Refrigerator

Abstract

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

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a refrigerator having an improved device for automatically opening the door.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains food freshness by including a cabinet 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, and a freezer compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius, for frozen storage. A door is provided on the front of the cabinet, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed. The door is pivotally located on the front of the cabinet, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed.

[0003] Refrigerators may be equipped with a device that automatically opens the door. This device may be activated by a touch sensor, a detection sensor, or voice recognition. When the door is closed, the air inside the storage compartment cools, creating a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the compartment. This, in turn, can lead to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the compartment. Furthermore, the door may be sealed to the cabinet with a gasket to ensure a tight seal. Therefore, a significant amount of force may be required to open the door initially.

[0004] When a user operates a device that opens a door using a touch sensor, detection sensor, voice recognition, etc., the door can be opened to a certain angle.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a refrigerator in which the door is opened by a first angle by a pusher that automatically opens the door, the door is further opened by an elastic device to open a second angle, and the door is further opened by a cam device to open a third angle.

[0006] Additionally, a refrigerator is provided in which the door can be stopped in a state where it is opened to a third angle by a cam device.

[0007] In addition, a refrigerator is provided in which a guide shaft and a guide hole are formed on the upper part of the door so that the door can stop when opened to a third angle.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments presented.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage compartment, a lower hinge module, a door coupled to the cabinet by the lower hinge module and configured to be rotatable to open and close the storage compartment, a pusher configured to push the door so that the door is opened so as to rotate in an opening direction when the storage compartment is closed, an elastic device configured to be compressed as the door is rotated by the pusher at a first angle and to transmit a compressed elastic force to the door so that the door is opened in the opening direction by more than the first angle, and a cam device. The cam device may include an upper cam including a first inclined surface and a lower cam including a second inclined surface. The cam device may be configured such that the upper cam is coupled to the lower portion of the door so as to be rotatable together with the door, the lower cam is coupled to the lower hinge module coupled to the lower portion of the door, and after the elastic device transmits the compressed elastic force to the door, the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides on the second inclined surface of the lower cam to further rotate the door in the opening direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper cam may further include a first flat portion disposed on a first side of the first inclined surface, a second flat portion disposed on a second side of the first inclined surface, and a catch portion disposed on a side of the first flat portion opposite to the first inclined surface.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower cam may further include a third flat portion disposed on a first side of the second inclined surface, a fourth flat portion disposed on a second side of the second inclined surface, and a stopper disposed on a side of the fourth flat portion opposite to the second inclined surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the storage compartment is closed by the door, the first flat portion can be in contact with the third flat portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the door is rotated by the pusher to the first angle, the upper cam can be rotated by the first angle in the opening direction while maintaining the first flat portion of the upper cam in contact with the third flat portion of the lower cam.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the door is rotated by the elastic device from the first angle to a second angle greater than the first angle, and while the door is rotated from the first angle to the second angle, the upper cam can rotate so that the first flat portion of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the door is rotated to the second angle by the elastic device, the upper cam may rotate so that the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, thereby allowing the door to further rotate in the opening direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, and the first flat portion of the upper cam comes into contact with the fourth flat portion of the lower cam, the upper cam stops rotating, and the door can stop in a state where it has been rotated by a third angle in the opening direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the door is opened to the third angle and a rotational force is transmitted to the door in the direction in which the door is opened, the upper cam can rotate by moving the first plane portion along the fourth plane portion until the engaging portion of the upper cam contacts the stopper of the lower cam and the door stops rotating in the fully opened state.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabinet may include an upper hinge module coupled to an upper portion of the cabinet, the upper hinge module including a hinge axis that allows the door to be rotatably coupled to the cabinet. The door may include a door cap coupled to an upper portion of the door, and the door cap may include a door cap including a hinge hole that receives the hinge axis.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper hinge module may further include a guide shaft protruding toward the door. The door cap may further include a guide hole formed along the periphery of the hinge hole to accommodate the guide shaft, and configured to be guided by the guide shaft when the door rotates to open and close the storage compartment.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the guide hole may gradually decrease in a direction from the front of the door toward the rear of the door.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide hole may include a first portion that is closest to the front of the door and has the largest width of the guide hole, a second portion that is closest to the rear of the door and has the smallest width of the guide hole, and a third portion that is formed between the first portion and the second portion and has the same width of the guide hole as the thickness of the guide shaft.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the door is in a position to close the storage compartment, the guide shaft may be located in the first portion of the guide hole. When the door rotates to open the storage compartment, the guide hole may move along the guide shaft so that the position of the guide shaft changes from the first portion to the third portion. When the door is rotated in the opening direction by the cam device, the guide hole may move along the guide shaft until the guide shaft is located in the second portion and movement of the guide hole is restricted.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a rotational force is transmitted to the door in the opening direction while the guide axis is located in the third portion, the guide hole moves along the guide axis until the guide axis is located in the second portion, and when the guide axis is located in the second portion, the door may be restricted from further rotational movement in the opening direction.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage compartment, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment, a pusher provided to be movable in a forward and backward direction on the cabinet to push the door so that the door is opened by a first angle, an elastic device that is compressed when the door is opened by the pusher and transmits the compressed elastic force to the door so that the door is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle, and a cam device provided at a lower portion of the door and transmits an additional opening force to the door so that the door opened by the elastic device is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0026] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become clearer and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings listed below.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the front of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator with an open door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cam coupled to an upper hinge module and an elastic device coupled to a door cap according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the configuration illustrated in Figure 3 from a different direction.

[0031] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of another elastic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a first case separated from an elastic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an elastic device and a cam according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an upper cam of a cam device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure coupled to the lower part of a door and a lower cam coupled to the lower hinge module of the door.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a cam device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the cam device shown in Fig. 9 in a disassembled state.

[0037] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the separated cam device shown in Fig. 10 from another direction.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a door closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the appearance of a cam device when a door is closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a door opened by a first angle by a pusher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the appearance of a cam device when a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened by a first angle by a pusher.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure opened to a second angle by an elastic device.

[0043] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing the appearance of a cam device when a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened to a second angle by an elastic device.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a door opened to a third angle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing the appearance of a cam device when a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened to a third angle.

[0046] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a door in its fully open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the appearance of a cam device when a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is fully opened.

[0048] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0049] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a cabinet.

[0059] A “cabinet” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0060] 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 multiple plates. The "outer case" may form the exterior of the cabinet and may be joined to the exterior of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0061] "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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 cabinet in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0068] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to a cabinet, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by pressing against the front of the cabinet when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0074] 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.

[0075] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 communicate with the exterior of the cabinet to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0089] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0090] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0091] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the front of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator with an open door according to one embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator may include a cabinet (10), a storage compartment (20) formed by being divided vertically inside the cabinet (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage compartment (20), and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (20).

[0093] The cabinet (10) may be configured to include an inner case forming a storage room (20), an outer case joined to the outer side of the inner case to form an exterior, and an insulating material (not shown) foamed between the inner case and the outer case to insulate the storage room (20).

[0094] A machine room (not shown) in which a compressor (not shown) for compressing refrigerant and a condenser (not shown) for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor are installed may be provided at the lower rear side of the cabinet (10).

[0095] The cold air supply device may include a compressor installed in a machine room to compress a refrigerant, a condenser installed in the machine room to condense the refrigerant, an expansion valve (not shown) to expand the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, an evaporator (not shown) installed at the rear of a storage room (20) to generate cold air, a fan (not shown) to induce cold air generated in the evaporator to be discharged into the storage room (20), and a cold air duct (not shown) installed at the rear of the storage room (20) to discharge cold air induced by the fan into the storage room (20). The evaporator, fan, and cold air duct arranged at the rear of the storage room (20) may be arranged at the rear of the refrigerator room (21) and the freezer room (22, 23), respectively.

[0096] The storage room (20) can be divided into multiple sections by partitions (15), and a plurality of shelves (25) and storage containers (26) can be provided inside the storage room (20) to store food, etc.

[0097] The storage room (20) can be divided into a plurality of storage rooms (21, 22, 23) by a partition (15), and the partition (15) can include a first partition (17) that is horizontally connected inside the storage room (20) to divide the storage room (20) into an upper storage room (21) and a lower storage room (22, 23), and a second partition (19) that is vertically connected to the lower storage room (22, 23) to divide the lower storage room (22, 23) into a first storage room (22) and a second storage room (23).

[0098] The partition (15) having a T shape formed by combining the first partition (17) and the second partition (19) can divide the storage room (20) into three spaces. Among the upper storage room (21) and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) divided by the first partition (17), the upper storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be used as a freezer.

[0099] The lower storage compartments (22, 23) can be used entirely as a freezer, but the first storage compartment (22) can be used as a freezer and the second storage compartment (23) can be used as a refrigerator, or the first storage compartment (22) can be used as a freezer and the second storage compartment (23) can be used as both a freezer and a refrigerator.

[0100] The division of the storage room (20) as described above is an example, and each storage room (22, 23, 24) can be used differently from the above configuration.

[0101] The refrigerator (21) and freezer (22, 23) can each be opened and closed by a door (30) that is rotatably connected to the cabinet (10).

[0102] The door (30) may include a pair of refrigerator doors (31) that are rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) and open and close the refrigerator compartment (21). The pair of refrigerator doors (31) may include a first door (32) and a second door (33) that are rotatably coupled to the left and right sides of the cabinet (10), respectively. The door (30) may include a pair of freezer doors (34) that are rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) and open and close the freezer compartment (22, 23). The doors that open and close the freezer compartment (22, 23) may be sliding doors.

[0103] The refrigerator (21) is opened and closed by a pair of refrigerator doors (31), and when the pair of refrigerator doors (31) are closed, a rotation bar (35) may be provided on at least one of the first door (32) and the second door (33) so that the first door (32) and the second door (33) can be sealed without a gap being formed therebetween. The rotation bar (35) may be rotatably coupled to at least one of the pair of refrigerator doors (31). The rotation bar (35) may be guided to rotate according to the opening and closing of the refrigerator door (31) by a rotation guide formed on the cabinet (10).

[0104] A touch sensor (36) may be provided on the lower surface of each of the first door (32) and the second door (33). When a user touches the touch sensor (36), a device that automatically opens the first door (32) and the second door (33) may be operated. Although the device that automatically opens the first door (32) and the second door (33) is illustrated as being operated by the touch sensor (36) in the drawing, it is not limited thereto. For example, the device that automatically opens the first door (32) and the second door (33) may be operated by a detection sensor or voice recognition, etc.

[0105] A door basket (31a, 34a) for storing food may be provided on the back of each of a pair of refrigerator doors (31) and a pair of freezer doors (34).

[0106] Each door basket (31a, 34a) may include a die (31b, 34b) extending vertically from each door (31, 34) to support each door basket (31a, 34a) on both left and right sides of each door basket (31a, 34a). The die (31b, 34b) may be provided to extend from each door (31, 34). The die (31b, 34b) may be provided in a separate configuration so as to be detachable from each door (31, 34).

[0107] Additionally, a gasket (31c, 34c) may be provided on the back edge of each door (31, 34) to seal the gap with the cabinet (10) when each door (31, 34) is closed. The gasket (31c, 34c) may be installed in a loop shape along the edge on the back edge of each door (31, 34), and may include a magnet (not shown) inside.

[0108] The cabinet (10) may include a hinge module (50, 60) that rotatably couples the refrigerator door (31) to the cabinet (10). The hinge module (50, 60) may include an upper hinge module (50) that is coupled to the upper portion of the cabinet (10) to allow the refrigerator door (31) to be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10). The hinge module (50, 60) may include a lower hinge module (60) that is coupled to the first partition (17) to allow the refrigerator door (31) to be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10).

[0109] A top table (70) may be provided on the upper surface of the cabinet (10). The top table (70) may cover at least a portion of the upper hinge module (50) so that the upper hinge module (50) is not exposed to the outside.

[0110] A door opening device (90) for opening a refrigerator door (31) may be provided inside the top table (70). A portion of the door opening device (90) may be accommodated inside the top table (70). The top table (70) may be coupled to the upper surface of the cabinet (10) with a portion of the door opening device (90) coupled to the top table (70). The door opening devices (90) may be provided in pairs to correspond to the first door (32) and the second door (33) provided on the left and right sides of the cabinet (10), respectively.

[0111] For convenience of explanation, the refrigerator door (31) is described as a door (30) below.

[0112] The door opening device (90) may include a pusher (91) that pushes the back surface of the door (30) to open the door (30). The pusher (91) may be provided to be movable in the forward and backward directions. When the pusher (91) that moves forward pushes the back surface of the door (30), the door (30) can be opened. In other words, the door opening device (90) may open the door (30) to a certain extent, thereby allowing a user to open the door (30) with a small amount of force.

[0113] Although the drawing shows that the door opening device (90) is provided on the cabinet (10) and the pusher (91) pushes the back of the door (30), it is not limited to this. That is, the door opening device (90) may be provided on the door (30) and the pusher (91) may push the front of the cabinet (10) to open the door (30).

[0114] A pusher hole (71) may be formed on the front of the top table (70) so that a pusher (91) may pass through it. Since the door opening device (90) is provided in a pair, the pushers (91) may also be provided in a pair. Accordingly, the pusher holes (71) may also be formed in a pair corresponding to the number of pushers (91).

[0115] An elastic device (100) that accumulates elastic force by coming into contact with a cam (150) coupled to an upper hinge module (50) coupled to a cabinet (10) when the door (30) is opened by a pusher (91) may be coupled to the upper portion of the door (30). That is, in the process of opening the door (30) by the pusher (91), the elastic device (100) accumulates elastic force and transmits the accumulated elastic force to the door (30), thereby allowing the door (30) to be opened further than when opened by the pusher (91).

[0116] A cam (150) may be coupled to the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the cabinet (10) so that when the door (30) is opened by the pusher (91), the elastic device (100) comes into contact and accumulates elastic force.

[0117] Although the drawing shows that the elastic device (100) is coupled to the upper part of the door (30) and the cam (150) is coupled to the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the cabinet (10), the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the elastic device (100) and the cam (150) may be coupled to the lower hinge module (60) coupled to the lower part of the door (30) and the first partition (17) of the cabinet (10), respectively.

[0118] In addition, although the drawing shows that the elastic device (100) is coupled to the upper part of the door (30) and the cam (150) is coupled to the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the cabinet (10), the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the elastic device (100) may be coupled to the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the cabinet (10), and the cam (150) may be coupled to the upper part of the door (30).

[0119] A detailed description of the elastic device (100) and cam (150) is provided below.

[0120] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a cam coupled to an upper hinge module and an elastic device coupled to a door cap according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 from a different direction.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper hinge module (50) may include a bracket (51), a coupling member (53) that is fixed to the upper portion of the cabinet (10) to couple the bracket (51) to the cabinet (10), and a hinge shaft (55) that rotatably couples the bracket (51) and the door (30) so that the door (30) is rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10).

[0122] The bracket (51) may include a base portion (51a) that is coupled to the cabinet (10) and an extension portion (51b) that extends from the base portion (51a) toward the door (30). The door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the extension portion (51b).

[0123] The extension (51b) may be provided with a coupling portion (51c) to which a cam (150) is coupled, and a through hole (51d) through which a hinge axis (55) passes to enable the extension (51b) and the door (30) to be rotatably coupled. The hinge axis (55) penetrating the through hole (51d) may be coupled by penetrating the hinge hole (83) of the door cap (80) positioned on the upper portion of the door (30).

[0124] The connecting member (53) is fixed to the upper part of the cabinet (10) and can be connected to the base part (51a) of the bracket (51) so that the bracket (51) can be connected to the cabinet (10).

[0125] The hinge shaft (55) can be rotatably coupled to the upper part of the door (30) so as to pass through the through hole (51d) of the bracket (51) and the hinge hole (83) of the door cap (80), so that the door (30) can be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10).

[0126] A door cap (80) may be placed on the upper portion of the door (30). The door cap (80) may include a hinge receiving portion (81) in which an extension portion (51b) of the bracket (51) is received.

[0127] A hinge hole (83) is provided in the hinge receiving portion (81) through which a hinge shaft (55) is inserted and connected, and the hinge hole (83) can be formed at a position corresponding to a through hole (51d) provided in an extension portion (51b) of a bracket (51) received in the hinge receiving portion (81).

[0128] An elastic device (100) that contacts a cam (150) coupled to a bracket (51) and transmits force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens when the door (30) is opened can be coupled to the hinge receiving portion (81).

[0129] In order to connect the elastic device (100), an elastic device connecting hole (85) may be provided in the hinge receiving portion (81). The elastic device (100) may be provided with a connecting hole (115) corresponding to the elastic device connecting hole (85), and the elastic device connecting hole (85) and the connecting hole (115) may be aligned, and then connected using a connecting member (B).

[0130] Additionally, a guide protrusion (87) that guides the position of the elastic device (100) may be provided in the hinge receiving portion (81). The guide protrusion (87) may fix the elastic device (100) coupled to the hinge receiving portion (81) so as to prevent movement of the elastic device (100).

[0131] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an elastic device according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a drawing illustrating a first case separated from an elastic device according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating an elastic device and a cam according to one embodiment.

[0132] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the elastic device (100) may be mounted on a door cap (80) positioned on the upper portion of the door (30). The elastic device (100) may transmit force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened when the door (30) is opened. The elastic device (100) may accumulate elastic force when the door (30) is opened by a pusher (91, see FIG. 2), and then transmit the accumulated elastic force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened. (See FIGS. 3 to 4)

[0133] The elastic device (100) may include a case (110). The case (110) may form the exterior of the elastic device (100). The case (110) may include a first case (110a) and a second case (110b). The first case (110a) may be fastened to an upper portion of the second case (110b). To fasten the first case (110a) and the second case (110b), a fastening hole (118) and a fastening groove (119) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b), respectively. A fastening member (B) penetrating the fastening hole (118) may be fastened to the fastening groove (119), thereby fastening the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0134] The case (110) may include a support mounting groove (111) in which the support (120) is mounted by a fastening member (B). The support mounting grooves (111) may be formed in a pair. The support mounting grooves (111) may be formed in the second case (110b). The support (120) may include a mounting hole (121) in which the support (120) is mounted in the support mounting groove (111) by a fastening member (B). The mounting holes (121) may be formed in a pair to correspond to the support mounting grooves (111).

[0135] The case (110) may include a rotational axis (113) to which a lever (130) is rotatably coupled. The lever (130) is rotatably coupled to the rotational axis (113) and can rotate around the rotational axis (113) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened and closed.

[0136] The case (110) may include an open opening (114) so ​​that the lever (130) can rotate around the rotation axis (113). A portion of the lever (130) accommodated inside the case (110) may be exposed to the outside of the case (110) through the opening (114). The opening (114) may form a space so that the lever (130) can rotate around the rotation axis (113). The lever (130) exposed to the outside of the case (110) through the opening (114) may come into contact with the cam surface (151) of the cam (150) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened and closed, and may rotate around the rotation axis (113).

[0137] The case (110) may include a coupling hole (115) that is coupled to the elastic device coupling hole (85) of the door cap (80) by a fastening member (B). The coupling hole (115) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0138] The case (110) may include an insertion hole (117) into which a guide protrusion (87) of a door cap (80) is inserted. The guide protrusion (87) is inserted into the insertion hole (117), so that the elastic device (100) can be fixed to the upper portion of the door cap (80). The insertion hole (117) may be formed in the first case (110a) and the second case (110b).

[0139] The elastic device (100) may include a support (120). The support (120) may be mounted inside the case (110). The support (120) may include a mounting hole (121) that is mounted in a support mounting groove (111) by a fastening member (B). The support mounting groove (111) and the mounting hole (121) may be provided as a pair.

[0140] The support (120) may include a first support protrusion (123) on which one end of a spring (140) is supported. The spring (140) may be supported at both ends by the support (120) and the lever (130) inside the case (110). One end of the spring (140) may be supported by the first support protrusion (123) of the support (120) fixed inside the case (110), and the other end may be supported by a lever (130) that is rotatably coupled to a rotational shaft (113) inside the case (110). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened, the lever (130) may contact the cam surface (151) and rotate around the rotational shaft (113) to compress the spring (140) or cause the compressed spring (140) to be restored to its length before being compressed. Although the drawing shows one end of the spring (140) as being supported by the first support protrusion (123) of the support (120), it is not limited thereto. That is, one end of the spring (140) may be fixed to a part other than the support (120) as long as it is fixed when the lever (130) is rotated. For example, one end of the spring (140) may be fixed inside the case (110). The first support protrusion (123) may be integrally provided inside the case (110) so that one end of the spring (140) may be fixed inside the case (110). If one end of the spring (140) is fixed to the first support protrusion (123) inside the case (110), the elastic device (100) may be configured without the support (120). In addition, although the drawing shows that the support (120) is provided separately and mounted inside the case (110), it is not limited thereto. That is, the support (120) can be formed integrally with the case (110).

[0141] The elastic device (100) may include a lever (130). The lever (130) may be rotatably coupled to the inside of the case (110). The lever (130) may include a rotation hole (131) that is rotatably coupled to a rotation axis (113) of the case (110). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened, the lever (130) may move along the shape of the cam surface (151) of the cam (150) while the roller (135) is in contact with the cam surface (151) and may rotate around the rotation axis (113).

[0142] When the door (30, see Fig. 2) is closed, the lever (130) can come into contact with the cam surface (151). At this time, the cam surface (151) may be the second contact surface (157). When the door (30, see Fig. 2) is opened while the lever (130) is in contact with the second contact surface (157), the lever (130) can move along the second contact surface (157) and rotate around the rotation axis (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the rotation axis (113), the spring (140) can be compressed by the rotating lever (130). When the spring (140) is compressed, the spring (140) can accumulate elastic force. The spring (140) can be compressed until the lever (130) moves along the second contact surface (157) and is positioned at the bending point (153). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened by the pusher (91, see FIG. 2) so that the spring (140) is compressed, and the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened by a first angle (A1), that is, when the lever (130) is positioned at the curved point (153) of the cam surface (151) and then moves along the first contact surface (155), the rotational direction of the lever (130) changes to the opposite direction, and the compressed spring (140) can be restored to its length before being compressed. At this time, the first angle (A1) may be approximately 8 degrees. When the spring (140) is restored, the elastic force accumulated in the spring (140) can be transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2). As described above, when the lever (130) is rotated around the rotation axis (113), the spring (140) can be compressed or restored to its length before being compressed, depending on the rotation direction of the lever (130).

[0143] The lever (130) may include a second support protrusion (133) on which the other end of the spring (140) is supported. The spring (140) may have one end supported by the first support protrusion (123) of the support (120) fixed inside the case (110), and the other end supported by the second support protrusion (133) of the lever (130) rotatably coupled to the rotational shaft (113) inside the case (110). Therefore, since the spring (140) has one end fixed to the support (120) when the lever (130) is rotated while the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened, the other end may be compressed by the lever (130) being rotated, or may be restored to the length before being compressed.

[0144] The lever (130) may include a roller (135) that comes into contact with a cam surface (151) of a cam (150) when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened. The roller (135) that comes into contact with the cam surface (151) may move along the shape of the cam surface (151) to allow the lever (130) to rotate around the rotation axis (113). When the lever (130) rotates around the rotation axis (113), the roller (135) may be moved while maintaining a state of being in contact with the cam surface (151) by the elastic force of the spring (140). When the lever (130) rotates around the rotation axis (113), the roller (135) moves while maintaining contact with the cam surface (151), so that the spring (140) can be compressed more efficiently to accumulate elastic force, and when the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, the elastic force of the spring (140) can be more efficiently transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2).

[0145] 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 cam surface (151), the contact area between the roller (135) and the cam surface (151) can be reduced. As a result, the frictional force between the roller (135) and the cam surface (151) can be reduced.

[0146] The lever (130) may include a roller mounting hole (137) in which a roller (135) is mounted. The roller (135) may be rotatably mounted in the roller mounting hole (137) by a fastening member (B).

[0147] The elastic device (100) may include a spring (140). The spring (140) may be a compression spring. One end of the spring (140) may be supported by a first support protrusion (123) of a support (120) fixed inside the case (110), and the other end may be supported by a second support protrusion (133) of a lever (130) rotatably coupled to a rotational shaft (113) inside the case (110). Accordingly, the spring (140) may be compressed or restored to its length before being compressed, depending on the rotational direction of the lever (130), when the lever (130) is rotated around the rotational shaft (113). When the spring (140) is compressed by the lever (130), the spring (140) accumulates elastic force as much as the spring (140) is compressed, and when the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, the accumulated elastic force may be transmitted to the door (30, see FIG. 2).

[0148] The spring (140) is a compression spring, and the elastic device (100) that comes into contact with the cam (150) is formed as a single lever having elasticity, so that it has a smaller size but greater elasticity than when the elasticity of the material of the elastic device (100) is used, so the elastic device (100) that uses the elasticity of the spring (140) can transmit greater force to the door (30).

[0149] Although the drawing shows a configuration in which the elastic device (100) includes a spring (140) and transmits force to the door (30, see FIG. 2) by utilizing the elastic force of the spring (140), the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the entire elastic device (100) may be formed of a material having elasticity. For example, the entire configuration of the elastic device (100), excluding the roller (135) that comes into contact with the cam surface (151), may be formed of a material having elasticity, such as rubber.

[0150] The cam (150) can be coupled to the upper part of the cabinet (10, see FIG. 2). The cam (150) can be coupled to the upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper part of the cabinet (10, see FIG. 2). The cam (150) can be coupled to the coupling portion (51c) of the upper hinge module (50). The cam (150) can include a cam surface (151) that moves when the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) is in contact with the door (30, see FIG. 2) when it is opened.

[0151] The cam face (151) may include a bending point (153) that serves as a reference point for transmitting the accumulated elastic force to the door (30, see FIG. 2) after the spring (140) of the elastic device (100) accumulates elastic force when the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened by the pusher (91, see FIG. 2). The bending point (153) may be the most protruding portion of the protruding cam face (151). When the door (30, see FIG. 2) is opened, the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) passes the bending point (153), and the elastic device (100) can transmit the opening force to the door (30, see FIG. 2) by the elastic force of the spring (140).

[0152] The cam face (151) may include a second contact surface (157) that comes into contact with the lever (130) before it comes into contact with the bending point (153) when the door (30) is opened by the pusher (91). That is, when the door (30) is opened, the roller (135) of the lever (130) may come into contact with the second contact surface (157) before it comes into contact with the bending point (153). When the door (30) is opened, the second contact surface (157) may be a section where the elastic device (100) accumulates elastic force. (See FIG. 2)

[0153] The cam face (151) may include a first contact surface (155) that comes into contact with the lever (130) after it comes into contact with the bending point (153) when the door (30) is opened by the pusher (91). That is, when the door (30) is opened, the roller (135) of the lever (130) may come into contact with the first contact surface (155) after it comes into contact with the bending point (153). When the door (30) is opened, the first contact surface (155) may be a section where the elastic device (100) transfers elastic force to the door (30). (See FIG. 2)

[0154] The first contact surface (155) and the second contact surface (157) of the cam surface (151) may be formed to be inclined in the opposite direction to the direction in which the cam surface (151) protrudes based on the curved point (153). Accordingly, the curved point (153) may be the most protruding portion of the cam surface (151) that protrudes in a triangular shape.

[0155] A cam device (200) may be provided at the bottom of the door (30) to transmit additional opening force to the door (30) opened by the elastic device (100). A detailed description of the cam device (200) will be provided below. (See FIG. 8)

[0156] The upper hinge module (50) may include a guide shaft (230) protruding toward the door (30) at a portion adjacent to the hinge shaft (55). The guide shaft (230) may be formed to protrude downward from the lower surface of the extension portion (51b) of the upper hinge module (50). The guide shaft (230) may be inserted into a guide hole (240) formed in the door cap (80). When the door (30) is opened and closed while the guide shaft (230) is inserted into the guide hole (240), the guide shaft (230) may be guided along the guide hole (240).

[0157] The door cap (80) may include a guide hole (240) formed along the periphery of the hinge hole (83). The guide hole (240) may be formed in an arc shape along the periphery of the hinge hole (83). A guide shaft (230) is inserted into the guide hole (240), and when the door (30) is opened and closed, the guide hole (240) may guide the guide shaft (230).

[0158] The guide hole (240) may be formed so that its width gradually decreases in the direction from the front of the door (30) toward the rear of the door (30). That is, the guide hole (240) may be formed so that its width gradually decreases along the direction in which the guide shaft (230) moves when the door (30) is opened.

[0159] The guide hole (240) may include a first portion (241) adjacent to the front of the door (30). The first portion (241) may be a portion having the largest width among the widths of the guide hole (240). The first portion (241) may be a portion where the guide shaft (230) is positioned when the door (30) is closed. (See FIG. 12)

[0160] The guide hole (240) may include a second portion (243) adjacent to the rear of the door (30). The second portion (243) may be a portion having the smallest width among the widths of the guide hole (240). The second portion (243) may be a portion where the guide shaft (230) is positioned when the door (30) is fully opened. (See FIG. 20)

[0161] The guide hole (240) may include a third portion (245) formed between the first portion (241) and the second portion (243). The third portion (245) may have a width approximately equal to the thickness of the guide shaft (230). The third portion (245) may be a portion where the guide shaft (230) is positioned when the door (30) is opened by 90 degrees. (See FIG. 18)

[0162] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an upper cam of a cam device according to one embodiment, wherein the upper cam is coupled to the lower part of the door, and the lower cam is coupled to the lower hinge module of the door. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a cam device according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the cam device illustrated in FIG. 9 in an isolated state. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the isolated cam device illustrated in FIG. 10 from another direction.

[0163] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11, a cam device (200) may be provided at the bottom of the door. The cam device (200) may transmit additional opening force to the door (30) that is opened by the elastic device (100, see FIG. 2).

[0164] The cam device (200) may include an upper cam (210) coupled to the lower end of the door (30). The upper cam (210) may be coupled to the lower end of the door (30) and may rotate together with the door (30). The upper cam (210) may include a first inclined surface (211).

[0165] The upper cam (210) may include flat portions (213, 215) formed on both sides of the first inclined surface (211). The flat portions (213, 215) may include a first flat portion (213) formed on one side of the first inclined surface (211). The first flat portion (213) may be a flat portion that comes into contact with the third flat portion (223) of the lower cam (220) when the door (30) is closed. The flat portions (213, 215) may include a second flat portion (215) formed on the other side of the first inclined surface (211). The second flat portion (215) may be a flat portion that comes into contact with the third flat portion (223) of the lower cam (220) when the door (30) is opened by 90 degrees.

[0166] The upper cam (210) may include a catch (217) formed on the opposite side of the first inclined surface (211) of the first flat surface (213). That is, the first inclined surface (211) and the catch (217) may be formed on both sides of the first flat surface (213), respectively. The catch (217) may be a portion that comes into contact with the stopper (227) of the lower cam (220) when the door (30) is opened to the maximum. That is, when the upper cam (210) rotates and the catch (217) of the upper cam (210) is caught by the stopper (227) of the lower cam (220), the door (30) may be stopped in the maximum open state.

[0167] The cam device (200) may include a lower cam (220) coupled to a lower hinge module (60) positioned at the bottom of the door (30). The lower cam (220) is positioned at the bottom of the upper cam (210) and may be fixed to the lower hinge module (60) when the upper cam (210) rotates.

[0168] The lower cam (220) may include a second inclined surface (221). The second inclined surface (221) may be a surface along which the first inclined surface (211) of the upper cam (210) slides so that the door (30) rotates in the opening direction when the door (30) is opened by the elastic device (100, see FIG. 2).

[0169] The lower cam (220) may include flat portions (223, 225) formed on both sides of the second inclined surface (221). The flat portions (223, 225) may include a third flat portion (223) formed on one side of the second inclined surface (221). The third flat portion (223) may be a flat portion that comes into contact with the first flat portion (213) of the upper cam (210) when the door (30) is closed. The flat portions (223, 225) may include a fourth flat portion (225) formed on the other side of the second inclined surface (221). The fourth flat portion (225) may be a flat portion that comes into contact with the first flat portion (213) of the upper cam (210) when the door (30) is opened by 90 degrees.

[0170] The lower cam (220) may include a stopper (227) formed on the opposite side of the second inclined surface (221) of the fourth flat surface (225). That is, the second inclined surface (221) and the stopper (227) may be formed on both sides of the fourth flat surface (225), respectively. The stopper (227) may be a portion that comes into contact with the engaging portion (217) of the upper cam (210) when the door (30) is opened to the maximum. That is, when the upper cam (210) rotates and the engaging portion (217) of the upper cam (210) is engaged with the stopper (227) of the lower cam (220), the door (30) may be stopped in the maximum open state.

[0171] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a door closed according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a cam device when a door is closed according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a door opened by a first angle by a pusher according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a cam device when a door is opened by a first angle by a pusher according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a door opened by a second angle by an elastic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a cam device when a door is opened by a second angle by an elastic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a door opened by a third angle according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a cam device when a door is opened by a third angle according to one embodiment. FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a door opened to its maximum extent according to one embodiment. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the appearance of the cam device when the door is fully opened according to one embodiment.

[0172] As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the door (30) is closed, the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) may be in contact with the cam surface (151) of the cam (150). More specifically, when the door (30) is closed, the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) may be in contact with the second contact surface (157) of the cam surface (151) of the cam (150).

[0173] When the door (30) is closed, the cam device (200) can have the first flat surface (213) of the upper cam (210) come into contact with the third flat surface (223) of the lower cam (220). That is, the first flat surface (213) of the upper cam (210) can be positioned above the third flat surface (223) while being in contact with the third flat surface (223) of the lower cam (220).

[0174] When the door (30) is closed, the guide shaft (230) can be positioned in the first part (241) of the guide hole (240). (See Fig. 4)

[0175] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, when a user touches the touch sensor (36, see FIG. 1), the pusher (91) may move forward from the cabinet (10) toward the door (30) to push the door (30). When the door (30) is opened by the pusher (91) by a first angle (A1), the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) may move to be positioned at the curved point (153) along the shape of the second contact surface (157). At this time, the first angle (A1) may be approximately 8 degrees. When the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) moves toward the curved point (153) along the shape of the second contact surface (157), the lever (130) of the elastic device (100) may rotate counterclockwise in the drawing about the rotation axis (113). The spring (140) can be compressed by the rotation of the lever (130). When the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) passes the second contact surface (157) and is positioned at the bending point (153), the spring (140) can be compressed to the maximum.

[0176] When the door (30) is opened by the pusher (91) by a first angle (A1), the upper cam (210) can be rotated by a first angle (A1) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened while maintaining a state in which the first flat surface (213) is in contact with the third flat surface (223) of the lower cam (220).

[0177] When the door (30) is opened by the first angle (A1) by the pusher (91), the guide shaft (230) can move from the first part (241) of the guide hole (240) toward the second part (243).

[0178] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) passes the bending point (153), the compressed spring (140) is restored to its length before being compressed, and the lever (130) can be rotated clockwise around the rotation axis (113) in the drawing. At this time, the roller (135) can move along the shape of the first contact surface (155) beyond the bending point (153). When the lever (130) rotates due to the elastic force of the spring (140) and the roller (135) moves along the shape of the first contact surface (155) beyond the bending point (153), the elastic force of the spring (140) can be transmitted to the door (30). The door (30) can be opened by a second angle (A2) greater than the first angle (A1, see FIG. 14) due to the elastic force transmitted to the door (30) by the spring (140). At this time, the second angle (A2) may be approximately 45 degrees. When the door (30) is opened by the second angle (A2), the roller (135) of the elastic device (100) can be spaced apart from the first contact surface (155).

[0179] When the door (30) is opened by an angle greater than the first angle (A1, see FIG. 12) and less than the second angle (A2) by the elastic device (100), the upper cam (210) can rotate so that the first flat portion (213) slides along the second inclined surface (221) of the lower cam (220). The upper cam (210) can rotate so that the second flat portion (215) slides along the second inclined surface (221) of the lower cam (220) following the first flat portion (213), thereby allowing the door (30) to open by a third angle (A3). At this time, the third angle (A3) can be approximately 90 degrees. (See FIGS. 18 and 19)

[0180] When the door (30) is opened by the cam device (200), the guide shaft (230) can move from the first part (241) of the guide hole (240) toward the second part (243).

[0181] As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, when the door (30) is opened by the cam device (200) by an angle greater than the second angle (A2), the upper cam (210) can rotate while the first inclined surface (211) slides along the second inclined surface (221) of the lower cam (220). After the first inclined surface (211) slides along the second inclined surface (221), when the first flat surface (213) comes into contact with the fourth flat surface (225) of the lower cam (220), the upper cam (210) can stop rotating. When the rotation of the upper cam (210) stops, the door (30) can be rotated by the third angle (A3). That is, the door (30) can stop in a state in which it is opened by the third angle (A3) by the cam device (200).

[0182] When the door (30) is opened to a third angle (A3) by the cam device (200), the guide shaft (230) can be positioned in the third part (245) of the guide hole (240). When the guide shaft (230) is positioned in the third part (245) of the guide hole (240) having the same width as the thickness of the guide shaft (230), movement can be restricted. That is, when the door (30) stops while being opened to a third angle (A3) by the cam device (200), an impact may occur to the door (30), but the impact generated to the door (30) can be reduced by the guide shaft (230) whose movement is restricted while the door (30) is opened to a third angle (A3).

[0183] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the door (30) is opened to a third angle (A3, see FIG. 18) and force is transmitted to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) is opened, the upper cam (210) can rotate by moving the first plane portion (213) along the fourth plane portion (225) of the lower cam (220). When the engaging portion (217) of the rotating upper cam (210) is engaged with the stopper (227) of the lower cam (220), the door (30) can be stopped in the fully opened state.

[0184] When the door (30) is in the maximum open state, the guide shaft (230) can be positioned in the second part (243) of the guide hole (240). When the guide shaft (230) is positioned in the second part (243) of the guide hole (240), movement can be restricted. That is, when the door (30) is opened to the maximum by an external force and stopped in the maximum open state by the cam device (200), an impact may occur to the door (30). However, the impact generated to the door (30) can be reduced by the guide shaft (230) whose movement is restricted when the door (30) is in the maximum open state.

[0185] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet (10) having a storage compartment (20), a door (30) rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment, a pusher (91) for pushing the door so that the door is opened, an elastic device (100) that is compressed when the door is opened by the pusher and transmits the compressed elastic force to the door so that the door is further opened, and a cam device (200) provided at a lower portion of the door so that the door opened by the elastic device is further opened. The cam device includes an upper cam (210) coupled to a lower portion of the door so as to rotate together with the door, and a lower cam (220) coupled to a lower hinge module (60) of the door and including a second inclined surface (221) along which the first inclined surface slides so that, when the door is opened by the elastic device, the first inclined surface is rotated in an opening direction.

[0186] The upper cam may further include a first flat portion (213) formed on one side of the first inclined surface, a second flat portion (215) formed on the other side of the first inclined surface, and a catch portion (217) formed on the opposite side of the first flat portion from the first inclined surface.

[0187] The lower cam may further include a third flat portion (223) formed on one side of the second inclined surface, a fourth flat portion (225) formed on the other side of the second inclined surface, and a stopper (227) formed on the opposite side of the second inclined surface of the fourth flat portion.

[0188] When the door is closed, the first flat portion can come into contact with the third flat portion.

[0189] When the door is opened by the pusher by a first angle (A1), the upper cam can be rotated by the first angle in the direction in which the door is opened while maintaining the first plane portion in contact with the third plane portion.

[0190] The door is opened by the elastic device to a second angle (A2), and when the door is opened by an angle greater than the first angle and less than the second angle, the upper cam can rotate so that the first flat portion slides along the second inclined surface.

[0191] The upper cam can be rotated to cause the first inclined surface to slide along the second inclined surface, thereby opening the door.

[0192] After the first inclined surface slides along the second inclined surface, when the first flat portion comes into contact with the fourth flat portion, the upper cam stops rotating, and the door can stop in a state where it is opened to a third angle (A3).

[0193] When the door is opened to the third angle and a force is transmitted to the door in the direction in which the door is opened, the upper cam can rotate the first plane portion by moving along the fourth plane portion, and when the engaging portion is engaged with the stopper, the door can be stopped in the maximum open state.

[0194] The cabinet may include an upper hinge module (50) that is coupled to the upper portion of the cabinet and includes a hinge axis (55) that allows the door to be rotatably coupled to the cabinet, and the door may include a door cap (80) that is coupled to the upper portion of the door and includes a hinge hole (83) to which the hinge axis is rotatably coupled.

[0195] The upper hinge module further includes a guide shaft (230) protruding toward the door at a portion adjacent to the hinge shaft, and the door cap is formed along the circumference of the hinge hole so that the guide shaft is inserted, and may further include a guide hole (240) that guides the guide shaft when the door is opened and closed.

[0196] The above guide hole may be formed so that its width gradually decreases in the direction from the front of the door toward the rear of the door.

[0197] The above guide hole may include a first portion (241) adjacent to the front of the door and having the largest width, a second portion (243) adjacent to the rear of the door and having the smallest width, and a third portion (245) formed between the first portion and the second portion and having the same width as the thickness of the guide axis.

[0198] When the door is closed, the guide shaft is positioned in the first portion of the guide hole, and when the door is opened, the guide shaft moves along the guide hole from the first portion toward the second portion, and when the door is opened by the cam device, the guide shaft moves along the guide hole and is positioned in the third portion, so that movement can be restricted.

[0199] When the guide axis is positioned in the third section and force is transmitted to the door in the direction in which the door is opened, the guide axis moves to the second section, and when the guide axis is positioned in the second section, movement may be restricted.

[0200] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a refrigerator comprises a cabinet (10) having a storage compartment (20), a door (30) rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment, a pusher (91) provided to be movable in the front-back direction on the cabinet to push the door so that the door is opened by a first angle (A1), an elastic device (100) that is compressed when the door is opened by the pusher and transmits the compressed elastic force to the door so that the door is opened by a second angle (A2) greater than the first angle, and a cam device (200) provided at a lower portion of the door and transmits an additional opening force to the door so that the door opened by the elastic device is opened by a third angle (A3) greater than the second angle.

[0201] The cam device includes an upper cam (210) coupled to the lower end of the door so as to rotate together with the door, and the upper cam may include a first inclined surface (211), a first flat portion (213) formed on one side of the first inclined surface, a second flat portion (215) formed on the other side of the first inclined surface, and a catch portion (217) formed on the opposite side of the first flat portion to the first inclined surface.

[0202] The cam device may further include a lower cam (220) coupled to the lower hinge module (60) of the door so as to be positioned below the upper cam, and the lower cam may include a second inclined surface (221) formed so that the first inclined surface slides so that the door rotates in the opening direction when the door is opened by the elastic device, a third flat surface (223) formed on one side of the second inclined surface, a fourth flat surface (225) formed on the other side of the second inclined surface, and a stopper (227) formed on the opposite side of the second inclined surface of the fourth flat surface, and configured to catch the engaging portion of the rotating upper cam to stop rotation.

[0203] The cabinet may include an upper hinge module (50) coupled to the upper portion of the cabinet, and the upper hinge module may include a hinge axis (55) that allows the door to be rotatably coupled to the cabinet, and a guide axis (230) formed to protrude toward the door at a portion adjacent to the hinge axis.

[0204] The door may include a door cap (80) coupled to the upper portion of the door, and the door cap may include a hinge hole (83) to which the hinge axis is rotatably coupled, and a guide hole (240) formed along the circumference of the hinge hole to guide the guide axis when the door is opened and closed, and formed so that the width thereof gradually decreases along the direction in which the guide axis moves when the door is opened.

[0205] According to the present disclosure, a door can be opened by 90 degrees by a device that automatically opens the door.

[0206] Additionally, the door can be stopped at a 90 degree opening by a device that automatically opens the door.

[0207] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0208] In describing the refrigerator with reference to the attached drawings above, specific shapes and directions have been mainly described, but it should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. Cabinet with storage compartment; Lower hinge module; A door coupled to the cabinet by the lower hinge module and configured to be rotatable to open and close the storage room; A pusher configured to push the door so that the door rotates in the opening direction when the storage compartment is closed; An elastic device configured to transmit a compressed elastic force to the door so that the door is opened more than the first angle in the opening direction, as the door is rotated at a first angle by the pusher; and including a cam device; The above cam device, an upper cam including a first slope; and A lower cam including a second slope; The above cam device, The upper cam is coupled to the lower part of the door so as to be rotatable together with the door, The lower cam is coupled to the lower hinge module which is coupled to the lower portion of the door, A refrigerator configured such that after the elastic device transmits the compressed elastic force to the door, the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides on the second inclined surface of the lower cam to further rotate the door in the opening direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above upper cam is, A first flat surface disposed on the first side of the first slope; A second flat portion arranged on the second side of the first slope; and A refrigerator further comprising a catch portion arranged on a side opposite to the first inclined surface of the first flat portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above lower cam is, A third flat surface arranged on the first side of the second slope; A fourth flat portion arranged on the second side of the second slope; and A refrigerator further comprising a stopper arranged on the side opposite to the second inclined surface of the fourth flat surface.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the first flat portion is in contact with the third flat portion when the storage compartment is closed by the door.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which, when the door is rotated to the first angle by the pusher, the upper cam is rotated to the opening direction by the first angle while the first flat portion of the upper cam remains in contact with the third flat portion of the lower cam.

6. In paragraph 5, A refrigerator in which the door is rotated from the first angle to a second angle greater than the first angle by the elastic device, and the upper cam rotates so that the first flat portion of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam while the door is rotated from the first angle to the second angle.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which, when the door is rotated to the second angle by the elastic device, the upper cam rotates so that the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, thereby causing the door to further rotate in the opening direction.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which, after the first inclined surface of the upper cam slides along the second inclined surface of the lower cam, when the first flat portion of the upper cam comes into contact with the fourth flat portion of the lower cam, the upper cam stops rotating and the door stops in a state of being rotated by a third angle in the opening direction.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which, when the door is opened to the third angle and a rotational force is transmitted to the door in the direction in which the door is opened, the upper cam rotates by moving the first plane part along the fourth plane part until the engaging part of the upper cam contacts the stopper of the lower cam and the door stops rotating in the fully opened state.

10. In paragraph 1, The cabinet includes an upper hinge module coupled to the upper portion of the cabinet, the upper hinge module including a hinge axis that allows the door to be rotatably coupled to the cabinet, A refrigerator, wherein the door includes a door cap coupled to an upper portion of the door, and the door cap includes a hinge hole in which the hinge axis is received.

11. In paragraph 10, The upper hinge module further includes a guide shaft protruding toward the door, A refrigerator wherein the door cap further includes a guide hole formed along the circumference of the hinge hole to accommodate the guide shaft, and configured to be guided by the guide shaft when the door rotates to open and close the storage compartment.

12. In paragraph 11, A refrigerator in which the width of the above guide hole gradually decreases in the direction from the front of the door toward the rear of the door.

13. In paragraph 12, The above guide hole is, A first part that is closest to the front of the door and has the widest guide hole; A second part that is closest to the rear of the door and has the smallest width of the guide hole; and A refrigerator comprising a third part formed between the first part and the second part and having a width of the guide hole equal to the thickness of the guide axis.

14. In paragraph 13, When the door is in a position to close the storage room, the guide shaft is located in the first part of the guide hole, When the door rotates to open the storage room, the guide hole moves along the guide axis so that the position of the guide axis changes from the first part to the third part, A refrigerator in which, when the door is rotated in the opening direction by the cam device, the guide hole moves along the guide axis until the guide axis is positioned in the second part and movement of the guide hole is restricted.

15. In paragraph 14, A refrigerator in which, when rotational force is transmitted to the door in the opening direction while the guide shaft is located in the third section, the guide hole moves along the guide shaft until the guide shaft is located in the second section, and when the guide shaft is located in the second section, the door is restricted from further rotational movement in the opening direction.

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