refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a hinge bracket configured to connect the main body and the door and rotatably support the door. The hinge bracket includes a hinge cam, and a guide shaft spaced apart from the hinge cam and protruding toward the door. The door includes a door cam configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam based on the door being opened or closed, and a guide rail spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft when the door is opened or closed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 016669, filed on October 21, 2025, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0001782, filed on January 6, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] A refrigerator is a device that is 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 refrigerating compartment in which food is kept refrigerated by maintaining the temperature at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, and a freezing compartment in which food is kept frozen by maintaining the temperature at approximately -30 to 0 degrees Celsius. A front surface of the storage compartment is provided to be open for food entry and exit.

[0004] The refrigerator uses a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to repeat a refrigeration cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant. At this time, both the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may be cooled by a single evaporator disposed on the freezing compartment, or the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may each be provided with the evaporator and thus cooled independently of each other.

[0005] The refrigerator includes a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The door is rotatable relative to the main body to open and close the storage compartment.

[0006] The door may be provided to allow a user to hold a handle disposed on the door, and thus the user may open and close the door relative to the main body by rotating the door. Alternatively, the refrigerator may include a door opening and closing structure configured to easily open or close the door.SUMMARY

[0007] Provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows an opening speed of a door to gradually decrease during a process of opening the door.

[0008] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a closing speed of a door to gradually decrease during a process of closing the door.

[0009] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a door to be opened at a predetermined angle.

[0010] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a door to stop when maximally opened.

[0011] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a plurality of doors to be opened at the same angle.

[0012] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a maximum opening angle of a door to be designed in a variety of ranges.

[0013] The technical aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other aspects that are not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0014] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided refrigerator including: a main body including a storage compartment therein; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and configured to rotatably support the door, wherein the hinge bracket includes:a hinge cam; and a guide shaft spaced apart from the hinge cam and protruding toward the door, wherein the door includes: a door cam configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a guide rail spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the state in which the door is being opened or closed, wherein the guide rail includes: a first end portion that is open and through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open to through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a restriction region between the first end portion and the second end portion and having a first width equal to or smaller than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in the state in which the door is being opened or closed.

[0015] In a state in which the door closes the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0016] In a state in which the door maximally opens the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0017] A third width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than a fourth width of the restriction region.

[0018] The third width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than the second width of the guide shaft.

[0019] The guide rail may include an inclined portion extending such that the third width of the guide rail narrows from the first end portion toward the restriction region.

[0020] A fifth width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than a fourth width of the restriction region.

[0021] The fifth width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than the second width of the guide shaft.

[0022] An opening angle of the door in a state in which the guide shaft is positioned at the second end portion of the guide rail may be greater than the opening angle of the door in a state in which the guide shaft is positioned at the first end portion of the guide rail.

[0023] A ratio of a change in a sixth width between the first end portion and the restriction region to a change in the opening angle of the door may be smaller than a ratio of a change in a seventh width between the second end portion and the restriction region to a change in the opening angle of the door.

[0024] A length by which the guide shaft may be inserted into the guide rail at the restriction region may be constant.

[0025] The hinge cam may include: a hinge cam body; and a plurality of hinge cam protrusions protruding from the hinge cam body toward the door cam. The plurality of hinge cam protrusions may be spaced apart from each other along a rotation direction of the door. In a state in which the door cam may be positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the guide rail passes the guide shaft.

[0026] In a state in which the door cam being positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the restriction region interferes with the guide shaft.

[0027] The hinge cam body may include a hinge cam flat portion provided between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions and flat with respect to a horizontal direction of the refrigerator. In a state in which the door cam may contact the hinge cam flat portion, the guide rail passes the guide shaft.

[0028] The guide rail may be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0029] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator including: a main body forming a storage compartment therein; a door configured to be rotatable between an open position for opening the storage compartment and a closed position for closing the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket configured to connect the main body and the door and rotatably support the door, wherein the hinge bracket comprises: a hinge cam, through which a rotation axis of the door passes; and a guide shaft spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, wherein the door comprises: a door cam through which the rotation axis of the door passes, the door cam being configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed, wherein the guide rail comprises: a first end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by a first deceleration angle, and the first end portion is open such that the first end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle; a second end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door is being rotated from the closed position toward the open position by a second deceleration angle greater than the first deceleration angle, and the second end portion is open such that the second end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from a position, which is rotated by the second deceleration angle from the closed position, toward a position rotated by an angle advanced beyond the second deceleration angle; and a restricted region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a first width equal to or less than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and less than the second deceleration angle.

[0030] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position by an angle smaller than the first deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0031] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position to a position greater than the second deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0032] A third width of each of the first end portion and the second end portion may be greater than a fourth width of the guide shaft.

[0033] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator including: a main body forming a storage compartment therein; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and rotatably supporting the door, wherein the hinge bracket includes a guide shaft spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door and protruding toward the door, wherein the door includes a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed, wherein the guide rail includes: a first end portion that is open through which the guide shaft passes in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open through which the guide shaft passes in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a restricted region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a first width equal to or less than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in a state in which the door is being opened or closed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other aspects and / or features of embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure opens the door;

[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a left lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a right lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, a door bracket, a hinge shaft, the door cam, the hinge cam, and a guide shaft arranged in a lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, the hinge cam, and the hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a lower portion of the door, a door bracket, a door cam, and a hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed;

[0045] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opening the door;

[0046] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is further opened by the door cam and the hinge cam after the door is opened at the predetermined angle by the door opening device;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a hinge cam of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away and developed in a horizontal direction;

[0048] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed;

[0049] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a first deceleration angle;

[0050] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the guide rail passes the guide shaft while the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is being opened at an angle greater than the first deceleration angle;

[0051] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a second deceleration angle;

[0053] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a relative position of a guide shaft with respect to a guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0054] FIG. 20 is a graph showing an amount of friction between the guide shaft and the guide rail according to the relative position of the guide shaft with respect to the guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0056] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0057] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0058] In the 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”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0059] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0061] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0062] It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and / or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0063] When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0064] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0065] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

[0066] The “main body” may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0067] The “inner case” may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The “outer case” may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

[0068] The “insulation” may insulate an inside of the storage compartment from an outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc. and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

[0070] The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be configured to be open on at least one side for insertion and removal of the items.

[0071] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

[0072] The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and may include a “refrigerating compartment”, a “freezing compartment”, and a “temperature conversion compartment” according to purposes of use and / or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The “refrigerating” may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The “freezing” may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as either a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user’s selection.

[0073] The storage compartment may also be referred to by various terms, such as “vegetable compartment”, “freshness compartment”, “cooling compartment”, and “ice-making compartment”, in addition to “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “temperature conversion compartment”, and the terms, such as “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, “temperature conversion compartment”, etc., as used below are to be understood as representing storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

[0074] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the main body.

[0075] The “door” may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door, like the main body, may include an insulation to insulate the storage compartment in a closed state.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

[0077] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

[0079] The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or Single Door Refrigerator according to the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

[0080] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0081] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and / or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may 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 may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

[0083] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0084] The “machine compartment” may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed in the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

[0085] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

[0086] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0087] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0088] The “controller” may include a memory for storing and / or recording data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. in accordance with the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0089] The memory may store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like necessary for operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0090] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an artificial intelligence (AI) model operation. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0091] Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface in accordance with the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided with an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0092] The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided 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 memories.

[0093] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device in accordance with to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately provided with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface in accordance with the user input.

[0094] A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0095] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

[0096] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0097] Hereinafter exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] When describing various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms “upper” and “lower” below may mean an upper side in the Z direction and a lower side in the Z direction, respectively, based on the drawings. The terms “front” and “rear” below may mean a front side and a rear side in the X direction, respectively, based on the drawings. The terms “left” and “right” below may mean a left side in the Y direction and a right side in the Y direction, respectively, based on the drawings.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may 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 cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0101] The main body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartment 20, and an outer case 12 forming an exterior of the refrigerator 1. The outer case 12 may be formed to have a substantially box shape in which a front surface is open. The outer case 12 may form an upper surface, a lower surface, left and right surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1. A front surface of the inner case 11 may be open. The storage compartment 20 may be formed inside the inner case 11 and the inner case 11 may be formed on an inner side of the outer case 12. An inner wall of the inner case 11 may form an inner wall of the storage compartment 20.

[0102] An insulating material may be provided between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to insulate the inner case 11 and the outer case 12. The insulating material may be foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to couple the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to each other. For example, the insulating material may include insulating materials of various materials such as urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, and vacuum insulation panels.

[0103] The main body 10 may further include a top table 14 disposed in an upper portion of the main body 10. The top table 14 may be coupled to an upper portion of the outer case 12. The top table 14 may be coupled to an upper surface of the outer case 12. The top table 14 may cover various electrical components. An accommodation space in which various electrical components are accommodated may be formed on an inner side of the top table 14. For example, the top table 14 may cover a door opening device 100 described below, and the door opening device 100 may be accommodated on the inner side of the top table 14.

[0104] The storage compartment 20 may be formed inside the main body 10. For example, the storage compartment 20 may include a refrigerating compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and stores food in a cold state. For example, the storage compartment 20 may include a freezing compartment that is maintained at approximately -30 to 0 degrees Celsius and stores food in a frozen state.

[0105] In various embodiments, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into a plurality of areas. The main body 10 may include a partition 13 that partitions the storage compartment 20 into a first storage compartment 21 and a second storage compartment 22. For example, the partition 13 may extend in a vertical direction Z, and the first storage compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 22 may be arranged horizontally relative to each other. For example, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into the first storage compartment 21 arranged on the left side and the second storage compartment 22 arranged on the right side. As an example, the first storage compartment 21 may be used as a freezing compartment, and the second storage compartment 22 may be used as a refrigerating compartment, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] A shelf 25 on which food is placed and a drawer 26 in which food is stored may be provided in the storage compartment 20.

[0107] The refrigerator 1 may include the cooling system that is configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to the storage compartment 20. The cooling system may generate cold air using the cooling cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, and the like.

[0108] The main body 10 may include a cold air supply duct that forms a cold air path through which cold air generated by the cooling system flows into the storage compartment 20. The cold air supply duct may be formed at the rear of the inner case 11. The cold air supply duct may be provided at the rear of the storage compartment 20 and may be connected to the storage compartment 20.

[0109] The door 30 may be configured to open and close the storage compartment 20. The door 30 may be configured to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10 by being coupled to a hinge bracket 40 connecting the door 30 and the main body 10.

[0110] The door 30 may be rotatably provided between an open position in which the storage compartment 20 is maximally opened and a closed position in which the storage compartment 20 is closed. That is, when the door 30 rotates from a closed position toward an open position, the storage compartment 20 may be opened, and when the door 30 rotates from an open position toward a closed position, the storage compartment 20 may be closed. The open position and the closed position of the door 30 may be defined as relative positions with respect to the main body 10 and the storage compartment 20.

[0111] An opening angle of the door 30 may be defined as an angle by which the door 30 rotates from the closed position. That is, the opening angle of the door 30 may be defined as an angle by which the door 30 rotates in an opening direction from the closed position. As the opening angle of the door 30 increases, the extent to which the door 30 opens the storage compartment 20 may increase. The open position of the door 30 may be defined as a position of the door 30 when the opening angle of the door 30 is the maximum opening angle.

[0112] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the expression “the door 30 maximally opens the storage compartment 20” means that, under an external force applied under a certain condition (for example, an external force applied to open the door 30 by a door opening device 100 described below), the door 30 is rotated from the closed position by a predetermined angle, and the “predetermined angle” may be an appropriate range of angles designed in advance for user convenience.

[0113] For example, when the door 30 is in the open position, the opening angle of the door 30 may be about 110° to 120°.

[0114] The door 30 may be rotatably provided about a rotation axis extending in one direction. For example, as illustrated, the door 30 may be rotatably provided about a rotation axis extending in a vertical direction Z of the refrigerator 1.

[0115] An outer surface of the door 30 may form a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator when the door 30 is in a closed position, the outer surface of the door 30 may form at least a portion of a front outer surface of the refrigerator 1. When the door 30 is in the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may face the inside of the storage compartment 20. The inner surface of the door 30 means 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 means other surface opposite to the inner surface of the door 30 that faces the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, and means the front surface of the door 30 that is seen when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front.

[0116] A door gasket 34 may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30 to seal a gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 and to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage compartment 20. The door gasket 34 may be provided along a perimeter of the inner surface of the door 30. The door gasket 34 may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0117] A door shelf 35 in which food is stored may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30.

[0118] For example, the door 30 may include a door frame 31, an upper door cap 32, and a lower door cap 33 (refer to FIG. 2, FIG. 5, etc.). The door frame 31 may form the overall appearance of the door 30. The upper door cap 32 may form an upper surface of the door 30. The upper door cap 32 may be coupled to an upper portion of the door frame 31. The lower door cap 33 may form a lower surface of the door 30. The lower door cap 33 may be coupled to a lower portion of the door frame 31.

[0119] A door insulating material may be foamed and provided among the door frame 31, the upper door cap 32, and the lower door cap 33.

[0120] The door frame 31, the upper door cap 32, and the lower door cap 33 may be formed as separate components, and coupled together. Alternatively, the door frame 31 and the upper door cap 32 may be formed integrally, or the door frame 31 and the lower door cap 33 may be formed integrally, or the door frame 31, the upper door cap 32, and the lower door cap 33 may be formed integrally as a whole.

[0121] The door 30 may include a handle 38. A user may hold the handle 38 with user’s hand to open or close the door 30. In other words, the user may hold the handle 38 with the user’s hand and rotate the door 30 to open or close the storage compartment 20. For example, the handle 38 may include a groove shape that is formed concavely to be gripped. For example, the handle 38 may be provided on the door frame 31 of the door 30.

[0122] As described below, the door 30 may be opened by the door opening device 100.

[0123] As described below, the refrigerator 1 may include an input device 60 configured to obtain a signal for operating the door opening device 100. For example, the input device 60 may be mounted on the door 30. For example, the input device 60 may be positioned in an area adjacent to the handle 38 of the door 30.

[0124] The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of doors 30L and 30R configured to open and close a plurality of storage compartments 21 and 22 which are partitioned from each other. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a first door 30L configured to open and close the first storage compartment 21, and a second door 30R configured to open and close the second storage compartment 22. For example, the first door 30L and the second door 30R may be arranged parallel to each other in a horizontal direction Y. The first door 30L may be arranged on the left side, and the second door 30R may be arranged on the right side. The first door 30L may be referred to as a “left door 30L”, and the second door 30R may be referred to as a “right door 30R”. The first door 30L and the second door 30R may rotate independently of each other with respect to the main body 10.

[0125] For example, the first door 30L may be opened by a first door opening device 100L arranged on the left side. For example, the second door 30R may be opened by a second door opening device 100R arranged on the right side.

[0126] For example, the first door 30L may include a first input device 60L configured to obtain a signal for operating the first door opening device 100L. For example, the second door 30R may include a second input device 60R (refer to FIG. 2 configured to obtain a signal for operating the second door opening device 100R.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may further include a third door 30D. For example, the third door 30D may be configured to be rotatable relative to the second door 30R. The third door 30D may be rotatably coupled to the second door 30R. The second door 30R may include an opening, and the third door 30D may open or close the opening of the second door 30R while rotating relative to the second door 30R. For example, the opening of the second door 30R may be provided at an upper portion of the door frame 31 of the second door 30R. When the third door 30D opens the opening of the second door 30R, a user may access an upper portion of the second storage compartment 22 or the door shelf 35 arranged at an upper portion of the second door 30R. That is, according to an embodiment, the right door of the refrigerator 1 may be configured as a double door including the second door 30R and the third door 30D.

[0128] For example, a handle may be provided on the third door 30D, and a user may hold the handle with his / her hand and rotate the third door 30D relative to the second door 30R to open the opening of the second door 30R.

[0129] The door 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the first door 30L, the second door 30R, and the third door 30D described above.

[0130] The refrigerator 1 may include the hinge bracket 40 in FIGS. 2 and 5, etc., connecting the main body 10 and the door 30. The hinge bracket 40 may be respectively coupled to the main body 10 and the door 30.

[0131] The hinge bracket 40 may be fixed to the main body 10. For example, the hinge bracket 40 may be coupled to the outer case 12.

[0132] The door 30 may be rotatably provided on the hinge bracket 40. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may rotatably support the door 30. The door 30 may be rotatably provided on the main body 10 by the hinge bracket 40. A rotation axis of the door 30 may pass through the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may be coupled to a door cap of the door 30.

[0133] The hinge bracket 40 may be provided to support both sides of the door 30 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, a plurality of hinge brackets 40 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z to support the upper and lower sides of the door 30.

[0134] The refrigerator 1 may include a hinge shaft 50 in FIGS. 2 and 5, etc., coupled to the door 30 and the hinge bracket 40. The hinge shaft 50 may be inserted into the door 30. For example, the hinge shaft 50 may be inserted into the door cap of the door 30. The hinge shaft 50 may penetrate the hinge bracket 40. The hinge shaft 50 may rotatably support the door 30 relative to the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may be coupled to the door 30 by the hinge shaft 50.

[0135] The hinge shaft 50 may pass through the rotation axis of the door 30. The hinge shaft 50 may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, the hinge shaft 50 may extend in the vertical direction Z. For example, the hinge shaft 50 may have a cylindrical shape having the rotation axis of the door 30 as its central axis.

[0136] The hinge shafts 50 may be provided to be coupled to both sides of the door 30 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, a plurality of hinge shafts 50 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z to be coupled to the upper and lower sides of the door 30, respectively.

[0137] The configuration of the refrigerator 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 is only an example for describing the refrigerator according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to the storage compartment for storing food.

[0138] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure opens the door. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the hinge bracket 40 and the hinge shaft 50 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may support the upper portion of the door 30 to allow the door 30 to rotate.

[0140] The hinge bracket 40 may include an upper hinge bracket 41 supporting the upper side of the door 30. The upper hinge bracket 41 may be coupled to the upper portion of the door 30. The upper hinge bracket 41 may be coupled to the upper door cap 32. The upper hinge bracket 41 may be coupled to the upper portion of the main body 10. For example, the upper hinge bracket 41 may include a left upper hinge bracket 41L supporting the upper side of the first door 30L, and a right upper hinge bracket 41R supporting the upper side of the second door 30R. The left upper hinge bracket 41L may be coupled to an upper portion of the first door 30L and a left upper portion of the main body 10. The right upper hinge bracket 41R may be coupled to an upper portion of the second door 30R and an upper right portion of the main body 10. The left upper hinge bracket 41L and the right upper hinge bracket 41R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y.

[0141] The hinge shaft 50 may include an upper hinge shaft 51 coupled to the upper portion of the door 30 and the upper hinge bracket 41. The upper hinge shaft 51 may penetrate the upper door cap 32 of the door 30. The upper hinge shaft 51 may penetrate the upper hinge bracket 41. For example, the upper hinge shaft 51 may include a left upper hinge shaft 51L coupled to the upper portion of the first door 30L and the left upper hinge bracket 41L, and a right upper hinge shaft 51R coupled to the upper portion of the second door 30R and the right upper hinge bracket 41R (refer to FIG. 2. The left upper hinge shaft 51L may penetrate the upper door cap 32 of the first door 30L and the left upper hinge bracket 41L. The right upper hinge shaft 51R may penetrate the upper door cap 32 of the second door 30R and the right upper hinge bracket 41R.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the door opening device 100 configured to open the door 30. The door opening device 100 may be configured to rotate the door 30 relative to the main body 10 to open the storage compartment 20. The door opening device 100 may be configured to press the door 30 to open the door 30.

[0143] The door opening device 100 may be mounted on the main body 10. The door opening device 100 may be mounted on the upper portion of the main body 10. For example, the door opening device 100 may be accommodated on the inner side of the top table 14. An upper side of the door opening device 100 may be covered by the top table 14. The door opening device 100 may be placed on the upper surface of the outer case 12.

[0144] A plurality of the door opening devices 100 may be provided to open each of the plurality of doors 30. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a first door opening device 100L configured to open the first door 30L, and a second door opening device 100R configured to open the second door 30R.

[0145] The first door opening device 100L may be configured to open the first storage compartment 21 by rotating the first door 30L. The second door opening device 100R may be configured to open the second storage compartment 22 by rotating the second door 30R. According to an embodiment, when the second door opening device 100R operates, the second door 30R and the third door 30D may rotate together, thereby opening the second storage compartment 22. The operation of the first door opening device 100L that opens the first door 30L and the operation of the second door opening device 100R that opens the second door 30R may be performed independently of each other.

[0146] The first door opening device 100L and the second door opening device 100R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y. For example, the first door opening device 100L may be arranged on the left side with respect to the center of the upper portion of the main body 10, and the second door opening device 100R may be arranged on the right side with respect to the center of the upper portion of the main body 10. The first door opening device 100L mounted on the upper portion of the main body 10 may be configured to press the upper portion of the first door 30L, and the second door opening device 100R mounted on the upper portion of the main body 10 may be configured to press the upper portion of the second door 30R.

[0147] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door opening device 100 may be mounted at various locations of the main body 10 and may be configured to open the first storage compartment 21 by pressing various portions other than the upper portion of the first door 30L or the second door 30R. For example, unlike FIGS. 2 to 4, the door opening device 100 may be mounted at the lower portion of the main body 10 and press the lower portion of the first door 30L or the second door 30R.

[0148] The first door opening device 100L and the second door opening device 100R may include structures corresponding to each other. FIG. 4 illustrates a structure of the first door opening device 100L configured to open the first door 30L, in detail and the structure of the first door opening device 100L illustrated in FIG. 4 may also be applied to a structure of the second door opening device 100R. A description of a structure of the door opening device 100 described below may be applied to a structure of the first door opening device 100L and a structure of the second door opening device 100R, respectively.

[0149] The door opening device 100 may include a door pusher 120 configured to press the door 30 to open the door. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be movable with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 120 may be configured to press the door 30 while moving with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 120 may press the door 30 while moving forward from the main body 10 toward the door 30, thereby allowing the door 30, which is closed, to be opened.

[0150] The door pusher 120 may be configured to be movable between a first pusher position P1, and a second pusher position P2. For example, the door pusher 120 may be configured to be reciprocally movable between the first pusher position P1 and the second pusher position P2. The first pusher position P1 may be a position of the door pusher 120 when the door 30 is in the closed position. The second pusher position P2 may be a position in which the door pusher 120 moves from the first pusher position P1 in a direction that presses the door 30. While moving from the first pusher position P1 toward the second pusher position P2, the door pusher 120 may press and open the door 30 that is closed. The second pusher position P2 may be a position in which the door pusher 120 moves forward from the first pusher position P1.

[0151] The door pusher 120 may be accommodated in a space within the top table 14 when positioned at the first pusher position P1. That is, the door pusher 120 may be inserted into the inside of the top table 14 when positioned at the first pusher position P1, and may be withdrawn from the top table 14 and moved from the first pusher position P1 to the second pusher position P2. The top table 14 may include an opening 14a. The door pusher 120 may be provided to penetrate the opening 14a of the top table 14 and be movable between the first pusher position P1 and the second pusher position P2.

[0152] For example, the door pusher 120 may be configured to be linearly movable between the first pusher position P1 and the second pusher position P2. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be linearly reciprocally movable with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be linearly movable in the front and rear direction X with respect to the main body 10. Alternatively, the door pusher 120 may be configured to be non-linearly movable with respect to the main body 10.

[0153] The door opening device 100 may include a pusher case 110 provided to support the door pusher 120. The pusher case 110 may movably support the door pusher 120.

[0154] The pusher case 110 may form an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the door pusher 120. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be movable between a position that is maximally inserted into the accommodation space of the pusher case 110 and a position that is withdrawn forward from the accommodation space of the pusher case 110. For example, the pusher case 110 may include a first pusher case 111, and a second pusher case 112 coupled to the first pusher case 111. The accommodation space of the pusher case 110 may be formed between the first pusher case 111 and the second pusher case 112.

[0155] The pusher case 110 may be mounted on the main body 10. The pusher case 110 may be fixed to the main body 10. For example, the pusher case 110 may be coupled to the top table 14. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pusher case 110 may be coupled to various locations of the main body 10.

[0156] The door opening device 100 may include a driving device 130. The driving device 130 may provide a driving force to the door pusher 120 to allow the door pusher 120 to move relative to the main body 10. The driving device 130 may move the door pusher 120 from the first pusher position P1 to the second pusher position P2 based on a door opening signal. The driving device 130 may move the door pusher 120, which reaches the second pusher position P2, to the first pusher position P1.

[0157] The driving device 130 may include a power source 131 configured to generate power for opening the door 30. The power source 131 may be configured to generate power for moving the door pusher 120. The power source 131 may include a motor including various structures.

[0158] The power source 131 may be supported by the pusher case 110. The power source 131 may be accommodated inside the pusher case 110.

[0159] The driving device 130 may include a power transmission member 132 configured to transmit power generated by the power source 131 to the door pusher 120. For example, the power transmission member 132 may include at least one gear. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the power transmission member 132 may include a plurality of gears. The door pusher 120 may include a pusher gear portion 121 engaged with the power transmission member 132, and the door pusher 120 may receive power from the gear of the power transmission member 132 through the pusher gear portion 121. For example, the power transmission member 132 and the pusher gear portion 121 may form a rack-pinion gear structure.

[0160] The power transmission member 132 may be supported by the pusher case 110. The power transmission member 132 may be accommodated inside the pusher case 110.

[0161] The driving device 130 may include a motor driver 133 connected to the power source 131. The power source 131 may receive a driving current from the motor driver 133 and generate power. The motor driver 133 may be electrically connected to a controller of the refrigerator 1. The motor driver 133 may be controlled by the controller of the refrigerator 1. The motor driver 133 may operate based on a control signal received from the controller. The motor driver 133 may include a circuit including various electronic components for driving the power source 131 based on the control signal.

[0162] The door opening device 100 may include a position detection sensor configured to detect a position of the door pusher 120. The position detection sensor may detect the position of the door pusher 120 in various ways. For example, the position detection sensor may include various types of magnetic field sensors, such as a hall sensor configured to detect a magnetic field of a magnet mounted on the door pusher 120. The controller may control the power source 131 to move or stop the door pusher 120 based on an electrical signal received from the position detection sensor. For example, the position detection sensor may be electrically connected to the motor driver 133. For example, the position detection sensor may be mounted on the motor driver 133.

[0163] For example, the position detection sensor may be supported by the pusher case 110. The position detection sensor may be accommodated within the pusher case 110.

[0164] With this configuration, the door opening device 100 may open the door 30.

[0165] The door opening device 100 may operate based on a door opening signal for opening the door 30. The door opening signal for opening the door 30 may be generated based on a user input for opening the door 30. According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include the input device 60 configured to obtain the door opening signal. The input device 60 may be electrically connected to the driving device 130, and the driving device 130 may move the door pusher 120 to press the door 30 based on the input device 60 obtaining the door opening signal. The input device 60 may be electrically connected to the controller of the refrigerator 1, and the controller may control the driving device 130 to allow the door pusher 120 to open the door 30 based on the input device 60 obtaining the door opening signal.

[0166] For example, the input device 60 may be configured to obtain a door opening signal based on a user touching or pressing the input device 60. For example, the input device 60 may be configured to obtain a touch signal for opening the door 30. The input device 60 may receive a touch signal when a user touches a portion of the input device 60 or when a user places a body (e.g., a hand, etc.) in close proximity to the input device 60. The input device 60 may include a capacitance sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance due to a user’s touching action. The touch signal may be input to the input device 60 based on a change in capacitance according to the user’s touching action, and the input device 60 may generate a door opening signal based on a change in capacitance according to the user’s touching action.

[0167] However, the type of input device 60 is not limited thereto, and the input device 60 may include various types of input devices such as a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, etc.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the input device 60 may be disposed on the door 30. For example, the input device 60 may be disposed on the handle 38 of the door 30 or at a location adjacent thereto. When a user touches the handle 38 of the door 30, the input device 60 may easily obtain a user input for opening the door 30. In addition, the input device 60 may be disposed at various locations, such as the front surface of the door 30.

[0169] The input device 60 may include a first input device 60L configured to obtain a door opening signal for opening the first door 30L, and a second input device 60R configured to obtain a door opening signal for opening the second door 30R.

[0170] The first door opening device 100L may open the first door 30L based on the first input device 60L obtaining a door opening signal. The second door opening device 100R may open the second door 30R based on the second input device 60R obtaining a door opening signal.

[0171] For example, the first input device 60L may be mounted on the first door 30L. The first input device 60L may be mounted on the door frame 31 of the first door 30L. The first input device 60L may be positioned adjacent to the handle 38 of the first door 30L.

[0172] For example, the second input device 60R may be mounted on the third door 30D. The second input device 60R may be mounted on the door frame 31 of the third door 30D. The second input device 60R may be positioned adjacent to the handle 38 of the third door 30D. According to an embodiment, because the handle 38 of the third door 30D is more accessible to a user than the handle 38 of the second door 30R, the second input device 60R may be positioned on the handle 38 of the third door 30D, and thus the user may more easily input a door opening signal to the second input device 60R and operate the second door opening device 100R.

[0173] The structure of the door opening device 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include the door opening device including various structures configured to open the door 30 based on a door opening signal.

[0174] For example, unlike as described above, the refrigerator 1 may include a door opening device mounted on the door 30 and configured to open the door 30. The door opening device may include a body pusher provided to be movably mounted relative to the door 30 and configured to press the main body 10 while moving toward the main body 10, and may be configured to open the door 30 as a reaction when the body pusher presses the main body 10.

[0175] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a left lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a right lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, a door bracket, a hinge shaft, the door cam, the hinge cam, and the guide shaft arranged in a lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the hinge bracket 40 and the hinge shaft 50 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may support the lower portion of the door 30 to allow the door 30 to rotate.

[0177] The hinge bracket 40 may include a lower hinge bracket 42 supporting the lower side of the door 30. The lower hinge bracket 42 may be coupled to the lower side of the door 30. The lower hinge bracket 42 may be coupled to the lower door cap 33. The lower hinge bracket 42 may be coupled to the lower portion of the main body 10. For example, the lower hinge bracket 42 may include a left lower hinge bracket 42L supporting the lower side of the first door 30L, and a right lower hinge bracket 42R supporting the lower side of the second door 30R. The left lower hinge bracket 42L may be coupled to the lower side of the first door 30L and the left lower side of the main body 10. The right lower hinge bracket 42R may be coupled to the lower portion of the second door 30R and the right lower portion of the main body 10. The left lower hinge bracket 42L and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y.

[0178] The left upper hinge bracket 41L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L may be arranged in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the first door 30L. The rotation axis of the first door 30L may pass through the left upper hinge bracket 41L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L. For example, the left upper hinge bracket 41L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L may be arranged in the vertical direction Z to each other.

[0179] The right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be arranged in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the second door 30R. The rotation axis of the second door 30R may pass through the right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R. For example, the right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be arranged in the vertical direction Z relative to each other.

[0180] The hinge shaft 50 may include a lower hinge shaft 52 coupled to the lower portion of the door 30 and the lower hinge bracket 42. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the lower door cap 33. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the lower hinge bracket 42. For example, the lower hinge shaft 52 may include a left lower hinge shaft 52L coupled to the lower portion of the first door 30L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L, and a right lower hinge shaft 52R coupled to the lower portion of the second door 30R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R. The left lower hinge shaft52L may penetrate the lower door cap 33 of the first door 30L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L. The right lower hinge shaft 52R may penetrate the lower door cap 33 of the second door 30R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R.

[0181] The left upper hinge shaft 51L and the left lower hinge shaft 52L may be arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the first door 30L. The rotation axis of the first door 30L may pass through the left upper hinge shaft 51L and the left lower hinge shaft 52L. For example, the left upper hinge shaft 51L and the left lower hinge shaft 52L may be parallel to each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0182] The right upper hinge shaft 51R and the right lower hinge shaft 52R may be arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the second door 30R. The rotation axis of the second door 30R may pass through the right upper hinge shaft 51R and the right lower hinge shaft 52R. For example, the right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be parallel to each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cam device configured to guide the opening or closing of the door 30. The cam device may assist the opening or closing of the door 30. Depending on the position of the door 30, the cam device may guide the door 30 to rotate in a direction in which the door 30 is opened or to rotate in a direction in which the door 30 is closed. When the door 30 is rotated less than a first angle from a position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the cam device may guide the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. When the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to a second angle greater than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the cam device may guide the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. Particularly, the cam device may include a hinge cam 200 and a door cam 300. The hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 may be in contact with each other. The hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 may be engaged with each other.

[0184] The hinge bracket 40 may include the hinge cam 200. Particularly, the lower hinge bracket 42 may include the hinge cam 200. The hinge cam 200 may be fixed to the main body 10. The hinge cam 200 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the door 30, of the hinge bracket 40. The hinge cam 200 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the lower door cap 33, of the lower hinge bracket 42. For example, the hinge cam 200 may be arranged on an upper surface of the lower hinge bracket 42.

[0185] A plurality of the hinge cam 200 may be provided. For example, the hinge cam 200 may include a left hinge cam 200L provided on the left lower hinge bracket 42L, and a right hinge cam 200R provided on the right lower hinge bracket 42R. The left hinge cam 200L may be configured to guide the rotation of the first door 30L. The right hinge cam 200R may be configured to guide the rotation of the second door 30R. The left hinge cam 200L and the right hinge cam 200R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y. The left hinge cam 200L may be disposed on an upper surface of the left lower hinge bracket 42L. The right hinge cam 200R may be disposed on an upper surface of the right lower hinge bracket 42R.

[0186] The door 30 may include the door cam 300. The door cam 300 may be fixed to the door cap of the door 30. For example, the door cam 300 may be coupled to the lower door cap 33. The door cam 300 may be provided at the lower portion of the door 30. The door cam 300 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the hinge bracket 40, of the door 30. The door cam 300 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the lower hinge bracket 42, of the door 30.

[0187] A plurality of the door cam 300 may be provided. For example, the door cam 300 may include a left door cam 300L provided in the first door 30L, and a right door cam 300R provided in the second door 30R. The left door cam 300L may be configured to guide the rotation of the first door 30L. The right door cam 300R may be configured to guide the rotation of the second door 30R. The left door cam 300L and the right door cam 300R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y. The left door cam 300L may be arranged at the lower portion of the first door 30L. The right door cam 300R may be arranged at the lower portion of the second door 30R.

[0188] According to an embodiment, the left hinge cam 200L and the right hinge cam 200R may include structures that are symmetrical to each other and almost corresponding to each other. According to an embodiment, the left door cam 300L and the right door cam 300R may include structures that are symmetrical to each other and almost corresponding to each other.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 7, the hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam body 210. For example, a lower hinge bracket 42 may include a hinge bracket body 43 coupled to a lower portion of the main body 10, and a hinge cam body 210 may be coupled to the hinge bracket body 43. A portion of the hinge bracket body 43 may be coupled to the main body 10, and another portion of the hinge bracket body 43 may rotatably support the door 30. The hinge cam body 210 may be coupled to and fixed on the portion of the hinge bracket body 43 that supports the door 30. For instance, the hinge cam body 210 may be coupled to a front portion of the hinge bracket body 43.

[0190] The hinge cam body 210 may be penetrated by the lower hinge shaft 52. The hinge cam body 210 may include a hinge cam hole 210a, and the lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the hinge cam hole 210a. For example, a width (e.g., diameter) of the lower hinge shaft 52 may approximately correspond to a width (e.g., diameter) of the hinge cam hole 210a. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate a lower hinge bracket hole 43h formed in the hinge bracket body 43, and the hinge cam 200 may be connected to the lower hinge bracket body 43 by the lower hinge shaft 52. The hinge cam 200 may be connected to the door 30 by the lower hinge shaft 52. Although the coupling structure of the left hinge cam 200L is illustrated in FIG. 7, the features described above may be correspondingly applied to the right hinge cam 200R.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 7, the door cam 300 may include a door cam body 310. For example, the door cam body 310 may be coupled to the lower door cap 33. For example, the door 30 may include a door bracket 36 fixed to a lower surface of the lower door cap 33, and the door cam body 310 may be coupled to the door bracket 36. The door cam body 310 may be penetrated by the lower hinge shaft 52. The door cam body 310 may include a door cam hole 310a, and the lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the door cam hole 310a. For example, the width (e.g., diameter) of the lower hinge shaft 52 may approximately correspond to a width (e.g., diameter) of the door cam hole 310a. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the door bracket hole 36a formed in the door bracket 36 and the lower door cap 33, and the door cam 300 may be connected to the door bracket 36 and the lower door cap 33 by the lower hinge shaft 52. The door cam 300 may be connected to the lower hinge bracket 42 by the lower hinge shaft 52. The door cam 300 may be connected to the hinge cam 200 by the lower hinge shaft 52. Although the coupling structure of the left door cam 300L is illustrated in FIG. 7, the features described above may be correspondingly applied to the right door cam 300R.

[0192] Hereinafter the structure and function of the left hinge cam 200L and the left door cam 300L will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 20, and the corresponding contents may be applied to the structure and function of the right hinge cam 200R and the right door cam 300L.

[0193] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, the hinge cam, and the hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a lower portion of the door, a door bracket, a door cam, and a hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be in contact with each other and engaged with each other. The hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 by being in contact with the door cam 300. The hinge cam 200 may be configured to guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed or the direction in which the door 30 is opened. For example, the door cam 300 may be positioned above the hinge cam 200, and the door cam 300 may slide and move along the hinge cam 200 due to the weight of the door 30.

[0195] The hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 in different directions depending on the relative position of the door cam 300, thereby rotating the door 30 in the direction in which the door 30 is closed or rotating the door 30 in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. For example, when the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. For example, when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle, which is greater than the first angle, from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened.

[0196] The hinge cam 200 may include a first hinge cam surface 221 and a second hinge cam surface 222. For example, the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 may be positioned in a direction from the hinge cam body 210 toward the door cam 300. For example, the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 may be positioned above the hinge cam body 210.

[0197] The first hinge cam surface 221 may be configured to guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, when the first hinge cam surface 221 is in contact with the door cam 300. When the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the door cam 300 may be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221. A state in which “the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20” may also include a state in which the door 30 is completely closed.

[0198] When the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the door cam 300 may slide along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, due to the weight of the door 30. The first hinge cam surface 221 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to allow the door cam 300 to descend along the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 and the door 30 is closed. However, when a force, which is greater than a force in which the door cam 300 slides along the first hinge cam surface 221 by the weight of the door 30(e.g., a force that rotates the door 30 to be open by the door opening device 100, is applied, the door cam 300 may move along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. The first hinge cam surface 221 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to ascend along the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 and the door 30 is opened.

[0199] The second hinge cam surface 222 may be configured to guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, when the second hinge cam surface 222 is in contact with the door cam 300. When the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the door cam 300 may be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0200] An angle, at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, may be greater than an angle at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0201] When the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the door cam 300 may slide along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, due to the weight of the door 30. The second hinge cam surface 222 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to descend along the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 and the door 30 is opened. However, when a force, which is greater than a force in which the door cam 300 slides along the second hinge cam surface 222 by the weight of the door 30 (e.g., a force that rotates the door 30 to be open by the door opening device 100, is applied, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. The second hinge cam surface 222 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to ascend along the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 and the door 30 is closed.

[0202] The first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surfaces 222 may extend in different directions.

[0203] The first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surfaces 222 may be connected to each other. The hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam curved portion 223 disposed between the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surfaces 222. A distance from the hinge cam body 210 to the hinge cam curved portion 223 may be greater than a distance from the hinge cam body 210 to the first hinge cam surface 221 and a distance from the hinge cam body 210 to the second hinge cam surface 222. For example, in the first hinge cam surface 221, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the hinge cam body 210 may be increased from one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the first hinge cam surface 221 to the hinge cam curved portion 223. For example, the first hinge cam surface 221 may be inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210 (or, with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction)) to ascend upward in the vertical direction Z from one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the first hinge cam surface 221 to the hinge cam curved portion 223. For example, in the second hinge cam surface 222, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the hinge cam body 210 may be reduced from the hinge cam curved portion 223 to one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the second hinge cam surface 222. For example, the second hinge cam surface 222 may be inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210 to descend downward from the hinge cam curved portion 223 to one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the second hinge cam surface 222. That is, the door cam 300 may rise to the highest point when the door cam 300 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0204] The hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam protrusion 220 that protrudes from the hinge cam body 210 toward the door cam 300. The hinge cam protrusion 220 may include the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 which are connected to each other. The hinge cam protrusion 220 may include the hinge cam curved portion 223. The hinge cam curved portion 223 may be a portion of the hinge cam protrusion 220 that protrudes most in the vertical direction Z from the hinge cam body 210. The hinge cam curved portion 223 may be a portion which is the highest in the hinge cam protrusion 220.

[0205] A plurality of the hinge cam protrusions 220 may be provided. Each of the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 may include the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 which are connected to each other. Each of the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 may include the hinge cam curved portion 223. As for a pair of hinge cam protrusions 220 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220, a first hinge cam surface 221 of one hinge cam protrusion 220 may face a second hinge cam surface 222 of the other hinge cam protrusion 220.

[0206] The plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the rotational direction of the door 30. The hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam flat portion 230 provided between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 spaced apart from one another. The hinge cam flat portion 230 may be approximately parallel to the horizontal direction and flat. The hinge cam flat portion 230 may be approximately parallel to the hinge cam body 210 and may have substantially the same height as the hinge cam body 210.

[0207] For example, the hinge cam 200 may include three hinge cam protrusions 220. The three hinge cam protrusions 220 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. However, the number of hinge cam protrusions 220 provided on the hinge cam 200 is not limited thereto.

[0208] The door cam 300 may include a first door cam surface 321 and a second door cam surface 322. For example, the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may be positioned in a direction from the door cam body 310 toward the hinge cam 200. For example, the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may be positioned below the door cam body 310.

[0209] The first door cam surface 321 may be configured to move along the hinge cam 200 in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, when the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the hinge cam 200. The first door cam surface 321 may be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. When the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the movement of the first door cam surface 321 may be guided by the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. When the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the first door cam surface 321 may slide along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed due to the weight of the door 30. The expression “the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221” may include various states, in which the first door cam surface 321 is disposed on the first hinge cam surface 221, such as a state in which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with a point on the first hinge cam surface 221, a state in which the first door cam surface 321 is in line contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, and a state in which the first door cam surface 321 is in surface contact with the first hinge cam surface 221. The expression “when the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221” may mean not only a moment in which the first door cam surface 321 begins to be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, but also a continuous period of time in which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0210] The first door cam surface 321 may be positioned on the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. The first door cam surface 321 may be configured to move along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, when the first door cam surface 321 is positioned on the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0211] The second door cam surface 322 may be configured to move along the hinge cam 200 in the direction in which the door 30 is opened when the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the hinge cam 200. The second door cam surface 322 may be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. When the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the movement of the second door cam surface 322 may be guided by the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. When the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the second door cam surface 322 may slide along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened due to the weight of the door 30.

[0212] The expression “the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222” may include various states, in which the second door cam surface 322 is disposed on the second hinge cam surface 222, such as a state in which the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with a point on the second hinge cam surface 222, a state in which the second door cam surface 322 is in line contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, and a state in which the second door cam surface 322 is in surface contact with the second hinge cam surface 222. The expression “when the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222” may mean not only a moment in which the second door cam surface 322 begins to be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, but also a continuous period of time in which the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0213] The second door cam surface 322 may be positioned on the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. The second door cam surface 322 may be configured to move along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, when the second door cam surface 322 is positioned on the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0214] An angle, at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the hinge cam 200 is in contact with the second door cam surface 322, may be greater than an angle at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the hinge cam 200 is in contact with the first door cam surface 321. An angle, at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the second door cam surface 322 is positioned on the second hinge cam surface 222, may be greater than an angle at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the first door cam surface 321 is positioned on the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0215] The first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may extend in different directions. For example, the first door cam surface 321 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first hinge cam surface 221. For example, the second door cam surface 322 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0216] The first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may be connected to each other. The door cam 300 may include a door cam curved portion 323 disposed between the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322. The door cam curved portion 323 may be configured to be in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223. A distance from the door cam body 310 to the door cam curved portion 323 may be greater than a distance from the door cam body 310 to the first door cam surface 321 and a distance from the door cam body 310 to the second door cam surface 322. For example, in the first door cam surface 321, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the door cam body 310 may be increased from one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the first door cam surface 321 to the door cam curved portion 323. For example, the first door cam surface 321 may be inclined with respect to the door cam body 310 (or, with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction)) to descend downward in the vertical direction Z from one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the first door cam surface 321 to the door cam curved portion 323. For example, in the second door cam surface 322, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the door cam body 310 may be reduced from the door cam curved portion 323 to one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the second door cam surface 322. For example, the second door cam surface 322 may be inclined with respect to the door cam body 310 (or, with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction)) to ascend upward in the vertical direction Z from the door cam curved portion 323 to one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the second door cam surface 322. That is, the door cam 300 may rise to the highest point when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam 200.

[0217] The door cam 300 may include a door cam protrusion 320 that protrudes from the door cam body 310 toward the hinge cam 200. The door cam protrusion 320 may include the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 which are connected to each other. The door cam protrusion 320 may include the door cam curved portion 323. The door cam curved portion 323 may be a portion of the door cam protrusion 320 that protrudes most in the vertical direction Z from the door cam body 310. The door cam curved portion 323 may be a portion which is the lowest in the door cam protrusion 320.

[0218] A plurality of the door cam protrusions 320 may be provided. Each of the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may include the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 which are connected to each other. Each of the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may include the door cam curved portion 323. As for a pair of door cam protrusions 320 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of door cam protrusions 320, a first door cam surface 321 of one door cam protrusion 320 may face a second door cam surface 322 of the other door cam protrusion 320.

[0219] For example, the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the rotational direction of the door 30. The door cam 300 may include a door cam flat portion 330 provided between the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 spaced apart from each other. The door cam flat portion 330 may be substantially parallel to the horizontal direction and flat. The door cam flat portion 330 may be substantially parallel to the door cam body 310 and may have substantially the same height as the door cam body 310.

[0220] For example, the door cam 300 may include three door cam protrusions 320. The three door cam protrusions 320 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. However, the number of door cam protrusions 320 provided on the door cam 300 is not limited thereto.

[0221] The number of hinge cam protrusions 220 included in the hinge cam 200 and the number of door cam protrusions 320 included in the door cam 300 may be the same. The plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 and the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may correspond one-to-one to each other, and one door cam protrusion 320 may be in contact with one hinge cam protrusion 220. For example, one door cam protrusion 320 may be configured to allow movement thereof to be guided only by one hinge cam protrusion 220 as the door 30 rotates.

[0222] An angle at which the first hinge cam surface 221 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane or the direction perpendicular to the Z direction) may be greater than an angle at which the second hinge cam surface 222 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. An angel at which the first hinge cam surface 221 is inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210 may be greater than an angle at which the second hinge cam surface 222 is inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210. A length of the first hinge cam surface 221 in the vertical direction Z may be equal to a length of the second hinge cam surface 222 in the vertical direction Z and thus a length of the first hinge cam surface 221 in the horizontal direction may be less than a length of the second hinge cam surface 222 in the horizontal direction.

[0223] An angle at which the first door cam surface 321 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane or the direction perpendicular to the Z direction) may be greater than an angle at which the second door cam surface 322 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. An angel at which the first door cam surface 321 is inclined with respect to the door cam body 310 may be greater than an angle at which the second door cam surface 322 is inclined with respect to the door cam body 310. A length of the first door cam surface 321 in the vertical direction Z may be equal to a length of the second door cam surface 322 in the vertical direction Z and thus a length of the first door cam surface 321 in the horizontal direction may be less than a length of the second door cam surface 322 in the horizontal direction.

[0224] As mentioned above, due to the difference in the inclination angle of the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222, or the difference in the inclination angle of the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322, the first door cam surface 321 may more smoothly slide along the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is closed. Accordingly, the door 30 may be more efficiently rotated and closed. Further, the second door cam surface 322 may more gently slide along the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door 30 is opened. Accordingly, the door 30 may be more gently rotated and opened and thus it is possible to reduce a load applied to the door 30 and the hinge bracket 40.

[0225] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 may have various inclination angles, and the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may have various inclination angles.

[0226] In order to improve durability such that the respective shapes or angles of the door cam 300 and the hinge cam 200 are not deformed by the load or frictional force of the door 30 when the door cam 300 moves along the hinge cam 200, the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 may include a rigid material. For example, the hinge cam 200 may include various materials such as polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, or metal. Likewise, the door cam 300 may include various materials such as polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, or metal.

[0227] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opening the door. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is further opened by the door cam and the hinge cam after the door is opened at the predetermined angle by the door opening device. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a hinge cam of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away and developed in a horizontal direction.

[0228] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a contact point of the door cam 300 with the hinge cam 200 may move as the door 30 rotates.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 10, when the door 30 is closed, the first door cam surface 321 may be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221. For example, a contact surface, on which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is closed, may be disposed between one end of the first hinge cam surface 221, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210 (or the hinge cam flat portion 230, and the hinge cam curved portion 223. Referring to FIG. 13, when the door 30 is closed, the first door cam surface 321 may be positioned at a first point PA on the hinge cam 200.

[0230] When the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, and the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, by the weight of the door 30. When the door 30 is closed, the door cam 300 may move along the first hinge cam surface 221 and descend from the hinge cam curved portion 223 toward the first point PA on the hinge cam 200.

[0231] When a force that allows the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, such as a force of a user trying to open the door 30 directly or a force of the door opening device 100 pressing the door 30, is sufficiently large, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, despite the weight of the door 30, and the contact surface, on which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, may become close to the hinge cam curved portion 223. When the door 30 is opened, the door cam 300 may move along the first hinge cam surface 221 and ascend from the first point PA on the hinge cam 200 toward the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 11, when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 and the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, by the weight of the door 30. When the door 30 is opened, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 and descend. When the door 30 is opened, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 and descend from the hinge cam curved portion 223 to one end of the second hinge cam surface 222, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210 (or the hinge cam flat portion 230.

[0233] When a force that allows the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, such as a force of a user trying to open the door 30 directly, is sufficiently large, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, despite the weight of the door 30. When the door 30 is closed, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 and ascend from one end of the second hinge cam surface 222, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210 (or the hinge cam flat portion 230), toward the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0234] A position of the door cam 300 may be the highest when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223. The position of the door cam 300 may be the highest when the door cam curved portion 323 is located on the hinge cam curved portion 223. An opening angle of the door 30 when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223 may be the first angle or the second angle.

[0235] The expression “the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223” may include various states, in which the door cam curved portion 323 is disposed on the hinge cam curved portion 223, such as a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with a point on the hinge cam curved portion 223, a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in line contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223, and a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in surface contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223. The expression “when door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223” may mean not only a moment in which the door cam curved portion 323 begins to be in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223, but also a continuous period of time in which door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 12, during the process of opening the door 30, after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222, the door cam 300 may contact the hinge cam flat portion 230. For example, the door cam protrusion 320 may contact the hinge cam flat portion 230. For example, the door cam curved portion 323 may contact the hinge cam flat portion 230. Correspondingly, after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222, the hinge cam 200 may contact the door cam flat portion 330. For example, the hinge cam protrusion 220 may contact the door cam flat portion 330. For example, the hinge cam curved portion 223 may contact the door cam flat portion 330.

[0237] Even after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222 and contacted the hinge cam flat portion 230, the door cam 300 may continue to move along the hinge cam flat portion 230 due to inertia, and the door 30 may be further opened.

[0238] The position of the door cam 300 may be the lowest when the door cam curved portion 323 contacts the hinge cam flat portion 230. The position of the door cam 300 may be the lowest when the door cam curved portion 323 is located on the hinge cam flat portion 230. When the door cam curved portion 323 contacts the hinge cam flat portion 230, the opening angle of the door 30 may be greater than the above-described second angle.

[0239] The expression “the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230” may include various states, in which the door cam curved portion 323 is disposed on the hinge cam flat portion 230, such as a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with a point on the hinge cam flat portion 230, a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in line contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230, or a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in surface contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230. The expression “when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230” may mean not only a moment in which the door cam curved portion 323 begins to be in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230, but also a continuous period of time in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230.

[0240] With the structure of the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300, the door 30 may be guided to rotate in an opening direction, or may be guided to rotate in a closing direction depending on the opening angle of the door 30.

[0241] As described above, the door opening device 100 may rotate the door 30 in an opening direction. According to an embodiment, the door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the door cam 300 contacts the second hinge cam surface 222.The door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the hinge cam 200. The door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222. The door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the closed position. When the door opening device 100 rotates the door 30 to a predetermined opening angle or more, the second door cam surface 322 may be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 and thus the door 30 may continue to open due to the self-weight of the door 30. The door opening device 100 may terminate the operation after the second door cam surface 322 comes into contact with the second hinge cam surface 222. As described above, the door 30 in a closed state may be primarily opened by the door opening device 100, and even after the operation of the door opening device 100 has ended, the door 30 may continue to open due to the engagement structure between the door cam 300 and the hinge cam 200, thereby rotating to the open position.

[0242] In FIG. 13, an arrow (DCP) illustrated above the hinge cam 200 indicates a movement path of the door cam 300 in contact with the hinge cam 200 while the door 30 is being opened. In other words, the arrow (DCP) in FIG. 13 represents movement of a contact point between the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 while the door 30 is being opened.

[0243] Referring to FIG. 13, as described above, in a closed state of the door 30, the door cam 300 may contact a first point PA on the first hinge cam surface 221, and when the door 30 begins to open by the door opening device 100, the door cam 300 may ascend along the first hinge cam surface 221 to the hinge cam curved portion 223 and then descend along the second hinge cam surface 222. Even after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222, the door cam 300 may move along the hinge cam flat portion 230, and the door 30 may continue to rotate. The door 30 may stop when the door cam 300 reaches a second point PB on the hinge cam flat portion 230.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 13, the door cam 300 may be movable only within a region (hereinafter referred to as a first region RA) between a first point PA on a first hinge cam surface 221 of one hinge cam protrusion among the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 and a second point PB on a hinge cam flat portion 230 closest to a second hinge cam surface 222 of the corresponding hinge cam protrusion 220.

[0245] For example, even after the door cam 300 reaches the second point PB, the door 30 may further rotate in the opening direction, and the door 300 may continue to rotate until the door cam 300 is located on a first hinge cam surface 221 of another hinge cam protrusion 220 adjacent to the first region RA, that is, until the door cam 300 exits the first region RA in FIG. 13 and reaches a second region RB. In this case, after the door 30 stops, the door cam 300 may descend along the first hinge cam surface 221 within the second region RB, and the door 30 may be closed again. In this case, it may be very difficult to consistently control the final opening angle of the door 30.

[0246] For example, when the door 30 continues to rotate until the door cam 300 exits the second region RB in FIG. 13 and reaches a third region (RC), the door cam 300 may descend along a second hinge cam surface 222 of the other hinge cam protrusion 220, and the door 30 may continue to open. In this case, the door 30 may be opened at an excessively large angle beyond a designed angle, and it may be very difficult to consistently control the final opening angle of the door 30.

[0247] Accordingly, in order to consistently control the opening angle of the door 30, the door cam 300 may be movable only within the first region RA, and during opening of the door 30, the rotation of the door 30 may be stopped when the door cam 300 reaches the second point PB on the hinge cam flat portion 230, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0248] In order that the rotation of the door 30 is stopped when the door cam 300 reaches the second point PB on the hinge cam flat portion 230, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening speed of the door 30 may be decelerated when the opening angle of the door 30 reaches a predetermined angle or more. To decelerate the opening angle of the door 30 when the opening angle of the door 30 reaches a predetermined angle or more, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include a structure of a guide shaft 45 and a guide rail 400 (see FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, etc.).

[0249] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed. FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a first deceleration angle. FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the guide rail passes the guide shaft while the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is being opened at an angle greater than the first deceleration angle. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a second deceleration angle.

[0250] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 18, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rail 400 provided on the door 30. The door 30 may include the guide rail 400.

[0251] The guide rail 400 may be rotatably provided about a rotation axis of the door 30. When the door 30 is opened or closed, the guide rail 400 may also rotate about the rotation axis of the door 30.

[0252] The guide rail 400 may be spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door 30. The guide rail 400 may be spaced apart from the lower hinge shaft 52. The guide rail 400 may be spaced apart from the door cam protrusion 320.

[0253] For example, the guide rail 400 may be integrally formed with the door cam body 310. For example, the guide rail 400 may be integrally formed with the door cam 300. Alternatively, the guide rail 400 may be provided as a separate component from the door cam 300 and mounted to the door cam body 310, or may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the door cam body 310.

[0254] The guide rail 400 may be configured such that at least a portion of a guide shaft 45, described below, may be inserted therein. For example, the guide rail 400 may include a first sidewall 401 and a second sidewall 402 extending in a direction parallel to an extending direction of the guide shaft 45, described below (for example, the rotation axis direction of the door 30, or the vertical direction Z). The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may protrude from an outer surface of the door 30, such as the door cam body 310, toward the hinge bracket 40. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may be arranged to face each other at positions spaced apart from each other. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may be connected to each other at both ends. The guide shaft 45 may be inserted into a space between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may protrude vertically Z from the door cam body 310. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may protrude from the door cam body 310 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30.

[0255] Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may have a shape recessed in the vertical direction Z from an outer surface of the door 30, such as the door cam body 310. According to another embodiment, the guide rail 400 may have a shape recessed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30 from an outer surface of the door 30, such as the door cam body 310.

[0256] The first sidewall 401 may be disposed outward of the second sidewall 402. The distance between the second sidewall 402 and the rotation axis of the door 30 may be smaller than the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the rotation axis of the door 30. The distance between the second sidewall 402 and the door cam protrusion 320 may be smaller than the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the door cam protrusion 320.

[0257] The guide rail 400 may have a curved shape to pass a guide shaft 45, described below, which is fixed in position when the door 30 rotates. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each have a curved shape. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each be curved to protrude in a direction away from the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each be curved to protrude in a direction away from the door cam protrusion 320.

[0258] For example, the guide rail 400 may have an arc shape centered about the rotation axis of the door 30. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each have an arc shape centered about the rotation axis of the door 30.

[0259] The guide rail 400 may include a bottom surface 403 connecting the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. For example, the bottom surface 403 may connect an upper end of the first sidewall 401 and an upper end of the second sidewall 402. The bottom surface 403 may be substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. For example, the bottom surface 403 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction (parallel to the XY plane). The bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400 may face the hinge bracket 40. The guide shaft 45, described below, may be inserted into a space formed by the first sidewall 401, the second sidewall 402, and the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400.

[0260] The guide rail 400 may be formed with a side opposite to the bottom surface 403 that is open. That is, an opening may be formed on a side opposite to the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400, and the guide shaft 45, described below, may be inserted into the guide rail 400 through the opening.

[0261] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include a guide shaft 45. The guide shaft 45 may be provided on the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may include the guide shaft 45.

[0262] The guide shaft 45 may be configured to guide rotation of the door 30. The guide shaft 45 may be configured to be inserted into the guide rail 400 and guide the guide rail 400 when the door 30 is opened or closed. As the guide shaft 45 guides the guide rail 400, the rotation of the door 30 may be guided by the guide shaft 45.

[0263] The guide shaft 45 may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. The guide shaft 45 may extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z of the refrigerator 1. The guide shaft 45 may extend from the hinge bracket body 43 toward the door 30.

[0264] The guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door 30. The guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the hinge cam 200. The guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the hinge cam protrusion 220. Thus, during rotation of the door 30, the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the guide rail 400.

[0265] The guide shaft 45 may be fixed relative to the main body 10. For example, the guide shaft 45 may be fixed to the hinge bracket body 43. The guide shaft 45 may be coupled to the hinge bracket body 43.

[0266] For example, the guide shaft 45 may include a rail insertion portion 45a configured to be inserted into the guide rail 400, a bracket coupling portion 45b coupled to the hinge bracket body 43, and a locking portion 45c configured to engage the hinge bracket body 43. The rail insertion portion 45a may extend from the hinge bracket body 43 toward the door 30 to be inserted into the guide rail 400 while the door 30 is rotating. For example, the rail insertion portion 45a may have a bar shape extending in one direction (for example, the rotation axis direction of the door 30, or the vertical direction Z). The bracket coupling portion 45b may pass through a guide shaft hole 43a formed in the hinge bracket body 43 and be coupled to the hinge bracket body 43. The locking portion45c may be disposed between the rail insertion portion 45a and the bracket coupling portion 45b and may have a width (e.g., a diameter) greater than that of the guide shaft hole 43a, thereby preventing the guide shaft 45 from being detached from the hinge bracket body 43.

[0267] For example, the guide shaft 45 may be detachably coupled to the hinge bracket body 43. Thus, when the guide shaft 45 is worn or damaged due to repeated opening and closing of the door 30, a user may easily replace the guide shaft 45.

[0268] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the guide shaft 45 may be integrally formed with the hinge bracket body 43. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the guide shaft 45 may be integrally formed with the hinge cam body 210.

[0269] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a first end portion 410 and a second end portion 420. The guide rail 400 may extend between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420. The guide shaft 45 may be inserted into a space of the guide rail 400 extending between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420.

[0270] The first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may be defined as a region adjacent to and including one end of the guide rail 400. The first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may be referred to as a “first end region.”

[0271] The second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may be defined as a region adjacent to and including the other end of the guide rail 400. The second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may also be referred to as a “second end region.”

[0272] Both ends of the guide rail 400, i.e., the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420, may be open. The first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may be open so that the guide shaft 45 may pass therethrough when the door 30 is opened or closed. The second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may also be open so that the guide shaft 45 may pass therethrough when the door 30 is opened or closed.

[0273] For example, when the guide shaft 45 is located at the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400, in other words, when the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, an opening angle of the door 30 (hereinafter referred to as a “first deceleration angle”) may be smaller than an opening angle of the door 30 (hereinafter referred to as a “second deceleration angle”) when the guide shaft 45 is located at the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400, in other words, when the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45.

[0274] The expression “the guide shaft 45 is located at the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400” may refer not only to a state in which the center of the guide shaft 45 is located at one end of the guide rail 400 included in the first end portion 410, but also to a state in which any portion of the guide shaft 45 lies across the one end of the guide rail 400.

[0275] The expression “the guide shaft 45 is located at the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400” may refer not only to a state in which the center of the guide shaft 45 is located at the other end of the guide rail 400 included in the second end portion 420, but also to a state in which any portion of the guide shaft 45 lies across the other end of the guide rail 400.

[0276] According to an embodiment, since the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 is open, the guide shaft 45 may be located outside the guide rail 400 when the door 30 is in a closed position. According to an embodiment, since the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 is open, the guide shaft 45 may be located outside the guide rail 400 when the door 30 is in an open position.

[0277] When the door 30 is opened, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 and be inserted into the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from the closed position an angle greater than the first deceleration angle, the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the guide rail 400. When the door 30 is opened, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 and exit the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from a position, which is rotated from the closed position by the second deceleration angle, toward a position rotated by an angle advanced beyond the second deceleration angle, the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be disengaged from the guide rail 400.

[0278] When the door 30 is closed, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 and be inserted into the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from the open position toward a position, at which the opening angle of the door 30 is smaller than the second deceleration angle, the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the guide rail 400. When the door 30 is closed, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 and exit the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from a position, which is rotated by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle from the closed position, toward the closed position, the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be disengaged from the guide rail 400.

[0279] As such, since the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 are open such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through both ends of the guide rail 400 as the door 30 rotates and the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, it is possible to prevent rebound caused by collision between the guide shaft 45 and the guide rail 400 at both ends of the guide rail 400. Accordingly, the rotational angle of the door 30 may be more easily controlled, and it is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 due to collision.

[0280] In addition, since the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 are open, the position of the guide shaft 45 relative to the guide rail 400 is not limited to between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420. Therefore, it may be possible to design a maximum opening angle range of the door 30 more diversely.

[0281] A width of the guide rail 400 at the first end portion 410, i.e., a width (W1, see FIG. 19) of the first end portion 410, may be greater than a width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45 (e.g., the diameter of the rail insertion portion 45a). The width W1 of the first end portion 410 may be defined as the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 at the first end portion 410. Thus, when the door 30 rotates, the guide shaft 45 may experience less interference from the first end portion 410 and may more easily pass through the first end portion 410.

[0282] A width of the guide rail 400 at the second end portion 420, i.e., a width (W2, see FIG. 19) of the second end portion 420, may be greater than the width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45. Thus, when the door 30 rotates, the width W2 of the second end portion 420 may be greater than the width W0 of the guide shaft 45.The width W2 of the second end portion 420 may be defined as the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 at the second end portion 420. Thus, when the door 30 rotates, the guide shaft 45 may experience less interference from the second end portion 420 and may more easily pass through the second end portion 420.

[0283] As described above, in order to control the rotational speed of the door 30, according to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a restriction region 430 disposed between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420. When the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle, the guide shaft 45 may be positioned in the restriction region 430. The restriction region 430 may be configured to decelerate the rotational speed of the door 30 by interference with the guide shaft 45 when the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45 as the door 30 opens or closes. As the door 30 rotates, when the restriction region 430 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, the rotational speed of the door 30 may be decelerated by friction between the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45. As the door 30 rotates, when the restriction region 430 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the first sidewall 401 and / or the second sidewall 402. While the door 30 rotates from the closed position toward the open position at an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle, the restriction region 430 may interfere with the guide shaft 45.

[0284] The restriction region 430 may have a width (W3, see FIG. 19) less than or equal to the width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45 to interfere with the guide shaft 45. The width (W3 of the restriction region 430 may be defined as the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402.

[0285] The width (W1, see FIG. 19) of the guide rail 400 at the first end portion 410 may be greater than the width (W3, see FIG. 19) of the restriction region 430. When the door 30 is opened, the guide shaft 45 may not interfere with the guide rail 400 at the first end portion 410, but after passing through the first end portion 410 and being inserted into the restriction region 430, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the guide rail 400. When the door 30 is closed, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the guide rail 400 while passing the restriction region 430, but may not interfere with the guide rail 400 when passing through the first end portion 410.

[0286] The width (W2, see FIG. 19) of the guide rail 400 at the second end portion 420 may be greater than the width (W3, see FIG. 19) of the restriction region 430. When the door 30 is opened, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the guide rail 400 while passing the restriction region 430, but may not interfere with the guide rail 400 when passing through the second end portion 420. When the door 30 is closed, the guide shaft 45 may not interfere with the guide rail 400 at the second end portion 420, but may interfere with the guide rail 400 after passing through the second end portion 420 and being inserted into the restriction region 430.

[0287] In order for the restriction region 430 to pass the guide shaft 45 despite interference between the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45as the width (W3, see FIG. 19) of the restriction region 430 is less than or equal to the width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45, the guide rail 400 may be configured to be elastically deformable. The guide rail 400 may be formed of various elastically deformable materials such as metal or polymer including plastic injection-molded materials. Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the guide shaft 45 may be configured to be elastically deformable. The guide shaft 45 may also be formed of various elastically deformable materials such as metal or polymer including plastic injection-molded materials.

[0288] According to an embodiment, the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 into the guide rail 400 at the restriction region 430 may be constant. The length by which the guide shaft 45 is inserted in the vertical direction Z into the guide rail 400 between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 may be substantially constant. When the opening angle of the door 30 is between the first deceleration angle and the second deceleration angle, the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 into the guide rail 400 may be substantially constant. In such an embodiment, the degree of interference between the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45 may remain constant regardless of the relative position of the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45, i.e., regardless of the rotation angle of the door 30. As a result, the rotation angle of the door 30 (for example, the maximum opening angle of the door 30) may be more effectively controlled.

[0289] In order to maintain the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 in the restriction region 430 constant, the door cam 300 may be located between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220, that is, on the hinge cam flat portion 230, when the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45. Specifically, when the door cam 300 is located on the hinge cam flat portion 230, the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the restriction region 430, and the restriction region 430 may interfere with the guide shaft 45. When the door cam 300 contacts the hinge cam flat portion 230 and moves along the hinge cam flat portion 230, the relative height of the door cam 300 and the guide rail 400 with respect to the hinge bracket 40 may not change, thereby maintaining the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 into the restriction region 430 constant.

[0290] As shown in FIG. 17, according to an embodiment, the length of the guide shaft 45 inserted into the restriction region 430 may be shorter than the length of the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. When inserted into the restriction region 430, the guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400. Accordingly, scratching or the like between the guide shaft 45 and the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400 may be prevented.

[0291] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a first inclined portion 411 extending from the first end portion 410. The first inclined portion 411 may extend such that the width of the guide rail 400 gradually narrows from the first end portion 410 toward the restriction region 430. For example, the first inclined portion 411 may be provided on each of the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402.

[0292] By the structure of the first inclined portion 411, in which the width gradually narrows from the first end portion 410 toward the restriction region 430, friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 during sequential passage of the guide shaft 45 from the first end portion 410 to the restriction region 430 when the door 30 is opened may be prevented from rapidly increasing, thereby effectively preventing collision, noise, or rebound caused by a sudden increase in friction.

[0293] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a second inclined portion 421 extending from the second end portion 420. The second inclined portion 421 may extend such that the width of the guide rail 400 gradually narrows from the second end portion 420 toward the restriction region 430. For example, the second inclined portion 421 may be provided on each of the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402.

[0294] By the structure of the second inclined portion 421, in which the width gradually narrows from the second end portion 420 toward the restriction region 430, friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 during sequential passage of the guide shaft 45 from the second end portion 420 to the restriction region 430 when the door 30 is closed may be prevented from rapidly increasing, thereby effectively preventing collision, noise, or rebound caused by a sudden increase in friction.

[0295] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a relative position of a guide shaft with respect to a guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a graph showing an amount of friction between the guide shaft and the guide rail according to the relative position of the guide shaft with respect to the guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0296] In FIG. 19, the relative position of the guide shaft 45 with respect to the guide rail 400 during rotation of the door 30 is illustrated. In practice, when the door 30 rotates, the guide rail 400 rotates while the guide shaft 45 remains fixed, but in FIG. 19, the position of the guide rail 400 is used as a reference, and the guide shaft 45 is illustrated as moving relative to the guide rail 400. An arrow SD1 indicating the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 represents the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 from the first end portion 410 to the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 during opening of the door 30. An arrow SD2 indicating the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 represents the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 from the second end portion 420 to the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 during closing of the door 30.

[0297] In FIG. 20, a graph shows an amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 according to the opening angle of the door 30. Specifically, FIG. 20 is a graph showing an amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 according to the opening angle of the door 30 when the opening angle of the door 30 is between a first deceleration angle A1 and a second deceleration angle A2.

[0298] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a difference between the width W1, W2, or W3 of the guide rail 400 and the width W0 of the guide shaft 45 may vary depending on the relative position of the guide shaft 45 with respect to the guide rail 400, and the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may also vary.

[0299] For example, at the first end portion 410, little or no friction may occur between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45. Similarly, at the second end portion 420, little or no friction may occur between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45. When the door 30 is opened or closed, the guide shaft 45 may pass through the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 with little or no interference with the guide rail 400.

[0300] In the restriction region 430, friction may occur between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 to reduce the opening speed or closing speed of the door 30. As shown in FIG. 20, the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 in the restriction region 430 may be maintained substantially constant, or, alternatively, the amount of friction in the restriction region 430 may vary depending on the relative position of the guide shaft 45 with respect to the guide rail 400.

[0301] Since the width of the first inclined portion 411 gradually narrows from the first end portion 410 toward the restriction region 430, when the guide shaft 45 moves along the first inclined portion 411, the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may gradually increase as the opening angle of the door 30 increases from the first deceleration angle A1. Accordingly, a sudden increase in friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 when the door 30 is opened may be prevented.

[0302] Since the width of the second inclined portion 421 gradually narrows from the second end portion 420 toward the restriction region 430, when the guide shaft 45 moves along the second inclined portion 421, the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may gradually increase as the opening angle of the door 30 decreases from the second deceleration angle A2. Accordingly, a sudden increase in friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 when the door 30 is closed may be prevented.

[0303] As described above, according to an embodiment, the door 30 may be opened by a mechanical force of the door opening device 100. In contrast, the door 30 may be closed by a pushing force applied by a user. Since the force applied by the user to close the door 30 is expected to be greater than the mechanical force of the door opening device 100, the friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may increase more gradually when the door 30 is opened than when the door 30 is closed.

[0304] Accordingly, the ratio of the change in width of the first inclined portion 411 between the first end portion 410 and the restriction region 430 relative to the change in opening angle of the door 30 may be smaller than the ratio of the change in width between the second end portion 420 and the restriction region 430 relative to the change in opening angle of the door 30. In other words, the change in width of the first inclined portion 411 may be more gradual than the change in width of the second inclined portion 421. Thus, as shown in FIG. 20, when the door 30 moves along the first inclined portion 411 (i.e., when the opening angle of the door 30 increases from the first deceleration angle A1, the rate of increase in friction may be more gradual than when the door 30 moves along the second inclined portion 421 (i.e., when the opening angle of the door 30 decreases from the second deceleration angle A2.

[0305] For example, the length of the first inclined portion 411 may be greater than the length of the second inclined portion 421. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and various embodiments may be implemented as long as it can satisfy the above-described characteristics regarding the change in width of the first inclined portion 411 and the second inclined portion 421 even when the length of the first inclined portion 411 is not greater than the length of the second inclined portion 421.

[0306] Through the above-described structures of the guide shaft 45 and the guide rail 400, it may be possible to control the opening angle of the door 30 by decelerating the rotational speed of the door 30 during rotation of the door 30. In addition, even when a plurality of doors 30 are provided, it may be possible to control the opening angles of the respective doors 30 to be the same.

[0307] Furthermore, the above-described structures of the guide shaft 45 and the guide rail 400 may allow the opening speed or the closing speed of the door 30 to be gradually reduced, and by limiting the door 30 from opening or closing at an excessively high speed, it is possible to prevent damage to the product due to excessive load applied to components such as the door 30, the hinge bracket 40, and the hinge shaft 50, or due to the door 30 colliding with an external structure.

[0308] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body including a storage compartment therein; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and configured to rotatably support the door. The hinge bracket may include: a hinge cam; and a guide shaft spaced apart from the hinge cam and protruding toward the door. The door may include: a door cam configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a guide rail spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the state in which the door is being opened or closed. The guide rail may include: a first end portion that is open and through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open to through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a restriction region between the first end portion and the second end portion and having a first width equal to or smaller than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in the state in which the door is being opened or closed.

[0309] When the door closes the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0310] When the door maximally opens the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0311] A width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than a width of the restriction region.

[0312] The width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than the width of the guide shaft.

[0313] The guide rail may include an inclined portion extending such that the width of the guide rail narrows from the first end portion toward the restriction region.

[0314] A width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than a width of the restriction region.

[0315] The width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than the width of the guide shaft.

[0316] An opening angle of the door when the guide shaft is positioned at the second end portion of the guide rail may be greater than an opening angle of the door when the guide shaft is positioned at the first end portion of the guide rail.

[0317] A ratio of a change in width between the first end portion and the restriction region to a change in opening angle of the door may be smaller than a ratio of a change in width between the second end portion and the restriction region to a change in opening angle of the door.

[0318] A length by which the guide shaft is inserted into the guide rail at the restriction region may be constant.

[0319] The hinge cam may include a hinge cam body, and a plurality of hinge cam protrusions protruding from the hinge cam body toward the door cam. The plurality of hinge cam protrusions may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a rotation direction of the door. When the door cam is positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the guide rail may pass the guide shaft.

[0320] When the door cam is positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the restriction region may interfere with the guide shaft.

[0321] The hinge cam body may include a hinge cam flat portion disposed between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions and flat with respect to a horizontal direction of the refrigerator. When the door cam contacts the hinge cam flat portion, the guide rail may pass the guide shaft.

[0322] The guide rail may be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0323] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to be rotatable between an open position for opening the storage compartment and a closed position for closing the storage compartment, and a hinge bracket configured to connect the main body and the door and rotatably support the door. The hinge bracket may include a hinge cam, through which a rotation axis of the door passes, and a guide shaft spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door. The door may include a door cam through which the rotation axis of the door passes, the door cam being configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed, and a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed. The guide rail may include a first end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by a first deceleration angle; a second end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by a second deceleration angle greater than the first deceleration angle; and a restricted region disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion may be open such that the first end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle. The second end portion may be open such that the second end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from a position, which is rotated by the second deceleration angle from the closed position, toward a position rotated by an angle advanced beyond the second deceleration angle. The restricted region may have a width equal to or less than a width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle.

[0324] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position by an angle smaller than the first deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0325] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position to a position greater than the second deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0326] A width of each of the first end portion and the second end portion may be greater than a width of the guide shaft.

[0327] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and rotatably supporting the door. The hinge bracket may include a guide shaft spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door and protruding toward the door. The door may include a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft when the door is opened or closed. The guide rail may include a first end portion that is open to allow the guide shaft to pass therethrough when the door is opened or closed, a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open to allow the guide shaft to pass therethrough when the door is opened or closed, and a restricted region disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a width equal to or less than a width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion when the door is opened or closed.

[0328] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a guide shaft provided on a hinge bracket and a guide rail provided on a door, the guide rail being configured to pass through the guide shaft and interfere with the guide shaft, and thus a door-opening speed can be gradually decreased during a process of opening the door.

[0329] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a guide shaft provided on a hinge bracket and a guide rail provided on a door, the guide rail being configured to pass through the guide shaft and interfere with the guide shaft, and thus a door-closing speed can be gradually decreased during a process of closing the door.

[0330] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may control a door-opening speed through a structure of a guide shaft and a guide rail, and thus the door can be opened at a constant angle when being opened.

[0331] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may control a door-opening speed through a structure of a guide shaft and a guide rail, and thus the door can be stopped when maximally opened.

[0332] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may be provided with a structure of a guide shaft and a guide rail at each of a plurality of doors and hinge brackets supporting the same, and thus the plurality of doors may be opened at the same angle.

[0333] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide rail is open at both ends such that the guide shaft may pass through both ends of the guide rail as the door rotates, whereby an opening angle of the door is not limited by the length of the guide rail, and thus a range of a maximum opening angle of the door can be variously designed.

[0334] The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0335] Although the disclosure has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0055] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0056] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0057] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0058] In the 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”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0059] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060]Terms such as “1st”, “...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 016669, filed on October 21, 2025, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0001782, filed on January 6, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] A refrigerator is a device that is 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 refrigerating compartment in which food is kept refrigerated by maintaining the temperature at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, and a freezing compartment in which food is kept frozen by maintaining the temperature at approximately -30 to 0 degrees Celsius. A front surface of the storage compartment is provided to be open for food entry and exit.

[0004] The refrigerator uses a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to repeat a refrigeration cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant. At this time, both the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may be cooled by a single evaporator disposed on the freezing compartment, or the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may each be provided with the evaporator and thus cooled independently of each other.

[0005] The refrigerator includes a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The door is rotatable relative to the main body to open and close the storage compartment.

[0006] The door may be provided to allow a user to hold a handle disposed on the door, and thus the user may open and close the door relative to the main body by rotating the door. Alternatively, the refrigerator may include a door opening and closing structure configured to easily open or close the door.SUMMARY

[0007] Provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows an opening speed of a door to gradually decrease during a process of opening the door.

[0008] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a closing speed of a door to gradually decrease during a process of closing the door.

[0009] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a door to be opened at a predetermined angle.

[0010] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a door to stop when maximally opened.

[0011] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a plurality of doors to be opened at the same angle.

[0012] Further, provided is a refrigerator that may have an improved structure that allows a maximum opening angle of a door to be designed in a variety of ranges.

[0013] The technical aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other aspects that are not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0014] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided refrigerator including: a main body including a storage compartment therein; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and configured to rotatably support the door, wherein the hinge bracket includes:a hinge cam; and a guide shaft spaced apart from the hinge cam and protruding toward the door, wherein the door includes: a door cam configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a guide rail spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the state in which the door is being opened or closed, wherein the guide rail includes: a first end portion that is open and through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open to through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a restriction region between the first end portion and the second end portion and having a first width equal to or smaller than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in the state in which the door is being opened or closed.

[0015] In a state in which the door closes the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0016] In a state in which the door maximally opens the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0017] A third width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than a fourth width of the restriction region.

[0018] The third width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than the second width of the guide shaft.

[0019] The guide rail may include an inclined portion extending such that the third width of the guide rail narrows from the first end portion toward the restriction region.

[0020] A fifth width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than a fourth width of the restriction region.

[0021] The fifth width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than the second width of the guide shaft.

[0022] An opening angle of the door in a state in which the guide shaft is positioned at the second end portion of the guide rail may be greater than the opening angle of the door in a state in which the guide shaft is positioned at the first end portion of the guide rail.

[0023] A ratio of a change in a sixth width between the first end portion and the restriction region to a change in the opening angle of the door may be smaller than a ratio of a change in a seventh width between the second end portion and the restriction region to a change in the opening angle of the door.

[0024] A length by which the guide shaft may be inserted into the guide rail at the restriction region may be constant.

[0025] The hinge cam may include: a hinge cam body; and a plurality of hinge cam protrusions protruding from the hinge cam body toward the door cam. The plurality of hinge cam protrusions may be spaced apart from each other along a rotation direction of the door. In a state in which the door cam may be positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the guide rail passes the guide shaft.

[0026] In a state in which the door cam being positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the restriction region interferes with the guide shaft.

[0027] The hinge cam body may include a hinge cam flat portion provided between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions and flat with respect to a horizontal direction of the refrigerator. In a state in which the door cam may contact the hinge cam flat portion, the guide rail passes the guide shaft.

[0028] The guide rail may be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0029] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator including: a main body forming a storage compartment therein; a door configured to be rotatable between an open position for opening the storage compartment and a closed position for closing the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket configured to connect the main body and the door and rotatably support the door, wherein the hinge bracket comprises: a hinge cam, through which a rotation axis of the door passes; and a guide shaft spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, wherein the door comprises: a door cam through which the rotation axis of the door passes, the door cam being configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed, wherein the guide rail comprises: a first end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by a first deceleration angle, and the first end portion is open such that the first end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle; a second end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door is being rotated from the closed position toward the open position by a second deceleration angle greater than the first deceleration angle, and the second end portion is open such that the second end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from a position, which is rotated by the second deceleration angle from the closed position, toward a position rotated by an angle advanced beyond the second deceleration angle; and a restricted region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a first width equal to or less than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and less than the second deceleration angle.

[0030] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position by an angle smaller than the first deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0031] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position to a position greater than the second deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0032] A third width of each of the first end portion and the second end portion may be greater than a fourth width of the guide shaft.

[0033] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator including: a main body forming a storage compartment therein; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and rotatably supporting the door, wherein the hinge bracket includes a guide shaft spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door and protruding toward the door, wherein the door includes a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed, wherein the guide rail includes: a first end portion that is open through which the guide shaft passes in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open through which the guide shaft passes in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a restricted region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a first width equal to or less than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in a state in which the door is being opened or closed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other aspects and / or features of embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure opens the door;

[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a left lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a right lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, a door bracket, a hinge shaft, the door cam, the hinge cam, and a guide shaft arranged in a lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, the hinge cam, and the hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a lower portion of the door, a door bracket, a door cam, and a hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed;

[0045] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opening the door;

[0046] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is further opened by the door cam and the hinge cam after the door is opened at the predetermined angle by the door opening device;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a hinge cam of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away and developed in a horizontal direction;

[0048] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed;

[0049] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a first deceleration angle;

[0050] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the guide rail passes the guide shaft while the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is being opened at an angle greater than the first deceleration angle;

[0051] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a second deceleration angle;

[0053] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a relative position of a guide shaft with respect to a guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0054] FIG. 20 is a graph showing an amount of friction between the guide shaft and the guide rail according to the relative position of the guide shaft with respect to the guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0056] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0057] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0058] In the 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”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0059] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0061] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0062] It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and / or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0063] When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0064] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0065] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

[0066] The “main body” may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0067] The “inner case” may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The “outer case” may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

[0068] The “insulation” may insulate an inside of the storage compartment from an outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc. and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

[0070] The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be configured to be open on at least one side for insertion and removal of the items.

[0071] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

[0072] The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and may include a “refrigerating compartment”, a “freezing compartment”, and a “temperature conversion compartment” according to purposes of use and / or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The “refrigerating” may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The “freezing” may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as either a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user’s selection.

[0073] The storage compartment may also be referred to by various terms, such as “vegetable compartment”, “freshness compartment”, “cooling compartment”, and “ice-making compartment”, in addition to “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “temperature conversion compartment”, and the terms, such as “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, “temperature conversion compartment”, etc., as used below are to be understood as representing storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

[0074] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the main body.

[0075] The “door” may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door, like the main body, may include an insulation to insulate the storage compartment in a closed state.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

[0077] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

[0079] The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or Single Door Refrigerator according to the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

[0080] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0081] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and / or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may 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 may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

[0083] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0084] The “machine compartment” may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed in the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

[0085] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

[0086] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0087] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0088] The “controller” may include a memory for storing and / or recording data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. in accordance with the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0089] The memory may store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like necessary for operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0090] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an artificial intelligence (AI) model operation. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0091] Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface in accordance with the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided with an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0092] The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided 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 memories.

[0093] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device in accordance with to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately provided with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface in accordance with the user input.

[0094] A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0095] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

[0096] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0097] Hereinafter exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] When describing various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms “upper” and “lower” below may mean an upper side in the Z direction and a lower side in the Z direction, respectively, based on the drawings. The terms “front” and “rear” below may mean a front side and a rear side in the X direction, respectively, based on the drawings. The terms “left” and “right” below may mean a left side in the Y direction and a right side in the Y direction, respectively, based on the drawings.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may 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 cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0101] The main body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartment 20, and an outer case 12 forming an exterior of the refrigerator 1. The outer case 12 may be formed to have a substantially box shape in which a front surface is open. The outer case 12 may form an upper surface, a lower surface, left and right surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1. A front surface of the inner case 11 may be open. The storage compartment 20 may be formed inside the inner case 11 and the inner case 11 may be formed on an inner side of the outer case 12. An inner wall of the inner case 11 may form an inner wall of the storage compartment 20.

[0102] An insulating material may be provided between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to insulate the inner case 11 and the outer case 12. The insulating material may be foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to couple the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to each other. For example, the insulating material may include insulating materials of various materials such as urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, and vacuum insulation panels.

[0103] The main body 10 may further include a top table 14 disposed in an upper portion of the main body 10. The top table 14 may be coupled to an upper portion of the outer case 12. The top table 14 may be coupled to an upper surface of the outer case 12. The top table 14 may cover various electrical components. An accommodation space in which various electrical components are accommodated may be formed on an inner side of the top table 14. For example, the top table 14 may cover a door opening device 100 described below, and the door opening device 100 may be accommodated on the inner side of the top table 14.

[0104] The storage compartment 20 may be formed inside the main body 10. For example, the storage compartment 20 may include a refrigerating compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and stores food in a cold state. For example, the storage compartment 20 may include a freezing compartment that is maintained at approximately -30 to 0 degrees Celsius and stores food in a frozen state.

[0105] In various embodiments, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into a plurality of areas. The main body 10 may include a partition 13 that partitions the storage compartment 20 into a first storage compartment 21 and a second storage compartment 22. For example, the partition 13 may extend in a vertical direction Z, and the first storage compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 22 may be arranged horizontally relative to each other. For example, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into the first storage compartment 21 arranged on the left side and the second storage compartment 22 arranged on the right side. As an example, the first storage compartment 21 may be used as a freezing compartment, and the second storage compartment 22 may be used as a refrigerating compartment, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] A shelf 25 on which food is placed and a drawer 26 in which food is stored may be provided in the storage compartment 20.

[0107] The refrigerator 1 may include the cooling system that is configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to the storage compartment 20. The cooling system may generate cold air using the cooling cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, and the like.

[0108] The main body 10 may include a cold air supply duct that forms a cold air path through which cold air generated by the cooling system flows into the storage compartment 20. The cold air supply duct may be formed at the rear of the inner case 11. The cold air supply duct may be provided at the rear of the storage compartment 20 and may be connected to the storage compartment 20.

[0109] The door 30 may be configured to open and close the storage compartment 20. The door 30 may be configured to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10 by being coupled to a hinge bracket 40 connecting the door 30 and the main body 10.

[0110] The door 30 may be rotatably provided between an open position in which the storage compartment 20 is maximally opened and a closed position in which the storage compartment 20 is closed. That is, when the door 30 rotates from a closed position toward an open position, the storage compartment 20 may be opened, and when the door 30 rotates from an open position toward a closed position, the storage compartment 20 may be closed. The open position and the closed position of the door 30 may be defined as relative positions with respect to the main body 10 and the storage compartment 20.

[0111] An opening angle of the door 30 may be defined as an angle by which the door 30 rotates from the closed position. That is, the opening angle of the door 30 may be defined as an angle by which the door 30 rotates in an opening direction from the closed position. As the opening angle of the door 30 increases, the extent to which the door 30 opens the storage compartment 20 may increase. The open position of the door 30 may be defined as a position of the door 30 when the opening angle of the door 30 is the maximum opening angle.

[0112] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the expression “the door 30 maximally opens the storage compartment 20” means that, under an external force applied under a certain condition (for example, an external force applied to open the door 30 by a door opening device 100 described below), the door 30 is rotated from the closed position by a predetermined angle, and the “predetermined angle” may be an appropriate range of angles designed in advance for user convenience.

[0113] For example, when the door 30 is in the open position, the opening angle of the door 30 may be about 110° to 120°.

[0114] The door 30 may be rotatably provided about a rotation axis extending in one direction. For example, as illustrated, the door 30 may be rotatably provided about a rotation axis extending in a vertical direction Z of the refrigerator 1.

[0115] An outer surface of the door 30 may form a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator when the door 30 is in a closed position, the outer surface of the door 30 may form at least a portion of a front outer surface of the refrigerator 1. When the door 30 is in the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may face the inside of the storage compartment 20. The inner surface of the door 30 means 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 means other surface opposite to the inner surface of the door 30 that faces the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, and means the front surface of the door 30 that is seen when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front.

[0116] A door gasket 34 may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30 to seal a gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 and to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage compartment 20. The door gasket 34 may be provided along a perimeter of the inner surface of the door 30. The door gasket 34 may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0117] A door shelf 35 in which food is stored may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30.

[0118] For example, the door 30 may include a door frame 31, an upper door cap 32, and a lower door cap 33 (refer to FIG. 2, FIG. 5, etc.). The door frame 31 may form the overall appearance of the door 30. The upper door cap 32 may form an upper surface of the door 30. The upper door cap 32 may be coupled to an upper portion of the door frame 31. The lower door cap 33 may form a lower surface of the door 30. The lower door cap 33 may be coupled to a lower portion of the door frame 31.

[0119] A door insulating material may be foamed and provided among the door frame 31, the upper door cap 32, and the lower door cap 33.

[0120] The door frame 31, the upper door cap 32, and the lower door cap 33 may be formed as separate components, and coupled together. Alternatively, the door frame 31 and the upper door cap 32 may be formed integrally, or the door frame 31 and the lower door cap 33 may be formed integrally, or the door frame 31, the upper door cap 32, and the lower door cap 33 may be formed integrally as a whole.

[0121] The door 30 may include a handle 38. A user may hold the handle 38 with user’s hand to open or close the door 30. In other words, the user may hold the handle 38 with the user’s hand and rotate the door 30 to open or close the storage compartment 20. For example, the handle 38 may include a groove shape that is formed concavely to be gripped. For example, the handle 38 may be provided on the door frame 31 of the door 30.

[0122] As described below, the door 30 may be opened by the door opening device 100.

[0123] As described below, the refrigerator 1 may include an input device 60 configured to obtain a signal for operating the door opening device 100. For example, the input device 60 may be mounted on the door 30. For example, the input device 60 may be positioned in an area adjacent to the handle 38 of the door 30.

[0124] The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of doors 30L and 30R configured to open and close a plurality of storage compartments 21 and 22 which are partitioned from each other. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a first door 30L configured to open and close the first storage compartment 21, and a second door 30R configured to open and close the second storage compartment 22. For example, the first door 30L and the second door 30R may be arranged parallel to each other in a horizontal direction Y. The first door 30L may be arranged on the left side, and the second door 30R may be arranged on the right side. The first door 30L may be referred to as a “left door 30L”, and the second door 30R may be referred to as a “right door 30R”. The first door 30L and the second door 30R may rotate independently of each other with respect to the main body 10.

[0125] For example, the first door 30L may be opened by a first door opening device 100L arranged on the left side. For example, the second door 30R may be opened by a second door opening device 100R arranged on the right side.

[0126] For example, the first door 30L may include a first input device 60L configured to obtain a signal for operating the first door opening device 100L. For example, the second door 30R may include a second input device 60R (refer to FIG. 2 configured to obtain a signal for operating the second door opening device 100R.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may further include a third door 30D. For example, the third door 30D may be configured to be rotatable relative to the second door 30R. The third door 30D may be rotatably coupled to the second door 30R. The second door 30R may include an opening, and the third door 30D may open or close the opening of the second door 30R while rotating relative to the second door 30R. For example, the opening of the second door 30R may be provided at an upper portion of the door frame 31 of the second door 30R. When the third door 30D opens the opening of the second door 30R, a user may access an upper portion of the second storage compartment 22 or the door shelf 35 arranged at an upper portion of the second door 30R. That is, according to an embodiment, the right door of the refrigerator 1 may be configured as a double door including the second door 30R and the third door 30D.

[0128] For example, a handle may be provided on the third door 30D, and a user may hold the handle with his / her hand and rotate the third door 30D relative to the second door 30R to open the opening of the second door 30R.

[0129] The door 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the first door 30L, the second door 30R, and the third door 30D described above.

[0130] The refrigerator 1 may include the hinge bracket 40 in FIGS. 2 and 5, etc., connecting the main body 10 and the door 30. The hinge bracket 40 may be respectively coupled to the main body 10 and the door 30.

[0131] The hinge bracket 40 may be fixed to the main body 10. For example, the hinge bracket 40 may be coupled to the outer case 12.

[0132] The door 30 may be rotatably provided on the hinge bracket 40. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may rotatably support the door 30. The door 30 may be rotatably provided on the main body 10 by the hinge bracket 40. A rotation axis of the door 30 may pass through the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may be coupled to a door cap of the door 30.

[0133] The hinge bracket 40 may be provided to support both sides of the door 30 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, a plurality of hinge brackets 40 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z to support the upper and lower sides of the door 30.

[0134] The refrigerator 1 may include a hinge shaft 50 in FIGS. 2 and 5, etc., coupled to the door 30 and the hinge bracket 40. The hinge shaft 50 may be inserted into the door 30. For example, the hinge shaft 50 may be inserted into the door cap of the door 30. The hinge shaft 50 may penetrate the hinge bracket 40. The hinge shaft 50 may rotatably support the door 30 relative to the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may be coupled to the door 30 by the hinge shaft 50.

[0135] The hinge shaft 50 may pass through the rotation axis of the door 30. The hinge shaft 50 may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, the hinge shaft 50 may extend in the vertical direction Z. For example, the hinge shaft 50 may have a cylindrical shape having the rotation axis of the door 30 as its central axis.

[0136] The hinge shafts 50 may be provided to be coupled to both sides of the door 30 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, a plurality of hinge shafts 50 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z to be coupled to the upper and lower sides of the door 30, respectively.

[0137] The configuration of the refrigerator 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 is only an example for describing the refrigerator according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to the storage compartment for storing food.

[0138] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a state in which a door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure opens the door. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various components of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the hinge bracket 40 and the hinge shaft 50 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may support the upper portion of the door 30 to allow the door 30 to rotate.

[0140] The hinge bracket 40 may include an upper hinge bracket 41 supporting the upper side of the door 30. The upper hinge bracket 41 may be coupled to the upper portion of the door 30. The upper hinge bracket 41 may be coupled to the upper door cap 32. The upper hinge bracket 41 may be coupled to the upper portion of the main body 10. For example, the upper hinge bracket 41 may include a left upper hinge bracket 41L supporting the upper side of the first door 30L, and a right upper hinge bracket 41R supporting the upper side of the second door 30R. The left upper hinge bracket 41L may be coupled to an upper portion of the first door 30L and a left upper portion of the main body 10. The right upper hinge bracket 41R may be coupled to an upper portion of the second door 30R and an upper right portion of the main body 10. The left upper hinge bracket 41L and the right upper hinge bracket 41R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y.

[0141] The hinge shaft 50 may include an upper hinge shaft 51 coupled to the upper portion of the door 30 and the upper hinge bracket 41. The upper hinge shaft 51 may penetrate the upper door cap 32 of the door 30. The upper hinge shaft 51 may penetrate the upper hinge bracket 41. For example, the upper hinge shaft 51 may include a left upper hinge shaft 51L coupled to the upper portion of the first door 30L and the left upper hinge bracket 41L, and a right upper hinge shaft 51R coupled to the upper portion of the second door 30R and the right upper hinge bracket 41R (refer to FIG. 2. The left upper hinge shaft 51L may penetrate the upper door cap 32 of the first door 30L and the left upper hinge bracket 41L. The right upper hinge shaft 51R may penetrate the upper door cap 32 of the second door 30R and the right upper hinge bracket 41R.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the door opening device 100 configured to open the door 30. The door opening device 100 may be configured to rotate the door 30 relative to the main body 10 to open the storage compartment 20. The door opening device 100 may be configured to press the door 30 to open the door 30.

[0143] The door opening device 100 may be mounted on the main body 10. The door opening device 100 may be mounted on the upper portion of the main body 10. For example, the door opening device 100 may be accommodated on the inner side of the top table 14. An upper side of the door opening device 100 may be covered by the top table 14. The door opening device 100 may be placed on the upper surface of the outer case 12.

[0144] A plurality of the door opening devices 100 may be provided to open each of the plurality of doors 30. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a first door opening device 100L configured to open the first door 30L, and a second door opening device 100R configured to open the second door 30R.

[0145] The first door opening device 100L may be configured to open the first storage compartment 21 by rotating the first door 30L. The second door opening device 100R may be configured to open the second storage compartment 22 by rotating the second door 30R. According to an embodiment, when the second door opening device 100R operates, the second door 30R and the third door 30D may rotate together, thereby opening the second storage compartment 22. The operation of the first door opening device 100L that opens the first door 30L and the operation of the second door opening device 100R that opens the second door 30R may be performed independently of each other.

[0146] The first door opening device 100L and the second door opening device 100R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y. For example, the first door opening device 100L may be arranged on the left side with respect to the center of the upper portion of the main body 10, and the second door opening device 100R may be arranged on the right side with respect to the center of the upper portion of the main body 10. The first door opening device 100L mounted on the upper portion of the main body 10 may be configured to press the upper portion of the first door 30L, and the second door opening device 100R mounted on the upper portion of the main body 10 may be configured to press the upper portion of the second door 30R.

[0147] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door opening device 100 may be mounted at various locations of the main body 10 and may be configured to open the first storage compartment 21 by pressing various portions other than the upper portion of the first door 30L or the second door 30R. For example, unlike FIGS. 2 to 4, the door opening device 100 may be mounted at the lower portion of the main body 10 and press the lower portion of the first door 30L or the second door 30R.

[0148] The first door opening device 100L and the second door opening device 100R may include structures corresponding to each other. FIG. 4 illustrates a structure of the first door opening device 100L configured to open the first door 30L, in detail and the structure of the first door opening device 100L illustrated in FIG. 4 may also be applied to a structure of the second door opening device 100R. A description of a structure of the door opening device 100 described below may be applied to a structure of the first door opening device 100L and a structure of the second door opening device 100R, respectively.

[0149] The door opening device 100 may include a door pusher 120 configured to press the door 30 to open the door. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be movable with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 120 may be configured to press the door 30 while moving with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 120 may press the door 30 while moving forward from the main body 10 toward the door 30, thereby allowing the door 30, which is closed, to be opened.

[0150] The door pusher 120 may be configured to be movable between a first pusher position P1, and a second pusher position P2. For example, the door pusher 120 may be configured to be reciprocally movable between the first pusher position P1 and the second pusher position P2. The first pusher position P1 may be a position of the door pusher 120 when the door 30 is in the closed position. The second pusher position P2 may be a position in which the door pusher 120 moves from the first pusher position P1 in a direction that presses the door 30. While moving from the first pusher position P1 toward the second pusher position P2, the door pusher 120 may press and open the door 30 that is closed. The second pusher position P2 may be a position in which the door pusher 120 moves forward from the first pusher position P1.

[0151] The door pusher 120 may be accommodated in a space within the top table 14 when positioned at the first pusher position P1. That is, the door pusher 120 may be inserted into the inside of the top table 14 when positioned at the first pusher position P1, and may be withdrawn from the top table 14 and moved from the first pusher position P1 to the second pusher position P2. The top table 14 may include an opening 14a. The door pusher 120 may be provided to penetrate the opening 14a of the top table 14 and be movable between the first pusher position P1 and the second pusher position P2.

[0152] For example, the door pusher 120 may be configured to be linearly movable between the first pusher position P1 and the second pusher position P2. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be linearly reciprocally movable with respect to the main body 10. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be linearly movable in the front and rear direction X with respect to the main body 10. Alternatively, the door pusher 120 may be configured to be non-linearly movable with respect to the main body 10.

[0153] The door opening device 100 may include a pusher case 110 provided to support the door pusher 120. The pusher case 110 may movably support the door pusher 120.

[0154] The pusher case 110 may form an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the door pusher 120. The door pusher 120 may be configured to be movable between a position that is maximally inserted into the accommodation space of the pusher case 110 and a position that is withdrawn forward from the accommodation space of the pusher case 110. For example, the pusher case 110 may include a first pusher case 111, and a second pusher case 112 coupled to the first pusher case 111. The accommodation space of the pusher case 110 may be formed between the first pusher case 111 and the second pusher case 112.

[0155] The pusher case 110 may be mounted on the main body 10. The pusher case 110 may be fixed to the main body 10. For example, the pusher case 110 may be coupled to the top table 14. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pusher case 110 may be coupled to various locations of the main body 10.

[0156] The door opening device 100 may include a driving device 130. The driving device 130 may provide a driving force to the door pusher 120 to allow the door pusher 120 to move relative to the main body 10. The driving device 130 may move the door pusher 120 from the first pusher position P1 to the second pusher position P2 based on a door opening signal. The driving device 130 may move the door pusher 120, which reaches the second pusher position P2, to the first pusher position P1.

[0157] The driving device 130 may include a power source 131 configured to generate power for opening the door 30. The power source 131 may be configured to generate power for moving the door pusher 120. The power source 131 may include a motor including various structures.

[0158] The power source 131 may be supported by the pusher case 110. The power source 131 may be accommodated inside the pusher case 110.

[0159] The driving device 130 may include a power transmission member 132 configured to transmit power generated by the power source 131 to the door pusher 120. For example, the power transmission member 132 may include at least one gear. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the power transmission member 132 may include a plurality of gears. The door pusher 120 may include a pusher gear portion 121 engaged with the power transmission member 132, and the door pusher 120 may receive power from the gear of the power transmission member 132 through the pusher gear portion 121. For example, the power transmission member 132 and the pusher gear portion 121 may form a rack-pinion gear structure.

[0160] The power transmission member 132 may be supported by the pusher case 110. The power transmission member 132 may be accommodated inside the pusher case 110.

[0161] The driving device 130 may include a motor driver 133 connected to the power source 131. The power source 131 may receive a driving current from the motor driver 133 and generate power. The motor driver 133 may be electrically connected to a controller of the refrigerator 1. The motor driver 133 may be controlled by the controller of the refrigerator 1. The motor driver 133 may operate based on a control signal received from the controller. The motor driver 133 may include a circuit including various electronic components for driving the power source 131 based on the control signal.

[0162] The door opening device 100 may include a position detection sensor configured to detect a position of the door pusher 120. The position detection sensor may detect the position of the door pusher 120 in various ways. For example, the position detection sensor may include various types of magnetic field sensors, such as a hall sensor configured to detect a magnetic field of a magnet mounted on the door pusher 120. The controller may control the power source 131 to move or stop the door pusher 120 based on an electrical signal received from the position detection sensor. For example, the position detection sensor may be electrically connected to the motor driver 133. For example, the position detection sensor may be mounted on the motor driver 133.

[0163] For example, the position detection sensor may be supported by the pusher case 110. The position detection sensor may be accommodated within the pusher case 110.

[0164] With this configuration, the door opening device 100 may open the door 30.

[0165] The door opening device 100 may operate based on a door opening signal for opening the door 30. The door opening signal for opening the door 30 may be generated based on a user input for opening the door 30. According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include the input device 60 configured to obtain the door opening signal. The input device 60 may be electrically connected to the driving device 130, and the driving device 130 may move the door pusher 120 to press the door 30 based on the input device 60 obtaining the door opening signal. The input device 60 may be electrically connected to the controller of the refrigerator 1, and the controller may control the driving device 130 to allow the door pusher 120 to open the door 30 based on the input device 60 obtaining the door opening signal.

[0166] For example, the input device 60 may be configured to obtain a door opening signal based on a user touching or pressing the input device 60. For example, the input device 60 may be configured to obtain a touch signal for opening the door 30. The input device 60 may receive a touch signal when a user touches a portion of the input device 60 or when a user places a body (e.g., a hand, etc.) in close proximity to the input device 60. The input device 60 may include a capacitance sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance due to a user’s touching action. The touch signal may be input to the input device 60 based on a change in capacitance according to the user’s touching action, and the input device 60 may generate a door opening signal based on a change in capacitance according to the user’s touching action.

[0167] However, the type of input device 60 is not limited thereto, and the input device 60 may include various types of input devices such as a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, etc.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the input device 60 may be disposed on the door 30. For example, the input device 60 may be disposed on the handle 38 of the door 30 or at a location adjacent thereto. When a user touches the handle 38 of the door 30, the input device 60 may easily obtain a user input for opening the door 30. In addition, the input device 60 may be disposed at various locations, such as the front surface of the door 30.

[0169] The input device 60 may include a first input device 60L configured to obtain a door opening signal for opening the first door 30L, and a second input device 60R configured to obtain a door opening signal for opening the second door 30R.

[0170] The first door opening device 100L may open the first door 30L based on the first input device 60L obtaining a door opening signal. The second door opening device 100R may open the second door 30R based on the second input device 60R obtaining a door opening signal.

[0171] For example, the first input device 60L may be mounted on the first door 30L. The first input device 60L may be mounted on the door frame 31 of the first door 30L. The first input device 60L may be positioned adjacent to the handle 38 of the first door 30L.

[0172] For example, the second input device 60R may be mounted on the third door 30D. The second input device 60R may be mounted on the door frame 31 of the third door 30D. The second input device 60R may be positioned adjacent to the handle 38 of the third door 30D. According to an embodiment, because the handle 38 of the third door 30D is more accessible to a user than the handle 38 of the second door 30R, the second input device 60R may be positioned on the handle 38 of the third door 30D, and thus the user may more easily input a door opening signal to the second input device 60R and operate the second door opening device 100R.

[0173] The structure of the door opening device 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include the door opening device including various structures configured to open the door 30 based on a door opening signal.

[0174] For example, unlike as described above, the refrigerator 1 may include a door opening device mounted on the door 30 and configured to open the door 30. The door opening device may include a body pusher provided to be movably mounted relative to the door 30 and configured to press the main body 10 while moving toward the main body 10, and may be configured to open the door 30 as a reaction when the body pusher presses the main body 10.

[0175] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a left lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as a door lower portion, a hinge bracket body, a door cam, and a hinge cam, arranged on a right lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, a door bracket, a hinge shaft, the door cam, the hinge cam, and the guide shaft arranged in a lower portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the hinge bracket 40 and the hinge shaft 50 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may support the lower portion of the door 30 to allow the door 30 to rotate.

[0177] The hinge bracket 40 may include a lower hinge bracket 42 supporting the lower side of the door 30. The lower hinge bracket 42 may be coupled to the lower side of the door 30. The lower hinge bracket 42 may be coupled to the lower door cap 33. The lower hinge bracket 42 may be coupled to the lower portion of the main body 10. For example, the lower hinge bracket 42 may include a left lower hinge bracket 42L supporting the lower side of the first door 30L, and a right lower hinge bracket 42R supporting the lower side of the second door 30R. The left lower hinge bracket 42L may be coupled to the lower side of the first door 30L and the left lower side of the main body 10. The right lower hinge bracket 42R may be coupled to the lower portion of the second door 30R and the right lower portion of the main body 10. The left lower hinge bracket 42L and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y.

[0178] The left upper hinge bracket 41L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L may be arranged in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the first door 30L. The rotation axis of the first door 30L may pass through the left upper hinge bracket 41L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L. For example, the left upper hinge bracket 41L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L may be arranged in the vertical direction Z to each other.

[0179] The right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be arranged in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the second door 30R. The rotation axis of the second door 30R may pass through the right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R. For example, the right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be arranged in the vertical direction Z relative to each other.

[0180] The hinge shaft 50 may include a lower hinge shaft 52 coupled to the lower portion of the door 30 and the lower hinge bracket 42. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the lower door cap 33. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the lower hinge bracket 42. For example, the lower hinge shaft 52 may include a left lower hinge shaft 52L coupled to the lower portion of the first door 30L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L, and a right lower hinge shaft 52R coupled to the lower portion of the second door 30R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R. The left lower hinge shaft52L may penetrate the lower door cap 33 of the first door 30L and the left lower hinge bracket 42L. The right lower hinge shaft 52R may penetrate the lower door cap 33 of the second door 30R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R.

[0181] The left upper hinge shaft 51L and the left lower hinge shaft 52L may be arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the first door 30L. The rotation axis of the first door 30L may pass through the left upper hinge shaft 51L and the left lower hinge shaft 52L. For example, the left upper hinge shaft 51L and the left lower hinge shaft 52L may be parallel to each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0182] The right upper hinge shaft 51R and the right lower hinge shaft 52R may be arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the second door 30R. The rotation axis of the second door 30R may pass through the right upper hinge shaft 51R and the right lower hinge shaft 52R. For example, the right upper hinge bracket 41R and the right lower hinge bracket 42R may be parallel to each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cam device configured to guide the opening or closing of the door 30. The cam device may assist the opening or closing of the door 30. Depending on the position of the door 30, the cam device may guide the door 30 to rotate in a direction in which the door 30 is opened or to rotate in a direction in which the door 30 is closed. When the door 30 is rotated less than a first angle from a position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the cam device may guide the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. When the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to a second angle greater than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the cam device may guide the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. Particularly, the cam device may include a hinge cam 200 and a door cam 300. The hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 may be in contact with each other. The hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 may be engaged with each other.

[0184] The hinge bracket 40 may include the hinge cam 200. Particularly, the lower hinge bracket 42 may include the hinge cam 200. The hinge cam 200 may be fixed to the main body 10. The hinge cam 200 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the door 30, of the hinge bracket 40. The hinge cam 200 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the lower door cap 33, of the lower hinge bracket 42. For example, the hinge cam 200 may be arranged on an upper surface of the lower hinge bracket 42.

[0185] A plurality of the hinge cam 200 may be provided. For example, the hinge cam 200 may include a left hinge cam 200L provided on the left lower hinge bracket 42L, and a right hinge cam 200R provided on the right lower hinge bracket 42R. The left hinge cam 200L may be configured to guide the rotation of the first door 30L. The right hinge cam 200R may be configured to guide the rotation of the second door 30R. The left hinge cam 200L and the right hinge cam 200R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y. The left hinge cam 200L may be disposed on an upper surface of the left lower hinge bracket 42L. The right hinge cam 200R may be disposed on an upper surface of the right lower hinge bracket 42R.

[0186] The door 30 may include the door cam 300. The door cam 300 may be fixed to the door cap of the door 30. For example, the door cam 300 may be coupled to the lower door cap 33. The door cam 300 may be provided at the lower portion of the door 30. The door cam 300 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the hinge bracket 40, of the door 30. The door cam 300 may be provided at a portion, which is coupled to the lower hinge bracket 42, of the door 30.

[0187] A plurality of the door cam 300 may be provided. For example, the door cam 300 may include a left door cam 300L provided in the first door 30L, and a right door cam 300R provided in the second door 30R. The left door cam 300L may be configured to guide the rotation of the first door 30L. The right door cam 300R may be configured to guide the rotation of the second door 30R. The left door cam 300L and the right door cam 300R may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y. The left door cam 300L may be arranged at the lower portion of the first door 30L. The right door cam 300R may be arranged at the lower portion of the second door 30R.

[0188] According to an embodiment, the left hinge cam 200L and the right hinge cam 200R may include structures that are symmetrical to each other and almost corresponding to each other. According to an embodiment, the left door cam 300L and the right door cam 300R may include structures that are symmetrical to each other and almost corresponding to each other.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 7, the hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam body 210. For example, a lower hinge bracket 42 may include a hinge bracket body 43 coupled to a lower portion of the main body 10, and a hinge cam body 210 may be coupled to the hinge bracket body 43. A portion of the hinge bracket body 43 may be coupled to the main body 10, and another portion of the hinge bracket body 43 may rotatably support the door 30. The hinge cam body 210 may be coupled to and fixed on the portion of the hinge bracket body 43 that supports the door 30. For instance, the hinge cam body 210 may be coupled to a front portion of the hinge bracket body 43.

[0190] The hinge cam body 210 may be penetrated by the lower hinge shaft 52. The hinge cam body 210 may include a hinge cam hole 210a, and the lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the hinge cam hole 210a. For example, a width (e.g., diameter) of the lower hinge shaft 52 may approximately correspond to a width (e.g., diameter) of the hinge cam hole 210a. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate a lower hinge bracket hole 43h formed in the hinge bracket body 43, and the hinge cam 200 may be connected to the lower hinge bracket body 43 by the lower hinge shaft 52. The hinge cam 200 may be connected to the door 30 by the lower hinge shaft 52. Although the coupling structure of the left hinge cam 200L is illustrated in FIG. 7, the features described above may be correspondingly applied to the right hinge cam 200R.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 7, the door cam 300 may include a door cam body 310. For example, the door cam body 310 may be coupled to the lower door cap 33. For example, the door 30 may include a door bracket 36 fixed to a lower surface of the lower door cap 33, and the door cam body 310 may be coupled to the door bracket 36. The door cam body 310 may be penetrated by the lower hinge shaft 52. The door cam body 310 may include a door cam hole 310a, and the lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the door cam hole 310a. For example, the width (e.g., diameter) of the lower hinge shaft 52 may approximately correspond to a width (e.g., diameter) of the door cam hole 310a. The lower hinge shaft 52 may penetrate the door bracket hole 36a formed in the door bracket 36 and the lower door cap 33, and the door cam 300 may be connected to the door bracket 36 and the lower door cap 33 by the lower hinge shaft 52. The door cam 300 may be connected to the lower hinge bracket 42 by the lower hinge shaft 52. The door cam 300 may be connected to the hinge cam 200 by the lower hinge shaft 52. Although the coupling structure of the left door cam 300L is illustrated in FIG. 7, the features described above may be correspondingly applied to the right door cam 300R.

[0192] Hereinafter the structure and function of the left hinge cam 200L and the left door cam 300L will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 20, and the corresponding contents may be applied to the structure and function of the right hinge cam 200R and the right door cam 300L.

[0193] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the hinge bracket body, the hinge cam, and the hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a lower portion of the door, a door bracket, a door cam, and a hinge shaft of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be in contact with each other and engaged with each other. The hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 by being in contact with the door cam 300. The hinge cam 200 may be configured to guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed or the direction in which the door 30 is opened. For example, the door cam 300 may be positioned above the hinge cam 200, and the door cam 300 may slide and move along the hinge cam 200 due to the weight of the door 30.

[0195] The hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 in different directions depending on the relative position of the door cam 300, thereby rotating the door 30 in the direction in which the door 30 is closed or rotating the door 30 in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. For example, when the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. For example, when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle, which is greater than the first angle, from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the hinge cam 200 may guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened.

[0196] The hinge cam 200 may include a first hinge cam surface 221 and a second hinge cam surface 222. For example, the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 may be positioned in a direction from the hinge cam body 210 toward the door cam 300. For example, the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 may be positioned above the hinge cam body 210.

[0197] The first hinge cam surface 221 may be configured to guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, when the first hinge cam surface 221 is in contact with the door cam 300. When the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the door cam 300 may be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221. A state in which “the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20” may also include a state in which the door 30 is completely closed.

[0198] When the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the door cam 300 may slide along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, due to the weight of the door 30. The first hinge cam surface 221 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to allow the door cam 300 to descend along the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 and the door 30 is closed. However, when a force, which is greater than a force in which the door cam 300 slides along the first hinge cam surface 221 by the weight of the door 30(e.g., a force that rotates the door 30 to be open by the door opening device 100, is applied, the door cam 300 may move along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. The first hinge cam surface 221 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to ascend along the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 and the door 30 is opened.

[0199] The second hinge cam surface 222 may be configured to guide the movement of the door cam 300 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, when the second hinge cam surface 222 is in contact with the door cam 300. When the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, the door cam 300 may be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0200] An angle, at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, may be greater than an angle at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0201] When the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the door cam 300 may slide along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, due to the weight of the door 30. The second hinge cam surface 222 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to descend along the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 and the door 30 is opened. However, when a force, which is greater than a force in which the door cam 300 slides along the second hinge cam surface 222 by the weight of the door 30 (e.g., a force that rotates the door 30 to be open by the door opening device 100, is applied, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. The second hinge cam surface 222 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction) to ascend along the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door cam 300 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 and the door 30 is closed.

[0202] The first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surfaces 222 may extend in different directions.

[0203] The first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surfaces 222 may be connected to each other. The hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam curved portion 223 disposed between the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surfaces 222. A distance from the hinge cam body 210 to the hinge cam curved portion 223 may be greater than a distance from the hinge cam body 210 to the first hinge cam surface 221 and a distance from the hinge cam body 210 to the second hinge cam surface 222. For example, in the first hinge cam surface 221, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the hinge cam body 210 may be increased from one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the first hinge cam surface 221 to the hinge cam curved portion 223. For example, the first hinge cam surface 221 may be inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210 (or, with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction)) to ascend upward in the vertical direction Z from one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the first hinge cam surface 221 to the hinge cam curved portion 223. For example, in the second hinge cam surface 222, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the hinge cam body 210 may be reduced from the hinge cam curved portion 223 to one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the second hinge cam surface 222. For example, the second hinge cam surface 222 may be inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210 to descend downward from the hinge cam curved portion 223 to one end, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210, of the second hinge cam surface 222. That is, the door cam 300 may rise to the highest point when the door cam 300 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0204] The hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam protrusion 220 that protrudes from the hinge cam body 210 toward the door cam 300. The hinge cam protrusion 220 may include the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 which are connected to each other. The hinge cam protrusion 220 may include the hinge cam curved portion 223. The hinge cam curved portion 223 may be a portion of the hinge cam protrusion 220 that protrudes most in the vertical direction Z from the hinge cam body 210. The hinge cam curved portion 223 may be a portion which is the highest in the hinge cam protrusion 220.

[0205] A plurality of the hinge cam protrusions 220 may be provided. Each of the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 may include the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 which are connected to each other. Each of the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 may include the hinge cam curved portion 223. As for a pair of hinge cam protrusions 220 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220, a first hinge cam surface 221 of one hinge cam protrusion 220 may face a second hinge cam surface 222 of the other hinge cam protrusion 220.

[0206] The plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the rotational direction of the door 30. The hinge cam 200 may include a hinge cam flat portion 230 provided between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 spaced apart from one another. The hinge cam flat portion 230 may be approximately parallel to the horizontal direction and flat. The hinge cam flat portion 230 may be approximately parallel to the hinge cam body 210 and may have substantially the same height as the hinge cam body 210.

[0207] For example, the hinge cam 200 may include three hinge cam protrusions 220. The three hinge cam protrusions 220 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. However, the number of hinge cam protrusions 220 provided on the hinge cam 200 is not limited thereto.

[0208] The door cam 300 may include a first door cam surface 321 and a second door cam surface 322. For example, the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may be positioned in a direction from the door cam body 310 toward the hinge cam 200. For example, the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may be positioned below the door cam body 310.

[0209] The first door cam surface 321 may be configured to move along the hinge cam 200 in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, when the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the hinge cam 200. The first door cam surface 321 may be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. When the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the movement of the first door cam surface 321 may be guided by the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed. When the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the first door cam surface 321 may slide along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is closed due to the weight of the door 30. The expression “the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221” may include various states, in which the first door cam surface 321 is disposed on the first hinge cam surface 221, such as a state in which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with a point on the first hinge cam surface 221, a state in which the first door cam surface 321 is in line contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, and a state in which the first door cam surface 321 is in surface contact with the first hinge cam surface 221. The expression “when the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221” may mean not only a moment in which the first door cam surface 321 begins to be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, but also a continuous period of time in which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0210] The first door cam surface 321 may be positioned on the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. The first door cam surface 321 may be configured to move along the first hinge cam surface 221 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, when the first door cam surface 321 is positioned on the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0211] The second door cam surface 322 may be configured to move along the hinge cam 200 in the direction in which the door 30 is opened when the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the hinge cam 200. The second door cam surface 322 may be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. When the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the movement of the second door cam surface 322 may be guided by the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened. When the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the second door cam surface 322 may slide along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction in which the door 30 is opened due to the weight of the door 30.

[0212] The expression “the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222” may include various states, in which the second door cam surface 322 is disposed on the second hinge cam surface 222, such as a state in which the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with a point on the second hinge cam surface 222, a state in which the second door cam surface 322 is in line contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, and a state in which the second door cam surface 322 is in surface contact with the second hinge cam surface 222. The expression “when the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222” may mean not only a moment in which the second door cam surface 322 begins to be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, but also a continuous period of time in which the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0213] The second door cam surface 322 may be positioned on the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. The second door cam surface 322 may be configured to move along the second hinge cam surface 222 to allow the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, when the second door cam surface 322 is positioned on the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0214] An angle, at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the hinge cam 200 is in contact with the second door cam surface 322, may be greater than an angle at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the hinge cam 200 is in contact with the first door cam surface 321. An angle, at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the second door cam surface 322 is positioned on the second hinge cam surface 222, may be greater than an angle at which the door 30 is rotated from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 when the first door cam surface 321 is positioned on the first hinge cam surface 221.

[0215] The first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may extend in different directions. For example, the first door cam surface 321 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first hinge cam surface 221. For example, the second door cam surface 322 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the second hinge cam surface 222.

[0216] The first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may be connected to each other. The door cam 300 may include a door cam curved portion 323 disposed between the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322. The door cam curved portion 323 may be configured to be in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223. A distance from the door cam body 310 to the door cam curved portion 323 may be greater than a distance from the door cam body 310 to the first door cam surface 321 and a distance from the door cam body 310 to the second door cam surface 322. For example, in the first door cam surface 321, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the door cam body 310 may be increased from one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the first door cam surface 321 to the door cam curved portion 323. For example, the first door cam surface 321 may be inclined with respect to the door cam body 310 (or, with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction)) to descend downward in the vertical direction Z from one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the first door cam surface 321 to the door cam curved portion 323. For example, in the second door cam surface 322, a distance in the vertical direction Z from the door cam body 310 may be reduced from the door cam curved portion 323 to one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the second door cam surface 322. For example, the second door cam surface 322 may be inclined with respect to the door cam body 310 (or, with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the X-Y plane and perpendicular to the Z direction)) to ascend upward in the vertical direction Z from the door cam curved portion 323 to one end, which is connected to the door cam body 310, of the second door cam surface 322. That is, the door cam 300 may rise to the highest point when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam 200.

[0217] The door cam 300 may include a door cam protrusion 320 that protrudes from the door cam body 310 toward the hinge cam 200. The door cam protrusion 320 may include the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 which are connected to each other. The door cam protrusion 320 may include the door cam curved portion 323. The door cam curved portion 323 may be a portion of the door cam protrusion 320 that protrudes most in the vertical direction Z from the door cam body 310. The door cam curved portion 323 may be a portion which is the lowest in the door cam protrusion 320.

[0218] A plurality of the door cam protrusions 320 may be provided. Each of the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may include the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 which are connected to each other. Each of the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may include the door cam curved portion 323. As for a pair of door cam protrusions 320 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of door cam protrusions 320, a first door cam surface 321 of one door cam protrusion 320 may face a second door cam surface 322 of the other door cam protrusion 320.

[0219] For example, the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the rotational direction of the door 30. The door cam 300 may include a door cam flat portion 330 provided between the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 spaced apart from each other. The door cam flat portion 330 may be substantially parallel to the horizontal direction and flat. The door cam flat portion 330 may be substantially parallel to the door cam body 310 and may have substantially the same height as the door cam body 310.

[0220] For example, the door cam 300 may include three door cam protrusions 320. The three door cam protrusions 320 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. However, the number of door cam protrusions 320 provided on the door cam 300 is not limited thereto.

[0221] The number of hinge cam protrusions 220 included in the hinge cam 200 and the number of door cam protrusions 320 included in the door cam 300 may be the same. The plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 and the plurality of door cam protrusions 320 may correspond one-to-one to each other, and one door cam protrusion 320 may be in contact with one hinge cam protrusion 220. For example, one door cam protrusion 320 may be configured to allow movement thereof to be guided only by one hinge cam protrusion 220 as the door 30 rotates.

[0222] An angle at which the first hinge cam surface 221 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane or the direction perpendicular to the Z direction) may be greater than an angle at which the second hinge cam surface 222 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. An angel at which the first hinge cam surface 221 is inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210 may be greater than an angle at which the second hinge cam surface 222 is inclined with respect to the hinge cam body 210. A length of the first hinge cam surface 221 in the vertical direction Z may be equal to a length of the second hinge cam surface 222 in the vertical direction Z and thus a length of the first hinge cam surface 221 in the horizontal direction may be less than a length of the second hinge cam surface 222 in the horizontal direction.

[0223] An angle at which the first door cam surface 321 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the X-Y plane or the direction perpendicular to the Z direction) may be greater than an angle at which the second door cam surface 322 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. An angel at which the first door cam surface 321 is inclined with respect to the door cam body 310 may be greater than an angle at which the second door cam surface 322 is inclined with respect to the door cam body 310. A length of the first door cam surface 321 in the vertical direction Z may be equal to a length of the second door cam surface 322 in the vertical direction Z and thus a length of the first door cam surface 321 in the horizontal direction may be less than a length of the second door cam surface 322 in the horizontal direction.

[0224] As mentioned above, due to the difference in the inclination angle of the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222, or the difference in the inclination angle of the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322, the first door cam surface 321 may more smoothly slide along the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is closed. Accordingly, the door 30 may be more efficiently rotated and closed. Further, the second door cam surface 322 may more gently slide along the second hinge cam surface 222 when the door 30 is opened. Accordingly, the door 30 may be more gently rotated and opened and thus it is possible to reduce a load applied to the door 30 and the hinge bracket 40.

[0225] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first hinge cam surface 221 and the second hinge cam surface 222 may have various inclination angles, and the first door cam surface 321 and the second door cam surface 322 may have various inclination angles.

[0226] In order to improve durability such that the respective shapes or angles of the door cam 300 and the hinge cam 200 are not deformed by the load or frictional force of the door 30 when the door cam 300 moves along the hinge cam 200, the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 may include a rigid material. For example, the hinge cam 200 may include various materials such as polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, or metal. Likewise, the door cam 300 may include various materials such as polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, or metal.

[0227] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view illustrating various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door opening device of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opening the door. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of various components, such as the door cam and the hinge cam, when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is further opened by the door cam and the hinge cam after the door is opened at the predetermined angle by the door opening device. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a hinge cam of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away and developed in a horizontal direction.

[0228] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a contact point of the door cam 300 with the hinge cam 200 may move as the door 30 rotates.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 10, when the door 30 is closed, the first door cam surface 321 may be in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221. For example, a contact surface, on which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221 when the door 30 is closed, may be disposed between one end of the first hinge cam surface 221, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210 (or the hinge cam flat portion 230, and the hinge cam curved portion 223. Referring to FIG. 13, when the door 30 is closed, the first door cam surface 321 may be positioned at a first point PA on the hinge cam 200.

[0230] When the door 30 is rotated less than the first angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20, and the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, by the weight of the door 30. When the door 30 is closed, the door cam 300 may move along the first hinge cam surface 221 and descend from the hinge cam curved portion 223 toward the first point PA on the hinge cam 200.

[0231] When a force that allows the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, such as a force of a user trying to open the door 30 directly or a force of the door opening device 100 pressing the door 30, is sufficiently large, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, despite the weight of the door 30, and the contact surface, on which the first door cam surface 321 is in contact with the first hinge cam surface 221, may become close to the hinge cam curved portion 223. When the door 30 is opened, the door cam 300 may move along the first hinge cam surface 221 and ascend from the first point PA on the hinge cam 200 toward the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 11, when the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the position where the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20 and the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is opened, by the weight of the door 30. When the door 30 is opened, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 and descend. When the door 30 is opened, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 and descend from the hinge cam curved portion 223 to one end of the second hinge cam surface 222, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210 (or the hinge cam flat portion 230.

[0233] When a force that allows the door 30 to rotate in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, such as a force of a user trying to open the door 30 directly, is sufficiently large, the door 30 may be rotated in the direction, in which the door 30 is closed, despite the weight of the door 30. When the door 30 is closed, the door cam 300 may move along the second hinge cam surface 222 and ascend from one end of the second hinge cam surface 222, which is connected to the hinge cam body 210 (or the hinge cam flat portion 230), toward the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0234] A position of the door cam 300 may be the highest when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223. The position of the door cam 300 may be the highest when the door cam curved portion 323 is located on the hinge cam curved portion 223. An opening angle of the door 30 when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223 may be the first angle or the second angle.

[0235] The expression “the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223” may include various states, in which the door cam curved portion 323 is disposed on the hinge cam curved portion 223, such as a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with a point on the hinge cam curved portion 223, a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in line contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223, and a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in surface contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223. The expression “when door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223” may mean not only a moment in which the door cam curved portion 323 begins to be in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223, but also a continuous period of time in which door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam curved portion 223.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 12, during the process of opening the door 30, after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222, the door cam 300 may contact the hinge cam flat portion 230. For example, the door cam protrusion 320 may contact the hinge cam flat portion 230. For example, the door cam curved portion 323 may contact the hinge cam flat portion 230. Correspondingly, after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222, the hinge cam 200 may contact the door cam flat portion 330. For example, the hinge cam protrusion 220 may contact the door cam flat portion 330. For example, the hinge cam curved portion 223 may contact the door cam flat portion 330.

[0237] Even after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222 and contacted the hinge cam flat portion 230, the door cam 300 may continue to move along the hinge cam flat portion 230 due to inertia, and the door 30 may be further opened.

[0238] The position of the door cam 300 may be the lowest when the door cam curved portion 323 contacts the hinge cam flat portion 230. The position of the door cam 300 may be the lowest when the door cam curved portion 323 is located on the hinge cam flat portion 230. When the door cam curved portion 323 contacts the hinge cam flat portion 230, the opening angle of the door 30 may be greater than the above-described second angle.

[0239] The expression “the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230” may include various states, in which the door cam curved portion 323 is disposed on the hinge cam flat portion 230, such as a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with a point on the hinge cam flat portion 230, a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in line contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230, or a state in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in surface contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230. The expression “when the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230” may mean not only a moment in which the door cam curved portion 323 begins to be in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230, but also a continuous period of time in which the door cam curved portion 323 is in contact with the hinge cam flat portion 230.

[0240] With the structure of the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300, the door 30 may be guided to rotate in an opening direction, or may be guided to rotate in a closing direction depending on the opening angle of the door 30.

[0241] As described above, the door opening device 100 may rotate the door 30 in an opening direction. According to an embodiment, the door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the door cam 300 contacts the second hinge cam surface 222.The door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the hinge cam 200. The door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the second door cam surface 322 is in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222. The door opening device 100 may be configured to open the door 30 until the door 30 is rotated more than or equal to the second angle from the closed position. When the door opening device 100 rotates the door 30 to a predetermined opening angle or more, the second door cam surface 322 may be in contact with the second hinge cam surface 222 and thus the door 30 may continue to open due to the self-weight of the door 30. The door opening device 100 may terminate the operation after the second door cam surface 322 comes into contact with the second hinge cam surface 222. As described above, the door 30 in a closed state may be primarily opened by the door opening device 100, and even after the operation of the door opening device 100 has ended, the door 30 may continue to open due to the engagement structure between the door cam 300 and the hinge cam 200, thereby rotating to the open position.

[0242] In FIG. 13, an arrow (DCP) illustrated above the hinge cam 200 indicates a movement path of the door cam 300 in contact with the hinge cam 200 while the door 30 is being opened. In other words, the arrow (DCP) in FIG. 13 represents movement of a contact point between the hinge cam 200 and the door cam 300 while the door 30 is being opened.

[0243] Referring to FIG. 13, as described above, in a closed state of the door 30, the door cam 300 may contact a first point PA on the first hinge cam surface 221, and when the door 30 begins to open by the door opening device 100, the door cam 300 may ascend along the first hinge cam surface 221 to the hinge cam curved portion 223 and then descend along the second hinge cam surface 222. Even after the door cam 300 has completely descended along the second hinge cam surface 222, the door cam 300 may move along the hinge cam flat portion 230, and the door 30 may continue to rotate. The door 30 may stop when the door cam 300 reaches a second point PB on the hinge cam flat portion 230.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 13, the door cam 300 may be movable only within a region (hereinafter referred to as a first region RA) between a first point PA on a first hinge cam surface 221 of one hinge cam protrusion among the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220 and a second point PB on a hinge cam flat portion 230 closest to a second hinge cam surface 222 of the corresponding hinge cam protrusion 220.

[0245] For example, even after the door cam 300 reaches the second point PB, the door 30 may further rotate in the opening direction, and the door 300 may continue to rotate until the door cam 300 is located on a first hinge cam surface 221 of another hinge cam protrusion 220 adjacent to the first region RA, that is, until the door cam 300 exits the first region RA in FIG. 13 and reaches a second region RB. In this case, after the door 30 stops, the door cam 300 may descend along the first hinge cam surface 221 within the second region RB, and the door 30 may be closed again. In this case, it may be very difficult to consistently control the final opening angle of the door 30.

[0246] For example, when the door 30 continues to rotate until the door cam 300 exits the second region RB in FIG. 13 and reaches a third region (RC), the door cam 300 may descend along a second hinge cam surface 222 of the other hinge cam protrusion 220, and the door 30 may continue to open. In this case, the door 30 may be opened at an excessively large angle beyond a designed angle, and it may be very difficult to consistently control the final opening angle of the door 30.

[0247] Accordingly, in order to consistently control the opening angle of the door 30, the door cam 300 may be movable only within the first region RA, and during opening of the door 30, the rotation of the door 30 may be stopped when the door cam 300 reaches the second point PB on the hinge cam flat portion 230, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0248] In order that the rotation of the door 30 is stopped when the door cam 300 reaches the second point PB on the hinge cam flat portion 230, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening speed of the door 30 may be decelerated when the opening angle of the door 30 reaches a predetermined angle or more. To decelerate the opening angle of the door 30 when the opening angle of the door 30 reaches a predetermined angle or more, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include a structure of a guide shaft 45 and a guide rail 400 (see FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, etc.).

[0249] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is closed. FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a first deceleration angle. FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the guide rail passes the guide shaft while the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is being opened at an angle greater than the first deceleration angle. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken from above, showing a hinge cam, a door cam, a guide shaft, and a guide rail when the door of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is opened at a second deceleration angle.

[0250] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 18, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rail 400 provided on the door 30. The door 30 may include the guide rail 400.

[0251] The guide rail 400 may be rotatably provided about a rotation axis of the door 30. When the door 30 is opened or closed, the guide rail 400 may also rotate about the rotation axis of the door 30.

[0252] The guide rail 400 may be spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door 30. The guide rail 400 may be spaced apart from the lower hinge shaft 52. The guide rail 400 may be spaced apart from the door cam protrusion 320.

[0253] For example, the guide rail 400 may be integrally formed with the door cam body 310. For example, the guide rail 400 may be integrally formed with the door cam 300. Alternatively, the guide rail 400 may be provided as a separate component from the door cam 300 and mounted to the door cam body 310, or may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the door cam body 310.

[0254] The guide rail 400 may be configured such that at least a portion of a guide shaft 45, described below, may be inserted therein. For example, the guide rail 400 may include a first sidewall 401 and a second sidewall 402 extending in a direction parallel to an extending direction of the guide shaft 45, described below (for example, the rotation axis direction of the door 30, or the vertical direction Z). The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may protrude from an outer surface of the door 30, such as the door cam body 310, toward the hinge bracket 40. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may be arranged to face each other at positions spaced apart from each other. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may be connected to each other at both ends. The guide shaft 45 may be inserted into a space between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may protrude vertically Z from the door cam body 310. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may protrude from the door cam body 310 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30.

[0255] Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may have a shape recessed in the vertical direction Z from an outer surface of the door 30, such as the door cam body 310. According to another embodiment, the guide rail 400 may have a shape recessed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30 from an outer surface of the door 30, such as the door cam body 310.

[0256] The first sidewall 401 may be disposed outward of the second sidewall 402. The distance between the second sidewall 402 and the rotation axis of the door 30 may be smaller than the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the rotation axis of the door 30. The distance between the second sidewall 402 and the door cam protrusion 320 may be smaller than the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the door cam protrusion 320.

[0257] The guide rail 400 may have a curved shape to pass a guide shaft 45, described below, which is fixed in position when the door 30 rotates. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each have a curved shape. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each be curved to protrude in a direction away from the rotation axis of the door 30. For example, the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each be curved to protrude in a direction away from the door cam protrusion 320.

[0258] For example, the guide rail 400 may have an arc shape centered about the rotation axis of the door 30. The first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 may each have an arc shape centered about the rotation axis of the door 30.

[0259] The guide rail 400 may include a bottom surface 403 connecting the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. For example, the bottom surface 403 may connect an upper end of the first sidewall 401 and an upper end of the second sidewall 402. The bottom surface 403 may be substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. For example, the bottom surface 403 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction (parallel to the XY plane). The bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400 may face the hinge bracket 40. The guide shaft 45, described below, may be inserted into a space formed by the first sidewall 401, the second sidewall 402, and the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400.

[0260] The guide rail 400 may be formed with a side opposite to the bottom surface 403 that is open. That is, an opening may be formed on a side opposite to the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400, and the guide shaft 45, described below, may be inserted into the guide rail 400 through the opening.

[0261] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include a guide shaft 45. The guide shaft 45 may be provided on the hinge bracket 40. The hinge bracket 40 may include the guide shaft 45.

[0262] The guide shaft 45 may be configured to guide rotation of the door 30. The guide shaft 45 may be configured to be inserted into the guide rail 400 and guide the guide rail 400 when the door 30 is opened or closed. As the guide shaft 45 guides the guide rail 400, the rotation of the door 30 may be guided by the guide shaft 45.

[0263] The guide shaft 45 may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the door 30. The guide shaft 45 may extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z of the refrigerator 1. The guide shaft 45 may extend from the hinge bracket body 43 toward the door 30.

[0264] The guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door 30. The guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the hinge cam 200. The guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the hinge cam protrusion 220. Thus, during rotation of the door 30, the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the guide rail 400.

[0265] The guide shaft 45 may be fixed relative to the main body 10. For example, the guide shaft 45 may be fixed to the hinge bracket body 43. The guide shaft 45 may be coupled to the hinge bracket body 43.

[0266] For example, the guide shaft 45 may include a rail insertion portion 45a configured to be inserted into the guide rail 400, a bracket coupling portion 45b coupled to the hinge bracket body 43, and a locking portion 45c configured to engage the hinge bracket body 43. The rail insertion portion 45a may extend from the hinge bracket body 43 toward the door 30 to be inserted into the guide rail 400 while the door 30 is rotating. For example, the rail insertion portion 45a may have a bar shape extending in one direction (for example, the rotation axis direction of the door 30, or the vertical direction Z). The bracket coupling portion 45b may pass through a guide shaft hole 43a formed in the hinge bracket body 43 and be coupled to the hinge bracket body 43. The locking portion45c may be disposed between the rail insertion portion 45a and the bracket coupling portion 45b and may have a width (e.g., a diameter) greater than that of the guide shaft hole 43a, thereby preventing the guide shaft 45 from being detached from the hinge bracket body 43.

[0267] For example, the guide shaft 45 may be detachably coupled to the hinge bracket body 43. Thus, when the guide shaft 45 is worn or damaged due to repeated opening and closing of the door 30, a user may easily replace the guide shaft 45.

[0268] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the guide shaft 45 may be integrally formed with the hinge bracket body 43. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the guide shaft 45 may be integrally formed with the hinge cam body 210.

[0269] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a first end portion 410 and a second end portion 420. The guide rail 400 may extend between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420. The guide shaft 45 may be inserted into a space of the guide rail 400 extending between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420.

[0270] The first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may be defined as a region adjacent to and including one end of the guide rail 400. The first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may be referred to as a “first end region.”

[0271] The second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may be defined as a region adjacent to and including the other end of the guide rail 400. The second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may also be referred to as a “second end region.”

[0272] Both ends of the guide rail 400, i.e., the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420, may be open. The first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may be open so that the guide shaft 45 may pass therethrough when the door 30 is opened or closed. The second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may also be open so that the guide shaft 45 may pass therethrough when the door 30 is opened or closed.

[0273] For example, when the guide shaft 45 is located at the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400, in other words, when the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, an opening angle of the door 30 (hereinafter referred to as a “first deceleration angle”) may be smaller than an opening angle of the door 30 (hereinafter referred to as a “second deceleration angle”) when the guide shaft 45 is located at the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400, in other words, when the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45.

[0274] The expression “the guide shaft 45 is located at the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400” may refer not only to a state in which the center of the guide shaft 45 is located at one end of the guide rail 400 included in the first end portion 410, but also to a state in which any portion of the guide shaft 45 lies across the one end of the guide rail 400.

[0275] The expression “the guide shaft 45 is located at the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400” may refer not only to a state in which the center of the guide shaft 45 is located at the other end of the guide rail 400 included in the second end portion 420, but also to a state in which any portion of the guide shaft 45 lies across the other end of the guide rail 400.

[0276] According to an embodiment, since the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 is open, the guide shaft 45 may be located outside the guide rail 400 when the door 30 is in a closed position. According to an embodiment, since the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 is open, the guide shaft 45 may be located outside the guide rail 400 when the door 30 is in an open position.

[0277] When the door 30 is opened, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 and be inserted into the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from the closed position an angle greater than the first deceleration angle, the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the guide rail 400. When the door 30 is opened, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 and exit the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from a position, which is rotated from the closed position by the second deceleration angle, toward a position rotated by an angle advanced beyond the second deceleration angle, the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be disengaged from the guide rail 400.

[0278] When the door 30 is closed, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 and be inserted into the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from the open position toward a position, at which the opening angle of the door 30 is smaller than the second deceleration angle, the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the guide rail 400. When the door 30 is closed, the guide rail 400 may rotate such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 and exit the guide rail 400. While the door 30 rotates from a position, which is rotated by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle from the closed position, toward the closed position, the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 may pass the guide shaft 45, and the guide shaft 45 may be disengaged from the guide rail 400.

[0279] As such, since the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 are open such that the guide shaft 45 may pass through both ends of the guide rail 400 as the door 30 rotates and the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, it is possible to prevent rebound caused by collision between the guide shaft 45 and the guide rail 400 at both ends of the guide rail 400. Accordingly, the rotational angle of the door 30 may be more easily controlled, and it is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 due to collision.

[0280] In addition, since the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 are open, the position of the guide shaft 45 relative to the guide rail 400 is not limited to between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420. Therefore, it may be possible to design a maximum opening angle range of the door 30 more diversely.

[0281] A width of the guide rail 400 at the first end portion 410, i.e., a width (W1, see FIG. 19) of the first end portion 410, may be greater than a width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45 (e.g., the diameter of the rail insertion portion 45a). The width W1 of the first end portion 410 may be defined as the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 at the first end portion 410. Thus, when the door 30 rotates, the guide shaft 45 may experience less interference from the first end portion 410 and may more easily pass through the first end portion 410.

[0282] A width of the guide rail 400 at the second end portion 420, i.e., a width (W2, see FIG. 19) of the second end portion 420, may be greater than the width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45. Thus, when the door 30 rotates, the width W2 of the second end portion 420 may be greater than the width W0 of the guide shaft 45.The width W2 of the second end portion 420 may be defined as the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402 at the second end portion 420. Thus, when the door 30 rotates, the guide shaft 45 may experience less interference from the second end portion 420 and may more easily pass through the second end portion 420.

[0283] As described above, in order to control the rotational speed of the door 30, according to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a restriction region 430 disposed between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420. When the opening angle of the door 30 is greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle, the guide shaft 45 may be positioned in the restriction region 430. The restriction region 430 may be configured to decelerate the rotational speed of the door 30 by interference with the guide shaft 45 when the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45 as the door 30 opens or closes. As the door 30 rotates, when the restriction region 430 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, the rotational speed of the door 30 may be decelerated by friction between the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45. As the door 30 rotates, when the restriction region 430 of the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the first sidewall 401 and / or the second sidewall 402. While the door 30 rotates from the closed position toward the open position at an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle, the restriction region 430 may interfere with the guide shaft 45.

[0284] The restriction region 430 may have a width (W3, see FIG. 19) less than or equal to the width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45 to interfere with the guide shaft 45. The width (W3 of the restriction region 430 may be defined as the distance between the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402.

[0285] The width (W1, see FIG. 19) of the guide rail 400 at the first end portion 410 may be greater than the width (W3, see FIG. 19) of the restriction region 430. When the door 30 is opened, the guide shaft 45 may not interfere with the guide rail 400 at the first end portion 410, but after passing through the first end portion 410 and being inserted into the restriction region 430, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the guide rail 400. When the door 30 is closed, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the guide rail 400 while passing the restriction region 430, but may not interfere with the guide rail 400 when passing through the first end portion 410.

[0286] The width (W2, see FIG. 19) of the guide rail 400 at the second end portion 420 may be greater than the width (W3, see FIG. 19) of the restriction region 430. When the door 30 is opened, the guide shaft 45 may interfere with the guide rail 400 while passing the restriction region 430, but may not interfere with the guide rail 400 when passing through the second end portion 420. When the door 30 is closed, the guide shaft 45 may not interfere with the guide rail 400 at the second end portion 420, but may interfere with the guide rail 400 after passing through the second end portion 420 and being inserted into the restriction region 430.

[0287] In order for the restriction region 430 to pass the guide shaft 45 despite interference between the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45as the width (W3, see FIG. 19) of the restriction region 430 is less than or equal to the width (W0, see FIG. 19) of the guide shaft 45, the guide rail 400 may be configured to be elastically deformable. The guide rail 400 may be formed of various elastically deformable materials such as metal or polymer including plastic injection-molded materials. Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the guide shaft 45 may be configured to be elastically deformable. The guide shaft 45 may also be formed of various elastically deformable materials such as metal or polymer including plastic injection-molded materials.

[0288] According to an embodiment, the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 into the guide rail 400 at the restriction region 430 may be constant. The length by which the guide shaft 45 is inserted in the vertical direction Z into the guide rail 400 between the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 may be substantially constant. When the opening angle of the door 30 is between the first deceleration angle and the second deceleration angle, the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 into the guide rail 400 may be substantially constant. In such an embodiment, the degree of interference between the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45 may remain constant regardless of the relative position of the restriction region 430 and the guide shaft 45, i.e., regardless of the rotation angle of the door 30. As a result, the rotation angle of the door 30 (for example, the maximum opening angle of the door 30) may be more effectively controlled.

[0289] In order to maintain the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 in the restriction region 430 constant, the door cam 300 may be located between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions 220, that is, on the hinge cam flat portion 230, when the guide rail 400 passes the guide shaft 45. Specifically, when the door cam 300 is located on the hinge cam flat portion 230, the guide shaft 45 may be inserted into the restriction region 430, and the restriction region 430 may interfere with the guide shaft 45. When the door cam 300 contacts the hinge cam flat portion 230 and moves along the hinge cam flat portion 230, the relative height of the door cam 300 and the guide rail 400 with respect to the hinge bracket 40 may not change, thereby maintaining the insertion length of the guide shaft 45 into the restriction region 430 constant.

[0290] As shown in FIG. 17, according to an embodiment, the length of the guide shaft 45 inserted into the restriction region 430 may be shorter than the length of the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402. When inserted into the restriction region 430, the guide shaft 45 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400. Accordingly, scratching or the like between the guide shaft 45 and the bottom surface 403 of the guide rail 400 may be prevented.

[0291] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a first inclined portion 411 extending from the first end portion 410. The first inclined portion 411 may extend such that the width of the guide rail 400 gradually narrows from the first end portion 410 toward the restriction region 430. For example, the first inclined portion 411 may be provided on each of the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402.

[0292] By the structure of the first inclined portion 411, in which the width gradually narrows from the first end portion 410 toward the restriction region 430, friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 during sequential passage of the guide shaft 45 from the first end portion 410 to the restriction region 430 when the door 30 is opened may be prevented from rapidly increasing, thereby effectively preventing collision, noise, or rebound caused by a sudden increase in friction.

[0293] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 400 may include a second inclined portion 421 extending from the second end portion 420. The second inclined portion 421 may extend such that the width of the guide rail 400 gradually narrows from the second end portion 420 toward the restriction region 430. For example, the second inclined portion 421 may be provided on each of the first sidewall 401 and the second sidewall 402.

[0294] By the structure of the second inclined portion 421, in which the width gradually narrows from the second end portion 420 toward the restriction region 430, friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 during sequential passage of the guide shaft 45 from the second end portion 420 to the restriction region 430 when the door 30 is closed may be prevented from rapidly increasing, thereby effectively preventing collision, noise, or rebound caused by a sudden increase in friction.

[0295] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a relative position of a guide shaft with respect to a guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a graph showing an amount of friction between the guide shaft and the guide rail according to the relative position of the guide shaft with respect to the guide rail in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0296] In FIG. 19, the relative position of the guide shaft 45 with respect to the guide rail 400 during rotation of the door 30 is illustrated. In practice, when the door 30 rotates, the guide rail 400 rotates while the guide shaft 45 remains fixed, but in FIG. 19, the position of the guide rail 400 is used as a reference, and the guide shaft 45 is illustrated as moving relative to the guide rail 400. An arrow SD1 indicating the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 represents the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 from the first end portion 410 to the second end portion 420 of the guide rail 400 during opening of the door 30. An arrow SD2 indicating the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 represents the moving direction of the relative position of the guide shaft 45 from the second end portion 420 to the first end portion 410 of the guide rail 400 during closing of the door 30.

[0297] In FIG. 20, a graph shows an amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 according to the opening angle of the door 30. Specifically, FIG. 20 is a graph showing an amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 according to the opening angle of the door 30 when the opening angle of the door 30 is between a first deceleration angle A1 and a second deceleration angle A2.

[0298] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a difference between the width W1, W2, or W3 of the guide rail 400 and the width W0 of the guide shaft 45 may vary depending on the relative position of the guide shaft 45 with respect to the guide rail 400, and the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may also vary.

[0299] For example, at the first end portion 410, little or no friction may occur between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45. Similarly, at the second end portion 420, little or no friction may occur between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45. When the door 30 is opened or closed, the guide shaft 45 may pass through the first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 with little or no interference with the guide rail 400.

[0300] In the restriction region 430, friction may occur between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 to reduce the opening speed or closing speed of the door 30. As shown in FIG. 20, the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 in the restriction region 430 may be maintained substantially constant, or, alternatively, the amount of friction in the restriction region 430 may vary depending on the relative position of the guide shaft 45 with respect to the guide rail 400.

[0301] Since the width of the first inclined portion 411 gradually narrows from the first end portion 410 toward the restriction region 430, when the guide shaft 45 moves along the first inclined portion 411, the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may gradually increase as the opening angle of the door 30 increases from the first deceleration angle A1. Accordingly, a sudden increase in friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 when the door 30 is opened may be prevented.

[0302] Since the width of the second inclined portion 421 gradually narrows from the second end portion 420 toward the restriction region 430, when the guide shaft 45 moves along the second inclined portion 421, the amount of friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may gradually increase as the opening angle of the door 30 decreases from the second deceleration angle A2. Accordingly, a sudden increase in friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 when the door 30 is closed may be prevented.

[0303] As described above, according to an embodiment, the door 30 may be opened by a mechanical force of the door opening device 100. In contrast, the door 30 may be closed by a pushing force applied by a user. Since the force applied by the user to close the door 30 is expected to be greater than the mechanical force of the door opening device 100, the friction between the guide rail 400 and the guide shaft 45 may increase more gradually when the door 30 is opened than when the door 30 is closed.

[0304] Accordingly, the ratio of the change in width of the first inclined portion 411 between the first end portion 410 and the restriction region 430 relative to the change in opening angle of the door 30 may be smaller than the ratio of the change in width between the second end portion 420 and the restriction region 430 relative to the change in opening angle of the door 30. In other words, the change in width of the first inclined portion 411 may be more gradual than the change in width of the second inclined portion 421. Thus, as shown in FIG. 20, when the door 30 moves along the first inclined portion 411 (i.e., when the opening angle of the door 30 increases from the first deceleration angle A1, the rate of increase in friction may be more gradual than when the door 30 moves along the second inclined portion 421 (i.e., when the opening angle of the door 30 decreases from the second deceleration angle A2.

[0305] For example, the length of the first inclined portion 411 may be greater than the length of the second inclined portion 421. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and various embodiments may be implemented as long as it can satisfy the above-described characteristics regarding the change in width of the first inclined portion 411 and the second inclined portion 421 even when the length of the first inclined portion 411 is not greater than the length of the second inclined portion 421.

[0306] Through the above-described structures of the guide shaft 45 and the guide rail 400, it may be possible to control the opening angle of the door 30 by decelerating the rotational speed of the door 30 during rotation of the door 30. In addition, even when a plurality of doors 30 are provided, it may be possible to control the opening angles of the respective doors 30 to be the same.

[0307] Furthermore, the above-described structures of the guide shaft 45 and the guide rail 400 may allow the opening speed or the closing speed of the door 30 to be gradually reduced, and by limiting the door 30 from opening or closing at an excessively high speed, it is possible to prevent damage to the product due to excessive load applied to components such as the door 30, the hinge bracket 40, and the hinge shaft 50, or due to the door 30 colliding with an external structure.

[0308] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body including a storage compartment therein; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and configured to rotatably support the door. The hinge bracket may include: a hinge cam; and a guide shaft spaced apart from the hinge cam and protruding toward the door. The door may include: a door cam configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a guide rail spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the state in which the door is being opened or closed. The guide rail may include: a first end portion that is open and through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open to through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a restriction region between the first end portion and the second end portion and having a first width equal to or smaller than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in the state in which the door is being opened or closed.

[0309] When the door closes the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0310] When the door maximally opens the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located outside the guide rail.

[0311] A width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than a width of the restriction region.

[0312] The width of the guide rail at the first end portion may be greater than the width of the guide shaft.

[0313] The guide rail may include an inclined portion extending such that the width of the guide rail narrows from the first end portion toward the restriction region.

[0314] A width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than a width of the restriction region.

[0315] The width of the guide rail at the second end portion may be greater than the width of the guide shaft.

[0316] An opening angle of the door when the guide shaft is positioned at the second end portion of the guide rail may be greater than an opening angle of the door when the guide shaft is positioned at the first end portion of the guide rail.

[0317] A ratio of a change in width between the first end portion and the restriction region to a change in opening angle of the door may be smaller than a ratio of a change in width between the second end portion and the restriction region to a change in opening angle of the door.

[0318] A length by which the guide shaft is inserted into the guide rail at the restriction region may be constant.

[0319] The hinge cam may include a hinge cam body, and a plurality of hinge cam protrusions protruding from the hinge cam body toward the door cam. The plurality of hinge cam protrusions may be arranged spaced apart from each other along a rotation direction of the door. When the door cam is positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the guide rail may pass the guide shaft.

[0320] When the door cam is positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the restriction region may interfere with the guide shaft.

[0321] The hinge cam body may include a hinge cam flat portion disposed between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions and flat with respect to a horizontal direction of the refrigerator. When the door cam contacts the hinge cam flat portion, the guide rail may pass the guide shaft.

[0322] The guide rail may be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0323] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to be rotatable between an open position for opening the storage compartment and a closed position for closing the storage compartment, and a hinge bracket configured to connect the main body and the door and rotatably support the door. The hinge bracket may include a hinge cam, through which a rotation axis of the door passes, and a guide shaft spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door. The door may include a door cam through which the rotation axis of the door passes, the door cam being configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed, and a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed. The guide rail may include a first end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by a first deceleration angle; a second end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by a second deceleration angle greater than the first deceleration angle; and a restricted region disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion may be open such that the first end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle. The second end portion may be open such that the second end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from a position, which is rotated by the second deceleration angle from the closed position, toward a position rotated by an angle advanced beyond the second deceleration angle. The restricted region may have a width equal to or less than a width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and smaller than the second deceleration angle.

[0324] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position by an angle smaller than the first deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0325] In a state in which the door rotates from the closed position to a position greater than the second deceleration angle, the guide shaft may be positioned outside the guide rail.

[0326] A width of each of the first end portion and the second end portion may be greater than a width of the guide shaft.

[0327] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and rotatably supporting the door. The hinge bracket may include a guide shaft spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door and protruding toward the door. The door may include a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft when the door is opened or closed. The guide rail may include a first end portion that is open to allow the guide shaft to pass therethrough when the door is opened or closed, a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open to allow the guide shaft to pass therethrough when the door is opened or closed, and a restricted region disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a width equal to or less than a width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion when the door is opened or closed.

[0328] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a guide shaft provided on a hinge bracket and a guide rail provided on a door, the guide rail being configured to pass through the guide shaft and interfere with the guide shaft, and thus a door-opening speed can be gradually decreased during a process of opening the door.

[0329] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a guide shaft provided on a hinge bracket and a guide rail provided on a door, the guide rail being configured to pass through the guide shaft and interfere with the guide shaft, and thus a door-closing speed can be gradually decreased during a process of closing the door.

[0330] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may control a door-opening speed through a structure of a guide shaft and a guide rail, and thus the door can be opened at a constant angle when being opened.

[0331] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may control a door-opening speed through a structure of a guide shaft and a guide rail, and thus the door can be stopped when maximally opened.

[0332] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may be provided with a structure of a guide shaft and a guide rail at each of a plurality of doors and hinge brackets supporting the same, and thus the plurality of doors may be opened at the same angle.

[0333] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide rail is open at both ends such that the guide shaft may pass through both ends of the guide rail as the door rotates, whereby an opening angle of the door is not limited by the length of the guide rail, and thus a range of a maximum opening angle of the door can be variously designed.

[0334] The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0335] Although the disclosure has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0055] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0056] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0057] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0058] In the 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”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0059] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060]Terms such as “1st”, “...

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:a main body comprising a storage compartment therein;a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; anda hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and configured to rotatably support the door,wherein the hinge bracket comprises:a hinge cam; anda guide shaft spaced apart from the hinge cam and protruding toward the door,wherein the door comprises:a door cam configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; anda guide rail spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in the state in which the door is being opened or closed,wherein the guide rail comprises:a first end portion that is open and through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed;a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open to through which the guide shaft passes in the state in which the door is being opened or closed; anda restriction region between the first end portion and the second end portion and having a first width equal to or smaller than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in the state in which the door is being opened or closed.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein, in a state in which the door closes the storage compartment, the guide shaft is located outside the guide rail.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein, in a state in which the door maximally opens the storage compartment, the guide shaft is located outside the guide rail.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a third width of the guide rail at the first end portion is greater than a fourth width of the restriction region.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the third width of the guide rail at the first end portion is greater than the second width of the guide shaft.

6. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the guide rail comprises an inclined portion extending such that the third width of the guide rail narrows from the first end portion toward the restriction region.

7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a fifth width of the guide rail at the second end portion is greater than a fourth width of the restriction region.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the fifth width of the guide rail at the second end portion is greater than the second width of the guide shaft.

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein an opening angle of the door in a state in which the guide shaft is positioned at the second end portion of the guide rail is greater than the opening angle of the door in a state in which the guide shaft is positioned at the first end portion of the guide rail.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein a ratio of a change in a sixth width between the first end portion and the restriction region to a change in the opening angle of the door is smaller than a ratio of a change in a seventh width between the second end portion and the restriction region to a change in the opening angle of the door.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a length of the guide shaft inserted into the guide rail at the restriction region is constant.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the hinge cam comprises:a hinge cam body; anda plurality of hinge cam protrusions protruding from the hinge cam body toward the door cam,wherein the plurality of hinge cam protrusions are spaced apart from each other along a rotation direction of the door, andwherein, in a state in which the door cam is positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the guide rail passes the guide shaft.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein, in the state in which the door cam is positioned between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions, the restriction region interferes with the guide shaft.

14. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the hinge cam body comprises a hinge cam flat portion between the plurality of hinge cam protrusions and flat with respect to a horizontal direction of the refrigerator, andwherein, in a state in which the door cam contacts the hinge cam flat portion, the guide rail passes the guide shaft.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the guide rail is elastically deformable.

16. A refrigerator comprising:a main body forming a storage compartment therein;a door configured to be rotatable between an open position for opening the storage compartment and a closed position for closing the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket configured to connect the main body and the door and rotatably support the door,wherein the hinge bracket comprises:a hinge cam, through which a rotation axis of the door passes; and a guide shaft spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door,wherein the door comprises: a door cam through which the rotation axis of the door passes, the door cam being configured to engage with the hinge cam such that movement of the door is guided by the hinge cam in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed,wherein the guide rail comprises: a first end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by a first deceleration angle, and the first end portion is open such that the first end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle; a second end portion at which the guide shaft is positioned in a state in which the door is being rotated from the closed position toward the open position by a second deceleration angle greater than the first deceleration angle, and the second end portion is open such that the second end portion passes the guide shaft while the door rotates from a position, which is rotated by the second deceleration angle from the closed position, toward a position rotated by an angle advanced beyond the second deceleration angle; and a restricted region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a first width equal to or less than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft while the door rotates from the closed position toward the open position by an angle greater than the first deceleration angle and less than the second deceleration angle.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position by an angle smaller than the first deceleration angle, the guide shaft is positioned outside the guide rail.

18. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein in a state in which the door rotates from the closed position to a position greater than the second deceleration angle, the guide shaft is positioned outside the guide rail.

19. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein, a third width of each of the first end portion and the second end portion is greater than a fourth width of the guide shaft.

20. A refrigerator comprising: a main body forming a storage compartment therein; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door and rotatably supporting the door,wherein the hinge bracket comprises a guide shaft spaced apart from a rotation axis of the door and protruding toward the door,wherein the door comprises a guide rail spaced apart from the rotation axis of the door, the guide rail being configured such that the guide shaft is inserted therein and the guide rail passes the guide shaft in a state in which the door is being opened or closed,wherein the guide rail comprises: a first end portion that is open through which the guide shaft passes in a state in which the door is being opened or closed;a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is open through which the guide shaft passes in a state in which the door is being opened or closed; and a restricted region between the first end portion and the second end portion, the restricted region having a first width equal to or less than a second width of the guide shaft to interfere with the guide shaft between the first end portion and the second end portion in a state in which the door is being opened or closed.

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