Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes: a cabinet; a door for opening or closing the storage compartment; a pusher for pushing the door in an opening direction; an elastic device configured to be compressed as the door is pushed by the pusher, and to transmit a compression elastic force to the door such that the door further rotates in the opening direction; and the cam device comprises an upper cam and a lower cam. And a cam device configured such that the upper cam is coupled to a lower portion of the door so as to be rotatable together with the door, the lower cam is coupled to a lower hinge module, and after the elastic device transmits a compression elastic force to the door, the lower cam is coupled to the lower hinge module. The first inclined surface of the upper cam slides on the second inclined surface of the lower cam to further rotate the door in the opening direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved device for automatically opening the door. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator, typically a appliance for keeping food fresh, includes a cabinet with storage compartments and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartments. The storage compartments include a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment, in which food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of approximately 0°C to 5°C, and in the freezer compartment, food is kept frozen at a temperature of approximately 0°C to -30°C. The cabinet has doors on the front side for opening and closing the storage compartments. The doors are rotatable and mounted on the front side of the cabinet to open and close the storage compartments.

[0003] The refrigerator may include a device for automatically opening the door. This device can be operated by a touch sensor, detection sensor, voice recognition device, etc. When the door is closed, the air inside the storage compartment is cooled, creating a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the storage compartment, and thus a pressure difference. Furthermore, the door can make tight contact with the cabinet via a gasket to allow the storage compartment to be sealed. Therefore, opening the door may require a significant amount of force at the outset.

[0004] When a user operates a device that opens the door (such as a touch sensor, detection sensor, voice recognition device, etc.), the door can be opened at a certain angle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical problems to be solved

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure provides a refrigerator in which the door can be opened to a first angle by an automatic door opener, further opened to a second angle by an elastic device, and further opened to a third angle by a cam device.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure provides a refrigerator whose door can be stopped when it is opened to a third angle by a cam device.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure provides a refrigerator having a guide shaft and a guide hole formed in the upper part of the door to allow the door to stop when the door is opened to a third angle.

[0009] The technical tasks to be achieved herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other technical tasks not mentioned.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] Aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet including a storage compartment; a lower hinge module; a door connected to the cabinet via the lower hinge module and configured to rotate to open and close the storage compartment; a pusher configured to push the door when the storage compartment is closed, causing the door to rotate in an opening direction; an elastic device configured to be compressed when the door is rotated by the pusher by a first angle, and to transmit a compressive force to the door, causing the door to rotate further in the opening direction beyond the first angle; and a cam device including: an upper cam having a first inclined surface, and a lower cam having a second inclined surface. The cam device can be configured such that: the upper cam is coupled to the lower part of the door so as to be able to rotate with the door; the lower cam is coupled to the lower hinge module, which is coupled to the lower part of the door; and after the elastic device transmits the compressive force to the door, the first inclined surface of the upper cam moves in a sliding manner on the second inclined surface of the lower cam so as to further rotate the door in the opening direction.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper cam may include: a first planar portion located on a first side of the first inclined surface; a second planar portion located on a second side of the first inclined surface; and a locking portion located on the side of the first planar portion opposite to the first inclined surface.

[0014] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower cam may include: a third planar portion located on a first side of the second inclined surface; a fourth planar portion located on a second side of the second inclined surface; and a stop portion located on the side of the fourth planar portion opposite to the second inclined surface.

[0015] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, since the storage compartment is closed by the door, the first planar portion can contact the third planar portion.

[0016] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in response to the door being rotated by the pusher by the first angle, the upper cam can be rotated by the first angle along the opening direction while maintaining the first planar portion of the upper cam in contact with the third planar portion of the lower cam.

[0017] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in response to the door being rotated by the elastic device from a first angle to a second angle greater than the first angle, while the door is rotating from the first angle to the second angle, the upper cam can be rotated such that the first planar portion of the upper cam moves in a sliding manner along the second inclined surface of the lower cam.

[0018] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in response to the door being rotated to the second angle by the resilient device, the upper cam can rotate as the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, thereby causing the door to rotate further in the opening direction.

[0019] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in response to the first inclined surface of the upper cam sliding along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, and then the first flat portion of the upper cam contacting the fourth flat portion of the lower cam, the upper cam can stop rotating, and the door can stop in a state where the door has rotated a third angle along the opening direction.

[0020] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in response to a rotational force being transmitted to the door along the opening direction when the door is rotated by the third angle along the opening direction, the upper cam can rotate such that the first planar portion moves along the fourth planar portion until the locking portion of the upper cam contacts the stop portion of the lower cam to stop the rotation of the door in the fully open state.

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cabinet may include an upper hinge module connected to the upper part of the cabinet, the upper hinge module including a hinge shaft, and the door being connected to the cabinet via the hinge shaft to enable rotation. The door may include a door cover connected to the upper part of the door, and the door cover including a hinge hole for receiving the hinge shaft.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the upper hinge module may include a guide shaft projecting toward the door. The door cover may include a guide hole formed along the periphery of the hinge hole to receive the guide shaft, and the guide hole is configured to be guided by the guide shaft in response to rotation of the door to open and close the storage compartment.

[0023] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the width of the guide hole may gradually decrease in the direction from the front of the door toward the rear of the door.

[0024] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the guide hole may include: a first portion, the first portion being closest to the front portion of the door, and the guide hole having the largest width at the first portion; a second portion, the second portion being closest to the rear portion of the door, and the guide hole having the smallest width at the second portion; and a third portion, the third portion being formed between the first portion and the second portion, and the width of the guide hole at the third portion being equal to the thickness of the guide shaft.

[0025] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, based on the door being positioned to close the storage compartment, the guide shaft can be positioned at the first portion of the guide hole. Based on the door being rotated to open the storage compartment, the guide hole can move along the guide shaft, such that the position of the guide shaft changes from the first portion to the third portion. Based on the door being rotated by the cam device in the opening direction, the guide hole can move along the guide shaft until the movement of the guide hole is constrained based on the guide shaft being positioned at the second portion.

[0026] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, based on the fact that rotational force is transmitted to the door along the opening direction when the guide shaft is positioned at the third portion, the guide hole can move along the guide shaft until the guide shaft is located in the second portion, and then the further rotational movement of the door along the opening direction can be constrained based on the fact that the guide shaft is positioned at the second portion.

[0027] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet including a storage compartment; a door rotatably connected to the cabinet and configured to open or close the storage compartment; a pusher movable in a front-rear direction on the cabinet and configured to push the door such that the door is opened by a first angle; an elastic device configured to be compressed in response to the door being opened by the pusher and to transmit a compressive force to the door such that the door is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle; and a cam device located at the lower part of the door and configured to transmit an additional opening force to the door such that the door opened by the elastic device is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle. Attached Figure Description

[0028] These and / or other aspects of this disclosure will become clear, apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a view of a refrigerator with an open door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a cam connected to an upper hinge module and a resilient device connected to a door cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 It is viewed from another direction. Figure 3 The view of the construction shown.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of an elastic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating a first housing separated from the elastic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating the elastic device and cam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating a cam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein an upper cam is connected to the lower end of a door, and a lower cam is connected to the lower hinge module of the door.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating a cam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 Is Figure 9 An exploded view of the cam device shown.

[0039] Figure 11 It is viewed from another direction. Figure 10 The view shown is of the disassembled cam assembly.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a view illustrating a state in which the door is closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a view illustrating a cam device when the door is closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a view illustrating a state in which a door is opened to a first angle by a pusher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a view of a cam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is opened to a first angle by a pusher.

[0044] Figure 16This is a view illustrating a state in which a door is opened to a second angle by an elastic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a view of the cam device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is opened to a second angle by the resilient device.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a view illustrating a state in which the door is opened to a third angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a view of the cam device when the door is opened to a third angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 20 This is a view illustrating a state in which the door is fully open according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 21 This is a view illustrating the cam device when the door is fully opened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to the specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0051] When describing the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0052] Unless clearly indicated otherwise in the relevant context, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items.

[0053] In this disclosure, 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”, “at least one of A, B or C”, can include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrases of the phrase.

[0054] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0055] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” or “secondary” can be used simply to distinguish an element from others without limiting it in other ways (e.g., importance or order).

[0056] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the terms “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., are defined with reference to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0057] It will be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and / or “containing” are used in this disclosure, they specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0058] When a given element is described as "connected to another element," "attached to another element," "supported by another element," or "in contact with another element," it is understood that the given element may be directly or indirectly connected to, attached to, supported by, or in contact with another element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, attached to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is understood that the given element may be connected to, attached to, supported by, or in contact with another element via a third element.

[0059] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as "on another component," the component can be directly on another component, or there may be an intervening component.

[0060] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet.

[0061] The "cabinet" may include an inner shell, an outer shell positioned outside the inner shell, and a heat insulation material disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0062] The “inner shell” may include a shell, panel, panel, or lining that forms a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner shell may be formed as a single unit or may be formed by assembling multiple panels together. The “outer shell” may form the appearance of the cabinet and is attached to the outside of the inner shell, such that insulation is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0063] The "insulation body" insulates the interior of a storage compartment from its exterior to maintain the interior temperature at a suitable level, unaffected by the external environment. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the insulation body may include a foamed insulation body. The foamed insulation body can be molded by fixing the inner and outer shells with clamps or the like, and then injecting and foaming a polyurethane foam material, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer shells.

[0064] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in addition to foamed insulation, the insulation may also include a vacuum insulation, or the insulation may be configured to have only a vacuum insulation without a foamed insulation. A vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material that houses the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation is not limited to the aforementioned foamed or vacuum insulations and may include a variety of materials capable of providing insulation.

[0065] A "storage compartment" may include a space defined by an inner shell. A storage compartment may also include an inner shell defining a space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment can store various items, such as food, medicine, cosmetics, etc., and may be configured to have an opening on at least one side for inserting or retrieving items.

[0066] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In the case of two or more storage compartments in a refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different uses and may be maintained at different temperatures. Therefore, the respective storage compartments may be separated by partition walls containing insulation.

[0067] Storage compartments can be maintained within an appropriate temperature range depending on their intended use, and can include "refrigeration compartments," "freezing compartments," and "temperature conversion compartments" depending on the intended use and / or temperature range. Refrigeration compartments can be maintained at an appropriate temperature for keeping food refrigerated, and freezing compartments can be maintained at an appropriate temperature for keeping food frozen. "Refrigeration" can mean keeping food cold without freezing it, and for example, a refrigeration compartment can be maintained in the range of 0 to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" can mean freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, a freezing compartment can be maintained in the range of -20 to -1 degrees Celsius. Temperature conversion compartments can be used as either refrigeration or freezing compartments, depending on the user's choice or regardless of the user's choice.

[0068] In addition to “refrigeration compartment”, “freezing compartment” and “temperature conversion compartment”, storage compartments may also be referred to by various terms such as “vegetable compartment”, “freshness compartment”, “cooling compartment” and “ice-making compartment”, and the terms used below, such as “refrigeration compartment”, “freezing compartment”, “temperature conversion compartment”, etc., will be understood to refer to storage compartments with corresponding uses and corresponding temperature ranges.

[0069] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close an opening side of a storage compartment. Various doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be mounted to the front of the cabinet in a rotatable or sliding manner.

[0070] A "door" can seal a storage compartment in a closed state. Like the cabinet, a door may include insulation to insulate the storage compartment when it is closed.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the door may include: an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, a top cover, a bottom cover, and a door insulation body disposed in the door.

[0072] Gaskets can be placed on the edges of the inner door panels to seal the storage compartments by making tight contact with the front surface of the cabinet when the door is closed. The inner door panels may include dykes that project rearward to allow for the mounting of door baskets for storing items.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel, the front panel being detachably attached to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include: an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, a top cover, a bottom cover, and a door insulation element disposed within the door body.

[0074] Based on the arrangement of doors and storage compartments, refrigerators can be classified as French door refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, bottom-mounted freezer (BMF) refrigerators, top-mounted freezer (TMF) refrigerators, or single-door refrigerators.

[0075] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartments.

[0076] "Cold air supply device" may include machines, equipment, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof capable of generating and directing cold air to cool storage compartments.

[0077] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a cold air supply device can generate cold air through a cooling cycle including processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. For this purpose, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator to drive the refrigeration cycle. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cold air supply device may include semiconductors, such as thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric elements can cool the storage compartment through heating and cooling actions via the Peltier effect.

[0078] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to a cold air supply device are installed.

[0079] The "machine compartment" can be separated from and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from components installed inside the machine compartment, the machine compartment can be connected to the outside of the cabinet.

[0080] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of this disclosure may include a dispenser disposed on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be disposed on the door to allow a user to access or access the refrigerator without opening the door.

[0081] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an ice-making device for generating ice. The ice-making device may include: an ice-making tray for storing water; an ice-moving device for separating ice from the ice-making tray; and an ice bucket for storing the ice generated in the ice-making tray.

[0082] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0083] The “controller” may include a memory and a processor, the memory being used to store and / or record data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and the processor being used to output control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc., based on the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0084] 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 control signals are generated to control components included in the refrigerator. The memory can include at least one or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0085] 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 processing unit (NPU) that executes artificial intelligence (AI) models. Alternatively, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information from a temperature sensor in the storage compartment and generate cooling control signals based on this information to control the operation of the cold air supply unit.

[0086] Furthermore, the processor can process user input from 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 using input and output interfaces. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, in response to user input, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data for displaying images on the user interface to the user interface.

[0087] The processor and memory can be integrated or configured separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, a processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory modules.

[0088] A refrigerator according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a processor and memory for controlling all components included in the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories for individually controlling components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and 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 provided with a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0089] 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 device is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0090] Input interfaces can include buttons, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and transmit the received user input to the processor.

[0091] Output interfaces can include displays, speakers, etc. Output interfaces can output various notifications, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0092] In the following, various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Figure 1 This is a view showing the front of the refrigerator according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a view showing a refrigerator with an open door according to an embodiment.

[0094] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the refrigerator may include: a cabinet 10; a storage compartment 20 formed by vertically dividing the cabinet 10; a door 30 configured to open or close the storage compartment 20; and a cold air supply device (not shown) configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0095] The cabinet 10 may include: an inner shell forming a storage compartment 20; an outer shell connected to the outside of the inner shell to form the exterior of the cabinet 10; and a heat insulation (not shown) foamed between the inner shell and the outer shell to thermally insulate the storage compartment 20.

[0096] A machine compartment (not shown) may be provided in the lower rear side of the cabinet 10, in which a compressor (not shown) for compressing refrigerant and a condenser (not shown) for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor are installed.

[0097] The cold air supply unit may include: a compressor installed in a machine compartment to compress refrigerant; a condenser installed in a machine compartment to condense refrigerant; an expansion valve (not shown) for expanding the refrigerant condensed by the condenser; an evaporator (not shown) installed at the rear of storage compartment 20 to generate cold air; a fan (not shown) for causing the cold air generated by the evaporator to be discharged into storage compartment 20; and a cold air duct (not shown) installed at the rear of storage compartment 20 to discharge the cold air generated by the fan into storage compartment 20. The evaporator, fan, and cold air duct located at the rear of storage compartment 20 may be respectively arranged at the rear of refrigeration compartment 21 and freezer compartments 22 and 23.

[0098] The storage compartment 20 can be divided into multiple compartments by the divider 15, and multiple shelves 25 and storage containers 26 can be arranged inside the storage compartment 20 to store food, etc.

[0099] The storage compartment 20 can be divided into multiple storage compartments 21, 22 and 23 by the divider 15, and the divider 15 may include a first divider 17 and a second divider 19. The first divider 17 is horizontally connected within the storage compartment 20 to divide the storage compartment 20 into an upper storage compartment 21 and lower storage compartments 22 and 23, and the second divider 19 is vertically connected to the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 to divide the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 into a first storage compartment 22 and a second storage compartment 23.

[0100] The storage compartment 20 is divided into three spaces by a T-shaped partition 15, in which the first partition 17 and the second partition 19 are connected together. The upper storage compartment 21, which is divided by the first partition 17, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23, can be used as a refrigeration compartment, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 can be used as a freezing compartment.

[0101] The lower storage compartments 22 and 23 can be used as a whole as a freezer compartment, but the first storage compartment 22 can be used as a freezer compartment and the second storage compartment 23 can be used as a refrigerator compartment, or the first storage compartment 22 can be used as a freezer compartment and the second storage compartment 23 can be used as a freezer compartment or as a refrigerator compartment.

[0102] The division of storage compartment 20 as described above is merely an example, and each of storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 may be used differently from the above configuration.

[0103] The refrigerator compartment 21 and the freezer compartments 22 and 23 can be opened or closed by means of a door 30 that is rotatably connected to the cabinet 10.

[0104] Door 30 may include a pair of refrigerator compartment doors 31 rotatably connected to cabinet 10 to open or close refrigerator compartment 21. The pair of refrigerator compartment doors 31 may include a first door 32 and a second door 33 rotatably connected to the left and right sides of cabinet 10. Door 30 may include a pair of freezer compartment doors 34 rotatably connected to cabinet 10 to open or close freezer compartments 22 and 23. The doors for opening and closing freezer compartments 22 and 23 may be sliding doors.

[0105] The refrigerator compartment 21 can be opened and closed via a pair of refrigerator compartment doors 31, and when the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 31 are closed, at least one of the first door 32 and the second door 33 may be provided with a rotating rod 35, such that no gap is formed between the first door 32 and the second door 33 and such gap is sealed. The rotating rod 35 may be rotatably connected to at least one of the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 31. The rotating rod 35 may be guided to rotate by a rotating guide formed on the cabinet 10 in response to the opening or closing of the refrigerator compartment doors 31.

[0106] Touch sensors 36 may be respectively disposed on the lower surfaces of the first door 32 and the second door 33. In response to a user touching the touch sensor 36, means for automatically opening the first door 32 and the second door 33 may be operated. Although the touch sensor 36 is shown in the figures as being for actuating the means for automatically opening the first door 32 and the second door 33, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the means for automatically opening the first door 32 and the second door 33 may be operated by a detection sensor, a voice recognition device, etc.

[0107] A pair of refrigerated compartment doors 31 and a pair of frozen compartment doors 34 may each have door baskets 31a and 34a for storing food on their rear surfaces.

[0108] Door baskets 31a and 34a may include corresponding barriers 31b and 34b, which extend vertically from the corresponding doors 31 and 34 to support the respective door baskets 31a and 34a on their left and right sides. Barriers 31b and 34b may be arranged to extend from the corresponding doors 31 and 34. Barriers 31b and 34b may be configured as separate structures so that they can be removed from each door 31 and 34.

[0109] Furthermore, washers 31c and 34c can be disposed at the rear edges of the respective doors 31 and 34 to seal the gap between the doors 31 and 34 and the cabinet 10 when the respective doors 31 and 34 are closed. Washers 31c and 34c can be installed in the form of rings along the edges of the rear surfaces of the respective doors 31 and 34, and magnets (not shown) can be included in the washers 31c and 34c.

[0110] The cabinet 10 may include hinge modules 50 and 60 that rotatably connect the refrigerator compartment door 31 to the cabinet 10. Hinges 50 and 60 may include an upper hinge module 50 connected to the upper part of the cabinet 10 to allow the refrigerator compartment door 31 to be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10. Hinges 50 and 60 may also include a lower hinge module 60 connected to the first partition 17 to allow the refrigerator compartment door 31 to be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10.

[0111] The top platform 70 can be disposed on the upper surface of the cabinet 10. The top platform 70 can cover at least a portion of the upper hinge module 50, so that the upper hinge module 50 is not exposed to the outside.

[0112] A door opening device 90 for opening the refrigerator compartment door 31 can be disposed inside the top platform 70. A portion of the door opening device 90 can be accommodated in the top platform 70. The top platform 70 can be connected to the upper surface of the cabinet 10, with a portion of the door opening device 90 connected to the top platform 70. The door opening device 90 can be configured as a pair of door opening devices corresponding to the first door 32 and the second door 33 respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the cabinet 10.

[0113] For ease of description, the refrigerated compartment door 31 will be referred to as and described herein as door 30.

[0114] The door opening device 90 may include a pusher 91 configured to open the door 30 by pushing against the rear surface of the door 30. The pusher 91 may be movable in the forward and backward direction. When the forward-moving pusher 91 presses against the rear surface of the door 30, the door 30 can be opened. In other words, the door opening device 90 can partially open the door 30 to allow the user to open the door 30 with a small amount of force.

[0115] Although the door opening device 90 is shown in the drawings as being arranged in the cabinet 10 and the pusher 91 being able to push the rear surface of the door 30, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the door opening device 90 may also be arranged in the door 30, and thus the pusher 91 may push the front surface of the cabinet 10 to open the door 30.

[0116] A pusher hole 71 can be formed in the front surface of the top platform 70, through which the pusher 91 passes. Since the door opening device 90 is configured as a pair of door opening devices, the pusher 91 can also be configured as a pair of pushers. Therefore, the pusher hole 71 can also be formed as a pair of pusher holes corresponding to the number of pushers 91.

[0117] The elastic device 100 can be connected to the upper part of the door 30. When the door 30 is opened by the pusher 91, the elastic device 100 accumulates elastic force by contacting the cam 150, which is connected to the upper hinge module 50 connected to the cabinet 10. In other words, during the process of opening the door 30 by the pusher 91, the elastic device 100 can accumulate elastic force and transfer the accumulated elastic force to the door 30, thereby allowing the door 30 to be opened further than when it is opened by the pusher 91.

[0118] The upper hinge module 50, which is connected to the upper part of the cabinet 10, can be connected to the cam 150. When the door 30 is opened by the pusher 91, the cam 150 causes the elastic device 100 to contact and accumulate elastic force.

[0119] Although the accompanying drawings show the resilient device 100 connected to the upper part of the door 30 and the cam 150 connected to the upper hinge module 50 connected to the upper part of the cabinet 10, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the resilient device 100 and the cam 150 may be connected to the lower part of the door 30 and the lower hinge module 60 connected to the first partition 17 of the cabinet 10, respectively.

[0120] Furthermore, although the accompanying drawings show the elastic device 100 connected to the upper part of the door 30 and the cam 150 connected to the upper hinge module 50 connected to the upper part of the cabinet 10, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the elastic device 100 may be connected to the upper hinge module 50 connected to the upper part of the cabinet 10, and the cam 150 may be connected to the upper part of the door 30.

[0121] The following section provides a more detailed description of the elastic device 100 and the cam 150.

[0122] Figure 3 This is a view showing the cam connected to the upper hinge module and the elastic device connected to the door cover according to an embodiment. Figure 4 Shown from different directions Figure 3 The view of the construction shown.

[0123] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the upper hinge module 50 may include: a bracket 51; a connecting member 53 fixed to the upper part of the cabinet 10 to connect the bracket 51 to the cabinet 10; and a hinge shaft 55 capable of rotatably connecting the door 30 to the bracket 51, so that the door 30 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 10.

[0124] The bracket 51 may include a base 51a and an extension 51b, the base 51a being connected to the cabinet 10 and the extension 51b extending from the base 51a to the door 30. The door 30 may be rotatably connected to the extension 51b.

[0125] The extension 51b may be provided with a connecting part 51c and a through hole 51d. The cam 150 is connected to the connecting part 51c, and the hinge shaft 55 passes through the through hole 51d, so that the extension 51b and the door 30 can be connected in a rotatable manner. The hinge shaft 55 passing through the through hole 51d can be connected by passing through the hinge hole 83 of the door cover 80 arranged on the upper part of the door 30.

[0126] The connecting member 53 can be fixed to the upper part of the cabinet 10 and to the base 51a of the bracket 51 to allow the bracket 51 to be connected to the cabinet 10.

[0127] The hinge shaft 55 can be rotatably connected to the upper part of the door 30 so as to pass through the through hole 51d of the bracket 51 and the hinge hole 83 of the door cover 80, thereby allowing the door 30 to be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10.

[0128] The cover 80 can be disposed on the upper part of the door 30. The cover 80 may include a hinge receiving portion 81 in which the extension 51b of the bracket 51 is received.

[0129] The hinge receiving portion 81 may be provided with a hinge hole 83 through which the hinge shaft 55 passes and is connected, and the hinge hole 83 may be formed at a position corresponding to the through hole 51d provided in the extension 51b of the bracket 51 that is received in the hinge receiving portion 81.

[0130] The elastic device 100 can be connected to the hinge receiving part 81 to contact the cam 150 connected to the bracket 51, and when the door 30 is opened, the elastic device 100 transmits force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30.

[0131] To connect the elastic device 100, the hinge receiving portion 81 may be provided with an elastic device connection hole 85. The elastic device 100 may be provided with a connection hole 115 corresponding to the elastic device connection hole 85, so that the elastic device connection hole 85 and the connection hole 115 can be aligned and then connected together using a fastener B.

[0132] Additionally, the hinge receiving portion 81 may be provided with a guide protrusion 87 to guide the position of the elastic device 100. The guide protrusion 87 may fix the elastic device 100 in place to prevent the elastic device 100 connected to the hinge receiving portion 81 from moving.

[0133] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the elastic device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 This is a view showing the first housing separated from the elastic device according to an embodiment. Figure 7 This is a view showing the elastic device and cam according to an embodiment.

[0134] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the resilient device 100 can be installed on the door cover 80 arranged on the upper part of the door 30. When the door 30 is opened, the resilient device 100 can transmit force to the door 30 in the opening direction of the door 30. When the door 30 is pushed by the pusher 91 (see...) Figure 2 When the door is opened, the elastic device 100 can accumulate elastic force, and then transmit the accumulated elastic force to the door 30 in the opening direction (see [link]). Figures 3 to 4 ).

[0135] The elastic device 100 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may form the exterior of the elastic device 100. The housing 110 may include a first housing 110a and a second housing 110b. The first housing 110a may be fastened to the upper part of the second housing 110b. To connect the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b, a fastening hole 118 and a fastening groove 119 may be formed in the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b, respectively. A fastener B passing through the fastening hole 118 may be fastened to the fastening groove 119, so that the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b can be fastened together.

[0136] The housing 110 may include a support mounting recess 111, in which the support 120 is mounted by a fastener B. The support mounting recess 111 may be formed as a pair of support mounting recesses. The support mounting recess 111 may be formed in the second housing 110b. The support 120 may include mounting holes 121 for mounting in the support mounting recess 111 by fastener B. The mounting holes 121 may be formed as a pair of mounting holes corresponding to the support mounting recess 111.

[0137] The housing 110 may include a rotating shaft 113 to which a lever 130 is rotatably coupled. The lever 130 is rotatably coupled to the rotating shaft 113 and is used when the door 30 is opened or closed (see...). Figure 2 When the lever 130 can rotate around the rotation axis 113, the lever 130 can rotate.

[0138] The housing 110 may include an opening 114 that opens to allow the lever 130 to rotate about the axis of rotation 113. A portion of the lever 130 received within the housing 110 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 110 through the opening 114. The opening 114 may form a space for the lever 130 to rotate about the axis of rotation 113. When the door 30 is opened or closed (see...), Figure 2 When the lever 130, which is exposed to the outside of the housing 110 through the opening 114, can rotate about the rotation axis 113 by contacting the cam surface 151 of the cam 150.

[0139] The housing 110 may include a connection hole 115 for connection to a resilient device connection hole 85 of the cover 80 via a fastener B. The connection hole 115 may be formed in the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b.

[0140] The housing 110 may include an insertion hole 117 into which a guide protrusion 87 of the door cover 80 is inserted. The guide protrusion 87 can be inserted into the insertion hole 117 so that the elastic device 100 can be secured to the upper part of the door cover 80. The insertion hole 117 may be formed in the first housing 110a and the second housing 110b.

[0141] The elastic device 100 may include a support member 120. The support member 120 may be mounted within the housing 110. The support member 120 may include a mounting hole 121 for mounting in a support member mounting recess 111 by means of a fastener B. The support member mounting recess 111 and the mounting hole 121 may both be provided as a pair.

[0142] The support member 120 may include a first support protrusion 123 on which one end of the spring 140 is supported. The spring 140 may be supported at opposite ends by the support member 120 and the lever 130 within the housing 110. One end of the spring 140 may be supported by the first support protrusion 123 of the support member 120, which is fixed inside the housing 110, and the other end may be supported by the lever 130, which is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft 113 inside the housing 110. In response to the door 30 (see...), Figure 2 When the lever 130 is opened, the lever 130 can rotate about the rotation axis 113 by contacting the cam surface 151, causing the spring 140 to be compressed, or the compressed spring 140 to return to its original length before compression. Although one end of the spring 140 is shown in the figures as being supported by a first support protrusion 123 of the support member 120, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, one end of the spring 140 can be fixed to any part other than the support member 120, as long as one end of the spring 140 is fixed when the lever 130 rotates. For example, one end of the spring 140 can be attached to the interior of the housing 110. The first support protrusion 123 can be integrally disposed inside the housing 110 such that one end of the spring 140 can be attached to the interior of the housing 110. Based on the fact that one end of the spring 140 is fixed to the first support protrusion 123 inside the housing 110, the elastic device 100 can be configured without the support member 120. Furthermore, although the figures show the support member 120 as separately disposed and mounted inside the housing 110, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the support 120 can be integrally formed with the housing 110.

[0143] The resilient device 100 may include a lever 130. The lever 130 may be rotatably coupled to the interior of the housing 110. The lever 130 may include a rotation hole 131 rotatably coupled to a rotation shaft 113 of the housing 110. In response to the door 30 (see...) Figure 2 When the lever 130 is opened, it can rotate around the rotation axis 113 and move along the shape of the cam surface 151 while the roller 135 is in contact with the cam surface 151 of the cam 150.

[0144] When the door is closed 30 (see Figure 2When lever 130 is in contact with cam surface 151, the lever 130 can contact cam surface 151. In this case, cam surface 151 can be a second contact surface 157. When the door 30 is opened with lever 130 in contact with the second contact surface 157 (see...), the door 30 is opened. Figure 2 When the lever 130 rotates about the axis of rotation 113, it moves along the second contact surface 157. As the lever 130 rotates about the axis of rotation 113, the rotation of the lever 130 compresses the spring 140. When the spring 140 is compressed, it can accumulate elastic force. The spring 140 can be compressed until the lever 130 moves along the second contact surface 157 and is positioned at the inflection point 153. To ensure that the spring 140 is compressed, when the door 30 (see...) Figure 2 ) began to be driven by actuator 91 (see Figure 2 ) Open and then door 30 (see Figure 2 When the lever 130 is opened to the first angle A1, that is, when the lever 130 moves along the first contact surface 155 after being positioned at the inflection point 153 of the cam surface 151, the rotation direction of the lever 130 is reversed, causing the compressed spring 140 to return to its original length before compression. In this case, the first angle A1 can be approximately 8 degrees. When the spring 140 returns to its original position, the elastic force accumulated in the spring 140 can be transmitted to the door 30 (see...). Figure 2 As described above, in response to the rotation of lever 130 about rotation axis 113, spring 140 can be compressed, or can be restored or returned to its length before compression, depending on the direction of rotation of lever 130.

[0145] The lever 130 may include a second support protrusion 133, on which the other end of the spring 140 is supported. The spring 140 may be supported at one end on a first support protrusion 123 fixed inside the housing 110, and at the other end on the second support protrusion 133 of the lever 130, which is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft 113 inside the housing 110. Therefore, since the spring 140 is fixed to the support 120 at one end, when the lever 130 responds to the door 30 (see...) Figure 2 When the lever 130 is opened and rotated, the other end of the spring 140 can be compressed, or can be restored or reset to the length before the spring 140 was compressed, by the rotation of the lever 130.

[0146] Lever 130 may include roller 135 when door 30 is opened (see...) Figure 2When the lever 130 rotates about the cam 150, the roller 135 contacts the cam surface 151 of the cam 150. The roller 135, which contacts the cam surface 151, can move along the shape of the cam surface 151 to allow the lever 130 to rotate about the rotation axis 113. As the lever 130 rotates about the rotation axis 113, the roller 135 can be moved while maintaining contact with the cam surface 151 by the elastic force of the spring 140. Because the roller 135 moves while maintaining contact with the cam surface 151 as the lever 130 rotates about the rotation axis 113, the spring 140 can be compressed more effectively to accumulate elastic force, and when the compressed spring 140 returns to or resets to its length before compression, the elastic force of the spring 140 can be transmitted more effectively to the door 30 (see [link]). Figure 2 ).

[0147] The roller 135 may include a plurality of grooves 136 formed along the outer peripheral surface of the roller 135. By forming a plurality of grooves 136 on the outer peripheral surface of the roller 135, the contact area between the roller 135 and the cam surface 151 can be reduced when the roller 135 contacts the cam surface 151. As a result, the friction between the roller 135 and the cam surface 151 can be reduced.

[0148] The lever 130 may include a roller mounting hole 137 in which a roller 135 is mounted. The roller 135 may be rotatably mounted in the roller mounting hole 137 by means of a fastener B.

[0149] The elastic device 100 may include a spring 140. The spring 140 may be a compression spring. The spring 140 may have one end supported by a first support protrusion 123 of a support member 120 fixed inside the housing 110, and the other end supported by a second support protrusion 133 of a lever 130 rotatably connected to a rotating shaft 113 inside the housing 110. Therefore, in response to rotation of the lever 130 about the rotating shaft 113, depending on the direction of rotation of the lever 130, the spring 140 may be compressed, or may return to or reset to its length before compression. When the spring 140 is compressed by the lever 130, the spring 140 may accumulate as much elastic force as it is compressed, and when the compressed spring 140 returns to or resets to its length before compression, the spring 140 may transmit the accumulated elastic force to the door 30 (see [link to door 30]). Figure 2 ).

[0150] In cases where the elastic device 100 in contact with the cam 150 is formed as a single lever to utilize the elasticity of the material, the spring 140 (compression spring) can have a smaller size but a larger elastic force, and therefore the elastic device 100 using the elasticity of the spring 140 can transmit a larger force to the door 30.

[0151] Although the accompanying drawings show that the elastic device 100 includes a spring 140 and uses the elastic force of the spring 140 to transmit force to the door 30 (see Figure 100), the elastic device 100 includes a spring 140. Figure 2 The construction of the elastic device 100 is possible, but not limited to this. In other words, the elastic device 100 can be formed entirely of an elastic material. For example, the construction of the elastic device 100, except for the roller 135 that contacts the cam surface 151, can be entirely formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0152] Cam 150 can be connected to cabinet 10 (see...) Figure 2 The upper part of the cam 150 can be connected to the cabinet 10 (see above). Figure 2 The upper hinge module 50 is connected to the upper part of the door 30. A cam 150 can be connected to the connecting portion 51c of the upper hinge module 50. The cam 150 may include a cam surface 151, which, when the door 30 is opened (see...),... Figure 2 When the cam surface 151 allows the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 to contact the cam surface 151 and move.

[0153] Cam surface 151 may include inflection point 153, when door 30 (see Figure 2 Driven by actuator 91 (see Figure 2 When opened, the inflection point 153 serves as a spring 140 for the elastic device 100 to accumulate elastic force and then transmit the accumulated elastic force to the door 30 (see [link]). Figure 2 The reference point is 153. The inflection point 153 can be the maximum protrusion of the prominent cam surface 151. In response to gate 30 (see... Figure 2 When the door is opened, the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 can pass through the inflection point 153, and the elastic device 100 can transmit the opening force to the door 30 through the elastic force of the spring 140 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0154] The cam surface 151 may include a second contact surface 157 that is contacted before the lever 130 contacts the inflection point 153 when the door 30 is opened by the pusher 91. In other words, when the door 30 is opened, the roller 135 of the lever 130 may contact the second contact surface 157 before contacting the inflection point 153. When the door 30 is opened (see...), Figure 2 When the second contact surface 157 can be a segment in which the elastic device 100 accumulates elastic force.

[0155] The cam surface 151 may include a first contact surface 155, which is contacted after the lever 130 contacts the inflection point 153 when the door 30 is opened by the pusher 91. In other words, when the door 30 is opened, the roller 135 of the lever 130 can contact the first contact surface 155 after the roller 135 of the lever 130 contacts the inflection point 153. When the door 30 is opened, the first contact surface 155 may be in which the elastic device 100 transmits elastic force to the door 30 (see...). Figure 2 ( ) section.

[0156] The first contact surface 155 and the second contact surface 157 of the cam surface 151 can be formed to be inclined in a direction opposite to the direction along which the cam surface 151 protrudes relative to the inflection point 153. Therefore, the inflection point 153 can be the largest protruding portion of the cam surface 151 that protrudes in a triangular shape.

[0157] The cam device 200 may be disposed at the lower part of the door 30 to apply an additional opening force to the door 30 opened by the resilient device 100. The cam device 200 will be described in more detail below (see [link to documentation]). Figure 8 ).

[0158] The upper hinge module 50 may include a guide shaft 230 that protrudes toward the door 30 at a portion adjacent to the hinge shaft 55. The guide shaft 230 may be configured to protrude downward from the lower surface of the extension 51b of the upper hinge module 50. The guide shaft 230 may be inserted into a guide hole 240 formed in the door cover 80. When the door 30 is opened or closed with the guide shaft 230 inserted into the guide hole 240, the guide shaft 230 may be guided along the guide hole 240.

[0159] The door cover 80 may include a guide hole 240 formed along the periphery of the hinge hole 83. The guide hole 240 may be formed in an arc shape along the periphery of the hinge hole 83. In response to the guide shaft 230 being inserted into the guide hole 240 and the door 30 being opened or closed, the guide hole 240 may guide the guide shaft 230.

[0160] The guide hole 240 can be formed such that the width of the guide hole 240 gradually decreases in the direction from the front of the door 30 toward the rear of the door 30. In other words, the guide hole 240 can be formed such that the width of the guide hole 240 gradually decreases along the direction along which the guide shaft 230 moves when the door 30 is opened.

[0161] The guide hole 240 may include a first portion 241 adjacent to the front surface of the door 30. The first portion 241 may be the portion having the maximum width of the guide hole 240. The first portion 241 may be the portion that, when the door 30 is closed (see...),... Figure 12 The part where the guide shaft 230 is located.

[0162] The guide hole 240 may include a second portion 243 adjacent to the rear surface of the door 30. The second portion 243 may be the portion having the minimum width of the guide hole 240. The second portion 243 may be present when the door 30 is fully opened (see [reference]). Figure 20 The part where the guide shaft 230 is located.

[0163] The guide hole 240 may include a third portion 245 formed between the first portion 241 and the second portion 243. The third portion 245 may be a portion having a width approximately equal to the thickness of the guide shaft 230. The third portion 245 may be present when the door 30 is opened 90 degrees (see...). Figure 18 The part where the guide shaft 230 is located.

[0164] Figure 8 This is a view showing a cam device according to an embodiment, wherein an upper cam is connected to the lower part of a door, and a lower cam is connected to the lower hinge module of the door. Figure 9 This is a view showing a cam device according to an embodiment. Figure 10 Is Figure 9 An exploded view of the cam device shown. Figure 11 It is observed from different directions. Figure 10 The view shown is of the disassembled cam assembly.

[0165] like Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the cam device 200 can be disposed at the lower part of the door. The cam device 200 can direct the elastic device 100 (see...) Figure 2 Apply additional opening force to the opened door 30.

[0166] The cam device 200 may include an upper cam 210 connected to the lower end of the door 30. The upper cam 210 may be connected to the lower end of the door 30 and may rotate with the door 30. The upper cam 210 may include a first inclined surface 211.

[0167] The upper cam 210 may include planar portions 213 and 215 formed on both sides of the first inclined surface 211. Planar portions 213 and 215 may include a first planar portion 213 formed on one side of the first inclined surface 211. The first planar portion 213 may be a plane that contacts the third planar portion 223 of the lower cam 220 when the door 30 is closed. Planar portions 213 and 215 may include a second planar portion 215 formed on the other side of the first inclined surface 211. The second planar portion 215 may be a plane that contacts the third planar portion 223 of the lower cam 220 when the door 30 is opened 90 degrees.

[0168] The upper cam 210 may include a locking portion 217 formed on the side of the first flat portion 213 opposite to the first inclined surface 211. In other words, the first inclined surface 211 and the locking portion 217 may be formed on both sides of the first flat portion 213. The locking portion 217 may be the portion that contacts the stop portion 227 of the lower cam 220 when the door 30 is fully opened. In other words, in response to rotation of the upper cam 210 and the locking portion 217 of the upper cam 210 being stopped by the stop portion 227 of the lower cam 220, the door 30 can be stopped in the fully open state.

[0169] The cam device 200 may include a lower cam 220, which is connected to a lower hinge module 60 disposed on the lower side of the door 30. The lower cam 220 may be disposed on the lower side of the upper cam 210, and the lower cam 220 may be fixed to the lower hinge module 60 based on the rotation of the upper cam 210.

[0170] The lower cam 220 may include a second inclined surface 221. The second inclined surface 221 may be a surface on which the first inclined surface 211 slides, such that when the door 30 is moved by the resilient device 100 (see...). Figure 2 When opened, door 30 rotates in the opening direction.

[0171] The lower cam 220 may include planar portions 223 and 225 formed on both sides of the second inclined surface 221. Planar portions 223 and 225 may include a third planar portion 223 formed on one side of the second inclined surface 221. The third planar portion 223 may be the plane that contacts the first planar portion 213 of the upper cam 210 when the door 30 is closed. Planar portions 223 and 225 may include a fourth planar portion 225 formed on the other side of the second inclined surface 221. The fourth planar portion 225 may be the plane that contacts the first planar portion 213 of the upper cam 210 when the door 30 is opened 90 degrees.

[0172] The lower cam 220 may include a stop 227 formed on the side of the fourth planar portion 225 opposite to the second inclined surface 221. In other words, the second inclined surface 221 and the stop 227 may be formed on both sides of the fourth planar portion 225. The stop 227 may be the portion that contacts the locking portion 217 of the upper cam 210 when the door 30 is fully opened. In other words, in response to the rotation of the upper cam 210 and the locking portion 217 of the upper cam 210 being stopped by the stop 227 of the lower cam 220, the door 30 can be stopped in the fully open state.

[0173] Figure 12 This is a view showing the state in which the door is closed according to an embodiment. Figure 13 This is a view showing the cam device according to an embodiment when the door is closed. Figure 14 This is a view showing the state in which the door is opened to a first angle by a pusher according to an embodiment. Figure 15 This is a view showing the cam device according to an embodiment when the door is opened to a first angle by a pusher. Figure 16 This is a view showing the state in which the door is opened to a second angle by the resilient device according to an embodiment. Figure 17 This is a view showing the cam device according to an embodiment when the door is opened to a second angle by the resilient device. Figure 18 This is a view showing the state in which the door is opened to a third angle according to an embodiment. Figure 19 This is a view showing the cam device according to an embodiment when the door is opened to a third angle. Figure 20 This is a view showing the state in which the door is fully open according to an embodiment. Figure 21 This is a view showing the cam device according to an embodiment when the door is fully opened.

[0174] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, with the door 30 closed, the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 can contact the cam surface 151 of the cam 150. More specifically, with the door 30 closed, the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 can contact the second contact surface 157 of the cam surface 151 of the cam 150.

[0175] Since the door 30 is closed, the cam device 200 can make the first flat portion 213 of the upper cam 210 contact the third flat portion 223 of the lower cam 220. In other words, the first flat portion 213 of the upper cam 210 can be positioned on the third flat portion 223 and simultaneously contact the third flat portion 223 of the lower cam 220.

[0176] With door 30 closed, guide shaft 230 can be positioned at the first portion 241 of guide hole 240 (see...). Figure 4 ) place.

[0177] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in response to a user touching the touch sensor 36 (see...) Figure 1The pusher 91 can move forward from the cabinet 10 toward the door 30 to push the door 30. Based on the door 30 being opened to a first angle A1 by the pusher 91, the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 can move along the shape of the second contact surface 157 to be positioned at the inflection point 153. In this case, the first angle A1 can be approximately 8 degrees. In response to the movement of the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 along the shape of the second contact surface 157 toward the inflection point 153, the lever 130 of the elastic device 100 can rotate counterclockwise about the rotation axis 113 in the figure. The spring 140 can be compressed by the rotation of the lever 130. In response to the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 passing the second contact surface 157 and being positioned at the inflection point 153, the spring 140 can be compressed to its maximum extent.

[0178] Based on the door 30 being opened by the pusher 91 to a first angle A1, the upper cam 210 can rotate by the first angle A1 along the opening direction of the door 30, while maintaining the state of contact between the first flat part 213 and the third flat part 223 of the lower cam 220.

[0179] Based on the fact that the door 30 is opened to a first angle A1 by the pusher 91, the guide shaft 230 can move from the first part 241 of the guide hole 240 toward the second part 243.

[0180] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, in response to the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 passing the inflection point 153, the compressed spring 140 can be restored or returned to its original length before compression, and the lever 130 can rotate clockwise about the rotation axis 113 in the figure. In this case, the roller 135 can move beyond the inflection point 153 along the shape of the first contact surface 155. In response to the lever 130 rotating by means of the spring force of the spring 140 and the roller 135 moving beyond the inflection point 153 along the shape of the first contact surface 155, the spring force of the spring 140 can be transmitted to the door 30. The spring force transmitted to the door 30 by the spring 140 can cause the door 30 to be opened to a second angle A2, which is greater than the first angle A1 (see Figure 113). Figure 14 In this case, the second angle A2 can be approximately 45 degrees. Based on the second angle A2 when the door 30 is opened, the roller 135 of the elastic device 100 can be spaced apart from the first contact surface 155.

[0181] In response to the door 30 being opened by the elastic device 100 to a first angle A1 (see...) Figure 12And less than the second angle A2, the upper cam 210 can rotate, causing the first flat portion 213 to slide along the second inclined surface 221 of the lower cam 220. The upper cam 210 can rotate, causing the first inclined surface 211 behind the second flat portion 215 to slide along the second inclined surface 221 of the lower cam 220, thereby allowing the door 30 to open to the third angle A3. In this case, the third angle A3 can be approximately 90 degrees (see...). Figure 18 and Figure 19 ).

[0182] Since the door 30 is opened by the cam device 200, the guide shaft 230 can move from the first part 241 of the guide hole 240 toward the second part 243.

[0183] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in response to the door 30 being opened by the cam device 200 to an angle greater than the second angle A2, the upper cam 210 can rotate, while the first inclined surface 211 slides along the second inclined surface 221 of the lower cam 220. After the first inclined surface 211 slides along the second inclined surface 221, the upper cam 210 can stop rotating when the first flat portion 213 contacts the fourth flat portion 225 of the lower cam 220. Based on the cessation of the rotation of the upper cam 210, the door 30 can be rotated by a third angle A3. In other words, the door 30 can be stopped when it is opened by the cam device 200 to a third angle A3.

[0184] Based on the fact that the door 30 is opened to a third angle A3 by the cam device 200, the guide shaft 230 can be positioned at the third portion 245 of the guide hole 240. Because the guide shaft 230 is positioned at the third portion 245 of the guide hole 240, which has a width equal to the thickness of the guide shaft 230, the movement of the guide shaft 230 can be constrained. In other words, when the door 30 stops while being opened to the third angle A3 by the cam device 200, an impact on the door 30 may occur; however, by constraining the movement of the guide shaft 230 when the door 30 is opened to the third angle A3, the impact on the door 30 can be reduced.

[0185] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, in response to the door 30 being opened at a third angle A3 (see...) Figure 18 When the force is transmitted to the door 30 in the opening direction, the upper cam 210 can rotate, causing the first flat portion 213 to move along the fourth flat portion 225 of the lower cam 220. In response to the locking portion 217 being stopped by the stop portion 227 of the lower cam 220, the rotating upper cam 210 can stop the door in the fully open state.

[0186] With the door 30 in the fully open state, the guide shaft 230 can be positioned at the second portion 243 of the guide hole 240. Positioning the guide shaft 230 at the second portion 243 of the guide hole 240 constrains its movement. In other words, when the door 30 is opened to its maximum extent by external force and stopped by the cam device 200 in the fully open state, an impact on the door 30 may occur. However, by constraining the movement of the guide shaft 230 when the door 30 is in the fully open state, the impact on the door 30 can be reduced.

[0187] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet 10 including a storage compartment 20; a door 30 rotatably connected to the cabinet and configured to open or close the storage compartment; a pusher 91 configured to push the door open; an elastic device 100 configured to be compressed in response to the door being opened by the pusher and to transmit a compressive force to the door, thereby further opening the door; and a cam device 200 located at the lower part of the door, such that the door opened by the elastic device is further opened. The cam device may include an upper cam 210 and a lower cam 220. The upper cam 210 is coupled to the lower part of the door so as to be able to rotate with the door, and the upper cam 210 includes a first inclined surface 211. The lower cam 220 is coupled to the lower hinge module 60 of the door, and the lower cam 220 includes a second inclined surface 221. The first inclined surface moves in a sliding manner on the second inclined surface 221 to allow the door to rotate in the opening direction in response to the door being opened by the resilient device.

[0188] The upper cam may further include: a first planar portion 213 formed on one side of the first inclined surface; a second planar portion 215 formed on the other side of the first inclined surface; and a locking portion 217 formed on the side of the first planar surface opposite to the first inclined portion.

[0189] The lower cam may further include: a third planar portion 223 formed on one side of the second inclined surface; a fourth planar portion 225 formed on the other side of the second inclined surface; and a stop portion 227 formed on the side of the fourth planar portion opposite to the second inclined surface.

[0190] Since the door is closed, the first plane portion can contact the third plane portion.

[0191] In response to the door being opened to a first angle A1 by the pusher, the upper cam can be rotated by a first angle along the opening direction of the door while maintaining the contact between the first flat portion and the third flat portion.

[0192] In response to the door being opened to a second angle A2 by the elastic device and to an angle greater than the first angle but less than the second angle, the upper cam can be rotated so that the first flat portion moves in a sliding manner along the second inclined plane.

[0193] The upper cam can rotate, causing the first inclined plane to slide along the second inclined plane, thereby opening the door.

[0194] In response to the first inclined surface moving in a sliding manner along the second inclined surface and then the first flat portion contacting the fourth flat portion, the upper cam can stop rotating, and the door can stop when the door is opened at a third angle A3.

[0195] When the door is opened to the third angle, in response to the force transmitted to the door along the opening direction, the upper cam can be rotated, causing the first plane portion to move along the fourth plane portion, and in response to the locking portion being stopped by the stop portion, the door can be stopped in the fully open state.

[0196] The cabinet may include an upper hinge module 50 connected to the upper part of the cabinet, and the upper hinge module 50 includes a hinge shaft 55 that allows the door to be rotatably connected to the cabinet. The door may include a door cover 80 connected to the upper part of the door, and the door cover 80 includes a hinge hole 83 to which the hinge shaft is rotatably connected.

[0197] The upper hinge module may also include a guide shaft 230 that projects toward the door at a portion adjacent to the hinge shaft, and the door cover may also include a guide hole 240 formed along the periphery of the hinge hole to allow the guide shaft to be inserted into the guide hole 240, and the guide hole 240 is configured to guide the guide shaft in response to the opening or closing of the door.

[0198] The guide hole can be formed such that the width of the guide hole gradually decreases in the direction from the front of the door toward the rear of the door.

[0199] The guide hole may further include: a first portion 241, which is adjacent to the front of the door and has a maximum width; a second portion 243, which is adjacent to the rear of the door and has a minimum width; and a third portion 245, which is formed between the first portion and the second portion and has a width equal to the thickness of the guide shaft.

[0200] When the door is closed, the guide shaft can be positioned at the first part of the guide hole; when the door is open, the guide shaft can move along the guide hole from the first part to the second part; and when the door is opened by the cam device, the guide shaft can move along the guide hole, and the movement of the guide shaft can be constrained based on the guide shaft being positioned at the third part.

[0201] When the guide shaft is positioned in the third part, force can be transmitted to the door in the opening direction of the door, the guide shaft can move to the second part, and the movement of the guide shaft can be constrained based on the guide shaft being positioned in the second part.

[0202] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet 10 including a storage compartment 20; a door 30 rotatably connected to the cabinet and configured to open or close the storage compartment; a pusher 91 movable in a front-rear direction on the cabinet and configured to push the door open by a first angle A1; an elastic device 100 configured to be compressed in response to the door being opened by the pusher and to transmit a compressive force to the door, such that the door is opened by a second angle A2 greater than the first angle; and a cam device 200 located at the lower part of the door and configured to transmit an additional opening force to the door, such that the door opened by the elastic device is opened by a third angle A3 greater than the second angle.

[0203] The cam device may include an upper cam 210, which is connected to the lower end of the door so as to rotate with the door, and the upper cam may include: a first inclined surface 211, a first flat portion 213 formed on one side of the first inclined surface, a second flat portion 215 formed on the other side of the first inclined surface, and a locking portion 217 formed on the side of the first flat surface opposite to the first inclined portion.

[0204] The cam device may further include a lower cam 220, which is coupled to the lower hinge module 60 of the door for positioning on the lower portion of the upper cam, and the lower cam may include: a second inclined surface 221 on which the first inclined surface slides to allow the door to rotate in the opening direction in response to the door being opened by the resilient device; a third flat portion 223 formed on one side of the second inclined surface; a fourth flat portion 225 formed on the other side of the second inclined surface; and a stop portion 227 formed on the side of the fourth flat portion opposite to the second inclined surface.

[0205] The cabinet may include an upper hinge module 50 and a guide shaft 230. The upper hinge module 50 is connected to the upper part of the cabinet and includes a hinge shaft 55 that allows the door to be rotatably connected to the cabinet. The guide shaft 230 protrudes toward the door at a portion adjacent to the hinge shaft.

[0206] The aforementioned door may include a door cover 80 and a guide hole 240. The door cover 80 is connected to the upper part of the door and includes a hinge hole 83. A hinge shaft is rotatably connected to the hinge hole 83. The guide hole 240 is formed along the periphery of the hinge hole to guide the guide shaft in response to the opening or closing of the door. The guide hole 240 is formed such that the width of the guide hole 240 gradually decreases along the direction in which the guide shaft moves in response to the opening of the door.

[0207] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a door can be opened to 90 degrees by means of a device for automatically opening the door.

[0208] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, the door can be stopped when the door is opened to 90 degrees by the device used to automatically open the door.

[0209] The effects obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0210] Although this disclosure has been specifically described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The cabinet includes storage compartments; Lower hinge module; A door, which is connected to the cabinet via the lower hinge module, and the door is configured to rotate to open and close the storage compartment; A pusher configured to push the door when the storage compartment is closed, causing the door to rotate in the opening direction; An elastic device is configured to be compressed when the door is rotated by a first angle by being pushed by the pusher, and to transmit the compressive force to the door, causing the door to rotate further in the opening direction beyond the first angle; and A cam device, the cam device comprising: Upper cam, the upper cam having a first inclined surface, and The lower cam has a second inclined surface. The cam device is configured such that: The upper cam is connected to the lower part of the door so that it can rotate with the door. The lower cam is connected to the lower hinge module, which is connected to the lower part of the door. After the elastic device transmits the compressive force to the door, the first inclined surface of the upper cam moves in a sliding manner on the second inclined surface of the lower cam, so that the door rotates further in the opening direction.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The upper cam includes: A first planar portion, the first planar portion being located on a first side of the first inclined surface; A second planar portion, the second planar portion being located on a second side of the first inclined surface; and A locking part is located on the side of the first planar portion opposite to the first inclined surface.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The lower cam includes: The third planar portion is located on the first side of the second inclined surface; A fourth planar portion, said fourth planar portion being located on the second side of the second inclined surface; and A stop portion, the stop portion being located on the side of the fourth planar portion opposite to the second inclined surface.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, Since the storage compartment is closed by the door, the first planar portion contacts the third planar portion.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, In response to the door being rotated by the pusher by the first angle, the upper cam rotates by the first angle along the opening direction while maintaining the state in contact between the first flat portion of the upper cam and the third flat portion of the lower cam.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, In response to the door being rotated from the first angle to a second angle greater than the first angle by the elastic device, the upper cam is rotated such that the first flat portion of the upper cam moves in a sliding manner along the second inclined surface of the lower cam as the door rotates from the first angle to the second angle.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, In response to the door being rotated to the second angle by the elastic device, the upper cam is rotated as the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, thereby causing the door to rotate further in the opening direction.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, In response to the first inclined surface of the upper cam sliding along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, and then the first flat portion of the upper cam contacting the fourth flat portion of the lower cam, the upper cam stops rotating, and the door stops when the door has been rotated a third angle along the opening direction.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, In response to the rotational force being transmitted to the door in the opening direction when the door is rotated by the third angle in the opening direction, the upper cam is rotated such that the first planar portion moves along the fourth planar portion until the locking portion of the upper cam contacts the stop portion of the lower cam to stop the rotation of the door in the fully open state.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The cabinet includes an upper hinge module connected to the upper part of the cabinet. The upper hinge module includes a hinge shaft, and the door is connected to the cabinet via the hinge shaft to allow it to rotate. The door includes a door cover attached to the upper part of the door, and the door cover includes a hinge hole for receiving the hinge shaft.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein, The upper hinge module includes a guide shaft projecting toward the door, and The door cover includes a guide hole formed along the periphery of the hinge hole to receive the guide shaft, and the guide hole is configured to be guided by the guide shaft in response to rotation of the door to open and close the storage compartment.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, The width of the guide hole gradually decreases in the direction from the front of the door toward the rear of the door.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein, The guide hole includes: The first part is closest to the front of the door, and the guide hole is widest at the first part; The second part, which is closest to the rear of the door, has the smallest width of the guide hole at the second part; and The third part is formed between the first part and the second part, and the width of the guide hole at the third part is equal to the thickness of the guide shaft.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein, Based on the door being positioned to close the storage compartment, the guide shaft is positioned at the first portion of the guide hole; As the door is rotated to open the storage compartment, the guide hole moves along the guide shaft, causing the position of the guide shaft to change from the first portion to the third portion; and As the door is rotated by the cam device along the opening direction, the guide hole moves along the guide shaft until the movement of the guide hole is constrained based on the guide shaft being positioned at the second portion.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein, When the guide shaft is positioned at the third portion, rotational force is transmitted to the door along the opening direction, the guide hole moves along the guide shaft until the guide shaft is located in the second portion, and then the further rotational movement of the door along the opening direction is constrained based on the guide shaft being positioned at the second portion.

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