Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator of the embodiment comprises a refrigerator body forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; the hinge bracket is arranged on the box body; a first guide provided on either the hinge bracket or the door; and a second guide which is provided on the other one of the hinge bracket and the door, and which interacts with the first guide during the rotation of the door. In a first open section among the entire open sections of the door, the center of rotation of the door is located outside the first guide, and in a second open section after the first open section, the center of rotation of the door is located outside the first guide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This instruction manual relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a refrigerator, as a household appliance that can store food at low temperatures in its internal storage space shielded by the refrigerator door, is configured to cool the interior of the storage space by using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the freezing cycle, thereby preserving the stored food in its optimal condition.

[0003] The refrigerator can be placed independently in the kitchen or living room, or stored in a kitchen cabinet.

[0004] The refrigerator may include: a cabinet forming a storage space; and a door connected to the cabinet and for opening and closing the storage space.

[0005] When the refrigerator is installed inside a cabinet, the door may collide with the cabinet during the opening process, which may limit the opening angle of the door.

[0006] A refrigerator is disclosed in the existing international publication WO2019 / 007278A1.

[0007] The refrigerator includes: a cabinet; a door for opening and closing the cabinet; a hinge body fixed to the cabinet; and a guide block fixed to the door.

[0008] The hinge body includes a positioning shaft and a guide shaft, and the guide block includes: a positioning groove into which the positioning shaft is inserted; and a guide groove into which the guide shaft is inserted.

[0009] According to existing literature, since the hinge body has a structure in which a positioning shaft and a guide shaft are formed respectively, and the positioning shaft and the guide shaft are inserted into the positioning groove and the guide groove respectively, the structure of the hinge body and the guide block is complicated.

[0010] According to existing literature, since a guide groove is formed around the positioning groove, and the guide groove moves along with the door around the positioning groove during the rotation of the door, there is a disadvantage that the shape of the guide groove itself becomes complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] One embodiment provides a refrigerator that can increase the opening angle of the door using a simple structure.

[0013] Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator with a guide portion capable of guiding the rotation of the door and providing a center of rotation in at least a portion of the area where the door is open.

[0014] Optionally or additionally, an embodiment provides a refrigerator which can increase an opening angle of a door and automatically close the door during a closing process of the door.

[0015] Technical solutions to solve the problems

[0016] A refrigerator of an embodiment can include a cabinet forming a storage chamber. The refrigerator can further include a door opening and closing the storage chamber.

[0017] The refrigerator can further include a hinge bracket. The hinge bracket can be provided to the cabinet.

[0018] The refrigerator can include a first guide. The first guide can be provided to either one of the hinge bracket and the door.

[0019] The refrigerator can further include a second guide. The second guide can act with the first guide during a rotation of the door. The second guide can be provided to the other one of the hinge bracket and the door.

[0020] In a first opening interval of an entire opening interval of the door, a center of rotation of the door can be located outside the first guide. In a second opening interval after the first opening interval, the center of rotation of the door can be located at the first guide.

[0021] An opening angle of the door in the second opening interval can be greater than an opening angle of the door in the first opening interval.

[0022] The first guide can protrude from the hinge bracket and be accommodated in the second guide. Alternatively, the first guide can accommodate the second guide.

[0023] The first guide can include a first member. The first member can include an arc-shaped portion.

[0024] The first guide can further include a second member. The second member can protrude from one side of the first member.

[0025] A center of curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the first member can coincide with a center of rotation of the door in the first opening interval.

[0026] The curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the first member can be constant or can vary.

[0027] In the second opening interval, the door can be rotated with reference to the second member.

[0028] The second guide can include a receiving portion to receive the first member. The receiving portion can include a first region in which the first member is positioned in the first open range. The receiving portion can further include a second region in which the first member is positioned in the second open range.

[0029] A wall for forming the second region can include a stopper to limit rotation of the door in a state in which the door is rotated to a maximum open angle.

[0030] The first guide can further include a third member. The third member can protrude from the second member.

[0031] The second guide can include a first receiving portion to receive the first member. The second guide can further include a second receiving portion. The second receiving portion can be recessed from one side of the first receiving portion and receive the second member.

[0032] In the first open range, a position of a center of rotation of the door can be fixed and positioned outside the door or in the door.

[0033] In the first open range, a position of a center of rotation of the door can vary.

[0034] The second guide can include a stopper to interfere with the first guide to limit rotation of the door if the door is rotated in the second open range.

[0035] A refrigerator according to an embodiment can include a cabinet forming a storage compartment, a door opening and closing the storage compartment, a hinge bracket provided to the cabinet, a first guide provided to the hinge bracket, and a second guide provided to the door and acting with the first guide during rotation of the door.

[0036] In a first open range among an entire open range of the door, the door can be rotated with reference to a first center of rotation. In a second open range after the first open range, the door can be rotated with reference to a second center of rotation.

[0037] An angle of rotation of the door with reference to the first center of rotation can be less than an angle of rotation of the door with reference to the second center of rotation.

[0038] In the first open range, the door can move along the first guide.

[0039] In the second open range, the first guide can provide the second center of rotation.

[0040] In the first open section, the position of the first rotation center can be fixed.

[0041] The first rotation center can be located outside the door. The second rotation center can be located in the door.

[0042] The first guide can include a first member including an arc-shaped portion for guiding the rotation of the door. The first guide can further include a second member protruding from one side of the second member and providing the second rotation center.

[0043] A refrigerator according to an embodiment can include a cabinet forming a storage compartment, a door opening and closing the storage compartment, a hinge bracket provided to the cabinet, a first guide provided to the hinge bracket, and a second guide provided to the door and acting with the first guide during the rotation of the door. In a first open section of an entire open section of the door, the door can be guided and opened by the first guide.

[0044] In a second open section of the door after the first open section, the door can be rotated with the first guide as a reference. An opening angle of the door in the second open section can be greater than an opening angle of the door in the first open section.

[0045] During the opening of the door, the rotation center of the door can move toward the first guide.

[0046] A refrigerator according to an embodiment can further include a cabinet forming a storage compartment, a door opening and closing the storage compartment, a hinge bracket provided to the cabinet, and an automatic closing device acting to automatically close the door.

[0047] The automatic closing device can be provided to the door at a position separated from the rotation center of the door.

[0048] The automatic closing device can act to act with the hinge bracket during the closing of the door, thereby automatically closing the door. The automatic closing device can be provided with a lever rotatable with respect to the door.

[0049] During the opening of the door, a distance between the rotation center of the lever and the rotation center of the door can vary.

[0050] During the opening of the door, the distance between the rotation center of the lever and the rotation center of the door can decrease.

[0051] During the closing of the door, the door can be automatically closed by the lever, and a position of the rotation center of the door can vary in a section in which the door is automatically closed.

[0052] Inventive Effects

[0053] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage that the opening angle of the door can be increased using a simple structure.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the guide portion can guide the rotation of the door and provide a center of rotation in at least a part of the interval in which the door is opened.

[0055] According to an embodiment, it is possible to increase the opening angle of the door and automatically close the door during the closing of the door. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1

[0058] Figure 3 is a view showing a portion of a bottom view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to an embodiment.

[0060] Figure 5 is a top view of the hinge bracket according to an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 6 is a front view of the hinge bracket according to an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to an embodiment.

[0063] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the door bracket according to an embodiment.

[0064] Figure 9 is a top view of the door bracket according to an embodiment.

[0065] Figure 10 is a view showing the positional relationship between the door bracket and the hinge bracket in a state in which the door according to an embodiment is closed.

[0066] Figure 11 is a view showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door according to an embodiment is closed.

[0067] Figure 12 is a view showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door according to an embodiment is opened to a first angle or thereabout.

[0068] Figure 13 ​is a view showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door of the present embodiment is opened to a second angle or so that is larger than the first angle.

[0069] Figure 14 is a view showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door of the present embodiment is opened to a third angle or so that is larger than the second angle.

[0070] Figure 15 is a view showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door of the present embodiment is opened to a maximum opening angle.

[0071] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a view showing various embodiments in which the position of the rotation center of the door can be changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, when a reference sign is attached to a constituent element of each drawing, the same reference sign is used, as much as possible, for the same constituent element even when it is shown in other drawings. Also, when the embodiments of the present application are described, detailed description of related publicly known constituents or functions will be omitted if it is determined that it can hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present application.

[0073] Also, when the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present application are described, terms of first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) and the like can be used. These terms are used only to distinguish the described constituent elements from other constituent elements, and the nature, order or sequence of the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. It should be understood that, if it is described that any constituent element is "connected", "coupled" or "joined" to another constituent element, although the constituent elements can be directly connected or joined to the other constituent element, another constituent element can be "connected", "coupled" or "joined" between the constituent elements.

[0074] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator of the present embodiment, Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the A portion of Figure 1 Figure 3 is a view showing a part of a bottom view of the refrigerator of the present embodiment.

[0075] With reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment can be provided in a manner that it is independently provided in a kitchen, or is accommodated in a cabinet in a room. When the refrigerator 1 is provided in the cabinet in the room, the refrigerator 1 can be provided alone or provided together with other refrigerators in a left-right arrangement.

[0076] ​The refrigerator 1 can include a cabinet 10 provided with a storage space, and a door 20 opening and closing the storage space.

[0077] The storage space is not limited, but can be divided into a first space on the upper side and a second space on the lower side. The door 20 also includes a first door 21 opening and closing the first space, and a second door 22 opening and closing the second space.

[0078] The first space can be a refrigerating chamber, and the second space can be a freezing chamber, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space can be divided into a first space and a second space on the left and right sides. In addition, the storage space can be a single space, and a single door can open and close the storage space.

[0079] One or more of the first door 21 and the second door 22 can be a rotary door. In addition, a single door 20 can be a rotary door.

[0080] In the case of the present embodiment, the rotary door 20 can be rotated using a hinge bracket 50.

[0081] As an example, the same or different hinge brackets 50 can support the door 20 on the upper side and the lower side of the door 20.

[0082] As an example, a hinge bracket 50 supporting the lower side of the second door 22 is shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2 The structure of the guide portion 530 of the hinge bracket 50 described below can be equally applied to the structure of the hinge bracket provided on the upper side or the lower side of the door 20. Depending on the position at which the hinge bracket 50 supports the door 20, the hinge bracket 50 can be combined with the top surface of the cabinet 10, or with the bottom surface, or with the front surface, or with the side surface.

[0083] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the hinge bracket 50 will be described as a member capable of rotatably supporting or guiding the door 20.

[0084] The refrigerator 1 can further include an automatic closing device 60 providing a closing force to the door 20 during a closing process after the door 20 is opened. Of course, the automatic closing device 60 can be omitted.

[0085] As an example, the hinge bracket 50 supports the lower side of the door 20, and the automatic closing device 60 is provided on the lower side of the door 20, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3 Of course, the position of the automatic closing device 60 is not limited.

[0086] The hinge bracket 50 can include a hinge body 520. As an example, the hinge body 520 can support the door 20.

[0087] The hinge bracket 50 can further include an extension 510 extending from the hinge body 520.

[0088] The extension 510 can be fastened to the cabinet 10. The form of the extension 510 can be different according to the installation position of the hinge bracket 50.

[0089] The automatic closing device 60 can act with the hinge bracket 50 and can provide a closing force to the door 20 during the closing of the door 20.

[0090] The automatic closing device 60 can be installed to the door 20 at a position adjacent to the hinge body 520. As an example, a figure in which the automatic closing device 60 is installed to the lower side of the door 20 is shown in Figure 3

[0091] The automatic closing device 60, in order to act with the hinge bracket 50, can protrude from one side of the door 20.

[0092] The automatic closing device 60 can include a body 610 installed to the door 20. The automatic closing device 60 can further include a lever 620 movably installed to the body 610. The lever 620 can be movably connected in a state of being elastically supported by the body 610. As an example, the automatic closing device 60 can further include an elastic member for elastically supporting the lever 620.

[0093] The lever 620 can further include a contact portion 622 for contacting the hinge bracket 50. As an example, the contact portion 622 can be a roller capable of rotating or a member capable of deforming in form.

[0094] In a state in which the lever 620 accumulates an elastic force, the elastic force plays a role of a closing force of the door 20 when the door 20 is closed, and enables the door 20 to be automatically closed.

[0095] On the other hand, a gasket G can be installed to the back surface of the door 20. The gasket G can contact the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 in a state in which the door 20 is closed.

[0096] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hinge bracket of the present embodiment, Figure 5 is a plan view of the hinge bracket of the present embodiment, Figure 6 is a front view of the hinge bracket of the present embodiment.

[0097] Referring to Figures 3 to 6 ​The extension 510 of the present embodiment can include one or more fastening holes 512. A fastening member is inserted through the fastening holes 512 and combined with the cabinet 10.

[0098] The hinge body 520 can be formed in a plate shape, for example.

[0099] At least a portion of the hinge body 520 can be inserted into the door 20 to guide the rotation of the door 20. Alternatively, at least a portion of the door 20 can be inserted into the hinge body 520 and guided to rotate by the hinge body 520.

[0100] The hinge body 520 can include a guide portion 530.

[0101] The guide portion 530 can protrude from one face of the hinge body 520. For example, the guide portion 530 can extend from one face of the hinge body 520 toward the door 20.

[0102] In the case where the hinge body 520 is located at the lower side of the door 20, the guide portion 530 can protrude from the top face of the hinge body 520. Of course, in the case where the hinge body 520 is located at the upper side of the door 20, the guide portion 530 can protrude from the bottom face of the hinge body 520.

[0103] At least a portion of the guide portion 530 can be inserted into the door 20 to guide the rotation of the door 20. At least a portion of the guide portion 530 can provide a center of rotation of the door 20 during the rotation of the door 20.

[0104] The guide portion 530 can include a first member 531.

[0105] The first member 531 can guide the rotation of the door 20. For example, the first member 531 can guide the rotation of the door 20 in a portion of the entire rotation range of the door 20.

[0106] The first member 531 can include an arc-shaped portion.

[0107] The first member 531 can be inclined with respect to the X-axis and the Y-axis. For example, the X-axis direction can be the left-right direction of the refrigerator, the Y-axis direction can be the front-rear direction of the refrigerator, and the Z-axis direction can be the up-down direction. The Y-axis direction can be the direction in which the cabinet 10 and the door 20 are arranged.

[0108] Alternatively, the Z-axis direction can be the direction in which the center of rotation of the door 20 extends, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction can be directions intersecting the Z-axis direction.

[0109] The first member 531 can include a first face 531a. As an example, the first face 531a can include an arc-shaped portion in a horizontal direction. In the first face 531a, the arc-shaped portion can have a first curvature.

[0110] The first member 531 can further include a second face 531b which is separate from the first face 531a. The second face 531b can include a portion which faces the first face 531a.

[0111] As an example, the second face 531b can include an arc-shaped portion in a horizontal direction. In the second face 531b, the arc-shaped portion can have a second curvature. The first curvature and the second curvature can be the same or different.

[0112] The first curvature can be constant or can vary. The second curvature can be constant or can vary.

[0113] In the first face 531a, a center R1 of the curvature of the arc-shaped portion can be the same as a center R1 of the curvature of the arc-shaped portion in the second face 531a. The center R1 can be located outside the hinge bracket 50.

[0114] Alternatively, the first member 531 can include an arc-shaped portion, and a center R1 of the curvature of the arc-shaped portion can be located outside the hinge bracket 50.

[0115] As another example, the center R1 of the curvature of the arc-shaped portion can also be located on the hinge body 520.

[0116] The first member 531 can include a third face 531c which connects a portion of the first face 531a and a portion of the second face 531b. The third face 531c can include a portion which extends in a straight line or in an arc shape.

[0117] The first member 531 can include a fourth face 531d which connects another portion of the first face 531a and another portion of the second face 531b.

[0118] The fourth face 531d can include an arc-shaped portion.

[0119] A distance between the first face 531a and the second face 531b can be less than a distance between the third face 531c and the fourth face 531d.

[0120] The guide 530 can further include a second member 533. The second member 533 can extend from a face of the first member 531.

[0121] As an example, the face of the first member 531 can be a face which faces the door 20.

[0122] The second member 533 can protrude from a portion of one face of the first member 531. The second member 533 can protrude from one face of the first member 531 in the Z-axis direction.

[0123] As an example, Figure 4 A view in which the second member 533 protrudes from the top face of the first member 531 is illustrated.

[0124] The second member 533 can include an arc-shaped portion for rotation of the door 20.

[0125] The second member 533 can provide a center of rotation of the door 20 for another portion of the entire rotation region of the door 20. That is, the second member 533 can function as a rotation axis for another portion of the rotation region of the door 20.

[0126] The second member 533 can be disposed to be adjacent to the fourth face 531d more than the third face 531c of the first member 531.

[0127] A portion of the second member 533 and the fourth face 531d can form a continuous face in the X-axis direction.

[0128] The curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the second member 533 can be the same as or similar to the curvature of the fourth face 531d.

[0129] As an example, the second member 533 can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0130] The distance between the first face 531a and the second face 531b can be the same as or similar to the diameter of the second member 533.

[0131] The guide portion 530 can further include a third member 535. The third member 535 can extend from one face of the second member 533.

[0132] As an example, the one face of the second member 533 can be a face facing the door 20.

[0133] The third member 535 can protrude from a portion of one face of the second member 533. The third member 535 can protrude from one face of the second member 533 in the Z-axis direction. As an example, a view in which the third member 535 protrudes from the top face of the second member 533 is illustrated in FIG. 5B. Figure 4

[0134] The second member 533 can be located between the first member 531 and the third member 535.

[0135] ​To rotate the door 20, the third member 535 can include an arc-shaped portion.

[0136] As an example, the first member 535 can guide the rotation of the door 20 in a part of the entire rotation range of the door 20. At this time, the range in which the first member 531 guides the rotation of the door 20 and the range in which the third member 535 guides the rotation of the door 20 can be the same or different.

[0137] The third member 535 can be different from the first member 531 in left and right and the same or similar in form. For example, the third member 535 can also include at least four divided faces. Among the at least four faces, at least two faces can include an arc-shaped portion. The third member 535 can also be omitted as long as the first member 531 can guide the movement of the door 20.

[0138] The hinge bracket 50 can further include a contact face 540 that contacts the contact portion 622 of the lever 620.

[0139] The contact face 540 can be a face of the hinge body 520 or a face of a member engaged with the hinge body 520.

[0140] The contact face 540 can include a first contact face 541. The first contact face 541 can be a face that the lever 620 initially contacts in a process in which the door 20 is closed after the door 20 is opened.

[0141] In a state in which the door 20 is opened by more than a predetermined angle, the lever 620 does not contact the first contact face 541. In a process in which the door 20 is closed by less than the predetermined angle, the lever 620 can contact the first contact face 541.

[0142] The closer the first contact face 541 is to the front face 10a of the cabinet 10, the more the first contact face 541 can be inclined in a direction away from the guide portion 530.

[0143] The contact face 540 can further include a second contact face 542 extending from the first contact face 541. The second contact face 542 can be configured to be inclined with respect to the first contact face 541.

[0144] The closer the second contact face 542 is to the front face of the cabinet 10, the more the second contact face 542 can be inclined in a direction approaching the guide portion 530.

[0145] In a process in which the lever 620 moves along the second contact face 542 when the door 20 is closed, the lever 620 can provide a closing force to the door 20, thereby enabling the door 20 to be automatically closed.

[0146] The contact surface 540 can further include a third contact surface 543 extending from the second contact surface 542. The third contact surface 543 can be inclined with respect to the second contact surface 542.

[0147] The third contact surface 543 can extend from the second contact surface 542 in a direction approaching the guide portion 530.

[0148] The hinge bracket 50 can further include an accommodation groove 544 accommodating a portion of the lever 620 or for reducing interference with the lever 620 in a state in which the lever 620 is in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0149] Figure 7 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 FIG. 8 is a top view of a door bracket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] Referring to Figures 4 to 9 The door 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a door bracket 40. The door bracket 40 can act with the guide portion 530 during rotation of the door 20.

[0151] The door bracket 40 can be formed integrally with or in combination with the door 20.

[0152] In the case in which the door bracket 40 is combined with the door 20, the door bracket 40 can be combined with a face of the door 20 facing the hinge body 520.

[0153] As an example, the door bracket 40 can be combined with a bottom face of the door 20. The door bracket 40 can include one or more fastening holes 410 for fastening with the door 20. One face 401 of the door bracket 40 can be recessed. The fastening holes 410 can be formed in a portion of the one face 401 that is recessed. The one face 401 of the bracket 40 can be a face facing the hinge body 520.

[0154] The door bracket 40 can further include another face 402 located opposite the one face 401.

[0155] The door bracket 40 can be configured to be separated from the automatic closing device 60 with the door 20.

[0156] The door bracket 40 can accommodate the guide portion 530. The bracket 40 can further include an accommodation portion 420 for accommodating the guide portion 530. That is, the door 20 can include the accommodation portion 420 for accommodating the guide portion 530.

[0157] In the present specification, the guide portion 530 of the hinge bracket 50 can be referred to as a first guide, and the receiving portion 420 of the door bracket 40 can be referred to as a second guide. In the case of an embodiment, the second guide can act with the first guide during the opening and closing or rotation of the door 20. As an example, the first guide can be received in the second guide.

[0158] In contrast, the first guide can also be formed in the door bracket 40, and the second guide can also be formed in the hinge bracket 50. In this case, it can be understood that the second guide is received in the first guide.

[0159] The receiving portion 420 can include a recessed portion. At least a portion of the receiving portion 420 can be recessed from one face 401 of the door bracket 40 toward another face 402.

[0160] The receiving portion 420 can include a first receiving portion 422 (or first space) that receives the first member 531.

[0161] The first receiving portion 422 can be formed by being recessed from one face 401 of the door bracket 40 toward another face 402. As an example, the direction from one face 401 of the door bracket 40 toward another face 402 can be the Z-axis direction.

[0162] The receiving portion 420 can further include a second receiving portion 424 (or second space) that receives the second member 533.

[0163] The second receiving portion 424 can be formed by being recessed from a face forming the first space 422 toward another face 402 of the door bracket 40.

[0164] The horizontal length of the second receiving portion 424 can be greater than the diameter of the second member 535. Thus, in a state in which the second member 535 is disposed in the second receiving portion 424, the relative positions of the second member 535 and the second receiving portion 424 can change when the door 20 is opened.

[0165] The receiving portion 420 can further include a third receiving portion 430 (or third space) that receives the third member 535.

[0166] The third receiving portion 430 can extend from a face forming the second receiving portion 424 toward another face 402 of the door bracket 40.

[0167] As an example, the first receiving portion 422 can be a groove. As an example, the second receiving portion 424 can be a groove. As an example, the third receiving portion 430 can be a groove or a hole (through-hole).

[0168] The first accommodation portion 422 can include a first area 422a. The first member 531 can be positioned in the first area 422a in a state in which the door 20 is closed.

[0169] In a state in which the first member 531 is positioned in the first area 422a, a wall 423 forming the first area 422a can be in contact with the first member 531.

[0170] As an example, the wall 423 can be in contact with a fourth face 531d of the first member 531. The wall 423 can be in contact with one or more of a first face 531a and a second face 531b of the first member 531. The wall 423 can include an arc-shaped portion corresponding to a form of the first member 531.

[0171] The first accommodation portion 422 can further include a second area 422b. The second area 422b can extend from the first area 422a. The first member 531 can be positioned in the second area 422b in a process in which the door 20 is opened.

[0172] A wall forming the second area 422b can include a first wall 423a. The first wall 423a can extend from the wall 423 forming the first area 422a. The first wall 423a can include an arc-shaped portion.

[0173] The wall forming the second area 422b can further include a second wall 423b. The second wall 423b can extend from the first wall 423a.

[0174] The second wall 423b can include an arc-shaped portion. A first curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the first wall 423a can be different from a second curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the second wall 423b. The first curvature can be smaller than the second curvature.

[0175] The wall forming the second area 422b can further include a third wall 423c. The third wall 423c can extend from the second wall 423b.

[0176] The third wall 423c can include a straight line portion or an arc-shaped portion.

[0177] In a case in which the third wall 423c includes an arc-shaped portion, a third curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the third wall 423c can be different from the second curvature.

[0178] The third wall 423c can be directly connected to the wall 423 forming the first area 422a or connected using a connection wall.

[0179] The first area 422a can guide movement of the door 20 at an initial stage of opening of the door 20. The second area 422b can function to prevent interference with the guide portion 530 during opening of the door 20.

[0180] A portion of a wall forming the second area 422b can restrict rotation of the door 20 in a state in which the door 20 is rotated to a maximum opening angle. As an example, the third wall 423c can function as a stopper that restricts rotation of the door 20.

[0181] The third accommodation portion 430 can include a first portion 431. The first portion 431 can guide movement of the third member 535 at an initial stage of opening of the door 20.

[0182] The third accommodation portion 430 can further include a second portion 433 extending from the first portion 431. A diameter of the second portion 433 can be greater than a width of the first portion 433.

[0183] The second portion 433 can function to prevent interference with the third member 535 when the third member 535 is rotated during rotation of the door 20.

[0184] The door bracket 40 can further include a protrusion 403 protruding from the one face 401.

[0185] As an example, one protrusion 403 can be continuously formed along a circumference of the accommodation portion 420. Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions 403 can be spaced apart and arranged along the circumference of the accommodation portion 420. In addition, one or more protrusions 430 can be located at a periphery of the accommodation portion 420.

[0186] The protrusion 403 can prevent the one face 401 of the door bracket 40 from directly contacting the hinge body 520. That is, the protrusion 403 can contact the hinge body 520. Accordingly, since an area of contact between the door bracket 40 and the hinge body 520 can be reduced, friction can be reduced.

[0187] Figure 10 FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a positional relationship between a door bracket and a hinge bracket in a state in which a door is closed according to an embodiment.

[0188] Figure 11 FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state in which a door is closed according to an embodiment. Figure 12 FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state in which a door is opened to a first angle or thereabout according to an embodiment. Figure 13is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the present embodiment is opened to a second angle or thereabout which is larger than the first angle. Figure 14 is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the present embodiment is opened to a third angle or thereabout which is larger than the second angle. Figure 15 is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the present embodiment is opened to a maximum opening angle.

[0189] In Figures 11 to 15 , Figure 11 (a) of FIG. 1, Figure 12 (a) of FIG. 1, Figure 13 (a) of FIG. 1, Figure 14 (a) of FIG. 1, and Figure 15 (a) of FIG. 1 are views showing the door bracket and the hinge bracket as viewed from the lower side of the refrigerator. Figure 11 (b) of FIG. 1, Figure 12 (b) of FIG. 1, Figure 13 (b) of FIG. 1, Figure 14 (b) of FIG. 1, and Figure 15 (b) of FIG. 1 are views showing the door bracket and the hinge bracket as viewed from the upper side of the refrigerator.

[0190] Referring to Figures 3 to 15 , the guide portion 530 can be positioned in the first area 422a in a state in which the door 20 is closed. That is, the first member 531 can be positioned in the first area 422a.

[0191] The second member 533 can be positioned on one side of the second receiving portion 424 in a state in which the door 20 is closed.

[0192] The third member 535 can be configured to be closer to the front surface 20a than the back surface 20b of the door 20 in a state in which the door 20 is closed. The third member 535 can be positioned in the first portion 531.

[0193] The contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the third contact surface 543 in a state in which the door 20 is closed.

[0194] The door 20 can be rotated in one direction (D1 direction) with the first rotation center C1 as a reference when the door 20 starts to be opened in a state in which the door 20 is closed.

[0195] The first rotation center C1 can be an imaginary rotation center. The first rotation center C1 can be positioned outside the door 20. As an example, the first rotation center C1 can be positioned further forward than the front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0196] The first rotation center C1 can coincide with the center R1 of the curvature of the guide portion 530. The position of the first rotation center C1 can vary according to the configuration of the guide portion 530.

[0197] As an example, in the case where the curvature of the first member 531 is constant, the position of the first rotation center C1 can be fixed. In the case where the curvature of the first member 531 can vary, the position of the first rotation center C1 can vary during the opening of the door 20.

[0198] As another example, the first rotation center C1 can also be located at the door 20. However, even in this case, the first rotation center C1 is preferably configured to be close to the front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0199] The door 20 can include two side surfaces. The two side surfaces can include a first side surface 20c adjacent to the hinge bracket 50, and a second side surface 20d located opposite the first side surface 20c.

[0200] In the case where the refrigerator 1 is located in the cabinet P, it is configured that the side surface of the refrigerator 1 is adjacent to the cabinet P, and it is also necessary to prevent interference of the door 20 with the cabinet P during the rotation of the door 20.

[0201] To this end, in the present embodiment, the first rotation center C1 is preferably configured to be adjacent to the first side surface 20c.

[0202] In the present specification, with the first rotation center C1 as a reference, a direction close to the second side surface 20d can be referred to as a +X-axis direction, and a direction away from the second side surface 20d can be referred to as a -X-axis direction.

[0203] With the first rotation center C1 as a reference, a direction away from the case 10 can be referred to as a +Y-axis direction, and a direction close to the case 10 can be referred to as a -Y-axis direction.

[0204] Referring to Figure 12 , the door 20 can be rotated by a first angle θ1 or thereabout with the first rotation center C1 as a reference.

[0205] As an example, a position A1 of the door 20 can be rotated with the first rotation center C1 as a reference. As an example, the position A1 of the door 20 can be the rotation center of the lever 620.

[0206] During the opening of the door 20 by the first angle θ1 or thereabout, the distance between the position A1 of the door 20 and the first rotation center C1 can be constant.

[0207] Of course, in the case where the position of the first rotation center C1 can vary, the distance between a position A1 of the door 20 and the first rotation center C1 can also vary during the process in which the door 20 is opened to the first angle θ1 or thereabout.

[0208] If the door 20 is rotated to the first angle θ1 or thereabout with the first rotation center C1 as a reference, the guide portion 530 can be located in the second region 422b.

[0209] As the guide portion 530 moves, the opening angle of the door 20 increases, and if the door 20 is opened to the first angle θ1 or thereabout, the guide portion 530 will be located in the second region 422b.

[0210] Although the first angle θ1 is not limited, it can be an angle in the range of 13 to 23 degrees.

[0211] During the process in which the door 20 is opened to the first angle θ1 or thereabout, the first side surface 20c of the door 20 can move away from the cabinet P.

[0212] In the state in which the door 20 is opened to the first angle θ1 or thereabout, the first member 531 can be in contact with the first wall 423a. The first member 531 can be in contact with the second wall 423b.

[0213] As an example, the first wall 423a can be in contact with the first face 531a of the first member 531. The second wall 423b can be in contact with the third face 531c of the first member 531.

[0214] In the state in which the door 20 is opened to the first angle θ1 or thereabout, the second member 533 can be located on the other side of the second accommodation portion 424. The other side of the second accommodation portion 424 can be configured to be more adjacent to the second region 422b than the one side of the second accommodation portion 424.

[0215] During the process in which the door 20 is opened to the first angle θ1 or thereabout, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the second contact face 542.

[0216] In the state in which the door 20 is opened to the first angle θ1 or thereabout, the door 20 can be further opened.

[0217] At this time, in a state where the guide portion 530 is in contact with the second wall 423b forming the second region 422b, the door 20 cannot further rotate with the first rotation center C1 as a reference. That is, the second wall 423b forming the second region 422b is interfered with by the guide portion 530, and the door 20 cannot further move with the guide portion 530.

[0218] In a state where the door 20 is opened to about the first angle θ1, the door 20 can rotate with the guide portion 530 as a reference. That is, after the door 20 is opened to about the first angle θ1, the guide portion 530 can provide a rotation center of the door 20.

[0219] Before the door 20 is opened to about the first angle θ1, a rotation center of the door 20 can be located outside the guide portion 530. After the door 20 is opened to about the first angle θ1, the rotation center of the door 20 can be located at the guide portion 530.

[0220] The second member 533 can provide a second rotation center C2 of the door 20. Accordingly, after the door 20 is opened to about the first angle θ1, the door 20 can rotate with the second member 533 as a reference. When the door 20 rotates with the second member 533 as a reference, the second member 533 can maintain a state of being located at the other side of the second accommodation portion 424.

[0221] In the present embodiment, throughout an opening interval in which the door 20 is opened, the door 20 can rotate with the first rotation center C1 as a reference in a part of the opening interval.

[0222] The part of the opening interval can include an interval in which the door 20 is moved away from the cabinet P.

[0223] Throughout the opening interval in which the door 20 is opened, the door 20 can rotate with the second rotation center C2 as a reference in another part of the opening interval.

[0224] Throughout the opening interval in which the door 20 is opened, a position of a rotation center of the door 20 can change more than once.

[0225] The second rotation center C2 can be configured to be farther from the first side surface 22c of the door 20 than the first rotation center C1.

[0226] A distance between the second rotation center C2 and a position A1 of the door 20 can be shorter than a distance between the first rotation center C1 and the position A1 of the door 20.

[0227] In the present embodiment, the second rotation center C2 can be moved in a +X axis direction from the first rotation center C1.

[0228] The second rotation center C2 can be moved in a -Y axis direction from the first rotation center C1.

[0229] Referring to Figure 13 , the door 20 can be rotated with the second rotation center C2 as a reference, so that the door 20 is opened to a second angle or more than the first angle.

[0230] In a state in which the door 20 is opened to the second angle or more, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with a position of the first contact surface 541.

[0231] In a state in which the door 20 is opened to the second angle or more, the first wall 423a can be separated from the first member 531.

[0232] As an example, the first wall 423a can be separated from the first surface 531a of the first member 531. The second wall 423b can maintain a state in which it is in contact with the third surface 531c of the first member 531 during a process in which the opening angle of the door 20 changes from the first angle to the second angle. The second wall 423b can slide with respect to the third surface 531c of the first member 531 during a process in which the door 20 is rotated with the second rotation center C2 as a reference.

[0233] Referring to Figure 14 , the door 20 is further rotated with the second rotation center C2 as a reference, so that the door 20 can be opened to a third angle or more than the second angle.

[0234] In a state in which the door 20 is opened to the third angle or more, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with another position of the first contact surface 541.

[0235] Referring to Figure 15 , the door 20 is further rotated with the second rotation center C2 as a reference, so that the door 20 can be opened to a maximum opening angle θ2 or more than the third angle.

[0236] If the door 20 is opened to the maximum opening angle or more, the first member 531 can be in contact with a wall that functions as a stopper of the second area 422b, so that the rotation of the door 20 can be limited.

[0237] That is, if the door 20 is opened to the maximum opening angle or more, the first member 531 can be in contact with the third wall 423c, so that the further rotation of the door 20 can be limited.

[0238] In a state in which the door 20 is opened to an angle around the maximum opening angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be separated from the contact surface 540.

[0239] According to the present embodiment, since the guide portion guides the rotation of the door and provides a rotation center in at least a part of the interval in which the door is opened, there is an advantage that the opening angle of the door can be increased using a simple structure.

[0240] A process of closing the door 20 will be briefly described.

[0241] After the door 20 is opened to an angle less than the maximum opening angle, the door 20 can be rotated in the other direction and closed.

[0242] Referring to Figure 14 In a process in which the door 20 is closed while being rotated with the second rotation center C2 as a reference, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the first contact portion 541.

[0243] In the process in which the door 20 is closed, if the door 20 is further closed after the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is in contact with the first contact portion 541, the lever 620 can be rotated in a first direction in which elastic force is accumulated.

[0244] In the process in which the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can move along the first contact portion 541, and the elastic force accumulated in the lever 620 can increase.

[0245] In the process in which the door 20 is further closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is separated from the first contact surface 541 and is in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0246] In a state in which the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is in contact with the second contact surface 542, if the door 20 is further rotated in a direction in which the door 20 is closed, the door 20 can be automatically closed using the elastic force accumulated in the lever 620.

[0247] The elastic force accumulated in the lever 620 can function as an automatic closing force of the door 20.

[0248] In the state in which the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is in contact with the second contact surface 542, the position of the rotation center of the door 20 can change. That is, the door 20 can be rotated with the second rotation center C2 as a reference while being in contact with the second contact surface 542. After being in contact with the second contact surface 542, the door 20 can be rotated with the first rotation center C1 as a reference.

[0249] From the viewpoint of the automatic closing device 60, the distance between the lever 620 and the rotation center of the door 20 can change during the closing of the door 20.

[0250] During the entire closing range of the door 20, the position of the rotation center of the door 20 can change during the automatic closing range using the lever 620.

[0251] The door 20 can be automatically closed to the closed position using the lever 620. During the automatic closing range of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be separated from the second contact surface 542 and come into contact with the third contact surface 543. In the state where the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can maintain the state of being in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0252] Figure 16 and Figure 17 are diagrams showing various embodiments in which the position of the rotation center of the door can change.

[0253] Referring to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , the position of the rotation center of the door 20 can change during the opening of the door 20.

[0254] During the entire opening range of the door 20, the door 20 can rotate with reference to the first rotation center CI during a first opening range. At this time, the first opening range can be a range in which the door 20 starts to be opened and is opened to about a first angle.

[0255] During the first opening range, the position of the first rotation center CI can be fixed or can change. During a second opening range after the first opening range, the door 20 can rotate with reference to the second rotation center C2. During the second opening range, the position of the second rotation center C2 can be fixed or can change.

[0256] Hereinafter, a case in which the position of the first rotation center CI during the first opening range can change will be described.

[0257] Referring to Figure 16 (a) of FIG. 10, the first rotation center CI of the first opening range can move in the +X-axis direction.

[0258] At the beginning of the first opening range, the first rotation center CI can be located outside the door 20. At the end of the first opening range, the first rotation center CI can be located outside the door 20.

[0259] After the first rotation center C1 is moved along the +X axis, in the second open interval, which is the interval after the first open interval, the door 20 can rotate around the second rotation center C2.

[0260] As another example, see Figure 16 (b) In the first open interval, the first rotation center C1 can move along the +X axis and the -Y axis.

[0261] In the initial stage of the first open section, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20. At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20 or within the door 20.

[0262] That is, within the first open section, the first rotation center C1 can move in a direction close to the box 10.

[0263] As yet another example, refer to Figure 16 (c) In the first open interval, the first rotation center C1 can move along the +X axis and the +Y axis.

[0264] Initially within the first open section, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20. At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center C1 may also be located outside the door 20.

[0265] Within the first open section, the first rotation center C1 can move in a direction away from the housing 10.

[0266] As yet another example, refer to Figure 17 (a) The first rotation center C1 of the first open section can move in the +X axis direction.

[0267] Initially within the first open section, the first rotation center C1 may be located at the door 20. At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center C1 may also be located at the door 20.

[0268] After the first rotation center C1 moves in the +X axis direction, in the second open interval, which is the interval after the first open interval, the door 20 can rotate with the second rotation center C2 as the reference.

[0269] As yet another example, refer to Figure 17 (b) In the first open interval, the first rotation center C1 can move in the +X axis direction and the -Y axis direction.

[0270] At the beginning of the first opening section, the first rotation center C1 can be located at the door 20. At the end of the first opening section, the first rotation center C1 can be located at the door 20. During the first opening section, the first rotation center C1 can move in a direction approaching the cabinet 10.

[0271] As still another example, referring to (c) of FIG. 10, during the first opening section, the first rotation center C1 can move in the +X-axis direction and the +Y-axis direction. Figure 17

[0272] At the beginning of the first opening section, the first rotation center C1 can be located at the door 20. At the end of the first opening section, the first rotation center C1 can be located at the door 20 or located outside the door 20.

[0273] During the first opening section, the first rotation center C1 can move in a direction away from the cabinet 10.​

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, include: The box-like structure forms storage space; Door, to open and close the storage space; A hinge bracket is provided on the housing; A first guide is disposed on either the hinge bracket or the door; as well as The second guide is disposed on the other side of the hinge bracket and the door, and interacts with the first guide during the rotation of the door; In the first open section of the entire open area of ​​the door, the rotation center of the door is located outside the first guide; In the second open section following the first open section, the rotation center of the door is located at the first guide.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The opening angle of the door in the second open section is greater than the opening angle of the door in the first open section.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first guide protrudes from the hinge bracket and is accommodated in the second guide.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first guide includes: The first component includes the arc-shaped portion; and The second component protrudes from one side of the first component.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The center of curvature of the arcuate portion of the first component coincides with the center of rotation of the door within the first open section; or, The curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the first component is constant or varies.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, In the second open section, the door rotates with respect to the second component.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The second guide includes a receiving portion for accommodating the first component; The receiving portion includes: A first region, within the first open interval, wherein the first component is located in the first region; and The second region, within the second open interval, is where the first component is located.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The wall used to form the second region includes a stop that restricts the rotation of the door when the door is rotated to its maximum opening angle.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The first guide also includes a third member protruding from the second member.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The second guide includes: A first receiving portion is used to receive the first component; and The second receiving portion is formed by recessing from one side of the first receiving portion and is used to receive the second component.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, In the first open area, the position of the rotation center of the door is fixed and located either outside the door or inside the door; or, Within the first open section, the position of the rotation center of the door changes.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The second guide includes a stop that interferes with the first guide and restricts the rotation of the door if the door rotates in the second open section.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, Within the first open section, the door moves along the first guide.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein, In the second open section, the first guide provides the rotation center of the door.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, In the first open section, the rotation center of the door is located on the outside of the door; In the second open section, the rotation center of the door is located at the door.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes an automatic closing device, which is disposed on the door at a position separate from the rotation center of the door. The automatic closing device operates by interacting with the hinge bracket during the closing process of the door, thereby causing the door to close automatically. The automatic closing device is provided with a lever that can rotate relative to the door. During the opening of the door, the distance between the rotation center of the lever and the rotation center of the door changes.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein, As the door is opened, the distance between the rotation center of the lever and the rotation center of the door decreases.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein, During the closing process, the door closes automatically using the lever; During the period when the door automatically closes, the position of the door's rotation center changes.

19. A refrigerator, wherein, include: The box-like structure forms storage space; Door, to open and close the storage space; A hinge bracket is provided on the housing; A first guide is disposed on either the hinge bracket or the door; as well as The second guide is disposed on the other side of the hinge bracket and the door, and interacts with the first guide during the rotation of the door; In the first open section of the entire open area of ​​the door, the door rotates about a first rotation center. In the second open section following the first open section, the door rotates with the second rotation center as a reference. The angle by which the door rotates about the first rotation center is greater than the angle by which the door rotates about the second rotation center.

20. A refrigerator, wherein, include: The box-like structure forms storage space; Door, to open and close the storage space; A hinge bracket is provided on the housing; A first guide is disposed on either the hinge bracket or the door; as well as The second guide is disposed on the other side of the hinge bracket and the door, and interacts with the first guide during the rotation of the door; In the first open section of the entire open area of ​​the door, the door is guided and opened using the first guide; In the second open section following the first open section, the door rotates with the first guide as a reference. The opening angle of the door in the second open section is greater than the opening angle of the door in the first open section.

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