Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body forming a storage compartment; a door configured to open / close the storage compartment and comprising a guide rail; and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door so that the door can rotate between being opened and closed so as to open and close the storage compartment. The hinge bracket comprises a guide shaft inserted into the guide rail so as to guide the rotation of the door. The guide rail comprises: a first end and a second end where the guide shaft is respectively positioned when the door is opened / closed; a free region disposed between the first end and the second end and having a first width; and a restricted region disposed between the second end and the free region and having a second width shorter than the first width.

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 for guiding the position of a door as the door moves between a closed position and an open position.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure that allows the speed of the door to gradually decrease during the opening process.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure such that the door opens at a constant angle.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure so that the door can maintain its position when fully opened.

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment and including a guide rail, and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door such that the door can rotate about a rotation axis in an open position in which the storage compartment is opened and a closed position in which the storage compartment is closed. The guide rail may be spaced apart from the rotation axis. The hinge bracket may include a guide shaft inserted into the guide rail and configured to guide rotation of the door. The guide rail may include a first end at which the guide shaft is positioned when the door is in the closed position, a second end at which the guide shaft is positioned when the door is in the open position, a free area disposed between the first end and the second end and having a first width, and a restricted area disposed between the second end and the free area and having a second width shorter than the first width.

[0013] The portion of the above guide shaft inserted into the above guide rail may have a width longer than the second width.

[0014] The portion of the above guide shaft inserted into the above guide rail may have a width shorter than the first width.

[0015] The area of ​​the guide rail between the second stage and the restricted area may have a width longer than the width of the portion of the guide shaft inserted into the guide rail.

[0016] The area of ​​the guide rail between the second stage and the restricted area may have the same width as the first width.

[0017] The above free region can extend from the first end toward the restricted region.

[0018] The length of the above free region may be longer than the length of the above restricted region.

[0019] The above guide rail is arranged on one side of the door facing the hinge bracket, and the guide shaft can extend from the hinge bracket toward the guide rail.

[0020] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a hinge shaft passing through a rotational axis of the door and coupled to the door and the hinge bracket, and the guide rail may be spaced apart from the hinge shaft.

[0021] The above guide rail may be recessed from the outer surface of the door in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the above guide shaft may be parallel to the rotation axis.

[0022] The first stage can contact the guide shaft when the door is in the closed position, and the second stage can contact the guide shaft when the door is in the open position.

[0023] The door is rotatable to the open position by rotating in a first direction about the rotation axis, and the door is rotatable to the closed position by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction about the rotation axis, and when the door is in the closed position, the first end can contact the guide shaft to block the door from further rotating in the second direction, and when the door is in the open position, the second end can contact the guide shaft to block the door from further rotating in the first direction.

[0024] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a hinge shaft passing through a rotational axis of the door and coupled to the door and the hinge bracket, the door further includes a shaft coupling member provided to couple the hinge shaft, and the guide rail can be coupled to the door so as to be detachable from the shaft coupling member.

[0025] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a lever movably mounted on the door and configured to transmit an elastic force to the door when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position, and a guide fixed to the main body and configured to guide movement of the lever by contacting the lever when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position. The guide may include a first contact surface configured to transmit an elastic force to the door in a direction in which the door rotates to the closed position when the lever contacts it, and a second contact surface configured to transmit an elastic force to the door in a direction in which the door rotates to the open position when the lever contacts it. The storage compartment may be opened by the door rotating in a first direction about the rotation axis, and the storage compartment may be closed by the door rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction about the rotation axis. When the door is positioned at a position rotated in the first direction from a position where the lever contacts the second contact surface, the guide shaft may be positioned in the restricted area or in an area between the restricted area and the second end.

[0026] The above-mentioned restricted area is an open restricted area, and the guide rail may further include a closed restricted area provided between the first end and the free area and having a third width shorter than the first width.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment and including a guide rail, and a hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door such that the door can rotate about a rotation axis between an open position in which the storage compartment is opened and a closed position in which the storage compartment is closed. The guide rail may be spaced apart from the rotation axis. The hinge bracket may include a guide shaft inserted into the guide rail and configured to guide rotation of the door. The guide rail may include a first end at which the guide shaft is positioned when the door is in the closed position, a second end at which the guide shaft is positioned when the door is in the open position, a free region disposed between the first end and the second end and having an arc shape approximately centered on the rotation axis, and a restricted region disposed between the second end and the free region and having a linear shape to interfere with relative movement of the guide shaft.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door that opens and closes the storage compartment and is rotatable relative to the main body, the door including a guide rail that is provided spaced apart from a rotational axis of the door, and a guide shaft that maintains a fixed position relative to the main body and is inserted into the guide rail to guide rotation of the guide rail. The guide rail may include a first end where the guide shaft is positioned when the door is closed, a second end where the guide shaft is positioned when the door is open, a free area disposed between the first end and the second end and having a width greater than a diameter of a portion of the guide shaft inserted into the guide rail, and a restricted area disposed between the second end and the free area and having a width shorter than a diameter of a portion of the guide shaft inserted into the guide rail.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door that is provided to be rotatable relative to the main body between an open position in which the storage compartment is opened and a closed position in which the storage compartment is closed, the door including a guide rail provided spaced apart from a rotational axis of the door, and a hinge bracket that connects the main body and the door, the hinge bracket including a guide shaft that is inserted into the guide rail and provided to guide the guide rail when the door rotates. The guide rail may include a free region in which the guide shaft is located when the door is rotated from the closed position by a first opening angle, and a restricted region in which the guide shaft is located when the door is rotated from the closed position by a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle. The free region may have a width of a first ratio relative to the width of a portion of the guide shaft inserted into the free region when the guide shaft is positioned in the free region, and the restricted region may have a width of a second ratio smaller than the first ratio relative to the width of a portion of the guide shaft inserted into the restricted region when the guide shaft is positioned in the restricted region.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the 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 second pusher position.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a part of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a lever device and a guide of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 7 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.

[0037] FIG. 8 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.

[0038] FIG. 9 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.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrating some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, shaft coupling member, hinge shaft, and guide rail of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the appearance of a guide rail and a guide shaft when the door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a closed position.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the appearance of a guide rail and a guide shaft when a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotates from a closed position toward an open position.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the appearance of a guide rail and a guide shaft when a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotates from a closed position toward an open position.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the appearance of a guide rail and a guide shaft when a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotates from a closed position toward an open position.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a bottom view of some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 18 is an exploded view showing some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, shaft coupling member, hinge shaft, and guide rail of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, shaft coupling member, hinge shaft, and guide rail of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, shaft coupling member, hinge shaft, and guide rail of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, a guide shaft, a hinge bracket, and a guide rail when the door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a closed position.

[0052] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, a guide shaft, a hinge bracket, and a guide rail when the door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in an open position.

[0053] 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 include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0054] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0066] "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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] According to 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.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0094] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0095] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0096] 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.

[0097] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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).

[0102] A body insulation material may be provided between the outer case (12) and the inner case (11) of the main body (10) so that the outer case (12) and the inner case (11) can be insulated from each other.

[0103] A storage compartment (20) may be formed inside the main body (10). For example, the storage compartment (20) may include a refrigerator that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and used to refrigerate food. For example, the storage compartment (20) may include a freezer that is maintained at approximately -30 to 0 degrees Celsius and used to freeze food.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The above-described division method of the storage room (20) and the use of each of the divided storage rooms (21, 22, 23) are only an example and are not limited thereto.

[0106] Inside the storage room (20), a shelf (24) for placing food and a storage container (26) for storing food can be provided.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The main body (10) may include a cold air supply duct that forms a cold air path through which cold air generated by the cooling system flows into the storage 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).

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) for opening and closing each compartmentalized storage compartment (21, 22, 23).

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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 (22).

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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).

[0129] 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).

[0130] A more detailed description of the structure of the hinge bracket (40) will be described later.

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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)'.

[0133] 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)'.

[0134] A more detailed description of the structure of the top table (13) will be described later.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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 23.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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).

[0141] A door opening device (400) may be provided to open the door (30). The door opening device (400) may be provided to rotate the door (30) relative to the main body (10) so that the storage compartment (20) is opened.

[0142] 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 an input of a door opening signal for opening the door (30).

[0143] The door opening device (400) may be provided to 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).

[0144] 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 open the first door (30A) based on the input of a first door opening signal 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.

[0145] 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 open the second door (30B) based on the input of a second door opening signal 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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).

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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).

[0151] Alternatively, for example, unlike as 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 the input of a third door opening signal for opening the second storage compartment (22). At this time, 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).

[0152] 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 the input of a fourth door opening signal 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).

[0153] 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).

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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).

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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).

[0160] The lever device (100) may include a lever (130, see FIG. 5, 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 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 be arranged to transmit 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.

[0161] A door opening / closing guide module such as this can be provided to guide the opening / closing of, for example, the first door (30A) and the second door (30B).

[0162] 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).

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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).

[0165] The lever (130, see FIG. 5) 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.

[0166] 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).

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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).

[0169] The lever (130, see FIG. 5) of the second lever device (100B) may be arranged to contact the second guide (200B) when the second door (30B) is opened or closed. Depending on the position of the second door (30B), 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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).

[0173] 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).

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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).

[0176] 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).

[0177] 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)'.

[0178] 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)'.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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).

[0181] 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 from the closed position in the direction in which it opens. 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis (A, see FIG. 13, etc.) 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).

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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).

[0186] However, in contrast to this, when the door (30) opens or closes the storage compartment (20), the hinge bracket (40) moves relative to the main body (10) or the portion where the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40) are connected to each other moves relative to the main body (10) (for example, a multi-joint hinge type in which the hinge bracket is composed of a plurality of links that are rotatably connected to each other), the rotational axis of the door (30) may not be fixed relative to the main body (10).

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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).

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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).

[0192] 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).

[0193] 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).

[0194] The pusher case (410) can be mounted on the main body (10). The pusher case (410) can be fixed to the main body (10).

[0195] 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 passes through the fixing member (410c).

[0196] 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).

[0197] 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).

[0198] 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).

[0199] The door pusher (420) may be provided to be movable relative to the main body (10). The door pusher (420) may be provided to press the door toward the open position while moving relative to the main body (10). The door pusher (420) may be movably mounted on the main body (10).

[0200] 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).

[0201] 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).

[0202] 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).

[0203] 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).

[0204] 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. Based on the drawing, the second pusher position (P2) may be the position at which the door pusher (420) moves forward from the first pusher position (P1).

[0205] 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).

[0206] 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).

[0207] The door pusher (420) can move from a first pusher position (P1) to a second pusher position (P2) based on an input of a door opening signal. The door opening signal may include a user input for opening the door (30), for example, input via an input button.

[0208] The door pusher (420) may press the door (30) toward the open position until it reaches the second pusher position (P2). Thereafter, the door pusher (420) may stop moving or move to the first pusher position (P1) based on reaching the second pusher position (P2). In this case, the door pusher (420) may no longer press the door (30).

[0209] 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).

[0210] 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).

[0211] 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).

[0212] 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).

[0213] 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).

[0214] In this way, the door opening device (400) can 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).

[0215] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a part of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 5, 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).

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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).

[0220] 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).

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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).

[0223] 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).

[0224] 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 a pair 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. 5 is an example of a door cap (32) provided on the upper portion of the door (30) among the pair of door caps (32).

[0225] 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).

[0226] For example, the guide (200) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (40). The guide (200) may be fixed to the main body (10) by being fixed to the hinge bracket (40). For example, the guide (200) may be fixed to the main body fixing portion (40a) of the hinge bracket (40).

[0227] As illustrated in FIG. 5, 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.

[0228] 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 with respect 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.

[0229] 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).

[0230] 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.

[0231] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a lever device and a guide of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 6, 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).

[0233] 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 the direction in which the door (30) opens when the door (30) rotates to the open position. For example, the lever device (100) may contact the guide (200) when the door (30) rotates to the closed position and transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes.

[0234] 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).

[0235] The lever (130) may include a roller (135) arranged to come into contact with the guide (200). The roller (135) may be arranged to come into contact with the guide surface (210) of the guide (200) 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).

[0236] For example, the roller (135) can be rotatably mounted relative to the lever (130).

[0237] 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) of the guide (200), 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.

[0238] For example, the lever (130) may be provided to be movable relative to the door (30). Specifically, the lever (130) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the door (30) about a lever shaft (113, see FIG. 7).

[0239] The lever device (100) may include a lever case (110). The lever case (110) may be fixed to the door (30). For example, the lever case (110) may be mounted to the door cap (32). The lever case (110) may form the exterior of the lever device (100). The lever case (110) may support each component of the lever device (100), such as the lever (130) and the spring (140, see FIG. 7).

[0240] The lever case (110) may include a lever shaft (113, see FIG. 7) to which a lever (130) is rotatably coupled. The lever (130) is rotatably coupled to the lever shaft (113) and may rotate about the lever shaft (113) with respect to the lever case (110). For example, the lever (130) may be provided to be rotatable about the lever shaft (113) when it comes into contact with the guide (200) while the door (30) rotates.

[0241] For example, the lever shaft (113) may have a cylindrical shape with the rotation axis of the lever (130) as its central axis.

[0242] 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).

[0243] For example, the lever case (110) may include a coupling hole (115) corresponding to the lever device coupling hole (32c) of the door cap (32).

[0244] For example, 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. By inserting the lever device engaging protrusion (32b) into the insertion hole (117), the lever device (100) may be fixed to the door cap (32).

[0245] The guide (200) may include a guide surface (210) that is provided to allow the lever (130) of the lever device (100) to come into contact with the door (30) when it is opened or closed. The guide surface (210) may form a portion of the outer surface of the guide (200).

[0246] 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 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 when the lever (130) comes into contact with the first contact surface (211) of the guide (200). For example, 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).

[0247] 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 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 when it comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200). For example, when the door (30) rotates from a closed position to an open position, if the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212), 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).

[0248] 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).

[0249] 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. 8).

[0250] When the opening angle of the door (30) is less 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) is closed. Through the lever (130), the guide (200) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened. 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 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 the direction in which the door (30) is opened, the door (30) can rotate toward the open position despite the lever (130) and the guide (200).

[0251] 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) is opened. Through the lever (130), the guide (200) may transmit a force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened. 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 be opened. 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) is closed, the door (30) may rotate toward the closed position.

[0252] By this structure, the guide (200) and the lever device (100) can transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) closes when the door (30) is closed. That is, the guide (200) and the lever device (100) can close the door (30) when the door (30) is closed at a certain angle or more. In addition, the guide (200) and the lever device (100) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens when the door (30) is opened.

[0253] 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. 7) 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.

[0254] Depending on the position where the lever (130) contacts 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) contacts the guide (200), the spring (140) can be designed to be compressed or extended. The lever (130) can be designed to transmit elastic force to the door (30) using the spring (140).

[0255] The spring (140) can have one end maintain a fixed position with respect to the lever case (110) and the other end connected to the lever (130). The spring (140) can elastically support the lever (130). Since the spring (140) has one end maintains a fixed position with respect to the lever case (110) and the other end is connected to the lever (130) when the lever (130) rotates in accordance with the opening and closing of the door (30), the spring (140) can be compressed by the lever (130) rotating with respect to the lever case (110) or restored to its length before being compressed. The spring (140) can be compressed or restored to its length before being compressed depending on the rotational direction of the lever (130) when the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113). The spring (140) accumulates elastic force as much as the spring (140) is compressed when compressed by the lever (130), and when the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, the accumulated elastic force can be provided to the door (30). While the door (30) rotates, the lever (130) contacts the guide surface (210) and rotates around the lever shaft (113) to compress the spring (140) or cause the compressed spring (140) to be restored to its length before being compressed.

[0256] For example, the lever device (100) may include a support (120) provided to support a spring (140, see FIG. 7). 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). The support (120) may be mounted inside the lever case (110). The support (120) may be fixed to the lever case (110). However, alternatively, 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.

[0257] By this structure, when the lever (130) moves along the guide surface (210) of the guide (200), the lever (130) can be rotated around the lever shaft (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113), the roller (135) of the lever (130) can be moved while maintaining contact with the guide surface (210) by the elastic force of the spring (140). Since the roller (135) is moved while maintaining contact with the guide surface (210) when the lever (130) rotates around the lever shaft (113), 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 applied more efficiently to the door (30). The spring (140) can be compressed or restored when the roller (135) moves along the guide surface (210) while in contact with the guide surface (210).

[0258] Depending on the position where the lever (130) comes into contact with the guide (200), the relative position of the lever (130) with respect to the door (30) can change, and the spring (140) can be compressed or extended.

[0259] 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. When the lever (130) comes into contact with the second contact surface (212) of the guide (200), the spring (140) can apply an elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens. When the lever (130) comes into contact with the curved 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).

[0260] 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).

[0261] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, 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).

[0262] 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).

[0263] FIG. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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.

[0264] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the door pusher (420) of the door opening device (400) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure moves from the first pusher position (P1, see FIG. 3) to the second pusher position (P2) and presses the door (30), thereby allowing the door (30) to be opened.

[0265] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the opening angle of the door (30) is less than the reference angle (a0, see FIG. 8), the guide (200) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is closed. 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 rotate about the lever shaft (113) to compress the spring (140), and elastic force can be accumulated in the spring (140).

[0266] Thereafter, when the door (30) reaches a position where it has rotated from the closed position toward the open position by a reference angle (a0) as shown in FIG. 8, the lever (130) can contact the curved point (213) of the guide (200), and the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0267] When opening the door (30), the door pusher (420) may be arranged to press the door (30) until the opening angle of the door (30) becomes greater than the reference angle (a0).

[0268] As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the opening angle of the door (30) is greater than the reference angle (a0), the guide (200) can apply force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened. When the opening angle of the door (30) is greater than the reference angle (a), 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) by the guide (200) and the lever (130). As a result, the door (30) can be opened.

[0269] 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). Through this, the door (30) can rotate more easily toward the opening position.

[0270] The reference angle (a0) of the door (30) may vary depending on the shape of the guide surface (210), and 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, etc.

[0271] When the door pusher (420) is positioned at the second pusher position (P2), the opening angle of the door (30) is referred to as a first angle, and the door pusher (420) can press the door (30) until the door (30) reaches a position where the door (30) is rotated by the first angle from the closed position toward the open position. The door opening device (400) can open the door (30) until the opening angle of the door (30) reaches the first angle. Here, the first angle can be an angle greater than or equal to the reference angle (a0).

[0272] When the opening angle of the door (30) is in a range between a first angle and a second angle (wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle), the guide (200) may be arranged to apply force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened. Here, the second angle may mean the opening angle of the door (30) at the point in time when the lever (130) is separated from the second contact surface (212) as the opening angle of the door (30) increases.

[0273] If the opening angle of the door (30) becomes greater than the second angle, the lever (130) may be separated from the second contact surface (212), and the door (30) may not receive force from the lever (130). Even in this case, the door (30) that was being opened may continue to open due to inertia. Accordingly, the door (30) may be completely opened even without additional external force being applied.

[0274] 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.

[0275] However, in such a configuration, it may be required to stop the door (30) when the door (30) reaches the maximum opening position. That is, a structure may be required to guide the position of the door (30) when the door (30) is opened and maintain a constant opening angle when the door (30) is fully opened. This may be particularly necessary because the inertia of the door (30) may change due to reasons such as changes in the overall weight of the door (30) as food is stored in the door basket (36), etc., and thus the rotation speed or rotation angle of the door (30) opened by the door opening device (400), the guide (200), the lever device (100), etc. may change.

[0276] In addition, if the door (30) is opened at an excessively fast speed, there is a possibility that the product may be damaged due to excessive load being applied to the door (30), hinge shaft (70), hinge bracket (40), etc., or the door (30) colliding with an external structure. Therefore, it may be required to limit the rotation speed of the door (30) when it is opened.

[0277] Accordingly, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rail (300) and a guide shaft (45) for guiding the rotation of the door (30).

[0278] FIG. 11 is an exploded view illustrating some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating components of a door, a shaft coupling member, a hinge shaft, and a guide rail, etc., of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0279] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rail (300) provided on a door (30). The door (30) may include a guide rail (300).

[0280] The guide rail (300) may be provided to be rotatable around the rotation axis (A) of the door (30). When the door (30) is opened or closed, the guide rail (300) may also rotate around the rotation axis (A) of the door (30). The guide rail (300) may be positioned apart from the rotation axis of the door (30). For example, the guide rail (300) may be positioned apart from the hinge shaft (70).

[0281] For example, the guide rail (300) can be mounted on the door cap (32). The guide rail (300) can be fixed to the door cap (32).

[0282] The door cap (32) may include a cap body (33) and a shaft coupling member (34). The shaft coupling member (34) may be coupled to the cap body (33). The cap body (33) and the shaft coupling member (34) may be fixed to each other.

[0283] The cap body (33) can form the upper exterior of the door (30). For example, the lever device (100) described above can be coupled to the cap body (33).

[0284] The shaft coupling member (34) may be provided to be coupled with the hinge shaft (70). The shaft coupling member (34) may be provided to support the hinge shaft (70). For example, the hinge shaft (70) may be arranged to penetrate the shaft coupling member (34). The shaft coupling member (34) may be fixed to the cap body (33) and provided to be rotatable about the hinge shaft (70). The shaft hole (32a) described above may be formed in the shaft coupling member (34). For example, as illustrated, the shaft hole (32a) may be formed on the upper surface of the shaft coupling member (34).

[0285] For example, the shaft coupling member (34) may include a shaft receiving portion (34a) provided to receive a hinge shaft (70). The shaft receiving portion (34a) may be provided to receive at least a portion of the hinge shaft (70). A shaft hole (32a) may be formed by the shaft receiving portion (34a). A separation space may be formed between the inner surface of the shaft receiving portion (34a) and the outer surface of the hinge shaft (70). Accordingly, the shaft coupling member (34) may be provided to be rotatable about the hinge shaft (70) received in the shaft receiving portion (34a).

[0286] For example, the shaft receiving portion (34a) can be formed into a cylindrical shape having a substantially hollow shape.

[0287] For example, the shaft coupling member (34) may be composed of a material including ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin.

[0288] The cap body (33) may include a coupling portion (33a) provided to allow a shaft coupling member (34) to be coupled thereto. For example, the coupling portion (33a) may be formed in a hole shape formed by penetrating a portion of the cap body (33), and the shaft coupling member (34) may be arranged to penetrate the coupling portion (33a) of the cap body (33). The shaft coupling member (34) may be supported by the cap body (33) by contacting the cap body (33) while penetrating the coupling portion (33a) of the cap body (33).

[0289] For example, the cap body (33) and the shaft coupling member (34) may be coupled to each other by a coupling member (not shown). The cap body (33) and the shaft coupling member (34) may be coupled to each other by a coupling member (e.g., a screw) that sequentially penetrates the coupling portion (33c) of the cap body (33) and the coupling portion (34c) of the shaft coupling member (34). For example, the coupling portion (34c) of the shaft coupling member (34) may be arranged to contact the coupling portion (33c) of the cap body (33) from below, and the coupling member may sequentially penetrate the coupling portion (33c) of the cap body (33) and the coupling portion (34c) of the shaft coupling member (34) in a direction from top to bottom.

[0290] However, this is not limited to this, and the cap body (33) and the shaft coupling member (34) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0291] For example, the guide rail (300) may be mounted on the shaft coupling member (34). The shaft coupling member (34) may include a rail mounting portion (34b) provided to mount the guide rail (300). For example, the rail mounting portion (34b) may be formed to be concave so that the guide rail (300) may be inserted therein, and the guide rail (300) may be inserted into the rail mounting portion (34b) and mounted on the shaft coupling member (34). When the shaft coupling member (34) rotates around the hinge shaft (70), the guide rail (300) may also rotate around the hinge shaft (70).

[0292] For example, the rail mounting portion (34b) may have a shape corresponding to that of the guide rail (300). For example, the guide rail (300) may be inserted into and fitted into the rail mounting portion (34b).

[0293] For example, the guide rail (300) may be fastened to the shaft coupling member (34) by a fastening member (not shown). The guide rail (300) may include a fastening hole (303h) and may be fastened to the shaft coupling member (34) by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) that penetrates the fastening hole (303h) and the shaft coupling member (34). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guide rail (300) may be fastened to the shaft coupling member (34) by various methods.

[0294] For example, the guide rail (300) may be provided to be detachable from other parts of the door (30). Specifically, the guide rail (300) may be detachably coupled to the shaft coupling member (34). The guide rail (300) may be detachably mounted from the rail mounting portion (34b) of the shaft coupling member (34). In this case, even if the guide rail (300) is worn due to friction with the guide shaft (45) as the door (30) is repeatedly opened and closed, the user can easily replace only the guide rail (300).

[0295] Not limited thereto, the guide rail (300) may be formed integrally with other parts of the door (30), such as the shaft coupling member (34) and the cap body (33).

[0296] The guide rail (300) may be provided so that at least a portion of the guide shaft (45) described below can be inserted therein. Specifically, the guide rail (300) may have a shape that is concavely recessed from the outer surface of the door (30). For example, the guide rail (300) may have a shape that is recessed in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the guide shaft (45) from the outer surface of the door (30). For example, the guide rail (300) may have a shape that is recessed in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the rotation axis (A) of the door (30) from the outer surface of the door (30). For example, the guide rail (300) may have a shape that is recessed along the vertical direction (Z) of the refrigerator (1) from the outer surface of the door (30). More specifically, the guide rail (300) may have a shape that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the door (30).

[0297] The guide rail (300) may include a first inner wall (301) and a second inner wall (302) facing each other, and a third inner wall (303) connecting the first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302). A guide shaft (45) described below may be inserted into a space formed by the first inner wall (301), the second inner wall (302), and the third inner wall (303).

[0298] The first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) may each extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the guide shaft (45) (e.g., in the vertical direction). The first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) may face each other in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the guide shaft (45) (e.g., in the vertical direction).

[0299] The first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) may be arranged to face each other at positions spaced apart from each other. The first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) may be connected to each other at both ends.

[0300] For example, the first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) may each be formed in the shape of an arc centered approximately on the rotation axis (A) of the door (30).

[0301] The third inner wall (303) may form the bottom surface of the guide rail (300). The third inner wall (303) may be arranged to be approximately orthogonal to the extension direction of the guide shaft (45). The third inner wall (303) may be approximately orthogonal to the first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302), respectively. The third inner wall (303) may extend in a approximately horizontal direction (a direction parallel to the XY plane).

[0302] The guide rail (300) may be formed so that the side opposite the third inner wall (303) is open. That is, an opening may be formed on the side of the guide rail (300) opposite the third inner wall (303), and the guide shaft (45) described later may be inserted into the guide rail (300) through the opening of the guide rail (300). In other words, the guide shaft (45) may extend through the opening of the guide rail (300) toward the third inner wall (303).

[0303] For example, the fastening hole (303h) of the aforementioned guide rail (300) may be formed in the third inner wall (303). The guide rail (300) may be fastened to the shaft coupling member (34) by a fastening member penetrating the third inner wall (303) and the rail mounting portion (34b).

[0304] The refrigerator (1) may include a guide shaft (45). The guide shaft (45) may be provided to guide the rotation of the door (30). Specifically, the guide shaft (45) may be provided to be inserted into a guide rail (300) and to guide the guide rail (300) when the door (30) is opened and closed. As the guide shaft (45) guides the guide rail (300), the door (30) may be guided to rotate by the guide shaft (45).

[0305] The guide shaft (45) may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (A) of the door (30). The guide shaft (45) may extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction of the refrigerator (1). The guide shaft (45) may extend from the door support (40b) of the hinge bracket (40) toward the guide rail (300). For example, the guide shaft (45) may extend downward from the door support (40b).

[0306] The guide shaft (45) can be positioned at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis (A) of the door (30).

[0307] The guide shaft (45) can be fixed to the main body (10). Specifically, the guide shaft (45) can be provided on a hinge bracket (40) fixed to the main body (10) and fixed to the main body (10). That is, the hinge bracket (40) can include the guide shaft (45). When the door (30) rotates, the guide rail (300) rotates while the guide shaft (45) is fixed, so that the guide rail (300) can be guided to move by the guide shaft (45).

[0308] For example, the guide shaft (45) may be fixed to the door support (40b) of the hinge bracket (40). The door support (40b) may include a guide shaft coupling portion (40e) to which the guide shaft (45) is coupled. The guide shaft (45) may include a hinge bracket fixing portion (45b) fixed to the guide shaft coupling portion (40e), and for example, the guide shaft (45) may be fixed to the door support (40b) as the hinge bracket fixing portion (45b) passes through the guide shaft coupling portion (40e).

[0309] For example, the guide shaft (45) may include a hinge bracket support (45c) provided to be in contact with the door support (40b). The hinge bracket support (45c) may have a width thicker than the hinge bracket fixing portion (45b). Furthermore, the hinge bracket support (45c) may have a width thicker than the diameter of the hole provided in the guide shaft coupling portion (40e). For example, the hinge bracket support (45c) may be provided between the hinge bracket fixing portion (45b) and a rail insertion portion (45a) described below. Furthermore, the hinge bracket support (45c) may be provided between the guide shaft coupling portion (40e) and the rail insertion portion (45a). As illustrated in the drawing, the hinge bracket support (45c) may be in contact with the lower side of the guide shaft coupling portion (40e). For example, the hinge bracket support member (45c) may be formed in a flat plate shape. As a result, the guide shaft (45) can be more firmly connected to the door support member (40b).

[0310] For example, the guide shaft (45) can be detachably connected to the guide shaft coupling portion (40e). Accordingly, when the guide shaft (45) becomes worn due to repeated opening and closing of the door (30), the user can easily replace the guide shaft (45).

[0311] Not limited thereto, the guide shaft (45) may be formed integrally with other parts of the hinge bracket (40).

[0312] The guide shaft (45) may be provided so that at least a portion thereof is inserted into the guide rail (300). The guide shaft (45) may include a rail insertion portion (45a) provided so as to be inserted into the guide rail (300). The rail insertion portion (45a) may be covered by the first inner wall (301), the second inner wall (302), and the third inner wall (303) of the guide rail (300). The rail insertion portion (45a) may be inserted into a space inside the guide rail (300) formed by the first inner wall (301), the second inner wall (302), and the third inner wall (303) of the guide rail (300). The rail insertion portion (45a) may be inserted into the guide rail (300) to guide the rotation of the guide rail (300).

[0313] For example, the rail insertion portion (45a) may be formed in a rod shape extending in one direction. For example, the rail insertion portion (45a) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape.

[0314] The rail insertion portion (45a) may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (A) of the door (30). The rail insertion portion (45a) may extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction of the refrigerator (1). The rail insertion portion (45a) may extend from the hinge bracket support portion (45c) toward the guide rail (300). For example, the rail insertion portion (45a) may extend downward from the hinge bracket support portion (45c).

[0315] The guide rail (300) can be placed on one side of the door (30) facing the hinge bracket (40), and the guide shaft (45) can extend from the hinge bracket (40) in a direction toward the guide rail (300).

[0316] A guide shaft (45) is provided on a hinge bracket (40), and a guide rail (300) is provided on a door (30) having a larger area than the hinge bracket (40), so that the load applied to the guide rail (300) by the guide shaft (45) can be easily distributed.

[0317] The guide shaft (45) may be positioned apart from the third inner wall (303) of the guide rail (300). That is, the rail insertion portion (45a) may be positioned apart from the third inner wall (303). The extension length of the rail insertion portion (45a) may be shorter than the depth of the guide rail (300). This can reduce wear due to friction between the guide shaft (45) and the guide rail (300).

[0318] For example, the guide shaft (45) and the guide rail (300) may be composed of different materials.

[0319] The guide rail (300) is preferably made of a material with high rigidity. In addition, the guide rail (300) is preferably made of a material with a relatively low coefficient of friction with the guide shaft (45). For example, the guide shaft (45) may be made of a material including metal. For example, the guide rail (300) may be made of a material including a material with high rigidity and a low coefficient of friction with the counterpart, such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or PA66 (nylon 66).

[0320] However, this is not limited thereto, and the guide shaft (45) and the guide rail (300) may each be composed of various materials.

[0321] In this way, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) includes a guide shaft (45) and a guide rail (300) that moves along the guide shaft (45), so as to guide the position of the door (30) when the door (30) moves between the closed position and the open position.

[0322] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a guide rail and a guide shaft when a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a closed position. FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a guide rail and a guide shaft when a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotates from a closed position toward an open position. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a guide rail and a guide shaft when a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotates from a closed position toward an open position. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a guide rail and a guide shaft when a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotates from a closed position toward an open position.

[0323] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, a guide rail (300) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first stage (310) and a second stage (320). The guide rail (300) may extend between the first stage (310) and the second stage (320). A guide shaft (45) may be inserted into a space extending between the first stage (310) and the second stage (320).

[0324] The first end (310) of the guide rail (300) may be arranged so that the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is closed. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the door (30) is closed, the guide shaft (45) may be positioned at the first end (310) of the guide rail (300). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the door (30) is closed, the guide shaft (45) may contact the first end (310) of the guide rail (300).

[0325] The second end (320) of the guide rail (300) may be arranged so that the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is opened. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the door (30) is opened, the guide shaft (45) may be positioned at the second end (320) of the guide rail (300). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the door (30) is opened, the guide shaft (45) may contact the second end (320) of the guide rail (300).

[0326] When the door (30) is opened, the direction in which the door (30) rotates around the rotation axis (A) is defined as the first direction. The direction opposite to the first direction, that is, the direction in which the door (30) rotates around the rotation axis (A) when the door (30) is closed, is defined as the second direction. The first end (310) of the guide rail (300) can block the door (30) from further rotating in the second direction when the door (30) is closed. In addition, the second end (320) of the guide rail (300) can block the door (30) from further rotating in the first direction when the door (30) is opened.

[0327] Accordingly, the door (30) can only move between a position where the first end (310) of the guide rail (300) contacts the guide shaft (45) and a position where the second end (320) contacts the guide shaft (45). In this way, the guide shaft (45) and the guide rail (300) can guide the position of the door (30) when it rotates between the closed position and the open position. In particular, when the door (30) is rotated from the closed position toward the open position and reaches the open position, the maximum opening angle of the door (30) can be maintained constant as the guide shaft (45) and the second end (320) of the guide rail (300) contact each other.

[0328] For example, the first stage (310) may be formed into a curved shape so as to roughly correspond to the outer surface of the rail insertion portion (45a). Also, for example, the second stage (320) may be formed into a curved shape so as to roughly correspond to the outer surface of the rail insertion portion (45a).

[0329] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16, when the door (30) rotates, the relative position of the guide shaft (45) within each region (330, 340, 350) of the guide rail (300) may move. At this time, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the widths of each region (330, 340, 350) where the guide shaft (45) is positioned within the guide rail (300) as the door (30) rotates may be different from each other. Here, the width of each region (330, 340, 350) within the guide rail (300) means the horizontal distance between the first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) of the guide rail (300). More specifically, the width of each area (330, 340, 350) within the guide rail (300) means the shortest horizontal distance between the first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) in each area (330, 340, 350).

[0330] Although not shown in the drawing, according to one embodiment, a shock absorbing portion may be provided on the first end (310) and / or the second end (320) of the guide rail (300) to absorb the shock when in contact with the guide shaft (45). For example, the shock absorbing portion may be formed of various highly elastic materials such as silicone or rubber. Accordingly, noise or vibration that may occur when the first end (310) or the second end (320) of the guide rail (300) collides with the guide shaft (45) when the door (30) reaches the closed or open position can be reduced, and the guide rail (300) or the guide shaft (45) can be prevented from being worn or damaged due to the collision. However, in contrast, the guide rail (300) may not be provided with a separate shock absorbing portion.

[0331] The guide rail (300) may include a free area (330) positioned between the first end (310) and the second end (320). A guide shaft (45) may be inserted into the free area (330). As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 , when the door (30) rotates, the free area (330) may move along the guide shaft (45).

[0332] The free region (330) may have a first width (w1). At this time, the first width (w1) of the free region (330) may be greater than or equal to the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45). The width (w0) of the guide shaft (45) refers to the width in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide shaft (45) and refers to the horizontal width of the guide shaft (45). More specifically, the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45) refers to the width of the rail insertion portion (45a), which is a portion inserted into the guide rail (300). If the rail insertion portion (45a) has a cylindrical shape, the width (w0) may be the diameter of the rail insertion portion (45a).

[0333] For example, the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45) may be approximately 6.0 mm.

[0334] The width (w0) of the guide shaft (45) may be shorter than the first width (w1) of the free area (330). In this case, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330), the outer circumferential surface of the guide shaft (45) may not be in contact with the first inner wall (301) or the second inner wall (302) in the free area (330). Therefore, while the door (30) rotates between the closed position and the open position, the guide rail (300) may not be interfered with by the guide shaft (45) when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330). That is, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330), the door (30) may not have its rotation speed limited at least by the guide rail (300).

[0335] For example, the ratio of the first width (w1) of the free area (330) to the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45) may be approximately 1.2.

[0336] In FIGS. 13 to 16, examples are shown in which the first width (w1) of the free area (330) is almost constant along the rotational direction of the door (30), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0337] For example, the free area (330) of the guide rail (300) may extend from the first end (310). As a result, when the door (30) begins to rotate from the closed position toward the open position, the guide shaft (45) may be positioned within the free area (330) so that the speed of the door (30) is not limited.

[0338] The guide rail (300) may include a restriction area (340) positioned between the second stage (320) and the free area (330). A guide shaft (45) may be inserted into the restriction area (340). As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the door (30) rotates, the restriction area (340) may move along the guide shaft (45).

[0339] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the opening angle of the door (30) may be greater when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the restricted area (340) than when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330). In other words, if the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330) when the door (30) is rotated by a first opening angle from the closed position, and if the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the restricted area (340) when the door (30) is rotated by a second opening angle from the closed position, the second opening angle may be greater than the first opening angle.

[0340] The restricted area (340) may have a second width (w2). In this case, the second width (w2) may be shorter than the first width (w1). In other words, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330), the ratio of the first width (w1) of the free area (330) to the width (w0) of the portion where the guide shaft (45) is inserted into the free area (330) may be smaller than the ratio of the second width (w2) of the restricted area (340) to the width (w0) of the portion where the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the restricted area (340).

[0341] Due to this, the degree / probability that the guide rail (300) will interfere with the guide shaft (45) may increase when the guide shaft (45) is located in the restricted area (340) compared to when the guide shaft (45) is located in the free area (330). In other words, the degree / probability that the rotational speed of the door (30) will be reduced may increase when the guide shaft (45) is located in the restricted area (340) compared to when the guide shaft (45) is located in the free area (330).

[0342] The second width (w2) of the restricted area (340) may be less than or equal to the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45). In this case, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned within the restricted area (340), the outer circumferential surface of the guide shaft (45) may contact the first inner wall (301) and the second inner wall (302) in the restricted area (340), thereby causing the guide rail (300) to interfere with the guide shaft (45) while the door (30) rotates. That is, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned within the restricted area (340), the rotational speed of the door (30) may be restricted by the guide rail (300) and may be gradually reduced.

[0343] Furthermore, the second width (w2) of the restricted area (340) may be shorter than the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45). As a result, the rotational speed of the door (30) can be reduced more efficiently.

[0344] For example, the ratio of the second width (w2) of the restricted area (340) to the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45) may be approximately 0.6 to 0.8.

[0345] Even if the second width (w2) of the restricted area (340) is shorter than the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45), the door (30) can have sufficient momentum when opened, so that the door (30) can rotate to the maximum opening position despite the restricted area (340). In particular, when the coefficient of friction between the guide rail (300) and the guide shaft (45) is designed to be sufficiently low, the door (30) can rotate to the maximum opening position despite the restricted area (340).

[0346] The length by which the free region (330) extends may be longer than the length by which the restricted region (340) extends. In other words, the angle by which the door (30) rotates while the guide shaft (45) is in contact with the free region (330) may be greater than the angle by which the door (30) rotates while the guide shaft (45) is in contact with the restricted region (340).

[0347] The guide rail (300) may further include an end region (350) between the second end (320) and the restricted region (340). A guide shaft (45) may be inserted into the end region (350). As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the door (30) is opened, the end region (350) may move toward the guide shaft (45). Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the end region (350) reaches the guide shaft (45), the guide shaft (45) may contact the second end (320) and the door (30) may reach an open position.

[0348] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the opening angle of the door (30) may be greater when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the restricted area (340) than when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330), and the opening angle of the door (30) may be greater when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the end area (350). In other words, if the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the restricted area (340) when the door (30) is rotated by a second opening angle from the closed position, and if the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the end area (350) when the door (30) is rotated by a third opening angle from the closed position, the third opening angle may be greater than the second opening angle.

[0349] The end region (350) may have a third width (w3). As illustrated, when the second end (320) has a curved shape, the third width (w3) of the end region (350) may not be constant. In this case, the third width (w3) of the end region (350) may mean the maximum width within the end region (350).

[0350] At this time, the third width (w3) may be larger than the second width (w2). In other words, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the restricted area (340), the ratio of the second width (w2) of the restricted area (340) to the width (w0) of the portion where the guide shaft (45) is inserted into the restricted area (340) may be larger than the ratio of the third width (w3) of the end area (350) to the width (w0) of the portion where the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the end area (350).

[0351] Furthermore, the third width (w3) of the end region (350) may be longer than the width (w0) of the guide shaft (45). Accordingly, when the door (30) reaches the open position, the guide shaft (45) can be stably seated in the end region (350), and the guide rail (300) can maintain a constant position with respect to the guide shaft (45).

[0352] For example, the third width (w3) of the end region (350) may be approximately equal to the first width (w1).

[0353] The length by which the end region (350) extends may be shorter than the length by which the restriction region (340) extends. In other words, the angle by which the door (30) rotates while the guide shaft (45) contacts the end region (350) may be shorter than the angle by which the door (30) rotates while the guide shaft (45) contacts the restriction region (340).

[0354] According to the structure of the guide shaft (45) and the guide rail (300), the door (30) can be guided to the open position and the closed position by the guide shaft (45) and the guide rail (300), respectively, and the rotation angle range of the door (30) can be limited. In particular, when the door (30) is opened by the second end (320) of the guide rail (300), the opening angle can be maintained constant.

[0355] In addition, due to the restriction area (340) of the guide rail (300), the opening speed of the door (30) can be gradually reduced while the door (30) is being opened. This allows the opening speed of the door (30) to be reduced when the door (30) approaches the open position, and the door (30) to be naturally stopped when the door (30) reaches the open position. In addition, it is possible to prevent parts such as the door (30), hinge shaft (70), hinge bracket (40), guide rail (300), and guide shaft (45) from being worn or damaged as the door (30) rotates repeatedly. In addition, even if the overall weight of the door (30) changes, the opening speed and maximum opening angle of the door (30) can be maintained to a certain degree. In addition, it is possible to prevent the door (30) from colliding with surrounding structures when it is opened. In addition, it is possible to provide the user with an effect that the door (30) opens naturally.

[0356] In addition, when the door (30) is fully open, the door (30) can be fixed by a limiting area (340) having a width smaller than the end area (350) to stably maintain the open position.

[0357] It may be desirable for the restriction area (340) to be provided in an area adjacent to the second end (320) within the guide rail (300). In other words, it may be desirable for the guide shaft (45) to be designed to be located in the restriction area (340) when the door (30) has almost reached the open position or when the door (30) has been opened to a sufficiently large angle.

[0358] For example, when the opening angle of the door (30) is approximately 90 degrees, the guide shaft (45) may be designed to be positioned in the restricted area (340).

[0359] Alternatively, in order to effectively limit the opening speed of the door (30), when the door (30) is positioned at a position that is rotated further toward the open position than the position at which the lever (130) contacts the second contact surface (212) (i.e., when the lever (130) is disengaged from the second contact surface (212) while the door (30) is rotating toward the open position), the guide shaft (45) may be designed to be positioned at the limiting region (340) or the end region (350).

[0360] Alternatively, in order to more effectively limit the opening speed of the door (30), when the door (30) is positioned between the position where the lever (130) contacts the bending point (213) (the position rotated by the reference angle (a0)) and the open position, the guide shaft (45) may be designed to be positioned in the limiting region (340) or the end region (350).

[0361] For example, unlike as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the restricted area (340) may extend to the second end (320) of the guide rail (300). In this case, the opening speed of the door (30) may be restricted more efficiently.

[0362] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0363] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lower door (30C) that opens and closes a lower storage compartment (22) of the refrigerator. In FIGS. 17 and 18, the third door (30C), which is the lower left door, is described as reference, but the features thereof may also be applied to the fourth door (30D), which is the lower right door.

[0364] The refrigerator (1) may include a lower door hinge bracket (43) that rotatably supports the third door (30C). The lower door hinge bracket (43) may connect the main body (10) and the third door (30C).

[0365] The lower door hinge bracket (43) can be fixed to the main body (10). The lower door hinge bracket (43) can include a main body fixing portion (43a) that is coupled to the main body (10).

[0366] The lower door hinge bracket (43) may include a door support member (43b) that supports the third door (30C). The main body fixing member (43a) and the door support member (43b) may be connected to each other. For example, the main body fixing member (43a) and the door support member (43b) may be formed integrally.

[0367] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge shaft (70C) configured to rotatably support a third door (30C). The hinge shaft (70C) may pass through the rotational axis of the third door (30C). The third door (30C) may rotate around the hinge shaft (70C).

[0368] For example, a shaft hole (32Ca) may be formed in the door cap (32C) of the third door (30C), and a hinge shaft (70C) may be provided to pass through the shaft hole (32Ca).

[0369] The hinge shaft (70C) may be fixed to the lower door hinge bracket (43). For example, the lower door hinge bracket (43) may include a hinge shaft engaging portion (43c), and the hinge shaft (70C) may include a hinge bracket engaging protrusion (70Ca) inserted into the hinge shaft engaging portion (43C). As the hinge bracket engaging protrusion (70Ca) is inserted into the hinge shaft engaging portion (43C), the hinge shaft (70C) may be fixed to the lower door hinge bracket (43).

[0370] The refrigerator (1) may include a guide (200C) and a lever device (100C) that are provided to guide the rotation of the third door (30C) and transmit force to the third door (30C) when the third door (30C) rotates.

[0371] The lever device (100C) can be mounted on the third door (30C). For example, the lever device (100C) can be mounted on the door cap (32C) of the third door (30C).

[0372] The guide (200C) can be fixed to the main body (10). The guide (200C) can be fixed to the hinge bracket (43). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the guide (200C) can be formed integrally with the hinge bracket (43). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the guide (200C) can be fixed to the hinge bracket (43) as a separate component, such as the guides (200A, 200B) provided on the upper door hinge bracket (41).

[0373] The features of the guide (200C) and the lever device (100C) correspond to the features of the guide (200) and the lever device (100) described above, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

[0374] The refrigerator (1) may include a guide rail (300) provided on a third door (30C). The third door (30C) may include a guide rail (300). When the third door (30C) rotates, the guide rail (300) may also rotate around the rotational axis of the third door (30C). The guide rail (300) may be positioned apart from the rotational axis of the third door (30C). For example, the guide rail (300) may be positioned apart from a hinge shaft (70C).

[0375] For example, the guide rail (300) can be mounted on the door cap (32C) of the third door (30C).

[0376] For example, the guide rail (300) may be detachably mounted on the door cap (32C) of the third door (30C). Alternatively, the guide rail (300) may be provided integrally with the door cap (32C) of the third door (30C).

[0377] The refrigerator (1) may include a guide shaft (45C) provided in the lower door hinge bracket (43). The lower door hinge bracket (43) may include the guide shaft (45C). The guide shaft (45C) may maintain a fixed position with respect to the main body (10). The guide shaft (45C) may be provided to guide the guide rail (300) when the third door (30C) rotates. At least a portion of the guide shaft (45C) may be inserted into the guide rail (300).

[0378] The guide shaft (45C) may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the third door (30C). For example, the guide shaft (45C) may extend upward from the lower door hinge bracket (40C).

[0379] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the guide shaft (45C) may be formed integrally with another portion of the lower door hinge bracket (40C) (e.g., the door support portion (43b)). Alternatively, the guide shaft (45C) may be detachably coupled to the door support portion (43b) of the lower door hinge bracket (40C).

[0380] The features of the structure and operation of the guide rail (300) and the guide shaft (45C) correspond to the features of the guide rail (300) and the guide shaft (45) described above, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

[0381] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, shaft coupling member, hinge shaft, and guide rail of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0382] When describing some components of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 19, components corresponding to the components of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18 may be given the same drawing reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0383] Referring to FIG. 19, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rail (300-1) provided on a door (30). The door (30) may include the guide rail (300-1). When the door (30) rotates, the guide rail (300-1) may also rotate around the rotational axis (A) of the door (30). When the door (30) rotates between a closed position and an open position, the guide rail (300-1) may be guided in movement by a guide shaft (45, see the previous embodiment).

[0384] The guide rail (300-1) may include a first end (310-1) in which the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is in the closed position, and a second end (320-1) in which the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is in the open position. Specifically, when the door (30) is in the closed position, the guide shaft (45) may contact the first end (310-1). When the door (30) is in the open position, the guide shaft (45) may contact the second end (320-1). The guide rail (300-1) may extend between the first end (310-1) and the second end (320-1).

[0385] The guide rail (300-1) may include a free area (330-1) and a restricted area (340-1). The free area (330-1) may be positioned between the first stage (310-1) and the second stage (320-1). The restricted area (340-1) may be positioned between the second stage (320-1) and the free area (330-1).

[0386] The width (w1) of the free area (330-1) may be greater than or equal to the width of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the free area (330-1). Further, for example, the width (w1) of the free area (330-1) may be longer than the width of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the free area (330-1).

[0387] As illustrated in Fig. 19, in the free area (330-1), the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the guide rail (300-1) may be formed in the shape of an arc centered approximately on the rotational axis (A) of the door (30). That is, the free area (330-1) may be extended to correspond to the rotational direction of the door (30).

[0388] Therefore, when the guide shaft (45) is located in the free area (330-1) of the guide rail (300-1), the guide rail (300-1) may not interfere with the guide shaft (45), and the rotational speed of the door (30) may not be limited at least by the guide rail (300-1).

[0389] In contrast, the restricted area (340-1) may extend in a straight direction. That is, in the restricted area (340-1), the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the guide rail (300-1) may each be formed in a plane shape extending approximately in one direction.

[0390] In this case, when the door (30) rotates from the closed position to the open position, the guide rail (300-1) may be interfered with by the guide shaft (45) when the restricted area (340-1) reaches the guide shaft (45). At this time, due to the difference in diameter between the hinge shaft (70) and the shaft hole (32a), the outer surface of the hinge shaft (70) and the inner surface of the shaft receiving portion (34a) are spaced apart from each other, so that the door (30) may still be able to rotate with respect to the hinge bracket (40), but the rotation speed may be reduced as the direction of its movement trajectory changes.

[0391] For example, the width (w1) of the free area (330-1) and the width (w2) of the restricted area (340-1) may be almost the same.

[0392] Alternatively, in order to more efficiently reduce the rotational speed of the door (30), the width (w2) of the restricted area (340-1) may be smaller than the width (w1) of the free area (330-1). Furthermore, the width (w2) of the restricted area (340-1) may be smaller than the width of the guide shaft (45).

[0393] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, shaft coupling member, hinge shaft, and guide rail of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0394] When describing some components of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 20, components corresponding to the components of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 may be given the same drawing reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0395] Referring to FIG. 20, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rail (300-2) provided on a door (30). The door (30) may include the guide rail (300-2). When the door (30) rotates, the guide rail (300-2) may also rotate around the rotational axis (A) of the door (30). When the door (30) rotates between a closed position and an open position, the guide rail (300-2) may be guided in movement by a guide shaft (45, see the previous embodiment).

[0396] Descriptions of the first end (310), second end (320), free area (330), end area (350), etc. of the guide rail (300-2) correspond to the guide rail (300) of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 18, and thus detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0397] The guide rail (300-2) may include a restriction area (340-2). The restriction area (340-2) may be positioned between the free area (330) and the second end (320). The restriction area (340-2) may be positioned between the free area (330) and the end area (350). The restriction area (340-2) may have characteristics corresponding to the restriction area (340) described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0398] When the guide shaft (45) is placed in the restricted area (340-2), in order to prevent the guide rail (300-2) or the guide shaft (45) from being worn while limiting the rotational speed of the door (30), the first inner wall (301-2) and the second inner wall (302-2) of the guide rail (300-2) in the restricted area (340-2) may be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0399] For example, a first cavity (301a-2) may be provided on the outer side of the first inner wall (301-2). The first cavity (301a-2) may be formed between the first inner wall (301-2) and the outer wall of the guide rail (300-2) in the restricted area (340-2) adjacent to the first inner wall (301-2). As the first cavity (301a-2) is formed, the first inner wall (301-2) may be elastically deformed outward when pressurized.

[0400] For example, a second cavity (302a-2) may be provided on the outer side of the second inner wall (302-2). The second cavity (302a-2) may be formed between the second inner wall (302-2) and the outer wall of the guide rail (300-2) in the restricted area (340-2) adjacent to the second inner wall (302-2). As the second cavity (302a-2) is formed, the second inner wall (302-2) may be elastically deformed outward when pressurized.

[0401] By this structure, the limiting area (340-2) of the guide rail (300-2) can effectively prevent the guide rail (300-2) or the guide shaft (45) from wearing out while limiting the opening speed of the door (30).

[0402] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the configuration of a door, shaft coupling member, hinge shaft, and guide rail of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0403] When describing some components of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 21, components corresponding to the components of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 20 may be given the same drawing reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0404] Referring to FIG. 21, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide rail (300-3) provided on a door (30). The door (30) may include the guide rail (300-3). When the door (30) rotates, the guide rail (300-3) may also rotate around the rotational axis (A) of the door (30). When the door (30) rotates between a closed position and an open position, the guide rail (300-3) may be guided in movement by a guide shaft (45, see the previous embodiment).

[0405] The guide rail (300-3) may include a first end (310-3) where the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is closed, and a second end (320-3) where the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is opened. Specifically, when the door (30) is closed, the guide shaft (45) may contact the first end (310-3). When the door (30) is opened, the guide shaft (45) may contact the second end (320-3). The guide rail (300-3) may extend between the first end (310-3) and the second end (320-3).

[0406] The guide rail (300-3) may include a free area (330-3) positioned between the first end (310-3) and the second end (320-3). The width (w1) of the free area (330-3) may be greater than or equal to the width of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the free area (330-3). For example, the width (w1) of the free area (330-3) may be greater than the width of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the free area (330-3), so that when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330-3), the guide rail (300-3) may not be interfered with by the guide shaft (45). When the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330-3), the rotation speed of the door (30) may not be limited.

[0407] The guide rail (300-3) may include an open limiting region (340-3) positioned between the second end (320-3) and the free region (330-3). The open limiting region (340-3) may have a second width (w2) shorter than the first width (w1) of the free region (330-3). Furthermore, the second width (w2) of the open limiting region (340-3) may be less than or equal to the width of the guide shaft (45). Accordingly, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the open limiting region (340-3), the guide rail (300-3) may be interfered with by the guide shaft (45), and the opening speed of the door (30) may be limited.

[0408] The guide rail (300-3) may include a first end region (350-3) positioned between the second end (320-3) and the open restricted region (330-3). For example, the third width (w3) of the first end region (350-3) may be greater than the second width (w2) of the open restricted region (330-3). Furthermore, the third width (w3) of the first end region (350-3) may be greater than the width of the guide shaft (45).

[0409] Additionally, the guide rail (300-3) may include a closed restriction area (360-3) disposed between the first end (310-3) and the free area (330-3). The closed restriction area (360-3) may have a fourth width (w4) shorter than the first width (w1) of the free area (330-3). Furthermore, the fourth width (w4) of the closed restriction area (360-3) may be less than or equal to the width of the guide shaft (45). Accordingly, when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the closed restriction area (360-3), the guide rail (300-3) may be interfered with by the guide shaft (45), and the closing speed of the door (30) may be limited.

[0410] Additionally, the guide rail (300-3) may include a second end region (370-3) positioned between the second end (320-3) and the closed restriction region (360-3). For example, the fifth width (w5) of the second end region (370-3) may be greater than the fourth width (w4) of the closed restriction region (360-3). Furthermore, the fifth width (w5) of the second end region (370-3) may be greater than the width of the guide shaft (45).

[0411] By this structure, the opening speed of the door (30) can be limited by the opening limit area (340-3) of the guide rail (300-3), and at the same time, the closing speed of the door (30) can also be limited by the closing limit area (360-3) of the guide rail (300-3).

[0412] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a door, a guide shaft, a hinge bracket, a guide rail, etc., when the door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a closed position. FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a door, a guide shaft, a hinge bracket, a guide rail, etc., when the door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in an open position.

[0413] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10, see the previous embodiment) and a door (1030) that is provided to be rotatable relative to the main body (10).

[0414] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge bracket (1040) connecting the main body (10) and the door (1030). The hinge bracket (1040) may be coupled to the main body (10) and the door (1030). The hinge bracket (1040) may rotatably support the door (1030).

[0415] In detail, the hinge bracket (1040) may include a body fixing portion (1040a) fixed to the body (10) and a door support portion (1040b) supporting the door (1030). The body fixing portion (1040a) and the door support portion (1040b) may be connected to each other. The door support portion (1040b) may be formed to extend from the body fixing portion (1040a) toward the door (1030). For example, the body fixing portion (1040a) and the door support portion (1040b) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0416] The door support (1040b) may be positioned on one side of the door (1030). The door support (1040b) may be positioned adjacent to the rotation axis (A) of the door (1030) on one side of the door (1030). The door support (1040b) may rotatably support the door (1030).

[0417] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge shaft (70) coupled to a door (1030) and a hinge bracket (1040) and passing through a rotation axis (A) of the door (1030). The hinge bracket (1040) may rotatably support the door (1030) by a hinge shaft (1070). The hinge bracket (1040) may include a hinge shaft coupling portion (1040c) to which the hinge shaft (1070) is coupled, and the hinge shaft coupling portion (1040c) may be provided on a door support portion (1040b). The door (1030) may be provided to be rotatable about the hinge shaft (1070). For example, the hinge shaft coupling portion (1040c) may be formed such that the hinge shaft (1070) passes through it.

[0418] The refrigerator (1) may include a guide rail (1400) and a guide shaft (1035). Unlike the guide rail (300) and the guide shaft (45) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 21, the guide rail (1400) may be provided on a hinge bracket (1040), and the guide shaft (1035) may be provided on a door (1030).

[0419] That is, referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the hinge bracket (1040) may include a guide rail (1400), and the door (1030) may include a guide shaft (1035).

[0420] The guide rail (1400) may be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the guide rail (1400) may be fixed to the door support (1040b) of the hinge bracket (1040). The guide rail (1400) may be detachably coupled to the door support (1040b), or may be formed integrally with the door support (1040b).

[0421] For example, the guide rail (1400) may be formed to have a shape in which both sides of the hinge bracket (1040) are vertically penetrated. Alternatively, for example, the guide rail (1400) may be formed to have a shape of a groove with one side closed (specifically, a shape of a groove that is sunken from the lower side facing the door (1030) toward the upper side).

[0422] The guide shaft (1035) may be arranged to rotate around the rotation axis (A) of the door (1030) when the door (1030) rotates. For example, the guide shaft (1035) may be mounted on the door cap of the door (1030).

[0423] The guide shaft (1035) can be inserted into the guide rail (1400). The guide shaft (1035) can extend from the outer surface of the door (1030) toward the guide rail (1400), and at least a portion of the guide shaft (1035) can be inserted into the guide rail (1400). When the door (1030) rotates, the guide shaft (1035) can move along the guide rail (1400). The guide rail (1400) can guide the movement of the guide shaft (1035), thereby guiding the rotation of the door (1030).

[0424] Specifically, the guide rail (1400) may include a first end (1410) where the guide shaft (1035) is positioned when the door (1030) is closed, and a second end (1420) where the guide shaft (1035) is positioned when the door (1035) is opened. The guide shaft (1035) may extend between the first end (1410) and the second end (1420).

[0425] When the door (1030) is closed, the guide shaft (1035) can contact the first stage (1410), thereby preventing the door (1030) from rotating further in the direction in which the door (1030) is closed.

[0426] When the door (1030) is opened, the guide shaft (1035) can contact the second stage (1420), thereby preventing the door (1030) from rotating further in the direction in which the door (1030) is opened.

[0427] The guide rail (1400) may include a free area (1430) provided between the first end (1410) and the second end (1420). The free area (1430) may have a first width (w1). For example, the first width (w1) of the free area (1430) may be greater than or equal to the width (w0) of the guide shaft (1035).

[0428] The guide rail (1400) may include a restriction area (1440) provided between the free area (1430) and the second stage (1420). The restriction area (1440) may have a second width (w2). The second width (w2) of the restriction area (1440) may be shorter than the first width (w1) of the free area (1430). Furthermore, the second width (w2) of the restriction area (1440) may be less than or equal to the width (w0) of the guide shaft (1035).

[0429] Accordingly, when the door (1030) is opened, the guide shaft (1035) can move from the first stage (1410) toward the second stage (1420), and at this time, the speed of the guide shaft (1035) can be limited by the restriction area (1440), and the opening speed of the door (1030) can be limited.

[0430] The guide rail (1400) may further include an end region (1450) provided between the restriction region (1440) and the second end (1420). The end region (1450) may have a third width (w3). The third width (w3) of the end region (1450) may be greater than the second width (w2) of the restriction region (1440). For example, the third width (w3) of the end region (1450) may be greater than or equal to the width (w0) of the guide shaft (1035). For example, the third width (w3) of the end region (1450) may approximately correspond to the first width (w1) of the free region (1430). Accordingly, when the door (1030) reaches the open position, the guide shaft (1035) can be stably seated in the end region (1450), and the guide shaft (1035) can maintain a constant position with respect to the guide rail (1400).

[0431] Unlike the above, a refrigerator according to one embodiment may not include components for automatically opening the door, and the door may be configured to be opened and closed manually. Even in such an embodiment, a structure of a guide rail and a guide shaft may be applied to guide the rotation of the door and limit its rotation speed.

[0432] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) forming a storage compartment (20), a door (30) that opens and closes the storage compartment (20) and is rotatable relative to the main body (10), the door (30) including a guide rail (300) that is spaced apart from a rotation axis (A) of the door, and a hinge bracket (40) that connects the main body (10) and the door (30) so as to rotatably support the door (30), the hinge bracket (40) including a guide shaft (45) that is inserted into the guide rail (300) and is provided to guide the rotation of the door (30). The above guide rail (300) may include a first stage (310) where the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is closed, a second stage (320) where the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is open, a free area (330) disposed between the first stage (310) and the second stage (320) and having a first width (w1), and a restricted area (340) disposed between the second stage (320) and the free area (330) and having a second width (w2) shorter than the first width (w1).

[0433] The portion of the above guide shaft (45) inserted into the above guide rail (300) may have a width (w0) longer than the second width (w2).

[0434] The portion of the above guide shaft (45) inserted into the above guide rail (300) may have a width (w0) shorter than the first width (w1).

[0435] The area (350) between the second end (320) of the guide rail (300) and the restricted area (340) may have a width (w3) longer than the width of the portion of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the guide rail (300).

[0436] The width (w3) of the area (350) between the second end (320) of the guide rail (300) and the restricted area (340) may be equal to the first width (w1).

[0437] The above free area (330) can extend from the first stage (310).

[0438] The length by which the above free area (330) extends may be longer than the length by which the above restricted area (340) extends.

[0439] The above guide rail (300) may be arranged on one side of the door (30) facing the hinge bracket (40). The guide shaft (45) may extend from the hinge bracket (40) in a direction toward the guide rail (300).

[0440] The refrigerator (1) may further include a hinge shaft (70) that passes through the rotation axis (A) of the door and is coupled to the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40). The guide rail (300) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the hinge shaft (70).

[0441] The above guide rail (300) may have a shape that is sunken in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the rotation axis (A) of the door from the outer surface of the door (30). The above guide shaft (45) may extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the rotation axis (A) of the door.

[0442] The first stage (310) may be provided to contact the guide shaft (45) when the door (30) is in a closed position. The second stage (320) may be provided to contact the guide shaft (45) when the door (30) is in an open position.

[0443] The door (30) may be configured to open by rotating in a first direction about the rotation axis (A) and close by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first end (310) may be in contact with the guide shaft (45) to block the door (30) from further rotating in the second direction when the door (30) is in a closed position. The second end (320) may be in contact with the guide shaft (45) to block the door (30) from further rotating in the first direction when the door (30) is in a maximally open position. A refrigerator.

[0444] The refrigerator (1) may further include a hinge shaft (70) that passes through the rotation axis (A) of the door and is coupled to the door (30) and the hinge bracket (40). The door (30) may further include a shaft coupling member (34) provided to couple the hinge shaft (70). The guide rail (300) may be coupled to the door (30) so as to be detachable from the shaft coupling member (34).

[0445] The refrigerator (1) may further include a lever (130) that is movably mounted on the door (30) and is provided to transmit elastic force to the door (30) when the door (30) is opened or closed, and a guide (200) that is fixed to the main body (10) and is provided to guide movement of the lever (130) by contacting the lever (130) when the door (30) is opened or closed. The guide (200) may include a first contact surface (211) that is provided to transmit elastic force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is closed when the lever (130) contacts it, and a second contact surface (212) that is provided to transmit elastic force to the door (30) in a direction in which the door (30) is opened when the lever (130) contacts it. The door (30) may be configured to rotate in a first direction about the rotation axis (A) to open the storage compartment (20) and to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction to close the storage compartment (20). When the door (30) is positioned at a position rotated in the first direction relative to a position where the lever (130) contacts the second contact surface (212), the guide shaft (45) may be positioned in the restricted area (340) of the guide rail (300) or in an area (350) between the restricted area (340) and the second end (320).

[0446] The above-mentioned restricted area is an open restricted area (340-3), and the guide rail (300-3) may further include a closed restricted area (360-3) provided between the first end (310-3) and the free area (330-3) and having a width (w4) shorter than the first width (w1).

[0447] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) forming a storage compartment (20), a door (30) that opens and closes the storage compartment (20) and is rotatable with respect to the main body (10), the door (30) including a guide rail (300) that is spaced apart from a rotation axis (A) of the door (30), and a guide shaft (45) that maintains a fixed position with respect to the main body (10) and is inserted into the guide rail (300) to guide the rotation of the guide rail (300). The above guide rail (300) may include a first end (310) where the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is closed, a second end (320) where the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is open, a free area (330) disposed between the first end (310) and the second end (320) and having a width (w1) greater than the diameter (w0) of the portion of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the guide rail (300), and a restricted area (340) disposed between the second end (320) and the free area (330) and having a width (w2) shorter than the diameter (w0) of the portion of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the guide rail (300).

[0448] The area (350) between the second end (320) of the guide rail (300) and the restricted area (340) may have a width (w3) that is longer than the width (w0) of the portion of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the guide rail (300).

[0449] The refrigerator (1) may further include a hinge bracket (40) that connects the door (30) and the main body (10) and allows the door (30) to rotate relative to the main body (10). The guide shaft (45) may be provided on the hinge bracket (40).

[0450] The door (30) may be provided to rotate in a first direction about the rotation axis (A) to open the storage compartment (20) and to close the storage compartment (20) by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first end (310) may be in contact with the guide shaft (45) to block the door (30) from further rotating in the second direction when the door (30) is in a position where the storage compartment (20) is maximally closed. The second end (320) may be in contact with the guide shaft (45) to block the door (30) from further rotating in the first direction when the door (30) is in a position where the storage compartment (20) is maximally opened.

[0451] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) forming a storage compartment (20), a door (30) that is provided to be rotatable relative to the main body (10) between an open position where the storage compartment (20) is opened and a closed position where the storage compartment (20) is closed, the door (30) including a guide rail (300) provided spaced apart from a rotational axis (A) of the door, and a hinge bracket (40) that connects the main body and the door (30), the hinge bracket (40) including a guide shaft (45) that is inserted into the guide rail (300) and provided to guide the guide rail (300) when the door (30) rotates. The guide rail (300) may include a free area (330) in which the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is rotated from the closed position by a first opening angle, and a restricted area (340) in which the guide shaft (45) is positioned when the door (30) is rotated from the closed position by a second opening angle greater than the first opening angle. The free area (330) may have a width (w1) of a first ratio with respect to a width (w0) of a portion of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the free area (330) when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the free area (330). The restricted area (340) may have a width (w2) of a second ratio smaller than the first ratio with respect to a width (w0) of a portion of the guide shaft (45) inserted into the restricted area (340) when the guide shaft (45) is positioned in the restricted area (340).

[0452] According to the invention, a refrigerator can open a door by including a door opening device.

[0453] According to the invention, a refrigerator can open a door by including a lever device and a guide for guiding movement of the lever device.

[0454] According to the invention, a refrigerator can include a guide shaft provided on a hinge bracket and a guide rail moving along the guide shaft to guide the position of the door when the door moves between a closed position and an open position.

[0455] According to the invention, the guide rail of the refrigerator can include a restricted area narrower than the free area to gradually reduce the speed of the door when the door is opened.

[0456] According to the invention, the door can be opened at a certain angle, including a limiting area where the guide rail of the refrigerator limits the opening speed of the door.

[0457] According to the invention, the door can maintain its position when fully opened, including a restricted area where the guide rail of the refrigerator is positioned adjacent to one end of the guide rail.

[0458] 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.

[0459] 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 forming a storage room; A door configured to open and close the storage room and including a guide rail; and A hinge bracket connecting the main body and the door so that the door can rotate about a rotation axis between an open position in which the storage compartment is opened and a closed position in which the storage compartment is closed; The above guide rail is spaced from the above rotation axis, The above hinge bracket includes a guide shaft configured to be inserted into the guide rail and to guide the rotation of the door, The above guide rail, A first stage in which the guide shaft is positioned when the door is in the closed position; A second stage in which the guide shaft is positioned when the door is in the open position; a free region disposed between the first stage and the second stage and having a first width; and A refrigerator comprising a restricted area disposed between the second section and the free area and having a second width shorter than the first width.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which a portion of the guide shaft inserted into the guide rail has a width longer than the second width.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which a portion of the guide shaft inserted into the guide rail has a width shorter than the first width.

4. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the area of ​​the guide rail between the second stage and the restricted area has a width longer than the width of the portion of the guide shaft inserted into the guide rail.

5. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the area of ​​the guide rail between the second stage and the restricted area has the same width as the first width.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the free zone extends from the first stage toward the restricted zone.

7. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the length of the free region is longer than the length of the restricted region.

8. In paragraph 1, The above guide rail is arranged on one side of the door facing the hinge bracket, A refrigerator wherein the above guide shaft extends from the hinge bracket toward the guide rail.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a hinge shaft passing through the rotation axis of the door and coupled to the door and the hinge bracket; The above guide rail is a refrigerator spaced apart from the hinge shaft.

10. In paragraph 1, The above guide rail is sunken from the outer surface of the door in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, The above guide shaft is a refrigerator parallel to the above rotation axis.

11. In paragraph 1, The above first stage folds onto the guide shaft when the door is in the closed position, The second stage is a refrigerator which folds onto the guide shaft when the door is in the open position.

12. In paragraph 11, The above door is rotatable to the open position by rotating in the first direction around the above rotation axis, The above door is rotatable to the closed position by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction around the above rotational axis, When the door is in the closed position, the first end contacts the guide shaft to prevent the door from further rotating in the second direction; A refrigerator in which the second end contacts the guide shaft to prevent the door from rotating further in the first direction when the door is in the open position.

13. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a hinge shaft passing through the rotation axis of the door and coupled to the door and the hinge bracket; The above door further includes a shaft coupling member provided to couple the hinge shaft, A refrigerator in which the guide rail is coupled to the door so as to be detachable from the shaft coupling member.

14. In paragraph 1, a lever movably mounted on said door and configured to transmit elastic force to said door when said door rotates between said open position and said closed position; and Further comprising a guide fixed to the main body and configured to guide movement of the lever by contacting the lever when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position; The above guide, a first contact surface configured such that when said lever contacts said door, said lever transmits an elastic force to said door in a direction such that said door rotates to said closed position; and a second contact surface configured such that when the lever contacts the door, the lever transmits an elastic force to the door in a direction such that the door rotates to the open position; The storage room is opened by the door rotating in a first direction around the rotation axis, and the storage room is closed by the door rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction around the rotation axis. A refrigerator wherein when the door is positioned at a position rotated in the first direction from a position where the lever contacts the second contact surface, the guide shaft is positioned in the restricted area or in an area between the restricted area and the second stage.

15. In paragraph 1, The above restricted area is an open restricted area, The above guide rail, A refrigerator further comprising a closed restriction area provided between the first section and the free area and having a third width shorter than the first width.

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