first door 30A.

[0377] The lever housing 510 can form the outside of the rotating lever 500. The inside of the lever housing 510 can accommodate a heat insulating material (not shown). One open surface of the lever housing 510 can be covered by the first lever cover 511 and the second lever cover 512.

[0378] The lever housing 510 can include a lever hinge accommodation portion 513 to which the upper lever hinge member 520 is coupled. As the upper lever hinge member 520 is accommodated in the lever hinge accommodation portion 513, the rotating lever 500 can be rotatably supported on the first door 30A. In particular, the lever housing 510 can rotate with respect to the first door 30A about the lever hinge members 520, 530, and 540.

[0379] The lever housing 510 can include a lever hinge opening 514 through which the upper lever hinge member 520 passes. The lever hinge opening 514 can be provided at one side of the lever hinge accommodation portion 513.

[0380] ​The lever housing 510 can include a support portion 515 supported by a compression spring 525 which will be described later. The support portion 515 can be connected to an upper end of the compression spring 525.

[0381] The upper lever hinge member 520 can include a lever hinge shaft 522. The lever hinge shaft 522 can rotatably support the lever housing 510. The lever housing 510 can rotate about the lever hinge shaft 522. Also, the lever housing 510 can slide in a vertical direction with respect to the lever hinge shaft 522.

[0382] The lever hinge shaft 522 can include a protrusion 522a protruding in a radial direction with respect to an axis of rotation of the lever housing 510. The protrusion 522a can slide on an inclined portion 523a and / or a horizontal portion 523b of a lever hinge cover 523 which will be described later. A lower surface of the protrusion 522a can be in contact with an upper surface of the inclined portion 523a and / or the horizontal portion 523b.

[0383] The rotating lever 500 can include the lever hinge cover 523 to cover the lever hinge shaft 522 accommodated in the lever hinge accommodation portion 513. The lever hinge cover 523 can be coupled to the lever housing 510.

[0384] The lever hinge cover 523 can rotatably and slidably support the lever hinge shaft 522 together with the lever hinge accommodation portion 513 of the lever housing 510. The lever hinge cover 523 can form a coupling hole having a size corresponding to a size and / or a shape of the lever hinge shaft 522 together with the lever hinge accommodation portion 513.

[0385] The lever hinge cover 523 can include the inclined portion 523a formed on an upper surface thereof. The inclined portion 523a can be inclined downward in front when the first door 30A is in the closed position and the rotating lever 500 is located at the first lever position B1. The inclined portion 523a can be inclined downward in a direction in which the rotating lever 500 rotates from the second lever position B2 to the first lever position B1. When the rotating lever 500 rotates from the second lever position B2 to the first lever position B1, the inclined portion 523a can be pressed by the protrusion 522a of the upper lever hinge member 520 to lower a height in the Z direction.

[0386] The lever hinge cover 523 can include the horizontal portion 523b formed to be substantially flat. The horizontal portion 523b can be connected to the inclined portion 523a. The horizontal portion 523b can be connected to an upper end of the inclined portion 523a. The horizontal portion 523b can extend from the upper end of the inclined portion 523a in a direction in which the rotating lever 500 rotates from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2.

[0387] The rotating bar 500 can include a compression spring 525. The compression spring 525 can support the bar housing 510 of the rotating bar 500 and the bar covers 511 and 512. One end of the compression spring 525 can be fixed to the support portion 515 of the bar housing 510, and the other end opposite to the one end can be fixed to the bar hinge shaft 522. The compression spring 525 can be compressed or stretched between the support portion 515 and the bar hinge shaft 522. For example, the compression spring 525 can include a compression spring.

[0388] When the bar housing 510 rotates, the bar hinge cover portion 523 fixed to the bar housing 510 can also rotate in the same direction as the bar housing 510. Accordingly, a portion of the upper surface of the bar hinge cover portion 523 in contact with the protrusion 522a can also change. In addition, the degree of compression of the compression spring 525 can also change.

[0389] For example, when the rotating bar 500 rotates from the second bar position B2 to the first bar position B1, the protrusion 522a pressing the lower portion of the inclined portion 523a can press the upper portion of the inclined portion 523a as the bar hinge coupling portion 523 rotates with respect to the protrusion 522a. Accordingly, the height of the bar housing 510 can decrease. In other words, since the height of the protrusion 522a is fixed, the bar housing 510 can descend along the protrusion 522a through the inclined portion 523a.

[0390] When the rotating bar 500 is located at the first bar position B1, the protrusion 522a can be disposed on the horizontal portion 523b. The horizontal portion 523b can be horizontally formed to stop the descent of the rotating bar 500.

[0391] In contrast, when the rotating bar 500 rotates from the first bar position B1 to the second bar position B2, the protrusion 522a pressing the upper portion of the inclined portion 523a can press the lower portion of the inclined portion 523a as the bar hinge coupling portion 523 rotates with respect to the protrusion 522a. Accordingly, the height of the bar housing 510 can increase. In other words, since the height of the protrusion 522a is fixed, the bar housing 510 can ascend along the protrusion 522a through the inclined portion 523a.

[0392] When the rotating bar 500 is located at the first bar position B1, the degree of compression of the compression spring 525 can be greater than that when the rotating bar 500 is located at the second bar position B2. The compression spring 525 can press the bar hinge shaft 522 so that the protrusion 522a of the bar hinge shaft 522 is in close contact with the inclined portion 523a or the horizontal portion 523b of the bar hinge cover portion 523.

[0393] The rotating lever 500 can include a torsion spring 526. One end of the torsion spring 526 can be connected to the upper lever hinge member 520, and the other end can be connected to the lever housing 510. The torsion spring 526 can provide an elastic force to the rotating lever 500 to allow the rotating lever 500 to rotate smoothly. In particular, the torsion spring 526 can be elastically biased to apply an elastic force to the lever housing 510 to rotate the rotating lever 500 to the first lever position B1.

[0394] As shown in FIG. 5B, when the rotating lever 500 is located at the first lever position B1 with respect to the first door 30A, the protrusion 522a can be in contact with the horizontal portion 523b. During rotation of the rotating lever 500 from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 by a predetermined angle, the protrusion 522a can slide on the horizontal portion 523b. When the protrusion 522a is located on the horizontal portion 523b, the elastic force generated by the compression spring 525 can remain almost constant. Accordingly, when the protrusion 522a is located on the horizontal portion 523b, only the elastic force caused by the torsion spring 526 can be applied to the lever housing 510, and the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate to the first lever position B1 by the torsion spring 526. Figure 23 As shown in FIG. 5B, when the rotating lever 500 is located at the first lever position B1 with respect to the first door 30A, the protrusion 522a can be in contact with the horizontal portion 523b. During rotation of the rotating lever 500 from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 by a predetermined angle, the protrusion 522a can slide on the horizontal portion 523b. When the protrusion 522a is located on the horizontal portion 523b, the elastic force generated by the compression spring 525 can remain almost constant. Accordingly, when the protrusion 522a is located on the horizontal portion 523b, only the elastic force caused by the torsion spring 526 can be applied to the lever housing 510, and the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate to the first lever position B1 by the torsion spring 526.

[0395] Figure 22 When the rotating lever 500 is further rotated and located at a position rotated more than the predetermined angle from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2, as shown in FIG. 5C, the protrusion 522a can be in contact with the inclined portion 523a. When the protrusion 522a enters the inclined portion 523a, the elastic force caused by the compression spring 525 can be transmitted to the lever housing 510. When the elastic force caused by the compression spring 525 is transmitted to the lever housing 510, the inclined portion 523a fixed to the lever housing 510 can rise along the protrusion 522a, and thus the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate to the second lever position B2. The compression spring 525 can be configured to have an elastic force sufficient to allow the rotating lever 500 to rotate to the second lever position B2 overcoming the elastic force of the torsion spring 526.

[0396] Since the rotating lever 500 includes the above-described structure, when the rotating lever 500 is rotated from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 by an angle less than the predetermined angle with respect to the first door 30A, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate to the first lever position B1. In contrast, when the rotating lever 500 is rotated from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 by an angle greater than or equal to the predetermined angle with respect to the first door 30A, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate to the second lever position B2. The "predetermined angle" refers to the minimum angle by which the rotating lever 500 is rotated from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 when the rotating lever 500 is biased to rotate to the second lever position B2.

[0397] The above-described structure in which the rotating lever 500 is rotated with respect to the upper lever hinge member 520 can be applied to a structure in which the rotating lever 500 is rotated with respect to the lower lever hinge member 530 or the middle lever hinge member 540. A detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0398] ​Figure 24 A schematic view of a lever and a door closer of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a rotating lever is in a first lever position. Figure 25 A schematic view of a lever and a door closer of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a rotating lever is rotated from a first lever position to a second lever position by a predetermined angle. Figure 26 A schematic view of a lever and a door closer of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure when a rotating lever is in a second lever position.

[0399] Referring to Figure 24 to Figure 26 In the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the rotating lever 500 coupled to the first door 30A can be rotated from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 during opening of the first door 30A by operation of the door opening device 400, the guide 200, etc.

[0400] When the rotating lever 500 moves within the rotating guide 80, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to be rotated toward the second lever position B2 when the rotating lever 500 is positioned to be rotated from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 by a predetermined angle or more. In contrast, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to be rotated toward the first lever position B1 when the rotating lever 500 is positioned to be rotated from the first lever position B1 to the second lever position B2 by less than the predetermined angle. The direction in which the rotation of the rotating lever 500 is biased can vary according to the structure of the rotating lever 500, the frictional force received by the rotating lever 500 from the rotating guide 80, etc.

[0401] For example, as Figure 25 shown, when the opening angle of the first door 30A is an angle a1 (hereinafter referred to as a "first opening angle a1"), the rotating lever 500 can be positioned at a reference position in which the rotating direction of the rotating lever 500 is biased toward the first lever position B1 or biased toward the second lever position B2.

[0402] When the angle by which the first door 30A is rotated from the closed position is less than the first opening angle a1, the lever 130 can be in contact with the first contact surface 211 of the guide 200. At this time, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to be rotated toward the first lever position B1.

[0403] When the angle by which the first door 30A is rotated from the closed position is greater than or equal to the first opening angle but less than a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle (the second opening angle is the same as the reference angle a0 (see Figure 19 ), the rotating lever 500 can be biased to be rotated toward the second lever position B2. At this time, the lever 130 can still be in contact with the first contact surface 211 of the guide 200.

[0404] When the angle by which the first door 30A is rotated from the closed position is greater than or equal to the second opening angle a0, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to be rotated toward the second lever position B2. At this time, the lever 130 can be in contact with the second contact surface 212.

[0405] When the opening angle of the first door 30A is less than the first opening angle a1, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate toward the first lever position B1, and thus the rotating lever 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the closing direction of the first door 30A. In contrast, when the opening angle of the first door 30A is greater than or equal to the first opening angle a1, the rotating lever 500 can be biased to rotate toward the second lever position B2, and thus the rotating lever 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the opening direction of the first door 30A.

[0406] Therefore, in order to more efficiently open the first door 30A, the door opening device 400 can be configured to press the first door 30A until the first door 30A rotates at least the first opening angle a1. The door closer 420 can be configured to press the first door 30A until the opening angle of the first door 30A is greater than or equal to the first opening angle a1. The door closer 420 can be configured to press the first door 30A to allow the rotating lever 500 to rotate a predetermined angle or more from the first lever position B1 toward the second lever position B2 (a reference angle for determining the direction in which the rotation of the rotating lever 500 is biased). When the rotating lever 500 rotates the predetermined angle from the first lever position B1, the opening angle of the first door 30A can be the first opening angle a1. That is, when the door closer 420 is located at the second push stroke position P2, the first door 30A can be located at a position rotated by the first opening angle a1 or more from the closed position, and the rotating lever 500 can be located at a position rotated by the predetermined angle or more from the first lever position B1 with respect to the first door 30A.

[0407] With this structure, even if the door closer 420 reaches the second push stroke position P2 and no longer presses the rotating lever 500, the rotating lever 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the opening direction of the first door 30A.

[0408] When the first door 30A rotates the first opening angle a1 or more during the opening process, the rotating lever 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the opening direction of the first door 30A, although the lever 130 is in contact with the first contact surface 211 of the guide 200. Therefore, the door closer 420 can more efficiently open the first door 30A.

[0409] Further, when the lever 130 is in contact with the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200 during the opening process of the first door 30A, the rotating lever 500 can have rotated the predetermined angle or more and be biased to rotate toward the second lever position B2. Therefore, the rotating lever 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the opening direction of the first door 30A. Therefore, the first door 30A can be more efficiently opened.

[0410] Alternatively, the opening angle a1 of the first door 30A, used as a reference for rotating the lever 500 towards the first lever position B1 or towards the second lever position B2, can be approximately equal to the reference angle a0 (reference). Figure 19 In this situation, when the opening angle of the first door 30A is less than the reference angle a0, the rotating rod 500 can be biased to rotate towards the first position B1, and the rotating rod 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the closing direction. When the opening angle of the first door 30A is greater than the reference angle a0, the rotating rod 500 can be biased to rotate towards the second position B2, and the rotating rod 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the opening direction. Therefore, after the pusher 420 presses the first door 30A until the first door 30A reaches a position rotated by the reference angle a0 or more from the closed position, each of the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200 and the rotating rod 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the opening direction.

[0411] Alternatively, the opening angle a1 of the first door 30A, used as a reference for rotating the lever 500 towards the first lever position B1 or towards the second lever position B2, can be greater than the reference angle a0 (reference). Figure 20 In this configuration, the pusher 420 can be configured to press the door 30 until the door 30 reaches a position where it has rotated from the closed position by an angle greater than or equal to the reference angles a0 and a1. Therefore, after the pusher 420 presses the first door 30A until it reaches a position where it has rotated by an angle a1 or more from the closed position, each of the second contact surface 212 of the guide 200 and the rotating rod 500 can apply a force to the first door 30A in the opening direction.

[0412] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a body forming a storage compartment; a door rotatable to open and close the storage compartment; a lever mounted on the door and movable relative to the door; a guide configured to contact the lever to guide the movement of the lever when the door is rotated to open and close the storage compartment; and a pusher configured to press the door to open the door. The guide may include a first contact surface and a second contact surface, wherein the first contact surface is configured to allow the lever to apply a closing force to the door by contacting the lever, and the second contact surface is configured to allow the lever to apply an opening force to the door by contacting the lever. The pusher may be configured to press the door until the lever contacts the second contact surface.

[0413] When the lever contacts the second contact surface, the door can rotate at a greater angle from the closed storage compartment position than when the lever contacts the first contact surface.

[0414] The guide can further include a bending point disposed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. The lever can be configured to sequentially contact the first contact surface, the bending point, and the second contact surface in response to the door being opened. The lever can be configured to sequentially contact the second contact surface, the bending point, and the first contact surface in response to the door being closed.

[0415] The refrigerator can further include a spring connected to the lever, the spring being configured to compress and stretch in response to the lever moving relative to the door. The spring can be configured to accumulate a maximum elastic force in response to the lever contacting the bending point. The spring can be configured to compress in response to the lever moving along the first contact surface toward the bending point by contacting the first contact surface. The spring can be configured to apply an elastic force in an opening direction of the door in response to the lever moving along the second contact surface away from the bending point by contacting the second contact surface.

[0416] The door closer can be configured to move between a first stroke position and a second stroke position, wherein the first stroke position is a position of the door closer when the door is closed, and the second stroke position is a position of the door closer moving from the first stroke position in a direction to press the door. The lever can be configured to contact the second contact surface in response to the door closer being positioned at the second stroke position.

[0417] The door closer can be configured to move linearly between the first stroke position and the second stroke position.

[0418] The door closer can include a stopper configured to limit movement of the door closer relative to the main body when the door closer reaches the second stroke position.

[0419] A distance between an end of the door closer contacting the door and the stopper can be equal to a distance between the first stroke position and the second stroke position.

[0420] The refrigerator can further include a stroke housing mounted to the main body and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the door closer. The door closer can be configured to move relative to the stroke housing. The stroke housing can include a housing entrance and exit portion through which the door closer moves. The stopper can be configured to lock with the housing entrance and exit portion when the door closer reaches the second stroke position.

[0421] The refrigerator can further include a power source configured to deliver power to the door closer; and a controller electrically connected to the power source. The controller can be configured to control the power source to allow the door closer to press the door until the lever contacts the second contact surface based on a condition of opening the door.

[0422] The door closer can be configured to move between a first stroke position and a second stroke position, wherein the first stroke position is a position of the door closer when the door is closed, and the second stroke position is a position of the door closer moving from the first stroke position in a direction to press the door. The controller can be configured to control the power source to deliver power to the door closer until the door closer reaches the second stroke position based on a condition of opening the door.

[0423] The refrigerator can further include a position detection sensor configured to detect a position of the door closer and electrically connected to the controller. Based on the door closer reaching the second push stroke position, the controller can be configured to control the power source to allow the door closer to stop moving or move to the first push stroke position.

[0424] The door is a first door. The refrigerator can further include a second door disposed in parallel with the first door; and a rotating lever rotatably coupled to the first door and disposed to cover a gap between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door close the storage compartment. The rotating lever can be configured to rotate relative to the first door between a first lever position corresponding to a position when the first door is closed and a second lever position corresponding to a position when the first door is opened. In response to an angle by which the first door is rotated from the closed position being less than a first opening angle, the lever can be in contact with a first contact surface, and the rotating lever can be biased to rotate toward the first lever position. In response to the angle by which the first door is rotated from the closed position being greater than or equal to the first opening angle but less than a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle, the lever can be in contact with the first contact surface, and the rotating lever can be biased to rotate toward the second lever position. In response to the first door being rotated by the second opening angle from the closed position, the lever can be in contact with a second contact surface.

[0425] The refrigerator can further include a hinge bracket disposed to connect the main body and the door and disposed to rotatably support the door relative to the main body. The guide can be coupled to the hinge bracket.

[0426] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body forming a storage compartment; a door rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, the door disposed to rotate to open in a first direction and to rotate to close in a second direction; a guide configured to apply an action force to rotate in the second direction to the door when an angle by which the door is rotated from a closed position in the first direction is less than a reference angle, and configured to apply an action force to rotate in the first direction to the door when the angle by which the door is rotated from the closed position in the first direction is greater than the reference angle; and a door closer installed to the main body and configured to press the door to open the door. The door closer can be configured to press the door until the angle by which the door is rotated from the closed position in the first direction is greater than or equal to the reference angle.

[0427] The refrigerator can further include a lever installed to the door. The guide can be fixed to the main body and configured to guide movement of the lever by being in contact with the lever when the door is rotated in the first direction or the second direction.

[0428] In response to the angle by which the door is rotated from the closed position in the first direction being less than the reference angle, the lever can be in contact with a first contact surface to apply an action force to rotate in the second direction to the door. In response to the angle by which the door is rotated from the closed position in the first direction being greater than the reference angle, the lever can be in contact with a second contact surface to apply an action force to rotate in the first direction to the door.

[0429] The refrigerator can further include a lever installed to the door and movable relative to the door, and a spring connected with the lever, the spring being configured to be compressed and stretched in response to the lever being moved relative to the door. The guide can include a first contact surface configured to allow the spring to apply an elastic force in a second direction of rotation to the door by being in contact with the lever, a second contact surface configured to allow the spring to apply an elastic force in a first direction of rotation to the door by being in contact with the lever, and a bending point disposed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface and configured to allow the spring to accumulate a maximum elastic force by being in contact with the lever. The lever can be in contact with the bending point or the second contact surface in response to the door being rotated by a reference angle in the first direction from the closed position.

[0430] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, a lever installed to the door, a guide configured to be in contact with the lever as the door is rotated, and a door opener movable relative to the main body between a first stroke position and a second stroke position, the door opener being configured to press the door in a direction to open the door when moving from the first stroke position to the second stroke position. The guide can include a first contact surface configured to apply a force in a closing direction to the lever by being in contact with the lever, and a second contact surface configured to apply a force in an opening direction to the lever by being in contact with the lever. The lever can be in contact with the second contact surface in response to the door opener being located at the second stroke position.

[0431] As is apparent from the above description, the refrigerator can automatically open the door by including a door opening device with a door opener.

[0432] Further, the refrigerator can include a guide configured to transmit a force to the door to guide the door to rotate, so the door can be easily opened even if only a small force is applied.

[0433] Further, the refrigerator can include a guide configured to transmit a force to the door to guide the door to rotate, so the door can be easily closed even if only a small force is applied.

[0434] Further, the door opener of the door opening device can press the door until the guide transmits a force to the door in the opening direction, so the door can rotate without a stop in the opening process to a fully open position.

[0435] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description and the drawings.

[0436] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments can be embodied in the form of a recording medium storing computer executable instructions. The instructions can be stored in the form of a program code, and when executed by a processor, can generate program modules to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be embodied as a computer readable recording medium.

[0437] The computer readable recording medium includes all types of recording media storing instructions decodable by a computer. For example, it can include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disc, a flash memory, and an optical data storage device.

[0438] The machine readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. "Non-transitory" means that the storage medium is a tangible device, does not contain a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), and the term includes a case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and a case where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the "non-transitory storage medium" can include a buffer that temporarily stores data.

[0439] The method according to various disclosed embodiments can be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded between a seller and a buyer as goods. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a device readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or directly or online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) can be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0440] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The main body has a storage room; the door of the storage room can be rotated to open and close; A lever installed on the door and movable relative to the door; A guide member, having a first contact surface and a second contact surface, is configured to contact the lever when the door rotates to open the storage compartment, and the guide member has a first contact surface and a second contact surface; and a pusher is configured to press the door to open the storage compartment, wherein the guide member, the lever, and the pusher are configured such that: when the door rotates to open the storage compartment, the lever moves along the guide member; when the lever contacts the first contact surface of the guide member, the lever applies a force toward the door in the direction of closing the storage compartment; when the lever contacts the second contact surface of the guide member, the lever applies a force toward the door in the direction of opening the storage compartment; and the pusher is operable to press the door toward opening the storage compartment until the lever contacts the second contact surface.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, During the process of rotating the door from the closed position to the open position of the storage room, the angle at which the door moves when the lever contacts the second contact surface is greater than the angle at which the door moves when the lever contacts the first contact surface.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The guide includes a bend point located between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. When the door rotates to open the storage compartment, the lever contacts the first contact surface, the bend point, and the second contact surface in sequence. When the door rotates to close the storage compartment, the lever contacts the second contact surface, the bend point, and the first contact surface in sequence.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, further comprising: A spring connected to the lever, the spring being configured to compress and stretch in response to movement of the lever relative to the door, wherein the spring is configured to accumulate maximum elastic force when the lever contacts the bending point, the spring being configured to be compressed by the lever in response to the lever moving along the first contact surface toward the bending point through contact with the first contact surface, and the spring being configured to apply an elastic force to the door in the direction of opening the storage compartment in response to the lever moving away from the bending point along the second contact surface through contact with the second contact surface.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The door pusher is configured to move between a first push position and a second push position. The first push position is the position of the door pusher when the storage room is closed. The second push position is the position to which the door pusher moves when pressing the door in the direction of opening the storage room. When the door pusher is in the second push position, the lever contacts the second contact surface.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The door pusher is configured to move linearly between a first push position and a second push position.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The door pusher includes a limiting member configured to restrict the movement of the door pusher relative to the body when the door pusher reaches the second push position.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The distance between the limiting member and the end of the door pusher configured to contact the door is equal to the distance the door pusher moves between the first push position and the second push position.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising: A push-stroke housing is mounted on the main body and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the pusher, wherein the pusher is configured to move relative to the push-stroke housing, the push-stroke housing includes a housing inlet / outlet through which the pusher moves, and the limiting member is configured to lock with the housing inlet / outlet when the pusher reaches the second push-stroke position.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: A power source configured to transmit power to the pusher; The power source is also connected to a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the power source to operate the door pusher to press the door until the lever contacts the second contact surface, based on the condition that the storage compartment is opened.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein, The door pusher is configured to move between a first push position and a second push position, the first push position being the position of the door pusher when the storage room is closed, and the second push position being the position to which the door pusher moves when pressing the door in the direction of opening the storage room. The controller is configured to control the power source to transmit power to operate the door pusher based on the condition of opening the storage room, until the door pusher reaches the second push position.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, further comprising: A position detection sensor electrically connected to the controller and configured to detect the position of the pusher, wherein, based on the pusher reaching the second push position, the controller is configured to control the power source to operate the pusher to stop moving or move to the first push position.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerator further includes: a second door parallel to the first door and rotatable to open and close the storage compartment; and a rotating rod connected to the first door and rotatable relative to the first door. The rotating rod is configured to cover the gap between the first door and the second door when the storage compartment is closed. The rotating rod is configured to rotate relative to the first door between a first rod position and a second rod position. The first rod position corresponds to the position when the first door is closed and the second rod position corresponds to the position when the first door is open. When the first door rotates from the position of closing the storage compartment by an angle less than a first opening angle, the lever contacts the first contact surface, and the rotating rod is biased towards the first rod position. When the first door rotates from the position of closing the storage compartment by an angle greater than the first opening angle but less than a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle, the lever contacts the first contact surface, and the rotating rod is biased towards the second rod position. When the first door rotates from the position of closing the storage compartment by the second opening angle, the lever contacts the second contact surface.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: A hinge bracket connecting the body and the door to support the door's rotation relative to the body, wherein the guide is connected to the hinge bracket.

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