Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a storage chamber; doors that can rotate to open / close the storage chamber; movable levers mounted on the doors; guides which each have a first contact surface and a second contact surface, and which are for guiding the movement of the lever while the door is rotating; and door pushers for pressing the doors in order to open the storage chamber. While the door is rotating, the lever moves along the guide and comes into contact with the guide. While the lever are in contact with the first contact surface, the lever applies force to the door in the direction of closing the storage chamber. While the lever is in contact with the second contact surface, the lever applies force to the door in the direction of opening the storage chamber. The door pusher can be operated to press the door in the direction of opening the storage chamber until the lever comes into contact with the second contact surface.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[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 for refrigerated storage of food, and a freezer compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food. The storage compartment is designed to have an open front for food entry and exit.

[0003] A refrigerator uses a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator to repeat the cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant. A single evaporator located in the freezer can cool both the freezer and refrigerator compartments, or the freezer and refrigerator can each have their own evaporators, allowing for independent cooling.

[0004] The refrigerator includes a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The door is configured to rotate relative to the main body, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed.

[0005] The door may be configured to allow a user to open and close the door by grasping a handle provided on the door and rotating it relative to the main body. Alternatively, the refrigerator may include a door opening / closing structure configured to allow the door to be easily opened or closed.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure such that the door can be opened automatically.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure so that the door can be easily opened.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure that allows the door to rotate to a fully open position without stopping during the opening process.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure so that the door can be easily closed.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure 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.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body including a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment; a lever mounted on the door and provided to be movable with respect to the door; a guide configured to guide movement of the lever by contacting the lever while the door rotates to open and close the storage compartment, the guide having a first contact surface and a second contact surface; and a door pusher provided to press the door to open the storage compartment. The guide, the lever, and the door pusher may be configured to be operable so that, while the door rotates to open and close the storage compartment, the lever moves along the guide and contacts the guide, and while the lever contacts the first contact surface of the guide, the lever applies a force to the door in a direction for closing the storage compartment, while the lever contacts the second contact surface of the guide, the lever applies a force to the door in a direction for opening the storage compartment, and until the lever contacts the second contact surface, the door pusher presses the door in a direction for opening the storage compartment.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, while the door rotates from a position where the storage compartment is closed toward a position where the storage compartment is opened, an angle by which the door moves when the lever contacts the second contact surface may be greater than an angle by which the door moves when the lever contacts the first contact surface.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide may further include a curved point between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. When the door rotates to open the storage compartment, the lever may sequentially contact the first contact surface, the curved point, and the second contact surface. When the door rotates to close the storage compartment, the lever may sequentially contact the second contact surface, the curved point, and the first contact surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lever may further include a spring connected to the lever so as to be compressed or extended when the lever moves relative to the door. The spring may be configured to accumulate a maximum elastic force while the lever contacts the bending point. The spring may be configured to be compressed by the lever when the lever moves toward the bending point along the first contact surface. The spring may be configured to apply an elastic force to the door in a direction that opens the storage compartment when the lever moves away from the bending point along the second contact surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door pusher may be configured to be movable between a first pusher position, which is a position of the door pusher while the storage compartment is closed, and a second pusher position, which is moved to press the door in a direction that opens the storage compartment. The lever may contact the second contact surface while the door pusher is positioned at the second pusher position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door pusher may be configured to be linearly movable between the first pusher position and the second pusher position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door pusher may include a stopper configured to stop the door pusher relative to the body when the door pusher reaches the second pusher position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a distance between one end of the door pusher configured to contact the door and the stopper may be equal to a distance by which the door pusher moves between the first pusher position and the second pusher position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a pusher case mounted on the main body and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the door pusher. The door pusher may be movable relative to the pusher case. The pusher case may include a case entrance / exit portion through which the door pusher moves. The stopper may be configured to be engaged with the case entrance / exit portion when the door pusher reaches the second pusher position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a power source configured to transmit power to the door pusher, and a control unit electrically connected to the power source. The control unit may control the power source to operate the door pusher to press the door until the lever contacts the second contact surface, based on a condition for opening the storage compartment.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door pusher may be arranged to be movable between a first pusher position, which is a position of the door pusher while the storage compartment is closed, and a second pusher position, to which the door pusher has moved to press the door in a direction in which the storage compartment is opened. The control unit may control the power source to transmit power for operating the door pusher until the door pusher reaches the second pusher position, based on a condition for opening the storage compartment.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a position detection sensor electrically connected to the control unit and configured to detect the position of the door pusher. The control unit may control the power source to operate the door pusher to stop or move to the first pusher position based on the door pusher reaching the second pusher position.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door is a first door, and the refrigerator may further include a second door arranged parallel to the first door and configured to be rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, and a rotation bar coupled to the first door so as to be rotatable relative to the first door and configured to cover a gap between the first door and the second door while the first door and the second door are in a position to close the storage compartment. The rotation bar may be configured to be rotatable between a first bar position relative to the first door corresponding to a position of the first door when the storage compartment is closed and a second bar position relative to the first door corresponding to a position of the first door when the storage compartment is open. While the first door is rotated from a position where the storage compartment is closed by less than a first opening angle, the lever may contact the first contact surface, and the rotation bar may be biased to rotate toward the first bar position. While the first door rotates from a position where the storage compartment is closed to a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle but less than the first opening angle, the lever may contact the first contact surface and the rotation bar may be biased to rotate toward the second bar position. When the first door rotates from a position where the storage compartment is closed to the second opening angle, the lever may contact the second contact surface.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a hinge bracket connecting the body and the door to support the door so that the door can rotate relative to the body. The guide may be coupled to the hinge bracket.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment, the door being provided to open by rotating in a first direction and to close by rotating in a second direction, a guide provided to apply a force to the door in a direction of rotation in the second direction when the door rotates from a closed position in the first direction by an angle smaller than a reference angle, and a door pusher provided to apply a force to the door in a direction of rotation in the first direction when the door rotates from a closed position in the first direction by an angle larger than the reference angle, and a door pusher mounted to the main body and provided to press the door to open the door. The door pusher may be provided to press the door until the door rotates from a closed position in the first direction by an angle greater than the reference angle.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment, a lever mounted on the door, a guide provided to allow the lever to contact the door when the door rotates, and a door pusher movable between a first pusher position and a second pusher position with respect to the main body and provided to press the door in an opening direction as it moves from the first pusher position to the second pusher position. The guide may include a first contact surface provided to apply force to the lever in a door-closing direction when the lever contacts it, and a second contact surface provided to apply force to the lever in a door-opening direction when the lever contacts it. The lever may contact the second contact surface when the door pusher is located at the second pusher position.

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

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a top table detached from a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the appearance of a top table and door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door pusher is positioned at the first pusher position.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the appearance of a top table and door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door pusher is positioned at a second pusher position.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a part of a configuration of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a part of a configuration of a door opening device when the door pusher is in the first pusher position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of a door opening device when the door pusher is in the first pusher position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a part of a configuration of a door opening device when the door pusher is in the second pusher position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of a door opening device when the door pusher is in the second pusher position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a part of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a lever device and a guide of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the configurations of a lever device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the configurations of a lever device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is in a closed position.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a roller of a lever moving along a first contact surface of a guide when a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state when a roller of a lever comes into contact with a curved point of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a roller of a lever moving along a second contact surface of a guide when a door is opened in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a door pusher that presses the door when the roller of the lever contacts the first contact surface of the guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a door pusher that presses the door when the roller of the lever contacts the curved point of the guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a door pusher in a stopped state when the roller of the lever comes into contact with the second contact surface of the guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a rotating bar of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of a rotating bar in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is in the open position.

[0051] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of a rotating bar in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is in a closed position.

[0052] FIG. 24 is a drawing showing the appearance of a lever and a door pusher when the rotating bar is in the first bar position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing the appearance of a lever and a door pusher in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the rotating bar is in a position rotated at a predetermined angle from a first bar position toward a second bar position.

[0054] FIG. 26 is a drawing showing the appearance of a lever and a door pusher when the rotating bar is in the second bar position in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 main 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.

[0068] "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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

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

[0097] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0098] Meanwhile, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below may mean the front and rear of the refrigerator in the X direction based on the drawing, respectively. The terms "upper" and "lower" below may mean the upper side in the Z direction of the refrigerator and the lower side in the Z direction based on the drawing, respectively. The terms "left" and "right" below may mean the left side in the Y direction of the refrigerator and the right side in the Y direction based on the drawing, respectively.

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

[0100] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) provided inside the main body (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage compartment (20), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (20).

[0101] The main body (10) may include an inner case (11) forming a storage compartment (20) and an outer case (12) forming the exterior of the refrigerator (1).

[0102] The outer surface (12) can be formed to have a shape of a box with an open front. The outer surface (12) can form the top, bottom, left and right sides, and back of the refrigerator (1).

[0103] The inner case (11) can be opened at the front. The inner case (11) has a storage compartment (20) provided therein, which can be provided on the inner side of the outer case (12). The inner wall of the inner case (11) can form the inner wall of the storage compartment (20).

[0104] Between the outer case (12) and the inner case (11) of the main body (10), a main body insulation material may be provided so that the outer case (12) and the inner case (11) can be insulated from each other. A storage compartment (20) may be formed on the inside of the main body (10). For example, the storage compartment (20) may include a refrigerator compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and stores food in a cold state. For example, the storage compartment (20) may include a freezer compartment that is maintained at approximately -30 to 0 degrees Celsius and stores food in a frozen state.

[0105] For example, the storage room (20) can be divided into a plurality of areas by partitions (15). Specifically, the storage room (20) can be divided into a first storage room (21) at the top and a third storage room (22, 23) at the bottom by a first partition (17) extending in the horizontal direction. In addition, the lower storage room (22, 23) of the storage room (20) can be divided into a second storage room (22) at the left and a third storage room (23) at the right by a second partition (19) extending in the vertical direction. In this case, for example, the first storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and both the second storage room (22) and the third storage room (23) can be used as freezers, or one of the two can be used as a freezers and the other of the two can be used as a refrigerator.

[0106] The above-described method of dividing the storage room (20) and the purpose of each of the divided storage rooms (21, 22, 23) are only an example and are not limited thereto.

[0107] Inside the storage room (20), a shelf (24) for placing food and a storage container (26) for storing food may be provided.

[0108] A refrigerator (1) may include a cooling system configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to a storage compartment (20). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, and the like.

[0109] The main body (10) may include a cold air supply duct that forms a cold air path through which cold air generated by the cooling system flows into the storage chamber (20). The cold air supply duct may be formed at the rear of the inner case (11) and may be provided at the rear of the storage chamber (20) to be connected to the storage chamber (20).

[0110] A door (30) may be provided to open and close the storage room (20). The door (30) may be provided to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body (10). The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10).

[0111] The outer surface of the door (30) may form a part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the outer surface of the door (30) may form at least a part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the inner surface of the door (30) may face the interior of the storage compartment (20). The inner surface of the door (30) referred to herein means one side of the door (30) that faces the storage compartment (20) when the door (30) closes the storage compartment (20). In addition, the outer surface of the door (30) referred to herein means the other side opposite to the inner surface of the door (30) that faces the storage compartment (20) when the door (30) closes the storage compartment (20), and means the front of the door (30) that is visible when the refrigerator (1) is viewed from the front.

[0112] A door gasket (37) may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30) to seal the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10) and prevent leakage of cold air from the storage compartment (20). The door gasket (37) may be provided along the perimeter of the inner surface of the door (30). The door gasket (37) may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0113] The refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) for opening and closing each compartmentalized storage compartment (21, 22, 23).

[0114] In detail, the first storage compartment (21) can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors (30A, 30B). The refrigerator (1) may include a first door (30A) for opening and closing a portion of the first storage compartment (21) and a second door (30B) for opening and closing another portion of the first storage compartment (21). The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be provided to be rotatable independently of each other with respect to the main body (10).

[0115] The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be arranged parallel to each other. Specifically, the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y direction). For example, the first door (30A) may be arranged to open and close the left side of the first storage compartment (21), and the second door (30B) may be arranged to open and close the right side of the first storage compartment (21).

[0116] A refrigerator (1) may be provided with a rotation bar (500) that is provided to be rotatable with respect to one of a pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) (e.g., a first door (30A)) and is provided to cover a gap between the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) when the first storage compartment (21) is closed.

[0117] Additionally, the second storage compartment (22) can be opened and closed by the lower left door (30C). The refrigerator (1) may include a third door (30C) provided to open and close the second storage compartment (22). The third door (30C) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10). For example, the first door (30A) and the third door (30C) may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (Z).

[0118] In addition, the third storage compartment (23) can be opened and closed by the lower right door (30D). The refrigerator (1) may include a fourth door (30D) provided to open and close the third storage compartment (23). The fourth door (30D) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10). For example, the second door (30B) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (Z). In addition, the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0119] For example, a handle may be provided on each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D), and a user may open or close each of the doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) by grasping the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). In other words, a user may open or close each of the storage compartments (21, 22, 23) by grasping the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D).

[0120] For example, the handle provided on each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) may include a groove shape that is formed concavely so that it can be gripped.

[0121] For example, a door basket (36) capable of storing food may be provided on the back surface of the first door (30A). For example, a door basket (36) capable of storing food may be provided on the back surface of the second door (30B).

[0122] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge bracket (40) connecting the main body (10) and the door (30). The hinge bracket (40) may be provided so that the door (30) can rotate relative to the main body (10).

[0123] The hinge bracket (40) can be fixed to the main body (10). Specifically, the hinge bracket (40) can be coupled to the outer body (12).

[0124] The hinge bracket (40) can rotatably support the door (30). The door (30) can be rotatably connected to the main body (10) by the hinge bracket (40). The rotation axis of the door (30) can pass through the hinge bracket (40).

[0125] In detail, the refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of hinge brackets (41, 42, 43) provided to support each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D).

[0126] For example, the refrigerator (1) may include an upper door hinge bracket (41). The upper door hinge bracket (41) may be coupled to the upper portion of the main body (10). For example, the upper door hinge brackets (41) may be provided in pairs to rotatably support the first door (30A) and the second door (30B), respectively. The pair of upper door hinge brackets (41) may be provided on the upper left and upper right portions of the main body (10), respectively. Each of the pair of upper door hinge brackets (41) may be coupled to the upper portion of the first door (30A) and the upper portion of the second door (30B), respectively.

[0127] In addition, for example, the refrigerator (1) may include a lower door hinge bracket (43). The lower door hinge bracket (43) may be coupled to the lower portion of the main body (10). For example, the lower door hinge brackets (43) may be provided in pairs to rotatably support the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D), respectively. The pair of lower door hinge brackets (43) may be provided on the lower left and lower right portions of the main body (10), respectively. Each of the pair of lower door hinge brackets (43) may be coupled to the lower portion of the third door (30C) and the lower portion of the fourth door (30D), respectively.

[0128] In addition, for example, the refrigerator (1) may include an intermediate hinge bracket (42). The intermediate hinge bracket (42) may be coupled to a middle portion of the main body (10). The intermediate hinge bracket (42) may be positioned between the upper door hinge bracket (41) and the lower door hinge bracket (43). For example, the intermediate hinge brackets (42) may be provided in a pair to rotatably support the first door (30A) and the second door (20B), respectively. In addition, the intermediate hinge brackets (42) may be provided in a pair to rotatably support the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D), respectively. The pair of intermediate hinge brackets (42) may be provided on the left and right sides of the middle portion of the main body (10), respectively. Each of a pair of intermediate hinge brackets (42) can be coupled to the lower portion of the first door (30A) and the lower portion of the second door (20B). Additionally, each of a pair of intermediate hinge brackets (42) can be coupled to the upper portion of the third door (30C) and the upper portion of the fourth door (30D).

[0129] The upper door hinge bracket (41) and the middle hinge bracket (42) can be arranged parallel to each other along the direction in which the rotation axes of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) extend. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the upper door hinge bracket (41) and the middle hinge bracket (42) can be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (Z).

[0130] The lower door hinge bracket (43) and the middle hinge bracket (42) may be arranged parallel to each other along the direction in which the rotation axes of the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D) extend. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the lower door hinge bracket (43) and the middle hinge bracket (42) may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (Z).

[0131] A more detailed description of the structure of the hinge bracket (40) will be described later.

[0132] The main body (10) may further include a top table (13) provided on the upper portion of the main body (10). Specifically, the top table (13) may be coupled to the upper portion of the outer body (12). The top table (13) may be coupled to the upper surface of the outer body (12). The top table (13) may be fixed to the outer body (12).

[0133] The top table (13) can cover the upper door hinge bracket (41). In this respect, the top table (13) may also be referred to as a 'hinge bracket cover (13)'.

[0134] The top table (13) can cover various electrical components. A receiving space (13a, see FIG. 3) for receiving various electrical components can be formed on the inside of the top table (13). More specifically, the top table (13) can cover a door opening device (400) described below, and the door opening device (400) can be received on the inside of the top table (13). In this respect, the top table (13) can also be referred to as a 'door opening device cover (13)'.

[0135] A more detailed description of the structure of the top table (13) will be described later.

[0136] The configuration of the refrigerator (1) described above with reference to FIG. 1 is merely an example for explaining a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage room for storing food.

[0137] The type of refrigerator to which the refrigerator according to the invention of the present disclosure is applied is not limited to the type of refrigerator (1) illustrated in the drawing, and the refrigerator according to the invention of the present disclosure may include various types of refrigerators such as a side-by-side type, a French door type, a BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) type, a TMF (Top Mounted Freezer) type, or a 1-door type.

[0138] In addition, the above description is made as an example of the present disclosure on the premise that the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a direct-cooling refrigerator, but the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

[0139] However, for convenience of explanation, the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure will be described in detail below based on the refrigerator (1) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 26.

[0140] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a top table detached from a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door opening device (400) configured to open a door (30).

[0142] The door opening device (400) may be provided to automatically open the door (30). The door opening device (400) may be provided to automatically rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) so that the storage compartment (20) is opened.

[0143] In detail, the door opening device (400) can be mounted on the main body (10). The door opening device (400) can open the door (30) by pressing the door (30) in the opening direction while being mounted on the main body (10). The door opening device (400) can be arranged to pressurize the door (30) based on conditions for opening the door (30).

[0144] The door opening device (400) may be provided to automatically open the first storage compartment (21). That is, the refrigerator (1) may include a first door opening device (400A) provided to open the first door (30A) and a second door opening device (400B) provided to open the second door (30B).

[0145] Specifically, the first door opening device (400A) may be configured to open the first door (30A). The first door opening device (400A) may be configured to automatically open the first door (30A) based on conditions for opening the first door (30A). The first door opening device (400A) may be configured to rotate the first door (30A) relative to the main body (10) so that a portion of the first storage compartment (21) is opened.

[0146] Additionally, the second door opening device (400B) may be provided to open the second door (30B). The second door opening device (400B) may be provided to automatically open the second door (30B) based on conditions for opening the second door (30B). The second door opening device (400B) may be provided to rotate the second door (30B) relative to the main body (10) so that another portion of the first storage compartment (21) is opened.

[0147] The first door opening device (400A) and the second door opening device (400B) can be arranged to open the first storage room (21) independently of each other.

[0148] In this case, for example, the door opening device (400) may be mounted on the upper part of the main body (10). More specifically, the door opening device (400) may be accommodated on the inner side of the top table (13). The door opening device (400) may be covered from above by the top table (13). The door opening device (400) may be placed on the upper surface of the outer body (12). For example, the first door opening device (400A) may be placed on the left side with respect to the center on the upper part of the main body (10), and the second door opening device (400B) may be placed on the right side with respect to the center on the upper part of the main body (10). That is, the first door opening device (400A) and the second door opening device (400B) may be placed parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0149] The door opening device (400) may be mounted on the upper portion of the main body (10) and configured to pressurize the upper portion of the door (30). For example, the first door opening device (400A) may be configured to pressurize the upper portion of the first door (30A). Additionally, the second door opening device (400B) may be configured to pressurize the upper portion of the second door (30B).

[0150] However, it is not limited thereto, and the door opening device (400) can be mounted at various locations of the main body (10), and can be arranged to open the first storage chamber (21) by pressing various parts other than the upper part of the first door (30A) or the second door (30B).

[0151] For example, unlike the one shown in FIG. 2, the door opening device (400) may be mounted on the horizontal partition (17) and configured to pressurize the lower portion of the first door (30A) or the second door (30B).

[0152] Alternatively, for example, unlike the one illustrated in FIG. 2, the door opening device (400) may be configured to open the second storage compartment (22). That is, the door opening device (400) may be configured to pressurize the third door (30C) based on a condition for opening the second storage compartment (22). In this case, the door opening device (400) may be mounted on the lower portion of the main body (10) or may be mounted on the horizontal partition (17).

[0153] Alternatively, for example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 2, the door opening device (400) may be configured to open the third storage compartment (23). That is, the door opening device (400) may be configured to pressurize the fourth door (30D) based on a condition for opening the third storage compartment (23). In this case, the door opening device (400) may be mounted on the lower portion of the main body (10) or may be mounted on the horizontal partition (17).

[0154] However, for convenience of explanation, the following description assumes an example in which the door opening device (400) is mounted on the upper part of the main body (10) and configured to open the first storage room (21) by pressing the first door (30A) or the second door (30B).

[0155] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the first door opening device (400A) among the first door opening device (400A) and the second door opening device (400B) will be described as an example, and for convenience, the first door opening device (400A) may be referred to as the 'door opening device (400)'. The features of the door opening device (400) described below can also be applied to the second door opening device (400B).

[0156] Referring to FIG. 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door opening / closing guide module provided to guide the opening / closing of a door (30).

[0157] Specifically, the refrigerator (1) may include a guide (200). The guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. In other words, the guide (200) may be provided to induce the door (30) to rotate in a specific direction depending on the position of the door (30). In other words, the guide (200) may be provided to assist the door (30) in opening or closing depending on the position of the door (30).

[0158] In detail, the guide (200) may be arranged to apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens or closes depending on the position of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The door (30) may receive force in the direction in which it opens or closes depending on the relative position of the door (30) with respect to the guide (200). That is, the guide (200) may guide the rotation of the door (30) so that the door (30) rotates in the opening direction when the door (30) is located at a specific position when the door (30) is opened. In addition, the guide (200) may guide the rotation of the door (30) so that the door (30) rotates in the closing direction when the door (30) is located at a specific position when the door (30) is closed. When the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is opened is referred to as the first direction, and when the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is closed is referred to as the second direction, the guide (200) can guide the door (30) to rotate in the first direction by transmitting a force to rotate in the first direction to the door (30) depending on the position of the door (30) when the door (30) rotates in the first direction or the second direction, or can guide the door (30) to rotate in the second direction by transmitting a force to rotate in the second direction to the door (30).

[0159] The guide (200) may be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the guide (200) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (40). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the guide (200) may be coupled to the upper door hinge bracket (41). Alternatively, for example, the guide (200) may be formed integrally with the upper door hinge bracket (41).

[0160] The refrigerator (1) may include a lever device (100). The lever device (100) may be mounted on the door (30). As shown in FIG. 2, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the upper portion of the door (30).

[0161] The lever device (100) may include a lever (130, see FIG. 11, etc.) that is arranged to contact the guide (200) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The lever device (100) may receive force from the guide (200) when the lever (130) contacts the guide (200). When the lever (130) contacts the guide (200), the force applied to the lever device (100) from the guide (200) may vary depending on the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the guide (200). Here, the phrase "the force applied to the lever device (100) from the guide (200) varies" means that the magnitude or direction of the force that the lever device (100) receives from the guide (200) may vary depending on the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the guide (200). Accordingly, the lever device (100) can transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens or transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes, depending on the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the guide (200) when the lever (130) contacts the guide (200). In other words, the lever device (100) can transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens or transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes, depending on the position of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. If the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is opened is referred to as the first direction and the direction in which the door (30) rotates when it is closed is referred to as the second direction, the lever device (100) can transmit a force to rotate the door (30) in the first direction or a force to rotate the door (30) in the second direction depending on the position of the door (30) when the door (30) rotates in the first direction or the second direction.

[0162] A door opening / closing guide module such as this can be provided to guide the opening / closing of, for example, each of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B).

[0163] In detail, the refrigerator (1) may include a first guide (200A) provided to guide the rotation of the first door (30A) when the first door (30A) is opened or closed. The first guide (200A) may be provided to apply force to the first door (30A) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened or closed, depending on the position of the first door (30A).

[0164] The first guide (200A) can be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the first guide (200A) can be coupled to an upper door hinge bracket (41) connected to the first door (30A) among a pair of upper door hinge brackets (41). In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first guide (200A) can be coupled to an upper door hinge bracket (41) positioned on the left side.

[0165] Additionally, the refrigerator (1) may include a first lever device (100A) mounted on the first door (30A). For example, the first lever device (100A) may be mounted on the upper portion of the first door (30A).

[0166] The lever (130, see Fig. 11, etc.) of the first lever device (100A) may be arranged to contact the first guide (200A) when the first door (30A) is opened or closed. Depending on the position of the first door (30A), the first lever device (100A) may apply force to the first door (30A) in a direction in which the first door (30A) is opened, or may apply force to the first door (30A) in a direction in which the first door (30A) is closed.

[0167] Additionally, the refrigerator (1) may include a second guide (200B) provided to guide the rotation of the second door (30B) when the second door (30B) is opened or closed. The second guide (200B) may be provided to apply force to the second door (30B) in the direction in which the second door (30B) is opened or closed, depending on the position of the second door (30B).

[0168] The second guide (200B) may be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the second guide (200B) may be coupled to an upper door hinge bracket (41) connected to the second door (30B) among a pair of upper door hinge brackets (41). In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second guide (200B) may be coupled to an upper door hinge bracket (41) positioned on the right side.

[0169] Additionally, the refrigerator (1) may include a second lever device (100B) mounted on the second door (30B). For example, the second lever device (100B) may be mounted on the upper portion of the second door (30B).

[0170] The lever (130, see Fig. 11, etc.) of the second lever device (100B) may be arranged to contact the second guide (200B) when the second door (30B) is opened or closed. The second lever device (100B) may apply force to the second door (30B) in the direction in which the second door (30B) is opened, or may apply force to the second door (30B) in the direction in which the second door (30B) is closed, depending on the position of the second door (30B) when the second door (30B) is opened or closed.

[0171] However, the arrangement of the door opening / closing guide module, such as the lever device (100) and the guide (200), is not limited to that described above.

[0172] For example, unlike as shown in FIG. 2, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the lower portion of the first door (30A) or the second door (30B), and the guide (200) may be mounted on the middle hinge bracket (42).

[0173] Alternatively, for example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 2, the guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the third door (30C) and transmit force to the third door (30C) when the third door (30C) rotates. At this time, the guide (200) may be provided on the lower door hinge bracket (43) or the middle hinge bracket (42). In addition, the lever device (100) may be provided to contact the guide (200) when the third door (30C) rotates and transmit force to the third door (30C). At this time, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the lower or upper portion of the third door (30C) so as to correspond to the position of the guide (200).

[0174] Alternatively, for example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 2, the guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the fourth door (30D) and transmit force to the fourth door (30D) when the fourth door (30D) rotates. At this time, the guide (200) may be provided on the lower door hinge bracket (43) or the middle hinge bracket (42). In addition, the lever device (100) may be provided to contact the guide (200) when the fourth door (30D) rotates and transmit force to the fourth door (30D). At this time, the lever device (100) may be mounted on the lower or upper portion of the fourth door (30D) so as to correspond to the position of the guide (200).

[0175] In the following, for convenience of explanation, an example in which a guide (200) is coupled to an upper door hinge bracket (41) and a lever device (100) is mounted on the upper part of a first door (30A) or the upper part of a second door (30B) to guide the rotation of the first door (30A) or the second door (30B) is explained.

[0176] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the first lever device (100A) among the first lever device (100A) and the second lever device (100B) will be described as an example, and for convenience, the first lever device (100A) may be referred to as a 'lever device (100)'. The features of the lever device (100) described below can also be applied to the second lever device (100B).

[0177] In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the first guide (200A) among the first guide (200A) and the second guide (200B) will be described below as an example, and for convenience, the first guide (200A) may be referred to as a 'guide (200).' The features of the guide (200) described below can also be applied to the second guide (200B).

[0178] In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the first door (30A) among the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) will be described as an example below, and for convenience, the first door (30A) may be referred to as 'door (30)'.

[0179] In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the upper door hinge bracket (41) connecting the first door (30A) and the main body (10) among the plurality of hinge brackets (41, 42, 43) is described as an example, and for convenience, the upper door hinge bracket (41) may be referred to as a 'hinge bracket (40)'.

[0180] In addition, for convenience, the first storage room (21) that is opened and closed by the first door (30A) among the storage rooms (21, 22, 23) that are separated from each other may be referred to as a storage room (20) below.

[0181] The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable between an open position that opens the storage compartment (20) to the maximum extent, and a closed position that closes the storage compartment (20). That is, the storage compartment (20) may be opened when the door (30) rotates from the closed position to the open position, and the storage compartment (20) may be closed when the door (30) rotates from the open position to the closed position. The open position and the closed position of the door (30) may be defined as relative positions with respect to the main body (10) and the storage compartment (20).

[0182] The door (30) can be opened by rotating in a first direction, and can be closed by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. That is, the door (30) can be arranged to rotate in the first direction from a closed position toward an open position, and can be closed by rotating in the second direction from an open position toward a closed position.

[0183] The opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle by which the door (30) is rotated from the closed position. That is, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle by which the door (30) is rotated in the first direction from the closed position. As the opening angle of the door (30) increases, the degree to which the door (30) opens the storage compartment (20) may increase. The opening position of the door (30) may be defined as the position of the door (30) when the opening angle of the door (30) is at its maximum.

[0184] For example, when the door (30) is positioned in the open position, the opening angle of the door (30) may be approximately 80 to 120 degrees.

[0185] The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in one direction. For example, as illustrated, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction (Z).

[0186] The rotation axis of the door (30) may be determined differently depending on the connection relationship between the door (30) and the main body (10). The rotation axis of the door (30) may pass through the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40). Accordingly, the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable about the rotation axis with respect to the hinge bracket (40).

[0187] As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the hinge bracket (40) is fixed to the main body (10) and the portion where the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40) are connected to each other is fixed to the main body (10), the rotational axis of the door (30) can be defined as a virtual straight line that is fixed to the main body (10). That is, the door (30) can be provided to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position about the rotational axis at a fixed position with respect to the main body (10).

[0188] However, in contrast to this, when the door (30) opens or closes the storage compartment (20), if the hinge bracket (40) moves with respect to the main body (10) or the portion where the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40) are connected to each other moves with respect to the main body (10) (for example, a multi-joint hinge type in which the hinge brackets are composed of a plurality of links that are rotatably connected to each other), the rotational axis of the door (30) may not be fixed with respect to the main body (10). Even in this case, the opening angle of the door (30) may be defined as the angle at which the door (30) is rotated in the first direction from the closed position, and as the door (30) is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the opening angle of the door (30) increases.

[0189] The door opening device (400) described above may be arranged to rotate the door (30) from a closed position toward an open position. The door opening device (400) may pressurize the door (30) to rotate the door (30) toward the open position.

[0190] The aforementioned guide (200) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The guide (200) may apply force to the door (30) while the door (30) is being opened or closed. The magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) when the door (30) is opened may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30). In addition, the magnitude or direction of the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) when the door (30) is closed may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30).

[0191] The aforementioned lever device (100) is mounted on the door (30) and can move together with the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The lever device (100) can contact the guide (200) and transmit force to the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The relative position of the lever device (100) with respect to the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30), and the point at which the lever (130) of the lever device (100) contacts the guide (200) may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30). The magnitude and direction of the force applied to the door (30) may vary depending on which point on the guide (200) the lever (130) of the lever device (100) contacts.

[0192] Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the door opening device (400), guide (200), and lever device (100) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 26.

[0193] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a top table and a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door pusher is positioned at the first pusher position. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a top table and a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door pusher is positioned at the second pusher position.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a door opening device (400) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door pusher (420). The door pusher (420) may be configured to pressurize the door (30) to open the door (30).

[0195] The door pusher (420) can be mounted on the main body (10). The door pusher (420) can be supported by a pusher case (410) described later, and the pusher case (410) can be fixed to the main body (10). Thus, the door pusher (420) can be mounted on the main body (10) via the pusher case (410).

[0196] The door opening device (400) may include a pusher case (410) that supports a door pusher (420). The pusher case (410) may accommodate at least a portion of the door pusher (420).

[0197] The pusher case (410) can be mounted on the main body (10). The pusher case (410) can be fixed to the main body (10).

[0198] For example, the pusher case (410) may be mounted on the top table (13). The pusher case (410) may include a fixing member (410c) that is coupled to the top table (13) and is fixed to the main body (10). For example, the pusher case (410) may be fixed to the top table (13) by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) that penetrates the fixing member (410c).

[0199] The top table (13) can be fixed to the outer case (12). The top table (13) can include a case coupling portion that is provided to be fixed to the outer case (12). For example, the top table (13) can be fixed to the outer case (12) by the case coupling portion (13c) being screw-fastened to one side of the outer case (12) or the hinge bracket (40). Alternatively, for example, the top table (13) can be fixed to the outer case (12) by the case coupling portion (13d) being hook-fastened to the outer case (12) or the hinge bracket (40). As the top table (13) is fixed to the outer case (12), the door opening device (400) including the pusher case (410) can be stably mounted to the main body (10).

[0200] For example, the pusher case (410) may be covered by the top table (13). The pusher case (410) may be accommodated inside the top table (13). The top table (13) may be coupled to the inside of the top table (13). The top table (13) may include a receiving space (13a) provided to accommodate the door opening device (400), and the pusher case (410) may be placed inside the receiving space (13a).

[0201] For example, the pusher case (410) may include a first pusher case (411) and a second pusher case (412). The first pusher case (411) and the second pusher case (412) may be coupled to each other. An accommodation space may be formed between the first pusher case (411) and the second pusher case (412) to accommodate various components of the door opening device (400), such as the door pusher (420) (see FIG. 5, etc.).

[0202] For example, the first pusher case (411) may be placed above the second pusher case (412). The first pusher case (411) and the second pusher case (412) may be coupled to each other in a vertical direction.

[0203] However, it is not limited thereto, and the pusher case (410) may have various structures.

[0204] The door pusher (420) may be provided to be movable relative to the main body (10). The door pusher (420) may be provided to pressurize the door (30) while moving relative to the main body (10). The door pusher (420) may be movably mounted on the main body (10).

[0205] The door pusher (420) may be movably provided on the pusher case (410). The pusher case (410) may movably support the door pusher (420). The door pusher (420) is movably supported on the pusher case (410), and the pusher case (410) is fixed to the main body (10), so that the door pusher (420) may be mounted on the main body (10) and at the same time be movably provided with respect to the main body (10).

[0206] The door pusher (420) may be provided to be movable with respect to the receiving space (13a) within the top table (13). The door pusher (420) may be introduced into the receiving space (13a) and received within the receiving space (13a), or may be withdrawn from the receiving space (13a) and pressurize the door (30).

[0207] The top table (13) may include an opening (13b) formed on one side of the receiving space (13a). The door pusher (420) may be provided to penetrate the opening (13b) and be movable with respect to the receiving space (13a). The opening (13b) may be formed on one side of the top table (13) facing the door (30) when the door (30) is in the closed position. For example, the opening (13b) may be formed on the front side of the top table (13).

[0208] The door pusher (420) may be provided to be movable between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). Specifically, the door pusher (420) may be provided to be reciprocally movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2).

[0209] The first pusher position (P1) may be the position of the door pusher (420) when the door (30) is in the closed position. The second pusher position (P2) may be the position at which the door pusher (420) moves from the first pusher position (P1) in a direction that presses the door (30). The door pusher (420) may move from the first pusher position (P1) toward the second pusher position (P2) and pressurize and open the door (30) that was closed. The second pusher position (P2) may be the position at which the door pusher (420) moves forward from the first pusher position (P1).

[0210] The door pusher (420) can be accommodated in the accommodation space (13a) of the top table (13) when positioned at the first pusher position (P1). That is, the door pusher (420) can be inserted into the accommodation space (13a) of the top table (13) when positioned at the first pusher position (P1), and can be withdrawn from the accommodation space (13a) and moved from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2). The door pusher (420) can be arranged to be movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2) by penetrating the opening (13b) of the top table (13).

[0211] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the door pusher (420) may be provided to be linearly movable between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). As illustrated in the drawings, the door pusher (420) may be provided to be linearly movable in the forward and backward direction (X). However, alternatively, the door pusher (420) may also be non-linearly movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2).

[0212] The door pusher (420) may be configured to press the door (30) until it reaches the second pusher position (P2). Thereafter, the door pusher (420) may stop moving based on reaching the second pusher position (P2) or may move to the first pusher position (P1). In this case, the door pusher (420) may no longer press the door (30).

[0213] The door pusher (420) may include a movable rod (421) that is provided to be movable with respect to the main body (10). The movable rod (421) may be provided to be movable with respect to the pusher case (410). The movable rod (421) may be supported by the pusher case (410). At least a portion of the movable rod (421) may be accommodated in the pusher case (410). The movable rod (421) may be provided to be movable with respect to the accommodation space (13a) of the top table (13). At least a portion of the movable rod (421) may be accommodated in the accommodation space (13a). The movable rod (421) may be introduced into or withdrawn from the accommodation space (13a).

[0214] For example, the moving rod (421) may be provided to be linearly movable relative to the main body (10). The moving rod (421) may be provided to be linearly movable relative to the pusher case (410).

[0215] The door pusher (420) may include a push roller (422). The push roller (422) may be mounted on one side of the moving rod (421) in a direction that presses the door (30). When the door pusher (420) moves from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2), the push roller (422) may contact the door (30). That is, the door (30) may be pressed by the push roller (422).

[0216] The push roller (422) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the moving rod (421). The push roller (422) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the moving rod (421).

[0217] As a rotatable push roller (422) is provided on one side of the moving rod (421), friction between the door pusher (420) and the door (30) can be reduced, wear on the door pusher (420) and the door (30) can be prevented, and the door (30) can be opened more efficiently.

[0218] The door pusher (420) may include an opening cover (423) provided on one side of the moving rod (421). The opening cover (423) may be provided to cover the opening (13b) of the top table (13) when the door pusher (420) is positioned at the first pusher position (P1). The opening cover (423) may be provided to seal the gap between the door pusher (420) and the opening (13b) when the door pusher (420) is positioned at the first pusher position (P1).

[0219] In this way, the door opening device (400) can automatically open the door (30) by including a door pusher (420) that is movable relative to the main body (10) and is provided to pressurize the door (30).

[0220] Hereinafter, an example of a structure that a door opening device (400) may have will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0221] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a part of a configuration of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a part of a configuration of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is in a first pusher position. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is in a first pusher position. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a part of a configuration of a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is in a second pusher position. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when a door pusher is in a second pusher position.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, a door opening device (400) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a power source (430) that is provided to generate power for moving a door pusher (420). The power source (430) may generate power required for the door pusher (420) when the door pusher (420) moves between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2).

[0223] For example, the power source (430) may include a drive motor and a motor driver connected to the drive motor. The drive motor may receive a drive current from the motor driver and generate power. The motor driver may be electrically connected to the control unit of the refrigerator (1) and may operate based on a control signal received from the control unit.

[0224] The power source (430) may be supported by the pusher case (410). The power source (430) may be accommodated inside the pusher case (410).

[0225] The door opening device (400) may include a power transmission member (440) configured to transmit power generated by a power source (430) to a door pusher (420).

[0226] The power transmission member (440) can be supported by the pusher case (410). The power transmission member (440) can be accommodated inside the pusher case (410).

[0227] The door pusher (420) may have a structure capable of receiving power from a power transmission member (440). Specifically, the structure capable of receiving power from the power transmission member (440) may be provided on the moving rod (421). Accordingly, power generated by the power source (430) may be transmitted to the door pusher (420) via the power transmission member (440).

[0228] For example, the power transmission member (440) may include at least one gear. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the power transmission member (440) may include a plurality of gears. In this case, the moving load (421) may include a load gear portion (421a) that engages with one or more gears of the power transmission member (440), and the load gear portion (421a) may receive power from the gears of the power transmission member (440).

[0229] For example, the power transmission member (440) and the load gear portion (421a) may form a rack-and-pinion gear structure. As a result, the moving load (421) can move linearly with respect to the pusher case (410).

[0230] The power source (430) can be controlled by the control unit of the refrigerator (1). The power source (430) can be electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit can transmit a control signal for controlling the power source (430) to the power source (430), and the power source (430) can operate based on the control signal received from the control unit.

[0231] The control unit of the refrigerator (1) can control the power source (430) to move the door pusher (420) from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2) based on a condition for opening the door (30). For example, the condition for opening the door (30) may include obtaining a user input for opening the door (30).

[0232] The refrigerator (1) may include a user interface including an input button. The input button may be configured to obtain a user input for opening the door (30).

[0233] For example, the input button may include a touch sensor, such as a capacitive sensor. The input button may be configured to obtain user input for opening the door (30) when the user touches or presses the input button. However, this is not limited thereto, and the input button may obtain user input in various ways.

[0234] For example, the input button may be placed on the door (30). Specifically, the input button may be placed on the door handle (30) or at a location adjacent thereto. In this case, when the user touches the door handle (30), the input button can easily obtain user input for opening the door (30). In addition, the input button may be placed at various locations, such as the front of the door (30).

[0235] The input button may be electrically connected to the control unit. The input button may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the acquired user input to the control unit. The control unit may control the power source (430) to open the door (30) based on the user input acquired by the input button to open the door (30).

[0236] Meanwhile, when the door pusher (420) reaches the second pusher position (P2), it may be necessary to control the door pusher (420) not to move further in the direction of pressing the door (30) from the second pusher position (P2). Accordingly, the control unit may control the power source (430) to stop the movement of the door pusher (420) based on the door pusher (420) reaching the second pusher position (P2).

[0237] Additionally, when the door opening device (400) opens the door (30), the door pusher (420) may need to return to the first pusher position (P1) immediately after the door (30) moves to the open position or between that point and the point in time when the door (30) reaches the closed position. Accordingly, the control unit may control the power source (430) to move the door pusher (420) to the first pusher position (P1) based on the door pusher (420) reaching the second pusher position (P2).

[0238] For example, the door opening device (400) may include a position detection sensor (450) configured to detect the position of the door pusher (420).

[0239] The position detection sensor (450) may be supported on the pusher case (410). The position detection sensor (450) may be accommodated within the pusher case (410). Alternatively, as an example, the position detection sensor (450) may be provided to detect the position of the door pusher (420) from the outside of the pusher case (410).

[0240] The position detection sensor (450) can detect the position of the door pusher (420) in various ways. For example, the position detection sensor (450) can be provided to detect the magnetic field of the magnet (460) mounted on the door pusher (420). Specifically, the door pusher (420) can be provided with a magnet mounting portion (425) on which the magnet (460) is mounted, and the magnet (460) can be mounted on the magnet mounting portion (425) and move together with the door pusher (420). The position detection sensor (450) can detect a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnet (460) as the door pusher (420) moves.

[0241] For example, the magnet mounting portion (425) may be provided on the moving rod (421). The magnet mounting portion (425) may extend from the moving rod (421) toward the direction in which the position detection sensor (450) is located.

[0242] For example, the position detection sensor (450) may include a Hall sensor that detects a magnetic field. However, the type of the position detection sensor (450) is not limited thereto, and the position detection sensor (450) may include various types of sensors that can detect the position of the door pusher (420), specifically, at least when the door pusher (420) has reached the second pusher position (P2). For example, the position detection sensor (450) may include various types of sensors, such as a reed switch and an optical sensor.

[0243] The position detection sensor (450) can be electrically connected to the control unit of the refrigerator (1). The position detection sensor (450) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the door pusher (420) to the control unit. When the position detection sensor (450) detects that the door pusher (420) has reached the second pusher position (P2), it can output an electrical signal corresponding thereto and transmit it to the control unit. When the control unit receives the electrical signal indicating that the door pusher (420) has reached the second pusher position (P2), it can control the power source (430) to stop the door pusher (420) or move to the first pusher position (P1).

[0244] In addition, the control unit can determine whether the door pusher (420) has reached the second pusher position (P2) using various methods and control the power source (430) based on this.

[0245] For example, the control unit can control the power source (430) to move the door pusher (420) to the second pusher position (P2) based on the position information of the rotor of the drive motor provided in the power source (430), and to stop the movement of the door pusher (420) or return it to the first pusher position (P1) when the door pusher (420) reaches the second pusher position (P2).

[0246] Alternatively, for example, the control unit may control the power source (430) to move the door pusher (420) to the second pusher position (P2) based on the number of pulse signals input to the stepper motor when the power source (430) includes a stepper motor, and to stop the movement of the door pusher (420) or return it to the first pusher position (P1) when the door pusher (420) reaches the second pusher position (P2).

[0247] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, in one embodiment, the door pusher (420) may stop its movement by a mechanical structure when it reaches the second pusher position (P2).

[0248] For example, the door pusher (420) may include a stopper (424). The stopper (424) may be provided to prevent the door pusher (420) from moving further in the direction of pressing the door (30) when the door pusher (420) is positioned at a specific position relative to the pusher case (410). As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the stopper (424) may be provided to stop the door pusher (420) relative to the main body (10) and relative to the pusher case (410) when the door pusher (420) reaches the second pusher position (P2).

[0249] For example, the distance between the end (e.g., roller (422)) of the door pusher (420) that comes into contact with the door (30) and the stopper (424) may be the same as the distance between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2). However, this may vary depending on the distance between the door pusher (420) and the door (30) at the first pusher position (P1), the position of the stopper (424), etc.

[0250] For example, the stopper (424) may be provided on the moving rod (421). For example, the stopper (424) may be formed in the shape of a rib protruding from the moving rod (421). For example, the stopper (424) may protrude in the vertical direction (Z) from the moving rod (421).

[0251] For example, the stopper (424) may be arranged to stop the movement of the door pusher (420) relative to the pusher case (410) by engaging the pusher case (410) as the door pusher (420) moves.

[0252] More specifically, the pusher case (410) may include a case entrance (410a) through which the door pusher (420) moves and passes. The case entrance (410a) may be formed on one side (e.g., the front side of the pusher case (410)) in the direction in which the door pusher (420) of the pusher case (410) is withdrawn from the pusher case (410). The case entrance (410a) may have a shape of a hole connecting the inside and the outside of the pusher case (410). The door pusher (420) may be withdrawn to the outside of the pusher case (410) or introduced into the inside of the pusher case (410) through the case entrance (410a).

[0253] When the door pusher (420) is withdrawn from the pusher case (410), the stopper (424) may be arranged to be caught on the case entrance (410a). For example, the stopper (424) may be arranged to be caught on the case entrance (410a) when the door pusher (420) reaches the second pusher position (P2). When the stopper (424) is caught on the case entrance (410a), the door pusher (420) may no longer move in the direction of being withdrawn from the pusher case (410) and may stop.

[0254] The case entrance (410a) may include a catch (410b) that is provided to catch the stopper (424). For example, the catch (410b) may have the shape of a rib extending from the inner wall of the pusher case (410) toward the inside of the pusher case (410).

[0255] When the door pusher (420) reaches the second pusher position (P2), the stopper (424) may not pass through the case entrance (410a) by contacting the catch (410b) in a direction parallel to the movement direction of the door pusher (420) (the forward / backward direction (X) based on the drawing).

[0256] When the door pusher (420) moves in the direction of pressing the door (30), the moving rod (421) can pass through the case entrance / exit (410a) without being caught by the catch (410b), but the stopper (424) can be caught by the catch (410b) and cannot pass through the case entrance / exit (410a), so that the door pusher (420) can stop.

[0257] The configuration of the stopper (424) is not limited to that described above, and the stopper (424) may be arranged to stop the door pusher (420) by being caught by various parts of the pusher case (410) or various configurations provided inside the pusher case (410) when the door pusher (420) moves to the second pusher position (P2).

[0258] Meanwhile, unlike the above description, the position of the door pusher (420) when the stopper (424) is caught on the case entrance (410a) and the second pusher position (P2) may be different from each other. For example, when the door pusher (420) is pulled out from the pusher case (410), the door pusher (420) may reach the second pusher position (P2) before the stopper (424) is caught on the case entrance (410a). In this case, the control unit may control the power source (430) to stop the door pusher (420) or return it to the first pusher position (P1) based on the output signal of the position detection sensor (450) corresponding to the door pusher (420) reaching the second pusher position (P2). Even in this case, when the door pusher (420) is pulled out further than the second pusher position (P2) due to a control error or other reason, the stopper (424) can prevent the door pusher (420) from being separated from the pusher case (410) through the case entrance (410a).

[0259] The structure of the door opening device (400) described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 is merely an example of a structure that a door opening device included in a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure and designed to automatically open a door may have, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0260] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 26, a door opening / closing guide module including the lever device (100) and guide (200) described above in FIG. 2 will be described in detail.

[0261] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a part of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 10, a hinge bracket (40) included in a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a portion fixed to the main body (10) and another portion rotatably supporting the door (30).

[0263] In detail, the hinge bracket (40) may include a body fixing portion (40a) fixed to the body (10) and a door support portion (40b) supporting the door (30). The body fixing portion (40a) and the door support portion (40b) may be connected to each other. The door support portion (40b) may be formed to extend from the body fixing portion (40a) toward the door (30). For example, the body fixing portion (40a) and the door support portion (40b) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0264] For example, the main body fixing part (40a) may be coupled to the outer case (12). The main body fixing part (40a) may be secured to one surface of the outer case (12). For example, the main body (10) may include a hinge bracket coupling member (12a) coupled to the outer case (12), and the main body fixing part (40a) may be coupled to the outer case (12) by being fitted into the hinge bracket coupling member (12a). Alternatively, the main body fixing part (40a) may be coupled to the outer case (12) by being fastened to the hinge bracket coupling member (12a) with a screw.

[0265] For example, the door support (40b) may be placed on one side of the door (30). The door support (40b) may be placed adjacent to the rotational axis of the door (30) on one side of the door (30). The door support (40b) may rotatably support the door (30).

[0266] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge shaft (70) coupled to a door (30) and a hinge bracket (40). The hinge shaft (70) may pass through the rotational axis of the door (30). The hinge bracket (40) may include a hinge shaft coupling portion (40c) to which the hinge shaft (70) is coupled. The hinge shaft coupling portion (40c) may be provided on a door support portion (40b).

[0267] For example, the hinge shaft (70) may be formed to have a cylindrical shape with the rotational axis of the door (30) as its central axis.

[0268] For example, the hinge shaft (70) may be fixed to the hinge shaft connecting portion (40c) of the door support portion (40b), and the door (30) may be provided to be rotatable about the hinge shaft (70). The hinge shaft (70) may be inserted into one side of the door (30). The door (30) may include a shaft hole (32a) into which the hinge shaft (70) is inserted, and the shaft hole (32a) may be formed on one side of the door (30) facing the hinge bracket (40).

[0269] For example, the hinge shaft coupling portion (40c) may be formed such that the hinge shaft (70) passes through it. The hinge shaft (70) may be fitted into the hinge shaft coupling portion (40c) while being positioned to pass through the hinge shaft coupling portion (40c). The hinge shaft coupling portion (40c) may be positioned corresponding to the shaft hole (32a).

[0270] The door (30) may include a door frame (31) and a door cap (32) coupled to the door frame (31). The door frame (31) and the door cap (32) may each form the exterior of the door (30). The door frame (31) may be formed along the edge of the door (30) and may form the left edge exterior and the right edge exterior of the door (30). The door caps (32) may be provided in pairs and may be coupled to the upper and lower portions of the door frame (31), respectively, and the pair of door caps (32) may form the upper edge exterior and the lower edge exterior of the door (30), respectively. The door cap (32) illustrated in FIG. 10 is an example of a door cap (32) provided on the upper portion of the door (30) among the pair of door caps (32).

[0271] At this time, for example, the door support portion (40b) of the hinge bracket (40) may be provided to support the door cap (32) of the door (30). A shaft hole (32a) may be formed in the door cap (32), and a hinge shaft (70) may pass through the shaft hole (32a) formed in the door cap (32) to connect the hinge bracket (40) and the door (30).

[0272] The guide (200) can be coupled to the hinge bracket (40). The guide (200) can be fixed to the main body (10) by being fixed to the hinge bracket (40). For example, the guide (200) can be fixed to the main body fixing portion (40a) of the hinge bracket (40).

[0273] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the hinge bracket (40) may include a guide coupling portion (40d) to which the guide (200) is coupled to support the guide (200), and the guide (200) may include a hinge bracket coupling portion (215) to which the guide (200) is coupled to the guide coupling portion (40d) of the hinge bracket (40). For example, the guide (200) may be fastened to the hinge bracket (40) by a screw penetrating the guide coupling portion (40d) and the hinge bracket coupling portion (215). For example, the hinge bracket coupling portion (215) of the guide (200) may be formed in a protrusion shape penetrating the guide coupling portion (40d), so that the guide (200) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (40) as the hinge bracket coupling portion (215) penetrates the guide coupling portion (40d). However, the method by which the guide (200) is fixed to the hinge bracket (40) is not limited thereto.

[0274] In this way, when the guide (200) is coupled to the hinge bracket (40), the guide (200) can be positioned away from the main body (10) while having a fixed position with respect to the main body (10). That is, as the guide (200) is coupled to the hinge bracket (40), the guide (200) can be positioned closer to the door (30) while being fixed to the main body (10). Accordingly, the guide (200) has a simple structure and can apply force to the door (30) (or the lever device (100) mounted on the door (30)) when the door (30) rotates.

[0275] The lever device (100) can be mounted on the door (30). Specifically, the lever device (100) can be mounted on one side of the door (30) adjacent to the hinge bracket (40).

[0276] The lever device (100) can be coupled to the door cap (32). For example, a lever device coupling protrusion (32b) may be provided on one side of the door cap (32), and the lever device coupling protrusion (32b) may be inserted into an insertion hole (117) formed in the lever device (100) to fix the lever device (100). Alternatively, for example, a lever device coupling hole (32c) may be formed on one side of the door cap (32), and a coupling hole (115) corresponding to the lever device coupling hole (32c) may be formed in the lever device (100), so that the lever device (100) can be coupled to the door cap (32) by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) penetrating through the coupling hole (115) and the lever device coupling hole (32c). However, the structure in which the lever device (100) is mounted on the door (30) is not limited thereto.

[0277] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a lever device and a guide of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 11, the refrigerator (1) may include a lever device (100) and a guide (200). The lever device (100) and the guide (200) may constitute a door opening / closing guide module that applies force to the door (30) when the door (30) rotates and guides the rotation of the door (30).

[0279] The lever device (100) may be arranged to receive force from the guide (200) and transmit force to the door (30) when the door (30) rotates. For example, the lever device (100) may receive force from the guide (200) and transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., a first direction) when the door (30) rotates to an open position. For example, the lever device (100) may receive force from the guide (200) and transmit force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) closes (i.e., a second direction) when the door (30) rotates to a closed position.

[0280] Specifically, the lever device (100) may include a lever (130) provided to contact a guide (200). The guide (200) may be provided to guide the movement of the lever (130) by contacting the lever (130) when the door (30) rotates. Since the guide (200) is fixed to the main body (10) and the lever (130) is mounted to the door (30), the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the guide (200) may vary depending on the position of the door (30). That is, the position on the guide (200) where the lever (130) contacts may vary depending on the opening angle of the door (30). The guide (200) may have a cam structure that guides the movement of the lever (130).

[0281] The guide (200) may include a guide surface (210) that is provided to allow the lever (130) to come into contact when the door (30) is opened or closed. The guide surface (210) may form a portion of the outer surface of the guide (200).

[0282] In detail, the guide surface (210) may include a first contact surface (211) that is provided to apply force to the lever (130) in a direction in which the door (30) is closed (i.e., a second direction) when the lever (130) comes into contact with it. The lever (130) may be provided to apply force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is closed (i.e., a second direction) when the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200). When the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) while the door (30) is being closed, the lever (130) may apply force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is closed. At this time, the lever (130) may move along the first contact surface (211).

[0283] Additionally, the guide surface (210) may include a second contact surface (212) that is provided to transmit force to the lever (130) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction) when the lever (130) comes into contact with it. The lever (130) may be provided to transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction) when it comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200). When the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) while the door (30) is being opened, the lever (130) may apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens. At this time, the lever (130) may move along the second contact surface (212).

[0284] The guide surface (210) may include a curved point (213) provided between the first contact surface (211) and the second contact surface (212). The first contact surface (211) and the second contact surface (212) may be connected to each other based on the curved point (213). When the door (30) is opened, the lever (130) in contact with the guide (200) may move sequentially passing through the first contact surface (211), the curved point (213), and the second contact surface (212). When the door (30) is closed, the lever (130) in contact with the guide (200) may move sequentially passing through the second contact surface (212), the curved point (213), and the first contact surface (211). That is, as the opening angle of the door (30) increases, the lever (130) can move while sequentially contacting the first contact surface (211), the curved point (213), and the second contact surface (212). Conversely, as the opening angle of the door (30) decreases, the lever (130) can move while sequentially contacting the second contact surface (212), the curved point (213), and the first contact surface (211).

[0285] The opening angle of the door (30) when the lever (130) contacts the curved point (213) of the guide (200) is defined as the reference angle (a0, see Fig. 16).

[0286] When the opening angle of the door (30) is smaller than the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) can contact the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200). In this case, the lever (130) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes (i.e., the second direction). Through the lever (130), the guide (200) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes (i.e., the second direction). When the lever (130) contacts the first contact surface (211), if no separate external force is applied to the door (30), the door (30) can rotate in the second direction and be closed. If a force greater than the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) and the lever (130) is transmitted in a direction that opens the door (30), the door (30) may rotate toward the open position despite the lever (130) and the guide (200).

[0287] Conversely, when the opening angle of the door (30) is greater than the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) may contact the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200). In this case, the lever (130) may apply a force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction). Through the lever (130), the guide (200) may apply a force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction). When the lever (130) contacts the second contact surface (212), if no separate external force is applied to the door (30), the door (30) may rotate in the first direction and open. If a force greater than the force applied to the door (30) by the guide (200) and the lever (130) is transmitted to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes, the door (30) may rotate toward the closed position.

[0288] By this structure, the guide (200) and the lever device (100) can transmit force to the door (30) in the closing direction (i.e., the second direction) when the door (30) is closed. That is, the guide (200) and the lever device (100) can cause the door (30) to automatically close when the door (30) is closed by a certain angle or more in the second direction from the maximum open position. In addition, the guide (200) and the lever device (100) can apply force to the door (30) in the opening direction when the door (30) is opened. That is, the guide (200) and the lever device (100) can cause the door (30) to be easily opened with only a small force when the door (30) is opened by a certain angle or more in the first direction from the closed position.

[0289] The force applied to the door (30) when the guide (200) contacts the lever (130) may include an elastic force due to the lever (130). Specifically, the lever device (100) may include a spring (140, see FIG. 12) connected to the lever (130). The spring (140) may support the lever (130) so as to be elastically movable. For example, the spring (140) may include a compression spring.

[0290] Depending on the position where the lever (130) comes into contact with the guide (200), the spring (140) can accumulate elastic force or provide elastic force to the door (30). Depending on the position where the lever (130) comes into contact with the guide (200), the spring (140) can be designed to be compressed or extended. For example, the lever (130) can be designed to be movable with respect to the door (30), and the spring (140) can have one end connected to the lever (130) and the other end fixed to the door (30). In this case, the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the door (30) can vary depending on the position where the lever (130) comes into contact with the guide (200), and the spring (140) can be compressed or extended. The lever (130) can provide elastic force to the door (30) using the spring (140).

[0291] When the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200), the spring (140) can provide an elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes (i.e., the second direction). In other words, when the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200), the spring (140) can apply an elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes (i.e., the second direction). When the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200), the spring (140) can provide an elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction). In other words, the lever (130) can apply an elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction) by using the spring (140) when it comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200). When the lever (130) comes into contact with the bending point (213) located between the first contact surface (211) and the second contact surface (212), the elastic force can be accumulated to the maximum in the spring (140).

[0292] The guide surface (210) may be formed to have a shape that protrudes toward the lever (130) when the lever (130) is in contact with the guide surface (210). The guide surface (210) may be formed to protrude to the maximum at the curved point (213).

[0293] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, the distance in the horizontal direction (left-right direction, Y) from the rotation axis of the door (30) may be the farthest at the curved point (213) among the areas on the guide surface (210). The first contact surface (211) and the second contact surface (212) may be extended so that the distance in the horizontal direction (Y) from the rotation axis of the door (30) becomes closer to the rotation axis as they get farther away from the curved point (213). That is, the first contact surface (211) and the second contact surface (212) of the guide surface (210) may be formed to be inclined in the opposite direction to the direction in which the guide surface (210) protrudes based on the curved point (213).

[0294] By this configuration, when the lever (130) comes into contact with the bending point (213), the elastic force can be accumulated to the maximum in the spring (140), and when the lever (130) moves from the position where it comes into contact with the bending point (213) and comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) or the second contact surface (212), the spring (140) is restored and the accumulated elastic force can be applied to the door (30). The bending point (213) can be a reference point at which the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) is applied to the door (30).

[0295] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, an example of the structure of the lever device (100) will be described.

[0296] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the configurations of a lever device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the configurations of a lever device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0297] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a lever device (100) included in a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lever case (110). The lever case (110) may be fixed to a door (30). For example, the lever case (110) may be mounted to a door cap (32). The lever case (110) may form an exterior of the lever device (100). The lever case (110) may support each component of the lever device (100), such as a lever (130) and a spring (140).

[0298] For example, the lever case (110) may include a first case (110a) and a second case (110b). The first case (110a) may be coupled to the 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 passing through the fastening hole (118) may be fastened to the fastening groove (119), thereby fastening the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0299] The lever case (110) can movably support the lever (130). The lever (130) can be provided to be movable with respect to the lever case (110). Specifically, the lever (130) can be rotatably coupled with respect to the lever case (110).

[0300] The lever case (110) may include a lever shaft (113) to which a lever (130) is rotatably coupled. The lever (130) is rotatably coupled to the lever shaft (113) and can rotate around the lever shaft (113). For example, the lever (130) may be provided to be rotatable around the lever shaft (113) when it comes into contact with the guide (200) while the door (30) rotates.

[0301] For example, the lever shaft (113) may have a cylindrical shape with the rotation axis of the lever (130) as its central axis.

[0302] The lever case (110) may include an open lever opening (114) so ​​that the lever (130) can rotate around the lever shaft (113). The lever opening (114) may be formed to prevent the lever (130) from being interfered with by the lever case (110) when the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113). The lever opening (114) may form a space so that the lever (130) can rotate around the lever shaft (113). A portion of the lever (130) accommodated inside the lever case (110) may be exposed to the outside of the lever case (110) through the lever opening (114).

[0303] The lever case (110) may include a coupling hole (115) corresponding to the lever device coupling hole (32c) of the door cap (32). The coupling hole (115) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0304] The lever case (110) may include an insertion hole (117) into which a lever device engaging protrusion (32b) of a door cap (32) is inserted. The lever device (100) may be fixed to the door cap (32) by inserting the lever device engaging protrusion (32b) into the insertion hole (117). The insertion hole (117) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0305] The lever device (100) may include a support (120). The support (120) may be mounted inside a lever case (110). The support (120) may be fixed to the lever case (110). For example, the support (120) may be coupled to the lever case (110) by a fastening member. For example, the lever case (110) may include a support mounting groove (111), and the support (120) may include a mounting hole (121) that is mounted to the support mounting groove (111) by a fastening member. For example, the support mounting groove (111) may be formed in the second case (110b). For example, the support mounting groove (111) and the mounting hole (121) may be provided as a pair.

[0306] The support (120) may be provided to support the spring (140). The support (120) may be provided to support one end of the spring (140). The spring (140) may be supported at both ends by the support (120) and the lever (130) inside the lever case (110).

[0307] For example, the support (120) may include a first support protrusion (123) on which one end of a 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 lever case (110), and the other end supported by the lever (130). While the door (30) rotates, the lever (130) may contact the guide surface (210) and rotate about the lever shaft (113), thereby compressing the spring (140) or allowing the compressed spring (140) to be restored to its length before being compressed.

[0308] However, in contrast to this, one end of the spring (140) may be fixed to a part other than the support (120) as long as it can be fixed when the lever (130) is rotated. For example, one end of the spring (140) may be fixed inside the lever case (110). A first support protrusion (123) may be integrally provided inside the lever case (110) so that one end of the spring (140) may be fixed inside the lever case (110). In addition, although FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate that the support (120) is provided separately and mounted inside the lever case (110), the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the support (120) may be integrally formed with the lever case (110).

[0309] As described above, the lever (130) can be rotatably coupled inside the lever case (110). The lever (130) can include a rotation hole (131) that is rotatably coupled to a lever shaft (113) of the lever case (110). The lever shaft (113) can be arranged to pass through the rotation hole (131). The lever shaft (113) can rotatably support the lever (130) while passing through the rotation hole (131).

[0310] 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 lever case (110), and the other end supported by the second support protrusion (133) of the lever (130) rotatably coupled to the lever shaft (113) inside the lever case (110). Therefore, since the spring (140) has one end fixed to the support (120) and the other end connected to the lever (130) when the lever (130) is rotated in accordance with the opening and closing of the door (30), the spring (140) may be compressed by the lever (130) that is rotated with respect to the lever case (110), or may be restored to its length before being compressed. The spring (140) can be compressed or restored to its pre-compressed length depending on the rotation direction of the lever (130) when the lever (130) is rotated around the lever shaft (113). When the spring (140) is compressed by the lever (130), it accumulates elastic force in proportion to the amount of compression of the spring (140), and when the compressed spring (140) is restored to its pre-compressed length, it can provide the accumulated elastic force to the door (30).

[0311] The lever (130) may include a roller (135) provided to contact the guide (200). The roller (135) may be provided to contact the guide surface (210) when the door (30) rotates. The roller (135) in contact with the guide surface (210) may move along the shape of the guide surface (210). As the roller (135) moves along the guide surface (210), the lever (130) may rotate around the lever shaft (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113), the roller (135) may be moved while maintaining a state of contacting the guide surface (210) by the elastic force of the spring (140). When the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113), the roller (135) moves while maintaining contact with the guide surface (210), so that 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 provided to the door (30). The spring (140) can be compressed or restored when the roller (135) moves along the guide surface (210) while remaining in contact with the guide surface (210).

[0312] For example, the roller (135) may include a plurality of grooves (136) formed along the outer 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 guide surface (210), the contact area between the roller (135) and the guide surface (210) may be reduced. As a result, the frictional force between the roller (135) and the guide surface (210) may be reduced.

[0313] For example, the roller (135) may be rotatably mounted on the lever (130). The lever (130) may include a roller mounting hole (137) in which the roller (135) is mounted. The roller (135) may be rotatably mounted on the roller mounting hole (137) by a fastening member.

[0314] By the above structure, when the door (30) rotates, the lever (130) can be rotated around the lever shaft (113) while the roller (135) comes into contact with the guide surface (210) of the guide (200) and moves along the shape of the guide surface (210).

[0315] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is in the closed position. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is opened, in which a roller of a lever moves along a first contact surface of a guide. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the roller of a lever comes into contact with a curved point of a guide. FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is opened, in which a roller of a lever moves along a second contact surface of a guide.

[0316] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, when a door (30) is opened or closed in a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a door opening / closing guide module including a guide (200) and a lever device (100) can guide the rotation of the door (30). When the door (30) is opened or closed, the door opening / closing guide module including a guide (200) and a lever device (100) can provide force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened (i.e., a first direction) or closed (i.e., a second direction).

[0317] In detail, when the door (30) is opened, the lever (130) can move while in contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200) and rotate with respect to the door (30). At this time, the spring (140) can be compressed to accumulate elastic force. That is, the spring (140) can be arranged to be compressed by the lever (130) when the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) and moves toward the bending point (213) along the first contact surface (211). When the door (30) is opened, the first contact surface (211) can be a section where the lever device (100) accumulates elastic force. When the lever (130) (particularly, the roller (135) of the lever (130)) passes the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213), the elastic force accumulated in the lever (130) can be maximized.

[0318] When the opening angle of the door (30) further increases after the lever (130) comes into contact with the inflection point (213), the lever may come into contact with the second contact surface (212), and the lever (130) may rotate in a direction in which the compressed spring (140) is restored. As the compressed spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) may be applied to the door (30) in a direction in which the opening angle of the door (30) further increases. That is, when the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) and moves away from the inflection point (213) along the second contact surface (212), the spring (140) may apply an elastic force to the door (30) in a direction in which the opening angle increases. When the door (30) is opened, the second contact surface (212) may be a section in which the lever device (100) provides an elastic force to the door (30).

[0319] To explain in more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 14, when the door (30) is in the closed position, the lever (130) can contact the first contact surface (211) of the guide surface (210). As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the door (30) starts to rotate in the first direction from the closed position, the lever (130) can move along the first contact surface (211) and rotate around the lever shaft (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113), the spring (140) can be compressed by the lever (130) and accumulate elastic force. As illustrated in the drawing, when the lever (130) moves toward the bending point (213) along the first contact surface (211), the lever (130) can rotate clockwise around the lever shaft (113), thereby compressing the spring (140).

[0320] As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the opening angle of the door (30) is less than the reference angle (a0, see FIG. 16), the lever (130) can contact the first contact surface (211). The spring (140) can be compressed until the lever (130) moves along the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213).

[0321] As illustrated in Fig. 16, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) can contact the bending point (213). When the lever (130) passes the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213), the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0322] When the lever (130) passes the first contact surface (211) and reaches the bending point (213) and the spring (140) is compressed to the maximum, a repulsive force (Fn) of the guide (200) may be generated by the elastic force of the spring (140) in a direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) of the lever (130) and the guide surface (210).

[0323] Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 17, when the opening angle of the door (30) exceeds the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) can move from the curved point (213) of the guide (200) toward the second contact surface (212) and can contact the second contact surface (212). At this time, when the lever (130) moves along the second contact surface (212) and moves away from the curved point (213), the spring (140) can be extended from the maximum compressed length and restored to the length before being compressed, and the lever (130) can move along the second contact surface (212) while rotating in the opposite direction. As illustrated in the drawing, when the lever (130) moves away from the curved point (213) along the second contact surface (212), the lever (130) can rotate counterclockwise about the lever shaft (113).

[0324] When the spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) can be applied to the door (30). When the roller (135) of the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212), the repulsive force (Fn) of the guide (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) generated in a direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) and the guide surface (210) can be applied to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens (i.e., the first direction). Therefore, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes greater than the reference angle (a0) and the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212), the door (30) can be opened by the elastic force transmitted from the lever device (100).

[0325] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200) may have a first point (212a), which is a point at which the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) and enters when the opening angle of the door (30) increases, and a second point (212b), which is a point at which the lever (130) departs from the second contact surface (212). That is, when the opening angle of the door (30) increases, the lever (130) can enter the second contact surface (212) through the first point (212a) past the first contact surface (211) and the curved point (213), move along the second contact surface (212) from the first point (212a) toward the second point (212b), and then detach from the second contact surface (212) when reaching the second point (212b).

[0326] The first point (212a) of the second contact surface (212) may be provided at one end of the second contact surface (212) that is closest to the curved point (213), and the second point (212b) may be provided at the other end of the second contact surface (212) opposite to the first point (212a). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the first point (212a) of the second contact surface (212) may coincide with the curved point (213).

[0327] When the opening angle of the door (30) is greater than the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) can pass the first point (212a) and reach the second contact surface (212). In this state, if the opening angle of the door (30) further increases, the lever (130) can pass the second point (212b) of the second contact surface (212) and be separated from the second contact surface (212). Even after the lever (130) is completely separated from the second contact surface (212), since an elastic force is applied to the door (30) while the lever (130) moves along the second contact surface (212), the door (30) can continue to rotate toward the open position by inertia.

[0328] By this structure, the door (30) can be opened by an angle greater than the reference angle (a0) and then automatically rotated in the first direction to be fully opened.

[0329] Contrary to what is shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the operation when the door (30) is closed will be described.

[0330] When the door (30) is closed, the lever (130) can move while in contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200) and rotate with respect to the door (30). At this time, the spring (140) can be compressed to accumulate elastic force. That is, the spring (140) can be arranged to be compressed by the lever (130) when the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) and moves toward the bending point (213) along the second contact surface (212). When the door (30) is closed, the second contact surface (212) can be a section where the lever device (100) accumulates elastic force. When the lever (130) (particularly, the roller (135) of the lever (130)) passes the second contact surface (212) and reaches the bending point (213), the elastic force accumulated in the lever (130) can be maximized.

[0331] When the opening angle of the door (30) is further reduced after the lever (130) comes into contact with the inflection point (213), the lever (130) may come into contact with the first contact surface (211), and the lever (130) may rotate in a direction in which the compressed spring (140) is restored. As the compressed spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) may be applied to the door (30) in a direction in which the opening angle of the door (30) is further reduced. That is, when the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) and moves away from the inflection point (213) along the first contact surface (211), the spring (140) may apply an elastic force to the door (30) in a direction in which the opening angle is reduced. When the door (30) is closed, the first contact surface (211) may be a section where the lever device (100) provides elastic force to the door (30).

[0332] To explain in more detail, when the door (30) is rotated in the second direction by a predetermined angle from the maximum open position, the lever (130) can come into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide surface (210). Specifically, the lever (130) can enter the second contact surface (212) through the second point (212b) of the second contact surface (212) and move toward the first point (212a) along the second contact surface (212). The lever (130) can move along the second contact surface (212) and rotate about the lever shaft (113). When the lever (130) rotates about the lever shaft (113), the spring (140) can be compressed by the lever (130) and accumulate elastic force. As shown in the drawing, when the lever (130) moves toward the bending point (213) along the second contact surface (212), the lever (130) can rotate clockwise around the lever shaft (113), thereby compressing the spring (140).

[0333] While the door (30) is closed, the lever (130) may contact the second contact surface (212) when the opening angle of the door (30) is greater than the reference angle (a0). The spring (140) may be compressed until the lever (130) moves along the second contact surface (212) and reaches the bending point (213).

[0334] Afterwards, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes the reference angle (a), the lever (130) can contact the bending point (213), and the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0335] When the lever (130) passes the second contact surface (212) and reaches the bending point (213) and the spring (140) is compressed to the maximum, a repulsive force (Fn) of the guide (200) may be generated by the elastic force of the spring (140) in a direction perpendicular to the tangent line (C) between the roller (135) of the lever (130) and the guide surface (210).

[0336] Thereafter, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes smaller than the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) can move from the curved point (213) of the guide (200) toward the first contact surface (211) and can contact the first contact surface (211). At this time, when the lever (130) moves along the first contact surface (211) and moves away from the curved point (213), the spring (140) can be extended from the maximum compressed length and restored to the length before being compressed, and the lever (130) can move along the first contact surface (211) while rotating in the opposite direction. As shown in the drawing, when the lever (130) moves away from the curved point (213) along the first contact surface (211), the lever (130) can rotate counterclockwise about the lever shaft (113).

[0337] When the spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) can be applied to the door (30). When the roller (135) of the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211), the repulsive force of the guide (200) due to the elastic force of the spring (140) generated in a direction perpendicular to the tangent line between the roller (135) and the guide surface (210) can be transmitted to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes (i.e., the second direction). Therefore, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes smaller than the reference angle (a0) and the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211), the door (30) can be closed by the elastic force transmitted from the lever device (100).

[0338] By means of such a door opening / closing guide module, the door (30) can be easily opened or closed, and even if only a small amount of force is applied to the door (30), the door (30) can be automatically opened or closed.

[0339] In addition, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door opening / closing guide module including various configurations that guide the rotation of the door (30) by transmitting force to the door (30) when the door (30) rotates between an open position and a closed position.

[0340] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a door pusher that presses a door when a roller of a lever contacts a first contact surface of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a door pusher that presses a door when a roller of a lever contacts a curved point of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a door pusher that is stationary when a roller of a lever contacts a second contact surface of a guide in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0341] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door opening device (400) configured to open a door (30). In addition, the refrigerator (1) may include a guide (200) configured to apply force to the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. In addition, the refrigerator (1) may include a lever device (100) mounted on the door (30) and configured to contact the guide (200) and apply force to the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed. A detailed description of each of the above components is omitted as it is the same as described above.

[0342] As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the door pusher (420) of the door opening device (400) moves from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2) and presses the door (30), so that the door (30) can be opened.

[0343] As illustrated in FIG. 18, when the opening angle of the door (30) is less than the reference angle (a0, see FIG. 19), the guide (200) can transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is closed. Specifically, when the opening angle of the door (30) is less than the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) of the lever device (100) can contact the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200), and the lever (130) contacting the first contact surface (211) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is closed. When the door (30) is opened, the lever (130) contacting the first contact surface (211) can compress the spring (140), and elastic force can be accumulated in the spring (140).

[0344] Afterwards, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes the reference angle (a0) as shown in FIG. 19, the lever (130) can contact the curved point (213) of the guide (200), and the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0345] If the opening angle of the door (30) does not exceed the reference angle (a0) when the door (30) is opened, force may not be applied to the door (30) in the direction of opening the door (30). Specifically, if the opening angle of the door (30) does not exceed the reference angle (a0), the lever (130) moves only before it comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200), so that the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) may not be applied to the door (30) in the direction of opening the door (30). Rather, if the rotation of the door (30) stops while the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200), the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) may be applied to the door (30) in the direction of closing the door (30).

[0346] If the door pusher (420) of the door opening device (400) has a structure in which the opening angle of the door (30) does not reach the reference angle (a) even though the door pusher (420) has moved to the second pusher position (P2) that pressurizes the door (30) to the maximum, the door (30) may not open but rather may be closed.

[0347] Accordingly, the door pusher (420) may be arranged to press the door (30) until the door (30) reaches a position where it has rotated in the first direction by an angle greater than or equal to the reference angle (a0) from the closed position. In other words, when the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the opening angle of the door (30) may be greater than or equal to the reference angle (a0).

[0348] As illustrated in FIG. 20, when the door pusher (420) presses the door (30) and the opening angle of the door (30) becomes larger than the reference angle (a0), the guide (200) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens. Specifically, when the door pusher (420) presses the door (30) and the door (30) is at a position rotated by an angle larger than the reference angle (a0) from the closed position, the lever (130) of the lever device (100) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200), and the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) can be applied to the door (30). At this time, the elastic force transmitted to the door (30) can open the door (30). Accordingly, when the door pusher (420) moves to the second pusher position (P2) and presses the door (30) until the opening angle of the door (30) becomes greater than the reference angle (a0), the opening angle of the door (30) can continue to increase even if the door pusher (420) stops at the second pusher position (P2).

[0349] Alternatively, even if the door pusher (420) presses the door (30) until the opening angle of the door (30) becomes equal to the reference angle (a0), the opening angle of the door (30) that was rotating in the first direction can increase by a small angle due to the inertia of the door (30) even after the door pusher (420) stops operating. Accordingly, the door (30) can move to a position where it has rotated by an angle greater than the reference angle (a0), and the guide (200) can transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened.

[0350] The reference angle (a0) of the door (30) may vary depending on the shape of the guide surface (210). The second pusher position (P2) of the door pusher (420) may vary depending on the reference angle (a0), the width of the door (30), the distance at which the door pusher (420) presses the door (30) from the rotation axis of the door (30) in the horizontal direction (Y), etc. In other words, the movement distance of the door pusher (420) or the withdrawal distance of the door pusher (420) may vary depending on the reference angle (a0), the width of the door (30), the distance at which the door pusher (420) presses the door (30) from the rotation axis of the door (30) in the horizontal direction (Y), etc.

[0351] The guide (200) may be arranged to apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened when the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2). In other words, the door pusher (420) may move from the first pusher position (P1) until the guide (200) applies force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened, thereby pressing the door (30).

[0352] When the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the lever (130) may be arranged to contact the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200). In other words, the door pusher (420) may be arranged to press the door (30) until the lever (130) contacts the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200).

[0353] The door pusher (420) may be arranged to press the door (30) until the lever (130) in contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200) passes the bending point (213) and reaches the second contact surface (212).

[0354] The door pusher (420) may be arranged to move from a position corresponding to where the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) to a position corresponding to where the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212).

[0355] When the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the lever (130) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened. In other words, the door pusher (420) can be arranged to press the door (30) until the lever (130) applies force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened.

[0356] When the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the spring (140) can provide the accumulated elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened. In other words, the door pusher (420) can be arranged to press the door (30) until the spring (140) applies the accumulated elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened.

[0357] When the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the lever (130) can contact a point between the first point (212a, see FIG. 17) and the second point (212b, see FIG. 17) on the second contact surface (212). In other words, the door pusher (420) may be arranged to press the door (30) until the lever (130) reaches a point between the first point (212a) and the second point (212b) on the second contact surface (212). The door pusher (420) may be arranged to press the door (30) until the lever (130) reaches a point between the first point (212a) and the second point (212b) on the second contact surface (212) when the door (30) is opened.

[0358] Even if the door pusher (420) presses the door (30) until the lever (130) reaches a point between the first point (212a, see FIG. 17) and the second point (212b, see FIG. 17) on the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200), the lever (130) can move along the second contact surface (212) and continue to apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened.

[0359] When the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the opening angle of the door (30) is referred to as the first opening guidance angle, and the door pusher (420) can press the door (30) until the door (30) reaches a position where it has rotated from the closed position toward the open position by the first opening guidance angle. The door opening device (400) can open the door (30) until the opening angle of the door (30) reaches the first opening guidance angle. Here, the first opening guidance angle can be an angle equal to or greater than the reference angle (a0).

[0360] When the opening angle of the door (30) is in a range between the first opening guide angle and the second opening guide angle (wherein the second opening guide angle is greater than the first opening guide angle), the guide (200) may be arranged to apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened. Here, the second opening guide angle may mean the opening angle of the door (30) when the lever (130) contacts the second point (212b, see FIG. 17) of the second contact surface (212).

[0361] When the opening angle of the door (30) becomes greater than the second opening guide angle, the door (30) may no longer receive force from the guide (200). Specifically, when the opening angle of the door (30) becomes greater than the second opening guide angle, the lever (130) may pass the second point (212b, see FIG. 17) of the guide (200) and may be separated from the guide (200) and may no longer be in contact with the guide (200). Even in this case, the door (30) that was being opened may continue to be opened by inertia. As a result, the door (30) may be completely opened even without additional external force being applied.

[0362] By this structure, the door (30) can be opened automatically and can easily rotate to a fully open position without stopping during the opening process.

[0363] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a rotating bar of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is an enlarged drawing illustrating a portion of the rotating bar of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is in the open position. FIG. 23 is an enlarged drawing illustrating a portion of the rotating bar of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the door is in the closed position.

[0364] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rotating bar (500).

[0365] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) may include a first door (30A) and a second door (30B) arranged side by side. The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be provided to open and close a single first storage compartment (21). A rotating bar (500) may be provided to cover a gap between the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) when the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) close the first storage compartment (21). The rotating bar (500) may be rotatably coupled to the first door (30A). The rotating bar (500) may be formed in the shape of a bar that is formed long along the height direction (Z) of the first door (30A).

[0366] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the refrigerator (1) may include a rotation guide (80) provided to guide the movement of the rotation bar (500). The rotation guide (80) may be provided to guide the movement of the rotation bar (500) when the first door (30A) rotates between the open position and the closed position. The rotation guide (80) may include a groove structure formed to allow a portion of the rotation bar (500) to be inserted and moved. The rotation guide (80) may be mounted on the main body (10). Specifically, the rotation guide (80) may be mounted on the upper portion of the inner case (11).

[0367] The rotating bar (500) can be arranged to be rotatable between a first bar position (B1, see FIGS. 23 and 24) with respect to the first door (30A) and a second bar position (B2, see FIGS. 22 and 26) with respect to the first door (30A). The first bar position (B1) of the rotating bar (500) corresponds to a position of the rotating bar (500) with respect to the first door (30A) when the first door (30A) is in a closed position, and the second bar position (B2) of the rotating bar (500) corresponds to a position of the rotating bar (500) with respect to the first door (30A) when the first door (30A) is in an open position.

[0368] In other words, when the first door (30A) is in the closed position, the rotation bar (500) can be positioned at the first bar position (B1, see FIGS. 23 and 24), and when the first door (30A) is opened, the rotation bar (500) can be guided by the rotation guide (80, see FIG. 24) to rotate to the second bar position (B2, see FIGS. 22 and 26). When the first door (30A) is in the open position, the rotation bar (500) can be positioned at the second bar position (B2), and when the first door (30A) is closed, the rotation bar (500) can be guided by the rotation guide (80) to rotate to the first bar position (B1).

[0369] For example, the rotating bar (500) may be positioned approximately parallel to the first door (30A) when at the first bar position (B1). For example, the rotating bar (500) may be positioned approximately perpendicular to the first door (30A) when at the second bar position (B2).

[0370] According to one embodiment, the rotation bar (500) may be biased to rotate toward the first bar position (B1) when the rotation bar (500) is positioned closer to the first bar position (B1) than the reference position, about a specific position (hereinafter referred to as a “reference position”) located between a first bar position (B1, see FIGS. 23 and 24) and a second bar position (B2, see FIGS. 22 and 26) with respect to the first door (30A). Conversely, the rotation bar (500) may be biased to rotate toward the second bar position (B2) when the rotation bar (500) is positioned closer to the second bar position (B2) than the reference position with respect to the first door (30A).

[0371] Hereinafter, the structure of the rotating bar (500) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23 as an example.

[0372] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the rotating bar (500) may include a bar case (510) having one open side, a bar cover (511, 512) covering the open side of the bar case (510), a bar hinge member (520, 530, 540) that rotatably supports the bar case (510) and the bar cover (511, 512) relative to the first door (30A), and a guide protrusion (550).

[0373] The guide protrusion (550) may be arranged to be inserted into a groove formed in the rotation guide (80). As the guide protrusion (550) moves along the rotation guide (80), the rotation of the rotation bar (500) can be guided.

[0374] For example, the rotating bar (500) may include an upper bar hinge member (520), a lower bar hinge member (530), and a middle bar hinge member (540). The upper bar hinge member (520), the lower bar hinge member (530), and the middle bar hinge member (540) may each be fixed to the first door (30A).

[0375] The bar case (510) can form the exterior of the rotating bar (500). An insulating material (not shown) can be accommodated inside the bar case (510). An open side of the bar case (510) can be covered by a first bar cover (511) and a second bar cover (512).

[0376] The bar case (510) may include a bar hinge receiving portion (513) to which an upper bar hinge member (520) is coupled. As the upper bar hinge member (520) is received in the bar hinge receiving portion (513), the rotating bar (500) may be supported in a rotatably manner relative to the first door (30A). Specifically, the bar case (510) may rotate relative to the first door (30A) about the bar hinge members (520, 530, 540).

[0377] The bar case (510) may include a bar hinge opening (514) that is provided to be penetrated by an upper bar hinge member (520). The bar hinge opening (514) may be provided on one side of the bar hinge receiving portion (513).

[0378] The bar case (510) may include a support member (515) supported by a compression spring (525) to be described later. The support member (515) may be connected to the upper end of the compression spring (525).

[0379] The upper bar hinge member (520) may include a bar hinge shaft (522). The bar hinge shaft (522) may rotatably support the bar case (510). The bar case (510) may rotate about the bar hinge shaft (522). In addition, the bar case (510) may slide up and down relative to the bar hinge shaft (522).

[0380] The bar hinge shaft (522) may include a protrusion (522a) that protrudes radially with respect to the rotational axis of the bar case (510). The protrusion (522a) may slide on an inclined portion (523a) and / or a horizontal portion (523b) of a bar hinge cover portion (523) to be described later. The bottom surface of the protrusion (522a) may contact an upper surface of the inclined portion (523a) and / or the horizontal portion (523b).

[0381] The rotating bar (500) may include a bar hinge cover portion (523) for covering a bar hinge shaft (522) accommodated in a bar hinge receiving portion (513). The bar hinge cover portion (523) may be coupled to a bar case (510).

[0382] The bar hinge cover portion (523) can support the bar hinge shaft (522) so as to be rotatable and slidable together with the bar hinge receiving portion (513) of the bar case (510). The bar hinge cover portion (523) can form a coupling hole having a size corresponding to the size and / or shape of the bar hinge shaft (522) together with the bar hinge receiving portion (513).

[0383] The bar hinge cover portion (523) may include an inclined portion (523a) formed on the upper surface. The inclined portion (523a) may be formed to be inclined downward toward the front when the first door (30A) is in the closed position and the rotary bar (500) is at the first bar position (B1). The inclined portion (523a) may be inclined downward along the direction in which the rotary bar (500) rotates from the second bar position (B2) to the first bar position (B1). The inclined portion (523a) may be pressed by the protrusion (522a) of the upper bar hinge member (520) so that the height in the Z direction is lowered when the rotary bar (500) rotates from the second bar position (B2) to the first bar position (B1).

[0384] The bar hinge cover portion (523) may include a horizontal portion (523b) formed to be approximately flat. The horizontal portion (523b) may be connected to the inclined portion (523a). The horizontal portion (523b) may be connected to the upper end of the inclined portion (523a). The horizontal portion (523b) may extend from the upper end of the inclined portion (523a) in the direction in which the rotation bar (500) rotates from the first bar position (B1) to the second bar position (B2).

[0385] The rotating bar (500) may include a compression spring (525). The compression spring (525) may support the bar case (510) and the bar covers (511, 512) of the rotating bar (500). One end of the compression spring (525) may be fixed to the support portion (515) of the bar case (510), and the other end opposite to the one end may be fixed to the bar hinge shaft (522). The compression spring (525) may be compressed or extended between the support portion (515) and the bar hinge shaft (522). As an example, the compression spring (525) may include a compression spring.

[0386] When the bar case (510) rotates, the bar hinge cover part (523) fixed to the bar case (510) can also rotate in the same direction as the bar case (510). Accordingly, the portion of the upper surface of the bar hinge cover part (523) that comes into contact with the protrusion (522a) can also change. In addition, the degree of compression of the compression spring (525) can also change.

[0387] For example, when the rotating bar (500) rotates from the second bar position (B2) to the first bar position (B1), as the bar hinge cover part (523) rotates with respect to the protrusion (522a), the protrusion (522a) that was pressing the lower part of the inclined part (523a) can press the upper part of the inclined part (523a). Accordingly, the height of the bar case (510) can be lowered. In other words, since the height of the protrusion (522a) is fixed, the bar case (510) can descend along the protrusion (522a) by the inclined part (523a).

[0388] Thereafter, when the rotating bar (500) is positioned at the first bar position (B1), the protrusion (522a) can be placed on the horizontal portion (523b). The horizontal portion (523b) is formed horizontally to stop the descent of the rotating bar (500).

[0389] Conversely, when the rotary bar (500) rotates from the first bar position (B1) to the second bar position (B2), as the bar hinge cover part (523) rotates with respect to the protrusion (522a), the protrusion (522a) that was pressing the upper part of the inclined part (523a) can press the lower part of the inclined part (523a). Accordingly, the height of the bar case (510) can be increased. In other words, since the height of the protrusion (522a) is fixed, the bar case (510) can rise along the protrusion (522a) by the inclined part (523a).

[0390] The compression spring (525) can be more compressed when the rotating bar (500) is in the first bar position (B1) than when it is in the second bar position (B2). The compression spring (525) can press the bar hinge shaft (522) so that the protrusion (522a) of the bar hinge shaft (522) can be brought into close contact with the inclined portion (523a) or the horizontal portion (523b) of the bar hinge cover portion (523).

[0391] The rotating bar (500) may include a torsion spring (526). One end of the torsion spring (526) may be connected to the upper bar hinge member (520), and the other end may be connected to the bar case (510). The torsion spring (526) may provide an elastic force to the rotating bar (500) so that the rotating bar (500) can rotate smoothly. Specifically, the torsion spring (526) may be elastically biased so as to apply an elastic force to the bar case (510) in a direction in which the rotating bar (500) rotates to the first bar position (B1).

[0392] As illustrated in FIG. 23, when the rotating bar (500) is positioned at the first bar position (B1) with respect to the first door (30A), the protrusion (522a) can contact the horizontal portion (523b). While the rotating bar (500) rotates by a predetermined angle from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2), the protrusion (522a) can slide on the horizontal portion (523b). While the protrusion (522a) is positioned at the horizontal portion (523b), the elastic force by the compression spring (525) can be maintained almost constant. Accordingly, while the protrusion (522a) is positioned at the horizontal portion (523b), only the elastic force by the torsion spring (526) can be applied to the bar case (510), and the rotation bar (500) can be biased in the direction of rotation toward the first bar position (B1) by the torsion spring (526).

[0393] Thereafter, when the rotary bar (500) is further rotated and positioned at a position rotated by an angle greater than a predetermined angle from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2), the protrusion (522a) may contact the inclined portion (523a) as illustrated in FIG. 22. When the protrusion (522a) enters the inclined portion (523a), the elastic force by the compression spring (525) may be transmitted to the bar case (510). When the elastic force by the compression spring (525) is transmitted to the bar case (510), the inclined portion (523a) fixed to the bar case (510) may rise along the protrusion (522a), and thus the rotary bar (500) may be biased in a direction of rotation toward the second bar position (B2). The compression spring (525) may be configured to have sufficient elasticity to allow the rotary bar (500) to rotate to the second bar position (B2) despite the elasticity of the torsion spring (526).

[0394] Since the rotating bar (500) has such a structure, when the rotating bar (500) rotates less than a predetermined angle from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2) with respect to the first door (30A), the rotating bar (500) can be biased to rotate toward the first bar position (B1). Conversely, when the rotating bar (500) rotates more than a predetermined angle from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2) with respect to the first door (30A), the rotating bar (500) can be biased to rotate toward the second bar position (B2). Here, the 'predetermined angle' means the minimum angle by which the rotating bar (500) rotates from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2) when the rotating bar (500) is biased to rotate toward the second bar position (B2).

[0395] The structure in which the rotating bar (500) described above rotates around the upper bar hinge member (520) can also be applied to a structure in which the rotating bar (500) rotates around the lower bar hinge member (530) or the middle bar hinge member (540), and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0396] FIG. 24 is a drawing illustrating the appearance of a lever and a door pusher in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the rotating bar is in a first bar position. FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating the appearance of a lever and a door pusher in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the rotating bar is in a position rotated at a predetermined angle from the first bar position toward the second bar position. FIG. 26 is a drawing illustrating the appearance of a lever and a door pusher in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the rotating bar is in a second bar position.

[0397] Referring to FIGS. 24 to 26, when the first door (30A) is opened by the operation of the door opening device (400), the guide (200), the lever device (100), etc. in the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating bar (500) coupled to the first door (30A) can rotate from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2).

[0398] The rotating bar (500) may be biased to rotate toward the second bar position (B2) when it is positioned at a position rotated by a predetermined angle or more from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2) while moving within the rotating guide (80). Conversely, the rotating bar (500) may be biased to rotate toward the first bar position (B1) when it is positioned at a position rotated by a predetermined angle or less from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2) while moving within the rotating guide (80). The direction in which the rotation of the rotating bar (500) is biased may vary depending on the structure of the rotating bar (500), the frictional force that the rotating bar (500) receives from the rotating guide (80), etc.

[0399] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, when the opening angle of the first door (30A) is angle a1 (hereinafter referred to as 'first opening angle (a1)'), the rotation bar (500) can be positioned at a reference position in which the rotation direction thereof is biased toward the first bar position (B1) or biased toward the second bar position (B2).

[0400] When the first door (30A) rotates from the closed position to less than the first opening angle (a1), the lever (130) may contact the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200). At this time, the rotation bar (500) may be biased to rotate toward the first bar position (B1).

[0401] When the first door (30A) rotates from the closed position by a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle (the second opening angle is equal to the reference angle (a0, see FIG. 19)), the rotation bar (500) may be biased to rotate toward the second bar position (B2). At this time, the lever (130) may still contact the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200).

[0402] Even when the first door (30A) rotates from the closed position to a second opening angle (a0) or more, the rotation bar (500) can be biased to rotate to the second bar position (B2). At this time, the lever (130) can contact the second contact surface (212).

[0403] If the opening angle of the first door (30A) is smaller than the first opening angle (a1), the rotating bar (500) is biased to rotate toward the first bar position (B1), so that a force can be applied to the first door (30A) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is closed by the rotating bar (500). Conversely, if the opening angle of the first door (30A) is greater than or equal to the first opening angle (a1), the rotating bar (500) is biased to rotate toward the second bar position (B2), so that a force can be applied to the first door (30A) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened by the rotating bar (500).

[0404] Accordingly, the door opening device (400) may be provided to pressurize the first door (30A) until the first door (30A) rotates at an angle greater than or equal to the first opening angle (a1) in order to open the first door (30A) more efficiently. The door pusher (420) may be provided to pressurize the first door (30A) until the opening angle of the first door (30A) is greater than or equal to the first opening angle (a1). The door pusher (420) may be provided to pressurize the first door (30A) so that the rotation bar (500) rotates from the first bar position (B1) toward the second bar position (B2) at a predetermined angle greater than or equal to the angle (which angle is a reference for the direction in which the rotation of the rotation bar (500) is biased). When the rotary bar (500) is rotated by a predetermined angle from the first bar position (B1), the opening angle of the first door (30A) may be the first opening angle (a1). That is, when the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the first door (30A) may be positioned at a position rotated by the first opening angle (a1) or more from the closed position, and the rotary bar (500) may be positioned at a position rotated by the predetermined angle or more from the first bar position (B1) with respect to the first door (30A).

[0405] By this structure, even when the door pusher (420) reaches the second pusher position (P2) and is no longer pressing the rotary bar (500), force can be applied to the first door (30A) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened by the rotary bar (500).

[0406] When the first door (30A) is rotated beyond the first opening angle (a1) while the first door (30A) is being opened, even if the lever (130) is in contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200), a force in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened can be applied to the first door (30A) by the rotation bar (500), and the door pusher (420) can open the first door (30A) more efficiently.

[0407] In addition, in such a case, when the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200) while the first door (30A) is being opened, the rotation bar (500) may already be biased to rotate by a predetermined angle or more to the second bar position (B2), so that a force may be applied to the first door (30A) by the rotation bar (500) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened. Accordingly, the first door (30A) can be opened more efficiently.

[0408] Alternatively, unlike the above, the opening angle (a1) of the first door (30A), which serves as a reference for biasing the rotation bar (500) to rotate toward the first bar position (B1) or toward the second bar position (B2), may be approximately equal to the reference angle (a0, see FIG. 19). In this case, when the opening angle of the first door (30A) is smaller than the reference angle (a0), the rotation bar (500) may be biased to rotate toward the first bar position (B1), and a force may be applied to the first door (30A) in a direction in which the first door (30A) is closed by the rotation bar (500). In addition, when the opening angle of the first door (30A) is greater than the reference angle (a0), the rotation bar (500) can be biased to rotate toward the second bar position (B2), and a force can be applied to the first door (30A) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened by the rotation bar (500). Accordingly, after the door pusher (420) presses the first door (30A) until the first door (30A) reaches a position in which the first door (30A) is rotated by an angle greater than the reference angle (a0) from the closed position, a force can be applied to the first door (30A) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened by the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200) and the rotation bar (500), respectively.

[0409] Alternatively, unlike the above, the opening angle (a1) of the first door (30A), which serves as a reference for biasing the rotation bar (500) to rotate toward the first bar position (B1) or toward the second bar position (B2), may be greater than the reference angle (a0, see FIG. 20). In this case, the door pusher (420) may be arranged to press the door (30) until the door (30) reaches a position where it has rotated from the closed position by an angle greater than or equal to the reference angle (a0) as well as the angle a1. Accordingly, after the door pusher (420) presses the first door (30A) until the first door (30A) reaches a position where the first door (30A) is rotated by an angle greater than or equal to a1 from the closed position, a force can be applied to the first door (30A) in the direction in which the first door (30A) is opened by the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200) and the rotation bar (500), respectively.

[0410] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment, a lever mounted on the door and provided to be movable with respect to the door, a guide provided to guide movement of the lever by contacting the lever when the door rotates to open or close the storage compartment, and a door pusher provided to press the door to open the door. The guide may include a first contact surface provided to allow the lever to apply force to the door in a direction for closing the door when the lever contacts it, and a second contact surface provided to allow the lever to apply force to the door in a direction for opening the door when the lever contacts it. The door pusher may be provided to press the door until the lever contacts the second contact surface.

[0411] The angle by which the door is rotated from a position where the storage compartment is closed when the lever contacts the second contact surface may be greater than the angle by which the door is rotated from a position where the storage compartment is closed when the lever contacts the first contact surface.

[0412] The guide may further include a curved point located between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. The lever may be arranged to sequentially contact the first contact surface, the curved point, and the second contact surface when the door is opened. When the door is closed, the lever may be arranged to sequentially contact the second contact surface, the curved point, and the first contact surface.

[0413] The refrigerator may further include a spring connected to the lever and configured to be compressed or extended when the lever moves relative to the door. The spring may be configured to accumulate elastic force to the maximum when the lever contacts the inflection point. The spring may be configured to be compressed by the lever when the lever contacts the first contact surface and moves toward the inflection point along the first contact surface. The spring may be configured to apply an elastic force to the door in a direction for opening the door when the lever contacts the second contact surface and moves away from the inflection point along the second contact surface.

[0414] The door pusher may be arranged to be movable between a first pusher position, which is the position of the door pusher when the door is closed, and a second pusher position, which is moved from the first pusher position in a direction that presses the door. The lever may be arranged to contact the second contact surface when the door pusher is positioned at the second pusher position.

[0415] The above door pusher may be arranged to be linearly movable between the first pusher position and the second pusher position.

[0416] The door pusher may include a stopper arranged to stop the door pusher relative to the main body when the door pusher reaches the second pusher position.

[0417] The distance between the end of the door pusher that comes into contact with the door and the stopper may be the same as the distance between the first pusher position and the second pusher position.

[0418] The refrigerator may further include a pusher case mounted on the main body and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the door pusher. The door pusher may be movable relative to the pusher case. The pusher case may include a case entrance / exit portion through which the door pusher moves. The stopper may be configured to engage the case entrance / exit portion when the door pusher reaches the second pusher position.

[0419] The refrigerator may further include a power source configured to transmit power to the door pusher, and a control unit electrically connected to the power source. The control unit may control the power source to cause the door pusher to press the door until the lever contacts the second contact surface, based on a condition for opening the door.

[0420] The door pusher may be configured to be movable between a first pusher position, which is the position of the door pusher when the door is closed, and a second pusher position, which is moved from the first pusher position in a direction that presses the door. The control unit may control the power source to transmit power to the door pusher until the door pusher reaches the second pusher position, based on a condition for opening the door.

[0421] The refrigerator may further include a position detection sensor configured to detect the position of the door pusher and electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit may control the power source to stop the door pusher or move it to the first pusher position based on the door pusher reaching the second pusher position.

[0422] The door may be a first door, and the refrigerator may further include a second door arranged parallel to the first door, and a rotation bar rotatably coupled to the first door and provided to cover a gap between the first door and the second door when the first door and the second door close the storage compartment. The rotation bar may be provided to be rotatably between a first bar position with respect to the first door corresponding to a case where the first door is closed and a second bar position with respect to the first door corresponding to a case where the first door is opened. When the first door rotates from a closed position less than a first opening angle, the lever may contact the first contact surface, and the rotation bar may be biased to rotate toward the first bar position. When the first door rotates from a closed position less than a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle but greater than the first opening angle, the lever may contact the first contact surface, and the rotation bar may be biased to rotate toward the second bar position. When the first door is rotated from the closed position to the second opening angle, the lever can contact the second contact surface.

[0423] The refrigerator may further include a hinge bracket that connects the main body and the door and supports the door so as to be rotatable relative to the main body. The guide may be coupled to the hinge bracket.

[0424] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment, the door being provided to open by rotating in a first direction and to close by rotating in a second direction, a guide provided to apply a force to the door in a direction of rotation in the second direction when the door rotates from a closed position in the first direction by an angle smaller than a reference angle, and a door pusher provided to apply a force to the door in a direction of rotation in the first direction when the door rotates from a closed position in the first direction by an angle larger than the reference angle, and a door pusher mounted to the main body and provided to press the door to open the door. The door pusher may be provided to press the door until the door rotates from a closed position in the first direction by an angle greater than the reference angle.

[0425] The refrigerator may further include a lever mounted on the door. The guide may be fixed to the main body and may be provided to guide movement of the lever by contacting the lever when the door rotates in the first direction or the second direction.

[0426] The lever may be arranged to contact the first contact surface of the guide and apply a force to the door in a direction of rotation in the second direction when the door is rotated in the first direction at an angle less than the reference angle from the closed position. The lever may be arranged to contact the second contact surface of the guide and apply a force to the door in a direction of rotation in the first direction when the door is rotated in the first direction at an angle greater than the reference angle from the closed position.

[0427] The refrigerator may further include a lever mounted on the door and movable relative to the door, and a spring connected to the lever and configured to be compressed or extended when the lever moves relative to the door. The guide may include a first contact surface configured to apply an elastic force to the door in a direction in which the spring rotates in the second direction when the lever contacts it, a second contact surface configured to apply an elastic force to the door in a direction in which the spring rotates in the first direction when the lever contacts it, and a bending point located between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the bending point being configured to maximize the accumulation of elastic force in the spring when the lever contacts it. When the door rotates from a closed position in the first direction at the reference angle, the lever may contact the bending point or the second contact surface.

[0428] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment, a lever mounted on the door, a guide provided to allow the lever to contact the door when the door rotates, and a door pusher movable between a first pusher position and a second pusher position with respect to the main body and provided to press the door in an opening direction as it moves from the first pusher position to the second pusher position. The guide may include a first contact surface provided to apply force to the lever in a door-closing direction when the lever contacts it, and a second contact surface provided to apply force to the lever in a door-opening direction when the lever contacts it. The lever may contact the second contact surface when the door pusher is located at the second pusher position.

[0429] According to the invention, a refrigerator can automatically open a door by including a door opening device including a door pusher.

[0430] According to the invention, the refrigerator includes a guide that transmits force to the door and guides the rotation of the door, so that the door can be easily opened even with a small force applied.

[0431] According to the invention of the present invention, the refrigerator includes a guide that transmits force to the door and guides the rotation of the door, so that the door can be easily closed even with a small force applied.

[0432] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the door pusher of the door opening device can press the door until the guide transmits force to the door in the direction in which the door is opened, thereby allowing the door to rotate to a fully opened position without stopping during the opening process.

[0433] The effects according to the idea of ​​the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0434] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0435] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0436] Additionally, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a nontransitory storage medium. Here, the term "nontransitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "nontransitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0437] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable recording medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0438] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A body including a storage room; A door which is rotatable to open and close the storage room; A lever mounted on the door and provided to be movable relative to the door; A guide configured to guide movement of the lever by contacting the lever while the door rotates to open and close the storage room, the guide having a first contact surface and a second contact surface; and A door pusher is provided to pressurize the door to open the storage room; The above guide, the above lever and the above door pusher, While the door rotates to open and close the storage room, the lever moves along the guide and contacts the guide, While the lever is in contact with the first contact surface of the guide, the lever applies force to the door in a direction that closes the storage compartment, While the lever is in contact with the second contact surface of the guide, the lever applies force to the door in the direction of opening the storage compartment, A refrigerator configured such that the door pusher is operable to push the door in a direction opening the storage compartment until the lever contacts the second contact surface.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the angle by which the door moves when the lever contacts the second contact surface while the door rotates from a position where the storage compartment is closed to a position where the storage compartment is opened is greater than the angle by which the door moves when the lever contacts the first contact surface.

3. In paragraph 1, The above guide, Further including a curved point between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, When the door rotates to open the storage compartment, the lever sequentially contacts the first contact surface, the curved point, and the second contact surface, A refrigerator in which, when the door rotates to close the storage compartment, the lever sequentially contacts the second contact surface, the curved point, and the first contact surface.

4. In paragraph 3, further comprising a spring connected to said lever so as to be compressed or extended when said lever moves relative to said door; The above spring is configured to accumulate maximum elastic force while the lever contacts the above bending point, The spring is configured to be compressed by the lever when the lever moves along the first contact surface toward the bending point, A refrigerator wherein the spring is configured to apply an elastic force to the door in a direction that opens the storage compartment when the lever moves away from the bending point along the second contact surface.

5. In paragraph 1, The above door pusher, It is configured to be moveable between a first pusher position, which is the position of the door pusher while the storage room is closed, and a second pusher position, which is moved to pressurize the door in a direction to open the storage room, The above lever, A refrigerator in which the door pusher is in contact with the second contact surface while the door pusher is in the second pusher position.

6. In paragraph 5, The above door pusher, A refrigerator configured to be linearly movable between the first pusher position and the second pusher position.

7. In paragraph 5, A refrigerator wherein the door pusher includes a stopper configured to stop the door pusher relative to the main body when the door pusher reaches the second pusher position.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator wherein the distance between one end of the door pusher configured to come into contact with the door and the stopper is equal to the distance the door pusher moves between the first pusher position and the second pusher position.

9. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a pusher case mounted on the main body and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the door pusher; The above door pusher is provided to be movable with respect to the pusher case, The above pusher case includes a case entrance through which the door pusher moves, A refrigerator wherein the stopper is configured to be caught in the case opening when the door pusher reaches the second pusher position.

10. In paragraph 1, A power source provided to transmit power to the above door pusher; and Further comprising a control unit electrically connected to the power source; The above control unit, A refrigerator that controls the power source to operate the door pusher to press the door until the lever contacts the second contact surface based on a condition for opening the storage compartment.

11. In paragraph 10, The above door pusher, The door pusher is arranged to be moveable between a first pusher position, which is the position of the door pusher while the storage room is closed, and a second pusher position, to which the door pusher is moved to pressurize the door in the direction in which the storage room is opened. The above control unit, A refrigerator that controls the power source to transmit power to operate the door pusher until the door pusher reaches the second pusher position based on a condition for opening the storage compartment.

12. In paragraph 11, Further comprising a position detection sensor electrically connected to the control unit and configured to detect the position of the door pusher; The above control unit, A refrigerator that controls the power source to operate the door pusher to stop or move to the first pusher position based on the door pusher reaching the second pusher position.

13. In paragraph 1, The above door is the first door, A second door arranged parallel to the first door and configured to be rotatable to open and close the storage room; and Further comprising a rotation bar, which is coupled to the first door so as to be rotatable relative to the first door and configured to cover a gap between the first door and the second door while the first door and the second door are in a position to close the storage compartment; The above rotating bar, configured to be rotatable between a first bar position for the first door corresponding to a position of the first door when the storage room is closed and a second bar position for the first door corresponding to a position of the first door when the storage room is open; While the first door is rotated from the closed position of the storage compartment to less than the first opening angle, the lever contacts the first contact surface and the rotation bar is biased to rotate toward the first bar position; While said first door rotates from a position where said storage compartment is closed to a second opening angle greater than or equal to the first opening angle and less than or equal to the first opening angle, said lever contacts said first contact surface and said rotation bar is biased to rotate toward said second bar position; A refrigerator wherein the lever contacts the second contact surface when the first door is rotated from the closed position of the storage compartment to the second opening angle.

14. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a hinge bracket connecting the body and the door to support the door so that the door can be rotated relative to the body; The above guide is a refrigerator that is attached to the above hinge bracket.

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