Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body; a storage chamber inside the main body; a door which can be coupled to the main body, and which can be rotated while coupled to the main body so as to open and close the storage chamber; a lever device mountable on the door; and a cam, which can be mounted on the main body and includes a cam surface. The lever device includes: a case; a lever including a first end and a second end, which can be coupled to the case, and being rotatable around the second end while the second end is coupled to the case; and a spring which can be disposed inside the case and can be coupled to the lever, and which is compressed and extended according to the rotation of the lever while coupled to the lever. The cam surface includes a first contact surface, a second contact surface and an inflection point between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. In the state where the lever device is mounted to the door and the cam is mounted to the main body, the lever device and the cam are provided such that, while the door is rotating to close the storage chamber, the first end of the lever comes in contact with the cam, the first end that moves along the cam surface is moved along the first contact surface, and the lever is rotated in a first direction so as to compress the spring and accumulates elastic force on the lever device, and the first end comes in contact with the inflection point after moving along the length of the first contact surface, the first end moves along the second contact surface after coming in contact with the inflection point, and the lever is rotated in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, such that the compression of the spring is released, and thus the accumulated elastic force is transmitted to the door in the direction of rotating the door to close the storage chamber.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a refrigerator that improves the closing force of a door by utilizing the elasticity of a spring.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains food freshness by including a main body with a storage compartment and a cooling system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and used to refrigerate food, and a freezer compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius and used to freeze food. A door is provided on the front of the main body, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed. The door is rotatably located on the front of the main body, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed.

[0003] The door can be closed by a door closer when it is closed to a certain angle.

[0004] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a refrigerator capable of improving the closing force of a door.

[0005] In addition, a refrigerator is provided with improved door closing force by utilizing the elasticity of a spring.

[0006] Additionally, the closing force of the door is improved to provide a refrigerator that can close completely without stopping during the door closing process.

[0007] In addition, the closing force of the door has been improved to provide a refrigerator that can close the door with little force.

[0008] In addition, a refrigerator is provided that can visually check whether the door is open or closed by utilizing the elasticity of the spring.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0011] A refrigerator includes a main body, a storage compartment within the main body, a door connectable to the main body, the door being rotatable while connected to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a lever device mountable to the door, and a cam mountable to the main body and including a cam surface. The lever device includes a case, a first end, and a second end connectable to the case, and a lever that is rotatable around the second end while the second end is connected to the case, and a spring that is positionable within the case and connectable to the lever, the spring being compressed and expanded according to rotation of the lever while connected to the lever. The cam surface includes a first contact surface, a second contact surface, and a curved point between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. The lever device is mounted on the door, and the cam is mounted on the main body, and the lever device and the cam are such that while the door rotates to close the storage compartment, the first end of the lever contacts the cam, the first end moves along the cam surface and moves along the first contact surface, the lever rotates in the first direction to compress the spring and accumulate elastic force in the lever device, and after the first end moves along the length of the first contact surface, it contacts the curved point, and after the first end contacts the curved point, it moves along the second contact surface, and the lever rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the compression of the spring is released, and the accumulated elastic force is transmitted to the side door in the direction in which the door rotates to close the storage compartment.

[0012] The above cam surface can protrude toward the lever device.

[0013] The above door may be rotatable to a position where the first end of the lever does not contact the cam while the storage compartment is open.

[0014] The above door may include a first door, a second door, and a rotation bar rotatably coupled to the first door, such that the first door rotates to open and close the storage compartment, thereby covering a gap between the first door and the second door when the storage compartment is closed.

[0015] The above-mentioned curved point of the above-mentioned cam surface may be a portion that protrudes most toward the lever device.

[0016] The above lever device includes a support mounted inside the case, and the support can support the spring.

[0017] The case includes a support mounting groove in which the support is mounted and a rotation axis to which the second end of the lever is coupled, and the lever can be coupled to be rotatable about the rotation axis.

[0018] The above support may include a mounting hole for accommodating a fixing member in the support mounting groove and a first support protrusion on which a first end of the spring is supported.

[0019] The lever may include a rotary hole through which the rotary shaft passes, a second support protrusion on which the second end of the spring is supported, and a roller that contacts the cam surface at the first end of the lever and moves along the cam surface.

[0020] The roller may include a plurality of grooves along the outer circumferential surface of the roller.

[0021] The spring may elastically bias the lever to maintain contact between the roller and the cam surface while the roller moves along the cam surface.

[0022] The above spring may be a compression spring.

[0023] The lever comprises a roller at the first end of the lever, the roller contacting the cam surface while the first end of the lever moves along the cam surface, and while the door rotates to close the storage compartment, the roller contacts the first contact surface and can move along the first contact surface toward the bending point.

[0024] The spring can be compressed by the rotating lever while the roller moves along the first contact surface.

[0025] As the roller moves along the second contact surface past the bending point, the lever device can transmit the accumulated elastic force to the door in the direction in which the door rotates to close the storage compartment.

[0026] A refrigerator according to the invention includes a main body, a storage compartment provided inside the main body, a door rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a lever device mounted on the door and including a compression spring that accumulates elastic force when the door is closed, and a cam mounted on the main body and having a cam surface with which the lever device comes into contact when the door is closed. The cam surface includes a curved point that serves as a reference point for transmitting the elastic force accumulated by the compression spring to the door, a first contact surface that comes into contact before the lever device comes into contact with the curved point, the first contact surface being a section in which the compression spring accumulates elastic force as the lever device moves along the first contact surface, and a second contact surface that comes into contact after the lever device comes into contact with the curved point, the second contact surface being a section in which the elastic force accumulated by the compression spring is transmitted to the door as the lever device moves along the second contact surface.

[0027] A refrigerator according to the invention includes a main body, a storage compartment provided inside the main body, a door rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a lever device mounted on the door and accumulating elastic force when the door is closed and transmitting the elastic force in the direction in which the door is closed, and a cam mounted on the main body and having a cam surface with which the lever device contacts and accumulates elastic force when the door is closed. The lever device includes a case, a support mounted inside the case, a lever rotatably fixed inside the case and rotating by contacting the cam surface when the door is closed, and a spring disposed between the support and the lever and compressed when the lever rotates.

[0028] These and / or other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator with the first door and the freezer door open according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a cam coupled to an upper hinge module and a lever device coupled to a door cap according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lever device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a first case separated from a lever device according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a lever device and a cam according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the closing force of the door according to the opening angle (α) of the door when the roller of the lever according to one embodiment is positioned at the curved point of the cam surface, when the opening angle (α) of the door is X1, and the closing force of the door due to the frictional force generated by the rotating bar according to the opening angle (α) of the door.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a door fully opened according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a roller of a lever device contacts a first contact surface of a cam surface when a door is closed according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a roller of a lever device moves to a curved point along a first contact surface of a cam surface during a door closing process according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a process in which a roller of a lever device moves along a second contact surface past a curved point of a cam surface during a door closing process according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a door completely closed according to one embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 11.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a roller of a lever device moves along the shape of a second contact surface when a door is opened according to one embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a roller of a lever device moves to a curved point along the shape of a second contact surface when a door is opened according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a process in which a roller of a lever device moves along a first contact surface past a curved point of a cam surface during a door opening process according to one embodiment.

[0044] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0045] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0046] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "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 of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0048] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0049] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0050] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0051] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0052] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0053] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0054] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0055] The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0056] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0057] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0058] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0059] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0060] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator has two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0061] The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished according to the intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

[0062] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0063] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0064] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0066] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0067] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0068] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0070] A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0071] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0073] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0074] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0075] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0077] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0078] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0079] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0080] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0081] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0082] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0083] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0084] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0085] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0087] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator with the first door and the freezer door open according to one embodiment.

[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a refrigerator may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) provided so that the front is open inside the main body (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the open front of the storage compartment (20), and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to the inside of the storage compartment (20).

[0089] The main body (10) may include an inner case (11) forming a storage compartment (20) and an outer case (13) forming an outer appearance. An insulating material (not shown) may be foamed between the inner case (11) and the outer case (13) and inside the door (30) to prevent cold air from leaking out of the storage compartment (20).

[0090] The main body (10) may include a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage room (20). The cold air supply device may be configured to include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, a cold air duct, etc.

[0091] A machine room (not shown) in which a compressor and a condenser that compress refrigerant and condense the compressed refrigerant are installed may be provided at the lower rear side of the main body (10).

[0092] An evaporator that generates cold air, a blower fan that guides the cold air generated from the evaporator into the storage room (20), and a cold air duct that guides the cold air generated from the evaporator into the storage room (20) can be arranged on the rear wall of the storage room (20). The evaporator, blower fan, and cold air duct can each be configured in multiple units to independently supply cold air to the storage room (20).

[0093] The storage room (20) may be partitioned vertically by a partition wall (15). The storage room (20) may include a refrigerator room (21) located above the partition wall (15) and a freezer room (23) located below the partition wall (15). However, the division and use of the storage room (20) as described above are merely an example and may not be limited thereto.

[0094] A storage room (20) may be provided with a plurality of shelves (25) so that the interior of the storage room (20) may be divided into a plurality of sections. A plurality of storage containers (27) for storing food, etc. may be provided in the storage room (20).

[0095] The door (30) can open and close the storage compartment (20) provided with the front side open. The door (30) may include a refrigerator door (31) that is rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close the refrigerator compartment (21). The refrigerator door (31) may be provided as a double-door door. The door (30) may include a freezer door (33) that is slidably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close the freezer compartment (23). The freezer door (33) may be provided as a drawer-type door. Although the drawing illustrates that the refrigerator door (31) is provided as a double-door door and the freezer door (33) is provided as a drawer-type door, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, both the refrigerator door (31) and the freezer door (33) may be provided as double-door doors. In addition, although the drawing shows that the refrigerator compartment (21) is located above the freezer compartment (23), it is not limited to this. That is, the freezer compartment (23) may be located above the refrigerator compartment (21).

[0096] The refrigerator door (31) may include a pair of doors (31a, 31b). The pair of doors (31a, 3b) may include a first door (31a) rotatably coupled to the front left side of the main body (10), and a second door (31b) rotatably coupled to the front right side of the main body (10). The refrigerator door (31) may include a refrigerator door handle (32) so that a user can open and close the refrigerator door (31) by gripping it. The refrigerator door (31) may include a plurality of door baskets (35) installed on the back surface of the refrigerator door (31) so that food and the like can be stored therein.

[0097] A rotating bar (80) can be rotatably connected to the first door (31a). When the first door (31a) and the second door (31b) are closed, a gap may be created between the first door (31a) and the second door (31b). Cold air inside the refrigerator compartment (21) may leak out through the gap between the first door (31a) and the second door (31b). The rotating bar (80) rotates according to the opening and closing of the first door (31a) and can cover the gap between the first door (31a) and the second door (31b). Therefore, the rotating bar (80) can prevent cold air inside the refrigerator compartment (21) from leaking out through the gap between the first door (31a) and the second door (31b).

[0098] The freezer door (33) may include a freezer door handle (34) so ​​that a user can open and close the freezer door (33). A sliding device (40) may be coupled to both side walls inside the freezer door (33) and the freezer (23) so that the freezer door (33) slides relative to the main body (10).

[0099] The main body (10) may include a hinge module (50, 60) that rotatably couples the refrigerator door (31) to the main body (10). The hinge module (50, 60) may include an upper hinge module (50) that is coupled to the upper portion of the main body (10) so that the refrigerator door (31) is rotatably coupled to the main body (10). The hinge module (50, 60) may include a lower hinge module (60) that is coupled to the bulkhead (15) so that the refrigerator door (31) is rotatably coupled to the main body (10).

[0100] The refrigerator may include a door closer including a cam (200) mounted on the main body (10) and a lever device (100) mounted on the upper portion of the refrigerator door (31).

[0101] A lever device (100) that accumulates elastic force by contacting a cam (200) mounted on the main body (10) when the refrigerator door (31) is closed may be mounted on the upper portion of the refrigerator door (31). That is, when the refrigerator door (31) is closed, the lever (130) of the lever device (100) may contact the cam (200) and the lever (130) may rotate to compress the spring (140). As the spring (140) is compressed, the lever device (100) may accumulate elastic force. When the lever (130) passes a certain section of the cam (200) when the refrigerator door (31) is closed, the lever (130) may rotate in a direction in which the compressed spring (140) is restored. At this time, as the compressed spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the lever device (100) can be transmitted to the refrigerator door (31) in the direction in which the freezer door (31) closes. (See FIGS. 2 and 3)

[0102] A cam (200) that the lever device (100) comes into contact with when the refrigerator door (31) is closed may be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10). The cam (200) may be provided with a cam surface (210) that the lever device (100) comes into contact with. When the refrigerator door (31) is closed, the lever device (100) may be rotated by the lever (130) coming into contact with the cam surface (210), thereby compressing the spring (140) and accumulating elastic force. When the refrigerator door (31) is closed, when the lever (130) passes a certain section of the cam surface (210), the lever (130) may rotate in a direction in which the compressed spring (140) is restored. At this time, when the compressed spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the lever device (100) may be transmitted to the refrigerator door (31). (See FIGS. 2 and 3)

[0103] A detailed description of the lever device (100) and cam (200) is provided below.

[0104] Although the drawing shows that the lever device (100) is mounted on the upper part of the refrigerator door (31) and the cam (200) is mounted on the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the main body (10), the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the lever device (100) and the cam (200) may be mounted on the lower hinge module (60) coupled to the lower part of the refrigerator door (31) and the bulkhead (15) of the main body (10).

[0105] In addition, although the drawing shows that the lever device (100) is mounted on the upper part of the refrigerator door (31) and the cam (200) is mounted on the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the main body (10), the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the main body (10), and the cam (200) may be mounted on the upper part of the refrigerator door (31).

[0106] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a cam coupled to an upper hinge module and a lever device coupled to a door cap according to one embodiment.

[0107] The locations of the refrigerator (21) and the freezer (23) can be changed depending on the purpose, and since both the refrigerator door (31) and the freezer door (33) can be provided as double-door doors, the refrigerator door (31) provided as a double-door door will be described below as a door (30). (See Fig. 1)

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper hinge module (50) may include a bracket (51), a coupling member (53) that is fixed to the upper portion of the main body (10) to couple the bracket (51) to the main body (10), and a hinge shaft (55) that rotatably couples the bracket (51) and the door (30) so that the door (30) is rotatably coupled to the main body (10).

[0109] The bracket (51) may include a base portion (51a) that is coupled to the main body (10) and an extension portion (51b) that extends from the base portion (51a) toward the door (30). The door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the extension portion (51b).

[0110] A protrusion (51c) that protrudes rearward and is fitted into and fixed to a fixing portion (53a) of a connecting member (53) may be provided at the rear end of the base portion (51a).

[0111] The extension (51b) may be provided with a coupling portion (51d) to which a cam (200) is coupled, and a through hole (51e) through which a hinge axis (55) passes to enable the extension (51b) and the door (30) to be rotatably coupled. The hinge axis (55) penetrating the through hole (51e) may be coupled by penetrating the hinge hole (73) of the door cap (70) positioned on the upper portion of the door (30).

[0112] The connecting member (53) is fixed to the upper part of the main body (10) and can be connected to the base part (51a) of the bracket (51) by a connecting member (B) so that the bracket (51) can be connected to the main body (10). The connecting member (B) may be a screw. All of the connecting members (B) mentioned below may be screws.

[0113] A fixing portion (53a) is provided at the rear end of the connecting member (53), into which the protrusion (51c) of the bracket (51) is fitted and fixed, so that the bracket (51) can be fixed to the connecting member (53) before the bracket (51) is fastened to the connecting member (53).

[0114] The hinge shaft (55) can be rotatably coupled to the upper part of the door (30) so as to pass through the through hole (51e) of the bracket (51) and the hinge hole (73) of the door cap (70), so that the door (30) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10).

[0115] The upper hinge module (50) may further include a hinge cover (57, see FIG. 1) provided at the front end of the upper portion of the main body (10) to cover the upper portion of the upper hinge module (50) so as to prevent the upper hinge module (50) from being exposed to the outside.

[0116] A door cap (70) may be placed on the upper portion of the door (30). The door cap (70) may include a hinge receiving portion (71) in which an extension portion (51b) of the bracket (51) is received.

[0117] A hinge hole (73) is provided in the hinge receiving portion (71) through which a hinge shaft (55) is inserted and coupled, and the hinge hole (73) can be formed at a position corresponding to a through hole (51e) provided in an extension portion (51b) of a bracket (51) received in the hinge receiving portion (71).

[0118] A lever device (100) that contacts a cam (200) coupled to a bracket (51) and transmits force to the door (30) in the direction of closing the door (30) when the door (30) is closed can be coupled to the hinge receiving portion (71).

[0119] In order to connect the lever device (100), a lever device connecting hole (75) may be provided in the hinge receiving portion (71). The lever device (100) is provided with a connecting hole (115) corresponding to the lever device connecting hole (75), so that the lever device connecting hole (75) and the connecting hole (115) can be aligned, and then connected using a connecting member (B).

[0120] Additionally, a guide protrusion (77) that guides the position of the lever device (100) may be provided in the hinge receiving portion (71). The guide protrusion (77) may fix the lever device (100) coupled to the hinge receiving portion (71) so as to prevent movement of the lever device (100).

[0121] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lever device according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a state in which a first case is separated from a lever device according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a lever device and a cam according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a graph showing a closing force of a door according to an opening angle (α) of the door when the roller of the lever according to one embodiment is positioned at a curved point of a cam surface, when the opening angle (α) of the door is X1, and a closing force of the door due to a frictional force generated by a rotating bar according to the opening angle (α) of the door.

[0122] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, the lever device (100) can be mounted on a door cap (70) disposed on the upper portion of a door (30, see FIG. 2). The lever device (100) can transmit force to the door (30) in the closing direction when the door (30) is closed. That is, the lever device (100) can cause the door (30) to automatically close when the door (30) is closed at a certain angle or more. The lever device (100) can transmit force to the door (30, see FIG. 2) in the opening direction when the door (30) is opened. That is, the lever device (100) can cause the door (30) to be easily opened with only a small force when the door (30) is opened at a certain angle or more. (See FIG. 2)

[0123] The lever device (100) may include a case (110). The case (110) may form the exterior of the lever device (100). The case (110) may include a first case (110a) and a second case (110b). The first case (110a) may be fastened to an upper portion of the second case (110b). To fasten the first case (110a) and the second case (110b), a fastening hole (118) and a fastening groove (119) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b), respectively. A fastening member (B) penetrating the fastening hole (118) may be fastened to the fastening groove (119), thereby fastening the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0124] The case (110) may include a support mounting groove (111) in which the support (120) is mounted by a fastening member (B). The support mounting grooves (111) may be formed in a pair. The support mounting grooves (111) may be formed in the second case (110b). The support (120) may include a mounting hole (121) in which the support (120) is mounted in the support mounting groove (111) by a fastening member (B). The mounting holes (121) may be formed in a pair to correspond to the support mounting grooves (111).

[0125] The case (110) may include a rotational axis (113) to which a lever (130) is rotatably coupled. The lever (130) is rotatably coupled to the rotational axis (113) and can rotate around the rotational axis (113) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened and closed.

[0126] The case (110) may include an open opening (114) so ​​that the lever (130) can rotate around the rotation axis (113). A portion of the lever (130) accommodated inside the case (110) may be exposed to the outside of the case (110) through the opening (114). The opening (114) may form a space so that the lever (130) can rotate around the rotation axis (113). The lever (130) exposed to the outside of the case (110) through the opening (114) may contact the cam surface (210) of the cam (200) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened and closed, and may rotate around the rotation axis (113).

[0127] The case (110) may include a coupling hole (115) that is coupled to the lever device coupling groove (75) of the door cap (70) by a fastening member (B). The coupling hole (115) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0128] The case (110) may include an insertion hole (117) into which a guide protrusion (77) of a door cap (70) is inserted. The guide protrusion (77) is inserted into the insertion hole (117), so that the lever device (100) can be fixed to the upper portion of the door cap (70). The insertion hole (117) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0129] The lever device (100) may include a support (120). The support (120) may be mounted inside the case (110). The support (120) may include a mounting hole (121) that is mounted in a support mounting groove (111) by a fastening member (B). The support mounting groove (111) and the mounting hole (121) may be provided as a pair.

[0130] The support (120) may include a first support protrusion (123) on which one end of a spring (140) is supported. The spring (140) may be supported at both ends by the support (120) and the lever (130) inside the case (110). One end of the spring (140) may be supported by the first support protrusion (123) of the support (120) fixed inside the case (110), and the other end may be supported by the lever (130) rotatably coupled to the rotational axis (113) inside the case (110). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened and closed, the lever (130) may contact the cam surface (210) and rotate around the rotational axis (113) to compress the spring (140) or cause the compressed spring (140) to be restored to its length before being compressed. Although the drawing shows one end of the spring (140) as being supported by the first support protrusion (123) of the support (120), it is not limited thereto. That is, one end of the spring (140) may be fixed to a part other than the support (120) as long as it is fixed when the lever (130) is rotated. For example, one end of the spring (140) may be fixed inside the case (110). The first support protrusion (123) may be integrally provided inside the case (110) so that one end of the spring (140) may be fixed inside the case (110). If one end of the spring (140) is fixed to the first support protrusion (123) inside the case (110), the lever device (100) may be configured without the support (120). In addition, although the drawing shows that the support (120) is provided separately and mounted inside the case (110), it is not limited thereto. That is, the support (120) can be formed integrally with the case (110).

[0131] The lever device (100) may include a lever (130). The lever (130) may be rotatably coupled to the inside of the case (110). The lever (130) may include a rotation hole (131) that is rotatably coupled to a rotation axis (113) of the case (110). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened and closed, the lever (130) may be rotated about the rotation axis (113) by the roller (135) contacting the cam surface (210) of the cam (200) and moving along the shape of the cam surface (210).

[0132] That is, when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed, if the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed at a certain angle or more, the lever (130) may come into contact with the cam surface (210). After the lever (130) comes into contact with the cam surface (210), if the door (30, see FIG. 2) is further closed, the lever (130) may move along the cam surface (210) and rotate around the rotation axis (113). At this time, the cam surface (210) may be the first contact surface (213). When the lever (130) is rotated around the rotation axis (113), the spring (140) may be compressed by the rotating lever (130). When the spring (140) is compressed, the spring (140) may accumulate elastic force. The spring (140) can be compressed until the lever (130) moves along the first contact surface (213) and is positioned at the inflection point (211). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) closes so that the spring (140) is compressed, and the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed at a certain angle or more, that is, when the lever (130) is positioned at the inflection point (211) of the cam surface (210) and then moves along the second contact surface (215), the rotation direction of the lever (130) changes to the opposite direction, and the compressed spring (140) can be restored to its length before being compressed. When the spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) can be transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2).

[0133] When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed, the lever (130) can come into contact with the cam surface (210). At this time, the cam surface (210) may be the second contact surface (215). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened while the lever (130) is in contact with the second contact surface (215), the lever (130) can move along the second contact surface (215) and rotate around the rotation axis (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the rotation axis (113), the spring (140) can be compressed by the rotating lever (130). When the spring (140) is compressed, the spring (140) can accumulate elastic force. The spring (140) can be compressed until the lever (130) moves along the second contact surface (215) and is positioned at the bending point (211). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened so that the spring (140) is compressed, and the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened by a certain angle or more, that is, when the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210) and moves along the first contact surface (213), the rotational direction of the lever (130) is reversed, and the compressed spring (140) can be restored to its length before being compressed. When the spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) can be transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2). As described above, when the lever (130) is rotated around the rotational axis (113), the spring (140) can be compressed or restored to its length before being compressed, depending on the rotational direction of the lever (130).

[0134] The lever (130) may include a second support protrusion (133) on which the other end of the spring (140) is supported. The spring (140) may have one end supported by the first support protrusion (123) of the support (120) fixed inside the case (110), and the other end supported by the second support protrusion (133) of the lever (130) rotatably coupled to the rotational shaft (113) inside the case (110). Therefore, since the spring (140) has one end fixed to the support (120) when the lever (130) is rotated according to the opening and closing of the door (30, see FIG. 2), the other end may be compressed by the lever (130) being rotated, or may be restored to the length before being compressed.

[0135] The lever (130) may include a roller (135) that comes into contact with a cam surface (210) of a cam (200) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened and closed. The roller (135) that comes into contact with the cam surface (210) may move along the shape of the cam surface (210) to allow the lever (130) to rotate around the rotation axis (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the rotation axis (113), the roller (135) may be moved while maintaining a state of being in contact with the cam surface (210) by the elastic force of the spring (140). When the lever (130) rotates around the rotation axis (113), since the roller (135) moves while maintaining contact with the cam surface (210), the spring (140) can be compressed more efficiently to accumulate elastic force, and when the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, the elastic force of the spring (140) can be more efficiently transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2). That is, the spring (140) can be compressed when the roller (135) moves along the cam surface (210) while maintaining contact with the cam surface (210). Therefore, compared to when the roller (135) does not maintain contact with the cam surface (210), the spring (140) can be compressed more when the roller (135) maintains contact with the cam surface (210) because the time during which the roller (135) maintains contact with the cam surface (210) becomes longer. Due to this, the spring (140) can accumulate a large elastic force, and because it accumulates a large elastic force, when the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, a larger elastic force can be transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2). Due to this, the closing force and / or opening force of the door (30, see FIG. 2) can be increased. That is, the closing force and / or opening force of the door (30, see FIG. 2) can be improved. The roller (135) may include a plurality of grooves (136) formed along the outer circumferential surface of the roller (135).By forming a plurality of grooves (136) on the outer surface of the roller (135), when the roller (135) comes into contact with the cam surface (210), the contact area between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) can be reduced. As a result, the frictional force between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) can be reduced. (See Fig. 11).

[0136] The lever (130) may include a roller mounting hole (137) in which a roller (135) is mounted. The roller (135) may be rotatably mounted in the roller mounting hole (137) by a fastening member (B).

[0137] The lever device (100) may include a spring (140). The spring (140) may be a compression spring. One end of the spring (140) may be supported by a first support protrusion (123) of a support (120) fixed inside the case (110), and the other end may be supported by a second support protrusion (133) of a lever (130) rotatably coupled to a rotational shaft (113) inside the case (110). Accordingly, the spring (140) may be compressed or restored to its length before being compressed, depending on the rotational direction of the lever (130), when the lever (130) is rotated around the rotational shaft (113). When the spring (140) is compressed by the lever (130), it accumulates elastic force by the amount that the spring (140) is compressed, and when the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, it can transmit the accumulated elastic force to the door (30, see FIG. 2).

[0138] The spring (140) is a compression spring, and since the lever device (100) that comes into contact with the cam (200) is formed as a single lever with elasticity, and thus has a smaller size but greater elasticity than when the material elasticity of the lever device (100) is utilized, the lever device (100) utilizing the elasticity of the spring (140) can transmit greater force to the door (30). As a result, the closing force and / or opening force of the door (30) can be increased. That is, the closing force and / or opening force of the door (30) is improved, so that the user can more clearly check whether the door (30) is open and / or closed.

[0139] In addition, for the reasons described above, the lever device (100) using the spring (140) can be freely shaped as needed without any shape restrictions. That is, when the lever device (100) is formed as a single lever having elasticity, the elasticity decreases as the size of the lever device (100) is reduced, so there may be restrictions on the shape. However, when the spring (140) is used in the lever device (100) and the elasticity of the spring (140) is utilized, the elasticity of the lever device (100) can be increased while the shape can be freely formed. Since the lever device (100) has no shape restrictions, it can be formed to have a shape in which the angle of the door (30) can be increased when the roller (135) is positioned at the bending point (211). Here, the angle of the door (30) may be the opening angle (α) of the door as the angle between the main body (10) and the door (30). The opening angle (α) of the door (30) when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the inflection point (211) may be the angle at which the door (30) begins to close by receiving elastic force from the lever device (100). That is, the lever device (100) may increase the opening angle (α) of the door when the door (30) begins to close by receiving elastic force from the lever device (100). When the door (30) is closed, if a frictional force occurs between the rotating bar (80) provided on the door (30) and the main body (10) before the elastic force of the lever device (100) is transmitted to the door (30), that is, before the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the inflection point (211) of the cam surface (210), a problem may occur in which the door (30) stops before being completely closed due to resistance caused by the frictional force. In other words, if the opening angle (α) of the door when frictional force occurs between the rotating bar (80) and the main body (10) is greater than the opening angle (α) of the door when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210), a problem may occur in which the door (30) stops before being completely closed due to resistance caused by the frictional force.However, when the opening angle (α) of the door when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is located at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210) is greater than the opening angle (α) of the door when frictional force occurs between the rotating bar (80) and the main body (10), when the door (30) is closed, the elastic force of the lever device (100) can be transmitted to the door (30) before frictional force occurs between the rotating bar (80) provided on the door (30) and the main body (10). As a result, the door (30) can be completely closed without the problem of stopping before being completely closed by accelerating in the closing direction before frictional force occurs between the rotating bar (80) and the main body (10). (See Fig. 9).

[0140] Looking at the graph illustrated in FIG. 6, when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210), the slope of the graph representing the closing force of the door (30) according to the opening angle (α) of the door becomes steeper when the opening angle (α) of the door is X1, indicating that acceleration is applied to the door (30) when the door (30) closes. At this time, the opening angle (α) X1 of the door may be 10 to 15 degrees. X2 may be the opening angle (α) of the door at the point where frictional force occurs between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80). At this time, the opening angle (α) X2 of the door may be 4 degrees. That is, it can be seen that the point in time when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210) is faster than the point in time when frictional force occurs between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80). That is, when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210), the door opening angle (α) is 10 to 15 degrees. Since the door opening angle (α) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210) and is greater than the door opening angle (α) of 4 degrees when frictional force occurs between the rotating bar (80) and the main body (10), the elastic force of the lever device (100) can be transmitted to the door (30) before frictional force occurs between the rotating bar (80) provided on the door (30) and the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed.

[0141] When the opening angle (α) of the door (30), which is the maximum resistance section (A) of the door (30) due to the frictional force between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80), is 3 degrees, the closing force of the door (30) is F1, and the closing force of the door (30) by the door closer at this time may be F2. Although it may vary depending on the weight and / or height of the door (30), F1 may be approximately -1.0 to -2.0 kgf, and F2 may be approximately 2.0 to 2.3 kgf. That is, since the closing force F2 of the door (30) by the door closer is greater than the closing force F1 of the door (30) when the opening angle (α) of the door, which is the maximum resistance section (A) of the door (30) due to the frictional force between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80), is 3 degrees, the door (30) can be closed by overcoming the frictional force between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80).

[0142] In addition, when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210), the opening angle (α) of the door is 10 to 15 degrees, and when the opening angle (α) of the door, which is the maximum resistance section (A) of the door (30), is 3 degrees, the difference in the closing force between the closing force of the door (30) by the door closer and the closing force of the door (30) by the frictional force between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80) increases, so that the interference that occurs when the elastic force of the spring (140) is transmitted to the door (30) as the roller (135) of the lever (130) passes the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210) can be reduced. That is, the difference in closing force between the closing force of the door (30) and the closing force of the door closer (30) can be overcome at the moment when the frictional force between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80) is at its maximum by increasing the range of the difference in closing force. Accordingly, when the opening angle (α) of the door when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210) is set to 10 to 15 degrees, the elastic force of the spring (140) can be transmitted to the door (30) as efficiently as possible, and the acceleration by the elastic force can overcome the resistance generated between the main body (10) and the rotating bar (80). (See FIGS. 2 and 9)

[0143] In addition, as described above, when the lever (130) rotates around the rotation axis (113), the roller (135) is moved while maintaining contact with the cam surface (210) by the elastic force of the spring (140), so that the elastic force of the spring (140) can be more efficiently transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2). As a result, the closing force and / or opening force of the door (30, see FIG. 2) can be improved.

[0144] The cam (200) can be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10, see FIG. 2). The cam (200) can be mounted on the upper hinge module (50) that is coupled to the upper part of the main body (10, see FIG. 2). The cam (200) can be coupled to the coupling portion (51d) of the upper hinge module (50). The cam (200) can include a cam surface (210) that comes into contact with the roller (135) of the lever device (100) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed.

[0145] The cam surface (210) may be formed to protrude from one surface of the cam (200) with which the lever device (100) comes into contact. That is, the cam surface (210) may be formed to protrude from one surface of the cam (200) with which the roller (135) of the lever device (100) comes into contact toward the lever device (100).

[0146] The cam surface (210) may include a curved point (211) that serves as a reference point for transmitting the accumulated elastic force to the door (30, see FIG. 2) after the spring (140) of the lever device (100) accumulates elastic force when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed. The curved point (211) may be the most protruding portion of the protruding cam surface (210). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened or closed, the lever device (100) may transmit an opening force or a closing force to the door (30, see FIG. 2) by the elastic force of the spring (140) as the roller (135) of the lever device (100) passes the curved point (211).

[0147] The cam face (210) may include a first contact surface (213) that comes into contact with the lever (130) before it comes into contact with the inflection point (211) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed. That is, when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed, the roller (135) of the lever (130) may come into contact with the first contact surface (213) before coming into contact with the inflection point (211). Conversely, when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened, the roller (135) of the lever (130) may come into contact with the first contact surface after coming into contact with the inflection point (211). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed, the first contact surface (213) may be a section in which the lever device (100) accumulates elastic force.

[0148] The cam face (210) may include a second contact surface (215) that comes into contact with the lever (130) after it comes into contact with the inflection point (211) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed. That is, when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed, the roller (135) of the lever (130) may come into contact with the second contact surface (215) after it comes into contact with the inflection point (211). Conversely, when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened, the roller (135) of the lever (130) may come into contact with the second contact surface (215) before it comes into contact with the inflection point (211). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is closed, the second contact surface (215) may be a section in which the lever device (100) transmits elastic force to the door (30, see FIG. 2).

[0149] The first contact surface (213) and the second contact surface (215) of the cam surface (210) may be formed to be inclined in the opposite direction to the direction in which the cam surface (210) protrudes based on the curved point (211). Accordingly, the curved point (211) may be the most protruding portion of the cam surface (210) that protrudes in a triangular shape.

[0150] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a door according to one embodiment when fully opened. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a roller of a lever device contacts a first contact surface of a cam surface when a door is closed according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a roller of a lever device moves to a curved point along a first contact surface of a cam surface during a process in which a door is closed according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a roller of a lever device moves past a curved point of a cam surface along a second contact surface during a process in which a door is closed according to one embodiment.

[0151] In FIGS. 7 to 10, only the operation of the lever device (100) when the second door (31b) among the doors (30) is closed is illustrated, but since the operation of the lever device (100) when the first door (31a, see FIG. 1) and the second door (31b) are closed is the same, the operation of the lever device (100) when the door (30) is closed will be described unified.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 7, when the door (30) is completely open and closed at a certain angle as shown in FIG. 8, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) can come into contact with the first contact surface (213) of the cam surface (210).

[0153] When the door (30) is further closed while the roller (135) of the lever device (100) is in contact with the first contact surface (213) of the cam surface (210), as illustrated in FIG. 9, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) can move along the shape of the cam surface (210). That is, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) can move toward the bending point (211) along the shape of the first contact surface (213). When the roller (135) of the lever device (100) moves toward the bending point (211) along the shape of the first contact surface (213), the lever (135) can rotate counterclockwise around the rotation axis (113) in the drawing. When the lever (135) rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis (113), the spring (140) can be compressed. When the roller (135) of the lever device (100) passes the first contact surface (213) and is positioned at the bending point (211), the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0154] When the roller (135) of the lever device (100) passes the first contact surface (213) and is positioned at the bending point (211) and the spring (140) is compressed to the maximum, the repulsive force of the cam (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) in the direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) ) may occur. When the roller (135) is located at the bending point (211), the repulsive force of the cam (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) ) may be in a state where the door (30) does not transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 10, when the door (30) is further closed while the roller (135) of the lever device (100) is positioned at the bending point (211) and the spring (140) is compressed to the maximum, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) can move beyond the bending point (211). When the roller (135) of the lever device (100) moves beyond the bending point (211), the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, and the lever (130) can be rotated clockwise around the rotation axis (113) in the drawing. At this time, the roller (135) can move along the shape of the second contact surface (215) beyond the bending point (211). When the lever (130) rotates due to the elastic force of the spring (140) and the roller (135) moves along the shape of the second contact surface (215) beyond the bending point (211), the elastic force of the spring (140) can be transmitted to the door (30). That is, the repulsive force of the cam (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) generated in the direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) ) can be transmitted to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes. Accordingly, the door (30) can be completely closed by the closing force due to the elastic force of the lever device (100) transmitted to the door (30). Since the door (30) is closed by the closing force due to the elastic force of the lever device (100) after it is closed by a certain angle, the user can close the door (30) using a small force. In addition, the door (30) can be completely closed without the problem of stopping during the closing process.

[0156] Fig. 11 is a drawing illustrating a door according to one embodiment when it is completely closed. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating a roller of a lever device moving along the shape of a second contact surface when a door is opened according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a drawing illustrating a roller of a lever device moving along the shape of a second contact surface to a curved point when a door is opened according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a drawing illustrating a roller of a lever device moving along the first contact surface past the curved point of a cam surface during a door opening process according to one embodiment.

[0157] In FIGS. 11 to 15, the operation of the lever device (100) is illustrated when the second door (31b) among the doors (30) is opened. However, since the operation of the lever device (100) is the same when the first door (31a, see FIG. 1) and the second door (31b) are opened, it will be described as the operation of the lever device (100) when the door (30) is opened.

[0158] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the door (30) is completely closed, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) may be in contact with the cam surface (210) of the cam (200). More specifically, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) may be in contact with the second contact surface (215) of the cam surface (210).

[0159] As shown in Fig. 13, when the door (30) is opened by a certain angle while the door (30) is completely closed, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) can move toward the curved point (211) along the shape of the second contact surface (215). At this time, the lever (130) of the lever device (100) can be rotated counterclockwise in the drawing around the rotation axis (113). The spring (140) can be compressed by the rotation of the lever (130).

[0160] As shown in Fig. 14, when the door (30) is further opened while the spring (140) is compressed by the rotation of the lever (130), the roller (135) of the lever device (100) can pass the second contact surface (215) and be positioned at the bending point (211). When the roller (135) of the lever device (100) passes the second contact surface (215) and is positioned at the bending point (211), the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0161] When the roller (135) of the lever device (100) passes the second contact surface (215) and is positioned at the bending point (211) and the spring (140) is compressed to the maximum, the repulsive force of the cam (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) in the direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) ) may occur. When the roller (135) is located at the bending point (211), the repulsive force of the cam (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) ) may be in a state where the door (30) does not transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 15, when the door (30) is further opened while the roller (135) of the lever device (100) is positioned at the bending point (211) and the spring (140) is compressed to the maximum, the roller (135) of the lever device (100) can move beyond the bending point (211). When the roller (135) of the lever device (100) moves beyond the bending point (211), the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, and the lever (130) can be rotated clockwise around the rotation axis (113) in the drawing. At this time, the roller (135) can move along the shape of the first contact surface (213) beyond the bending point (211). When the lever (130) rotates due to the elastic force of the spring (140) and the roller (135) moves along the shape of the first contact surface (213) beyond the bending point (211), the elastic force of the spring (140) can be transmitted to the door (30). That is, the repulsive force of the cam (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) generated in the direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) ) can be transmitted to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens. Therefore, the door (30) can be completely opened by the opening force due to the elastic force of the lever device (100) transmitted to the door (30). Since the door (30) is opened by the opening force due to the elastic force of the lever device (100) after being opened by a certain angle, the user can open the door (30) using a small force.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a refrigerator includes a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) provided inside the main body, a door (30) rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a lever device (100) mounted on the door to accumulate elastic force when the door is closed and transmit the elastic force in the direction in which the door is closed, and a cam (200) mounted on the main body to have a cam surface (210) including a first contact surface (213) which is a section in which the lever device comes into contact and accumulates elastic force when the door is closed, a curved point (211) which serves as a reference point for transmitting the accumulated elastic force to the door, and a second contact surface (215) which is a section in which the accumulated elastic force is transmitted to the door. The lever device includes a case (110), a lever (130) rotatably coupled inside the case, which comes into contact with the cam surface and rotates when the door is closed, and a spring (140) which is accommodated inside the case and is compressed by the lever when the lever rotates. According to the present disclosure, the closing force of the first door (31a) can be applied by utilizing the elasticity of the spring (140). The closing force of the first door (31a) can be applied by utilizing the elasticity of the spring (140) so that the lever (130) of the lever device (100) is maintained in contact with the cam surface (210) and moves along the shape of the cam surface (210). By using a spring (140), the shape of the lever device is not restricted, and the opening angle (α) of the door when the roller (135) of the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (211) of the cam surface (210) is formed to increase, thereby increasing the angle at which the first door (31a) begins to close, so that when the first door closes, the elastic force of the lever device (100) is transmitted to the first door (31a) before frictional force is generated between the rotating bar (80) provided in the first door and the main body (10), so that the first door can be completely closed without stopping during the closing process. By improving the closing force of the first door, the door can be closed even with a small force.By utilizing the elasticity of the spring, it is possible to clearly check whether the first door is open or closed.

[0164] The cam surface may be formed to protrude toward the lever device on one surface of the cam with which the lever device comes into contact.

[0165] The first contact surface may be contacted before the lever contacts the bending point when the door is closed, and the second contact surface may be contacted after the lever contacts the bending point when the door is closed.

[0166] The above door includes a first door (31a) and a second door (31b), and a rotation bar (80) that rotates according to the opening and closing of the first door and covers the gap between the first door and the second door can be combined with the first door.

[0167] The above-mentioned curved point may be a portion that protrudes most from the cam surface toward the lever device.

[0168] The above case may include a support mounting groove (111) to which the support is mounted by a screw (B) and a rotational shaft (113) to which the lever is rotatably fixed. According to the present disclosure, when the lever (130) rotates around the rotational shaft (113), the spring (140) may be compressed or restored to its pre-compressed length, thereby transmitting the elastic force of the spring to the first door.

[0169] The above lever device may further include a support mounted inside the case to support the spring. According to the present disclosure, one end of the spring (140) is supported on a fixed support (120) so that when the lever (130) rotates, the spring (140) is compressed or restored to its pre-compressed length, thereby transmitting the spring's elastic force to the door.

[0170] The above support may include a mounting hole (121) that is mounted in the support mounting groove by the screw and a first supporting protrusion (123) on which one end of the spring is supported. According to the present disclosure, when one end of the spring (140) is supported on the fixed support (120) and the lever (130) rotates, the spring (140) is compressed or restored to its pre-compressed length, so that the elastic force of the spring can be transmitted to the door.

[0171] The above lever may include a rotary hole (131) that is rotatably fixed to the rotary shaft, a second support protrusion (133) on which the other end of the spring is supported, a roller (135) that contacts the cam surface and moves along the shape of the cam surface, and a roller mounting hole (137) on which the roller is mounted. According to the present disclosure, one end of the spring (140) is supported on a fixed support (120), and the other end is supported on a rotatable lever (130), so that when the lever is rotated, the spring (140) is compressed or restored to its length before being compressed, so that the elastic force of the spring can be transmitted to the door.

[0172] The roller may include a plurality of grooves (136) formed along the outer surface of the roller. According to the present disclosure, by forming a plurality of grooves (136) on the outer surface of the roller (135), when the roller comes into contact with the cam surface (210), the contact area between the roller and the cam surface can be reduced. As a result, the frictional force between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) can be reduced.

[0173] The roller can be moved along the shape of the cam surface while maintaining contact with the cam surface by the elastic force of the spring. According to the present disclosure, the lever (130) of the lever device (100) can be moved along the shape of the cam surface (210) while maintaining contact with the cam surface (210) by using the elastic force of the spring (140), thereby providing a closing force for the door (30).

[0174] The above spring may be a compression spring. According to the present disclosure, the closing force of the door (30) can be achieved by utilizing the elastic force of the compression spring (140).

[0175] The lever includes a roller (135) that contacts the cam surface, and when the door is closed, the roller can contact the first contact surface and move toward the bending point along the first contact surface.

[0176] The spring can be compressed by the rotating lever as the roller moves along the first contact surface.

[0177] When the roller moves along the second contact surface past the bending point, the lever device can transmit the elastic force of the spring in the direction in which the door closes.

[0178] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) provided inside the main body, a door (30) rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a lever device (100) mounted on the door and including a compression spring (140) that accumulates elastic force when the door is closed, and a cam (200) mounted on the main body and having a cam surface (210) with which the lever device comes into contact when the door is closed. The cam surface includes a curved point (211) that serves as a reference point for transmitting the elastic force accumulated by the compression spring to the door, a first contact surface (213) that is in contact with the lever device before it comes into contact with the curved point, a section in which the compression spring accumulates elastic force as the lever device moves along the first contact surface, and a second contact surface (215) that is in contact with the lever device after it comes into contact with the curved point, a section in which the compression spring transfers the elastic force accumulated by the lever device to the door as it moves along the second contact surface. According to the present disclosure, the closing force of the door (30) can be increased by utilizing the elastic force of the compression spring (140). By utilizing the compression spring (140), the size of the lever device can be reduced, thereby increasing the angle at which the door (30) begins to close, thereby improving the closing force of the door. By improving the closing force of the door, the door can be closed even with a small force. By using the elasticity of the compression spring, you can clearly check whether the door is open or closed.

[0179] The above lever device may further include a case (110) in which the compression spring is accommodated, a support (120) mounted inside the case and supporting one end of the compression spring, and a lever (130) rotatably fixed inside the case and supporting the other end of the compression spring so as to rotate by contacting the cam surface when the door is closed and compress the compression spring. According to the present disclosure, the closing force of the door (30) can be improved by utilizing the elasticity of the compression spring (140). The closing force of the door (30) can be improved by allowing the lever (130) of the lever device (100) to maintain a state of contacting the cam surface (210) and move along the shape of the cam surface (210) by utilizing the elasticity of the compression spring (140). By using a compression spring (140), the shape of the lever device can be freely changed, so that the angle at which the door (30) begins to close can be increased, so that when the door is closed, the elastic force of the lever device (100) is transmitted to the door (30) before frictional force is generated between the rotating bar (80) provided on the door and the main body (10), so that the door can be completely closed without stopping during the closing process. By improving the closing force of the door, the door can be closed even with a small force. By using the elastic force of the compression spring, whether the door is open or closed can be visibly confirmed.

[0180] The above lever includes a roller (135) that comes into contact with the cam surface and moves along the shape of the cam surface, and the roller can be moved while maintaining contact with the cam surface by the elastic force of the compression spring when the door is closed. According to the present disclosure, the closing force of the door (30) can be improved by allowing the lever (130) of the lever device (100) to move along the shape of the cam surface (210) while maintaining contact with the cam surface (210) by using the elastic force of the compression spring (140).

[0181] The roller may include a plurality of grooves (136) formed along the outer surface of the roller. According to the present disclosure, by forming a plurality of grooves (136) on the outer surface of the roller (135), when the roller comes into contact with the cam surface (210), the contact area between the roller and the cam surface can be reduced. As a result, the frictional force between the roller (135) and the cam surface (210) can be reduced.

[0182] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a refrigerator includes a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) provided inside the main body, a door (30) rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a lever device (100) mounted on the door and accumulating elastic force when the door is closed and transmitting the elastic force in the direction in which the door is closed, and a cam (200) mounted on the main body and having a cam surface (210) with which the lever device comes into contact when the door is closed to accumulate elastic force. The lever device includes a case (110), a support (120) mounted inside the case, a lever (130) rotatably fixed inside the case and rotated by coming into contact with the cam surface when the door is closed, and a spring (140) disposed between the support and the lever and compressed when the lever rotates. According to the present disclosure, the closing force of the door (30) can be improved by utilizing the elastic force of the spring (140). By utilizing the elasticity of the spring (140), the lever (130) of the lever device (100) can be maintained in contact with the cam surface (210) and moved along the shape of the cam surface (210), thereby improving the closing force of the door (30). By utilizing the spring (140), the shape of the lever device can be freely changed, thereby increasing the angle at which the door (30) begins to close, thereby improving the closing force of the door. By improving the closing force of the door, the door can be closed with a small force. By utilizing the elasticity of the spring, whether the door is open or closed can be visibly confirmed.

[0183] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0184] In describing the refrigerator with reference to the attached drawings above, specific shapes and directions have been mainly described, but it should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. Main body; A storage room inside the above main body; A door that can be connected to the main body, wherein the door is rotatable while connected to the main body to open and close the storage room; A lever device mountable on the above door; and A cam that can be mounted on the above body and includes a cam surface; The above lever device, case; A lever including a first stage and a second stage that can be coupled to the case, and that can rotate around the second stage while the second stage is coupled to the case; and A spring that can be placed inside the case and can be connected to the lever, the spring including a spring that is compressed and expanded according to the rotation of the lever while connected to the lever; The above cam surface is, First contact surface; Second contact surface; and Including a curved point between the first contact surface and the second contact surface; The above lever device is mounted on the door, and the cam is mounted on the main body, and the lever device and the cam are, While the said door rotates to close the said storage compartment, the said first stage of the said lever contacts the said cam, The first stage moving along the cam surface moves along the first contact surface, and the lever rotates in the first direction to compress the spring and accumulate elastic force in the lever device. After the first stage moves along the length of the first contact surface, it comes into contact with the curved point, A refrigerator in which, after the first end comes into contact with the curved point, it moves along the second contact surface, and the lever rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the compression of the spring is released and the accumulated elastic force is transmitted to the side door in a direction that rotates the door to close the storage compartment.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above cam surface protrudes toward the lever device.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the door is rotatable to a position where the first end of the lever does not come into contact with the cam while the storage compartment is open.

4. In paragraph 1, The above door is the first door; Second door; and A refrigerator comprising: a rotating bar rotatably coupled to the first door, the rotating bar allowing the first door to rotate to open and close the storage compartment, thereby covering a gap between the first door and the second door when the storage compartment is closed.

5. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned curved point of the above-mentioned cam surface is the portion that protrudes the most toward the above-mentioned lever device.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the above lever device includes a support mounted inside the case, and the support supports the spring.

7. In paragraph 6, The above case is, A support mounting home in which the above support is mounted; and including a rotary shaft to which the second stage of the above lever is coupled; A refrigerator in which the above lever is rotatably coupled around the above rotation axis.

8. In paragraph 7, The above support is, A mounting hole for accommodating a fixing member in the above support mounting groove; and A refrigerator including a first support projection on which a first end of the spring is supported.

9. In paragraph 8, The above lever, A rotating hole through which the above rotating axis passes; A second supporting projection on which the second end of the above spring is supported; A refrigerator comprising a roller which contacts the cam surface at the first stage of the lever and moves along the cam surface.

10. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator wherein the roller includes a plurality of grooves along an outer surface of the roller.

11. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator wherein said spring elastically biases said lever to maintain said roller in contact with said cam surface while said roller moves along said cam surface.

12. In paragraph 1, The above spring is a compression spring in a refrigerator.

13. In paragraph 1, The above lever comprises a roller at the first end of the lever, the roller contacting the cam surface while the first end of the lever moves along the cam surface, A refrigerator wherein, while the door rotates to close the storage compartment, the roller contacts the first contact surface and moves toward the bending point along the first contact surface.

14. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator wherein the spring is compressed by the rotating lever while the roller moves along the first contact surface.

15. In paragraph 14, A refrigerator in which the lever device transmits accumulated elastic force to the door in the direction in which the door rotates to close the storage compartment when the roller moves along the second contact surface past the bending point.

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