Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment comprises: a refrigerator body forming a storage chamber; a door for opening and closing the storage chamber; the hinge bracket is arranged on the box body; the first guide piece is arranged on the hinge bracket; the second guide piece is arranged on the door and interacts with the first guide piece in the rotating process of the door; the first guide piece comprises a first component and a second component; the second guide part accommodates the first component and the second component; the rotation center of the door can move in at least one part of the whole opening section of the door; when the door is in a closed state, the virtual rotation center is located on the door.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance device capable of storing food at a low temperature in a storage space shielded by a refrigerator door, and is configured to cool the inside of the storage space using cool air generated by heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle, thereby being capable of preserving stored food in an optimal state.

[0003] The refrigerator can be independently placed in a kitchen or a bedroom, or can be accommodated in a furniture cabinet in the kitchen.

[0004] The refrigerator can include a cabinet forming a storage space and a door connected to the cabinet and opening and closing the storage space.

[0005] As an example, in the case where the refrigerator is disposed in the furniture cabinet, there is a risk that the door can collide with the furniture cabinet during the opening of the door, thereby limiting the opening angle of the door.

[0006] The international publication WO2019 / 007278A1 as prior art document discloses a refrigerator.

[0007] The refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door 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 position determination shaft and a guide shaft, and the guide block includes a position determination groove into which the position determination shaft is inserted and a guide groove into which the guide shaft is inserted.

[0009] According to the prior art document, the position determination shaft and the guide shaft are respectively formed in the hinge body, and the position determination shaft and the guide shaft are respectively independently inserted into the position determination groove and the guide groove, and thus there is a disadvantage that the structure of the hinge body and the guide block becomes complicated. SUMMARY

[0010] The present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of increasing the opening angle of the door by a simple structure.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the door is opened as the center of rotation of the door moves, thereby preventing interference with surrounding structures during opening of the door.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of not only increasing the opening angle of the door but also automatically closing the door during closing of the door.

[0013] A refrigerator according to an aspect can include a cabinet forming a storage compartment. The refrigerator can also include a door opening and closing the storage compartment.

[0014] The refrigerator can also include a hinge bracket provided to the cabinet. The refrigerator can also include a first guide provided to the hinge bracket. The refrigerator can also include a second guide provided to the door and acting with the first guide during rotation of the door.

[0015] The first guide can include a first member and a second member. The second guide can accommodate the first member and the second member.

[0016] The second guide can include a single slit accommodating the first member and the second member together.

[0017] A center of rotation of the door can move at least for a part of an entire opening range of the door. The center of rotation of the door can be located in the door in a state in which the door is closed and in a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0018] The entire opening range of the door can include a first door opening range as a range in which the door is opened by a reference angle from a state in which the door is closed. The entire opening range can also include a second door opening range after the first door opening range.

[0019] A variation in movement of the center of rotation of the door in the Y-axis direction can be smaller in the first door opening range than in the second door opening range.

[0020] The Y-axis direction can be a direction in which the door and the cabinet are arranged in a state in which the door is closed.

[0021] A variation in movement of the center of rotation of the door in the X-axis direction can be larger in the first door opening range than in the second door opening range. The X-axis direction can be a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

[0022] A door opening angle in the first door opening range can be smaller than a door opening angle in the second door opening range.

[0023] The door can be opened by the maximum opening angle at an end of the second door opening range. The center of rotation of the door can move in a direction approaching a front surface of the cabinet throughout the second door opening range.

[0024] The center of rotation of the door can be located farther from the front surface of the cabinet than the first member throughout the entire opening range of the door.

[0025] The center of rotation of the door can be located outside the first guide throughout the entire opening interval of the door. The center of rotation of the door can be located outside the second guide throughout the entire opening interval of the door.

[0026] The minimum distance between the first member and the second member can be equal to or less than the diameter of the first member or the second member.

[0027] The automatic closing device can be provided to the door and operate to automatically close the door, and the automatic closing device can have a lever rotatable with respect to the door. The distance between the center of rotation of the door and the center of rotation of the lever can change during the opening or closing of the door.

[0028] The distance between the center of rotation of the lever and the first member can be shorter than the distance between the center of rotation of the lever and the second member.

[0029] The automatic closing device can provide a closing force to the door in the first door opening interval.

[0030] A refrigerator according to another aspect 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. The second guide can accommodate the first guide.

[0031] The center of rotation of the door can move in a direction away from the front surface of the cabinet in at least a part of the entire opening interval of the door.

[0032] The center of rotation of the door can move in a direction approaching the front surface of the cabinet in another part of the entire opening interval of the door.

[0033] The center of rotation of the door can be located in the door in a state in which the door is closed.

[0034] The entire opening interval of the door can include a first door opening interval that is an interval in which the door is opened by a reference angle from a closed state. The entire opening interval can further include a second door opening interval after the first door opening interval.

[0035] The center of rotation of the door can move in a direction away from the front surface of the cabinet in the first door opening interval. The center of rotation of the door can move in a direction approaching the front surface of the cabinet in the second door opening interval.

[0036] The movement variation amount of the rotation center of the door in the first door opening interval toward the Y-axis direction can be smaller than the movement variation amount of the rotation center of the door in the second door opening interval toward the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction can be the arrangement direction of the door and the cabinet in the door closed state.

[0037] The movement variation amount of the rotation center of the door in the first door opening interval toward the X-axis direction can be smaller than the movement variation amount of the rotation center of the door in the second door opening interval toward the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction can be a direction crossing the Y-axis direction.

[0038] The door opening angle in the first door opening interval can be smaller than the door opening angle in the second door opening interval.

[0039] The refrigerator can further include an automatic closing device provided to the door and operated to automatically close the door, the automatic closing device having a lever rotatable with respect to the door.

[0040] The distance between the rotation center of the door and the rotation center of the lever can be changed during the opening or closing of the door.

[0041] The rotation center of the door can be located between the second guide and the automatic closing device in a part of the entire opening interval of the door.

[0042] The first guide can include spaced first and second members. The second guide can accommodate the first and second members.

[0043] The first guide can include a single member accommodated in the second guide. The second guide can include a single slit for accommodating the single member.

[0044] The second guide can include a plurality of paths having different curvatures or extending in different directions.

[0045] In the door closed state, the first member can be located in a first path and the second member can be located in a second path.

[0046] If the door is closed by a reference angle after being opened, the first member can be located in the first path and the second member can be located in a third path.

[0047] If the door is closed by the reference angle after being opened, a closing force generated by the automatic closing device can act on the door.

[0048] The first member can be positioned at a fourth path and the second member can be positioned at a fifth path in a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0049] The first member can be positioned at a first path among a plurality of paths in a state in which the door is closed, a position at which the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path intersect is referred to as a boundary point, an angle formed by a first line passing through the boundary point and being in contact with the first path and a reference line passing through the boundary point and being parallel to a front surface or a rear surface of the door is referred to as a first angle, and an angle formed by a second line passing through the boundary point and being in contact with the second path and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle, and the first angle can be greater than the second angle.

[0050] The first angle can be 40 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0051] A difference between the first angle and the second angle can be 2 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less.

[0052] The second guide can include a slit, and the slit can include a first end portion and a second end portion. The first member can be in contact with or adjacent to the first end portion in a state in which the door is closed.

[0053] A distance between the first end portion and a front surface of the door can be less than a distance between the second end portion and the front surface of the door in a state in which the door is closed.

[0054] The door can include an opening through which one or more of a water pipe or a wire passes.

[0055] At least a portion of the opening can overlap an imaginary connection line connecting the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0056] A refrigerator according to still another aspect 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 pin and a second pin provided to the hinge bracket, a guide member provided to the door, having a pin slit accommodating the first pin and the second pin, and an automatic closing device provided to the door, operating to automatically close the door, and having a lever rotatable with respect to the door.

[0057] The pin slit can include a plurality of paths having different curvatures or extending in different directions.

[0058] The first pin can be positioned at a first path and the second pin can be positioned at a second path in a state in which the door is closed.

[0059] If the door is opened by a reference angle and then closed, a closing force generated by the automatic closing device acts on the door, the first pin can be located in the first path, and the second pin can be located in the third path.

[0060] In a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first pin can be located in the fourth path, and the second pin can be located in the fifth path.

[0061] The first path to the fifth path can be continuously configured.

[0062] In a state in which the door is closed, the first pin is located in the first path among the plurality of paths, a position at which the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path intersect can be referred to as a boundary point, an angle formed by a first line passing through the boundary point and contacting the first path and a reference line passing through the boundary point and parallel to a front surface or a back surface of the door can be referred to as a first angle, and an angle formed by a second line passing through the boundary point and contacting the second path and the reference line passing through the boundary point can be referred to as a second angle. The first angle can be greater than the second angle.

[0063] The first angle can be 40 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0064] A difference between the first angle and the second angle can be 2 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less.

[0065] A minimum distance between the first member and the second member can be equal to or less than a diameter of the first member or a diameter of the second member.

[0066] The automatic closing device can be further included, the automatic closing device is provided to the door and operates to automatically close the door, the automatic closing device has a lever capable of rotating with respect to the door, and a distance between an imaginary center of rotation of the door and a center of rotation of the lever can be changed during an opening process or a closing process of the door.

[0067] A distance between the center of rotation of the lever and the first member can be shorter than a distance between the center of rotation of the lever and the second member.

[0068] The entire opening range of the door can include a first door opening range in which the door is opened by a reference angle from a closed state and a second door opening range after the first door opening range, and the automatic closing device can provide a closing force to the door in the first door opening range.

[0069] In a state in which the door is closed, the imaginary center of rotation of the door can be located in the door.

[0070] The entire opening range of the door can include a first door opening range as a range in which the door is opened by a reference angle from a closed state, and a second door opening range after the first door opening range; in the first door opening range, the imaginary rotation center moves in a direction away from the front face of the cabinet; in the second door opening range, the imaginary rotation center moves in a direction approaching the front face of the cabinet.

[0071] The change amount of movement of the imaginary rotation center in the Y-axis direction in the first door opening range can be smaller than the change amount of movement of the imaginary rotation center in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening range; the Y-axis direction is the arrangement direction of the door and the cabinet in the closed state of the door.

[0072] The change amount of movement of the imaginary rotation center in the X-axis direction in the first door opening range can be smaller than the change amount of movement of the imaginary rotation center in the X-axis direction in the second door opening range; the X-axis direction intersects the Y-axis direction.

[0073] The door opening angle in the first door opening range can be smaller than the door opening angle in the second door opening range.

[0074] The automatic closing device can be further included, the automatic closing device being provided to the door and operating to automatically close the door, the automatic closing device having a lever rotatable with respect to the door; the distance between the imaginary rotation center of the door and the rotation center of the lever can be changed during the opening or closing of the door.

[0075] The imaginary rotation center can be located between the second guide and the automatic closing device in a part of the entire opening range of the door.

[0076] The first guide can include a first member and a second member spaced apart; the second guide can accommodate the first member and the second member.

[0077] The first guide can include a single member accommodated in the second guide; the second guide can include a single slit for accommodating the single member.

[0078] In the closed state of the door, the first pin can be located in a first path, and the second pin can be located in a second path.

[0079] If the door is opened by a reference angle and then closed, a closing force generated by the automatic closing device can act on the door, the first pin can be located in the first path, and the second pin can be located in a third path.

[0080] In a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first pin can be positioned in a fourth path, and the second pin can be positioned in a fifth path.

[0081] In a state in which the door is closed, the first pin can be positioned in a first path among a plurality of paths, a position at which the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path intersect is referred to as a boundary point, an angle formed by a first line passing through the boundary point and in contact with the first path and a reference line passing through the boundary point and parallel to a front surface or a back surface of the door is referred to as a first angle, and an angle formed by a second line passing through the boundary point and in contact with the second path and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle, and the first angle can be greater than the second angle.

[0082] The first angle can be 40 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0083] A difference between the first angle and the second angle can be 2 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less.

[0084] The automatic closing device can further include an elastic member that elastically supports the lever, and in a state in which the door is closed, uses an elastic force as a closing force of the door to enable the door to be automatically closed.

[0085] According to an embodiment, an opening angle of a door can be increased by a simple structure.

[0086] According to an embodiment, a door is opened as a center of rotation of the door moves, and thus interference with a surrounding structure during opening of the door can be prevented.

[0087] According to an embodiment, not only can an opening angle of a door be increased, but also the door can be automatically closed during closing of the door. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0088] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0089] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion A of Figure 1

[0090] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a portion of a bottom view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0091] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0092] Figure 5 is a top view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0093] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment.​

[0094] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the door bracket of the first embodiment.

[0095] Figure 8 (a) of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the door bracket and the hinge bracket in a door closed state of the first embodiment, Figure 8 (b) of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a first angle.

[0096] Figure 9 (a) of FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a second angle larger than the first angle, Figure 9 (b) of FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a third angle larger than the second angle.

[0097] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a maximum opening angle of the second embodiment.

[0098] Figure 11 (a) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a door closed state of the second embodiment, Figure 11 (b) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a first angle of the second embodiment.

[0099] Figure 12 (a) of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a second angle larger than the first angle of the second embodiment, Figure 12 (b) of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a third angle larger than the second angle of the second embodiment.

[0100] Figure 13 (a) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a fourth angle larger than the third angle of the second embodiment, Figure 13 (b) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a maximum opening angle of the second embodiment.

[0101] Figure 14 (a) of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a door closed state of the third embodiment, Figure 14 (b) of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a first angle of the third embodiment.

[0102] Figure 15 (a) of FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a second angle larger than the first angle of the third embodiment,Figure 15 (b) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by a third angle larger than the second angle.

[0103] Figure 16 (a) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by a fourth angle larger than the third angle, Figure 16 (b) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0104] Figure 17 (a) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state where the door of the fourth embodiment is closed, Figure 17 (b) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state where the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a first angle, Figure 17 (c) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state where the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a second angle.

[0105] Figure 18 (a) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state where the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a third angle, Figure 18 (b) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state where the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a fourth angle, Figure 18 (c) is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state where the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a fifth angle.

[0106] Figure 19 is a view showing the configuration of the door and the furniture cabinet of the fifth embodiment.

[0107] Figure 20 is a view showing the configuration of the slit and the pin unit of the fifth embodiment.

[0108] Figure 21 is a view showing the angle of the tangent line of the first path and the angle of the tangent line of the second path with reference to the boundary point of the first path and the second path of the fifth embodiment.

[0109] Figure 22 is a view showing the positional relationship of the opening and the slit in a case where the opening is formed on the door of the fifth embodiment.

[0110] Figure 23 to Figure 25is a diagram showing the position of the door and the furniture cabinet when the door of the fifth embodiment is opened.

[0111] Figure 26 and Figure 27 is a diagram showing the imaginary center of rotation of the door when the door of the fifth embodiment is opened.

[0112] Figure 28 is a diagram showing Figure 19 is a diagram showing a modification example of the corner of the door shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, when reference signs are assigned to the constituent elements in the drawings, identical constituent elements are designated by the same reference signs whenever they are shown on different drawings. Also, in describing the embodiments of the present application, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or constructions would unnecessarily obscure the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] Also, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present application, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), (b), and the like can be used. Such terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another, and are not intended to limit the nature, sequence, or order of the constituent elements. When a certain constituent element is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another constituent element, it can be directly connected or linked to the other constituent element, but it is understood that another constituent element can also be "connected," "coupled," or "linked" between them.

[0115] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator of the first embodiment, Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the A portion of Figure 1 Figure 3 is a diagram showing a part of a bottom view of the refrigerator of the first embodiment.

[0116] With reference to Figure 1 to Figure 3 , the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment can be independently provided in a kitchen, or can be provided in a form of being accommodated in a furniture cabinet P or a wall in a room. When the refrigerator 1 is provided in a furniture cabinet P or a wall in a room, the refrigerator 1 can be provided alone, or can be provided in a form of being arranged left and right together with other refrigerators.

[0117] The refrigerator 1 can include a cabinet 10 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 can further include a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0118] ​The storage space can be divided into a first space on the upper side and a second space on the lower side, but is not limited thereto. The door 20 can also include a first door 21 that opens and closes the first space and a second door 22 that opens and closes the second space.

[0119] The first space is a refrigerating chamber and the second space is a freezing chamber, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space can also include a first space and a second space divided left and right. Alternatively, the storage space can be a single space, and the storage space can be opened and closed by a single door.

[0120] At least one of the first door 21 and the second door 22 can be a swing door. Alternatively, a single door 20 can be a swing door.

[0121] In the case of the present embodiment, the swing door 20 can be rotated by a hinge bracket 50.

[0122] 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.

[0123] As an example, Figure 2 A hinge bracket 50 supporting the lower side of the second door 22 is shown. The structure of the guide portion (refer to 530 of FIG. 5) of the hinge bracket 50 described below can be identically 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 where the hinge bracket 50 supports the door 20, the hinge bracket 50 can be coupled to the top surface of the cabinet 10, or to the bottom surface, or to the front surface, or to the side surface. Figure 4

[0124] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is described that the hinge bracket 50 supports the door 20 to be rotatable.

[0125] The refrigerator 1 can also include an automatic closing device 60 that provides a closing force to the door 20 in the process of closing after the door 20 is opened. Of course, the automatic closing device 60 can be omitted.

[0126] As an example, Figure 3 A hinge bracket 50 supporting the lower side of the door 20 is shown, and the automatic closing device 60 is provided on the lower side of the door 20. Of course, it is noted that the position of the automatic closing device 60 is not limited.

[0127] The hinge bracket 50 can include a hinge body 520. As an example, the hinge body 520 can support the door 20.

[0128] The hinge bracket 50 can also include an extension 510 extending from the hinge body 520. ​

[0129] The extension 510 can be fastened to the case 10. The form of the extension 510 can be changed according to the setting position of the hinge bracket 50.

[0130] The automatic closing device 60 can act with the hinge bracket 50 to provide a closing force to the door 20 in the process of closing the door 20.

[0131] The automatic closing device 60 can be provided at a position adjacent to the hinge body 520 of the door 20. As an example, Figure 3 It is shown that the automatic closing device 60 is provided at the lower side of the door 20.

[0132] A part of the automatic closing device 60 can protrude downward from the bottom surface of the door 20 to act with the hinge bracket 50.

[0133] The automatic closing device 60 can include a body 610 provided at the door 20. The automatic closing device 60 can include a lever 620 movably provided at the body 610. As an example, the lever 620 can rotate with respect to the body 610 with the rotational center A1 as a reference. The lever 620 can be connected to be movable in a state of being elastically supported at the body 610. As an example, the automatic closing device 60 can further include an elastic member for elastically supporting the lever 620.

[0134] 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 rotatable roller or a member whose form is changeable.

[0135] In a state in which the elastic force is accumulated in the elastic member connected to the lever 620, when the door 20 is closed, the elastic force acts as a closing force of the door 20, so that the door 20 can be automatically closed.

[0136] On the other hand, a gasket G can be provided at the back surface of the door 20. In a state in which the door 20 is closed, the gasket G can contact the front surface 10a of the case 10.

[0137] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hinge bracket of the first embodiment, Figure 5 is a plan view of the hinge bracket of the first embodiment.

[0138] Referring to Figure 3 to Figure 5 , the extension 510 can include one or more fastening holes 512. A fastening member can pass through the fastening hole 512 and be fastened to the case 10.

[0139] As an example, the hinge body 520 can be formed in a plate shape.

[0140] At least a portion of the hinge body 520 can be inserted into the door 20 and guide the rotation of the door 20. Alternatively, at least a portion of the door 20 can be inserted into the hinge body 520 to guide the rotation of the door 20 by the hinge body 520.

[0141] The hinge body 520 can include a guide portion 530.

[0142] The guide portion 530 can protrude from one face of the hinge body 520. As an example, the guide portion 530 can extend from one face of the hinge body 520 toward the door 20.

[0143] In a 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 a 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.

[0144] At least a portion of the guide portion 530 can be inserted into the door 20 and guide the rotation of the door 20.

[0145] The guide portion 530 can include a first member 532 (or a first pin). The first member 532 can guide the rotation of the door 20. As an example, the first member 532 can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the circumferential face of the first member 532 can include a curved face.

[0146] The guide portion 530 can further include a second member 534 (or a second pin). The second member 534 can guide the rotation of the door 20. As an example, the second member 534 can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the circumferential face of the second member 534 can include a curved face.

[0147] The first member 532 and the second member 534 can be spaced apart. The first member 532 can be spaced apart from the second member 534 in the Y-axis direction.

[0148] As an example, the Y-axis direction can be the front-rear direction of the refrigerator, and as an example, the X-axis direction can be the left-right direction of the refrigerator. The front-rear direction of the refrigerator can be the arrangement direction of the door 20 and the cabinet 10 in a state where the door 20 is closed.

[0149] The minimum spacing distance of the first member 532 and the second member 534 can be equal to or less than the diameter of the first member 532 or the second member 534.

[0150] A portion of the first member 532 can overlap the second member 534 in the Y-axis direction. Another portion of the first member 532 can not overlap the second member 534 in the Y-axis direction.

[0151] In a state where the hinge bracket 50 is provided to the case 10, a distance between the second member 534 and the front face 10a of the case 10 (Y-axis direction distance) can be shorter than a distance between the first member 534 and the front face 10a of the case 10 (Y-axis direction distance).

[0152] A distance between the first member 532 and the rotation center A1 of the rod 620 can be different from a distance between the second member 534 and the rotation center A1 of the rod 620. As an example, the distance between the first member 532 and the rotation center A1 of the rod 620 can be shorter than the distance between the second member 534 and the rotation center A1 of the rod 620.

[0153] A distance between the first side face 20c of the door 20 adjacent to the hinge bracket 50 and the first member 532 (X-axis direction distance) can be different from a distance between the first side face 20c and the second member 534 (X-axis direction distance). As an example, the distance between the first side face 20c and the first member 532 can be greater than the distance between the first side face 20c and the second member 534.

[0154] A line connecting the center of the first member 532 and the center of the second member 154 can be inclined to the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0155] The hinge bracket 50 can further include a contact face 540 which contacts the contact portion 622 of the rod 620.

[0156] The contact face 540 can be a face of the hinge body 520, or can be a face of a member combined with the hinge body 520.

[0157] The contact face 540 can include a first contact face 541. The first contact face 541 can be a face which the rod 620 initially contacts in a process in which the door 20 is closed after the door 20 is opened.

[0158] In a state where the door 20 is opened by more than a set angle, the rod 620 can not contact the first contact face 541. In a process in which the door 20 is closed by an angle smaller than the set angle, the rod 620 can contact the first contact face 541.

[0159] The first contact face 541 can be inclined to a direction farther from the guide portion 530 as closer to the front face 10a of the case 10.

[0160] The contact surface 540 can further include a second contact surface 542 extending from the first contact surface 541. The second contact surface 542 can be configured to be inclined with respect to the first contact surface 541.

[0161] The second contact surface 542 can be inclined toward a direction in which the guide portion 530 is closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0162] Upon closing the door 20, the lever 620 can provide a closing force to the door 20 in a process of moving along the second contact surface 542, so that the door 20 can be automatically closed.

[0163] 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 configured to be inclined with respect to the second contact surface 542.

[0164] The third contact surface 543 can extend from the second contact surface 542 toward a direction in which the guide portion 530 is closer.

[0165] The hinge bracket 50 can further include a receiving groove 544 for receiving a portion of the lever 620 or reducing interference with the lever 620 in a state in which the lever 620 is in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0166] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a door bracket of a first embodiment, Figure 7 is a bottom view of a door bracket of a first embodiment.

[0167] Referring to Figure 3 to Figure 7 The door 20 can further include a door bracket 40. The door bracket 40 can act with the guide portion 530 in a process of rotating the door 20. The door bracket 40 can be integrally formed with the door 20 or combined to the door 20.

[0168] In a case in which the door bracket 40 is combined to the door 20, the door bracket 40 can be combined to a surface of the door 20 facing the hinge body 520.

[0169] As an example, the door bracket 40 can be combined to a bottom surface of the door 20. The door bracket 40 can include one or more fastening holes 410 for fastening with the door 20. One surface 401 of the door bracket 40 can be recessed. The recessed portion of the one surface 401 can form the fastening hole 410. The one surface 401 of the bracket 40 can be a surface facing the hinge body 520.

[0170] The door bracket 40 can further include another surface 402 located opposite the one surface 401.

[0171] The door bracket 40 can be configured to be spaced apart from the automatic closing device 60 when the door 20 is closed.

[0172] The door bracket 40 can accommodate the guide 530. The door bracket 40 can further include an accommodation portion 420 for accommodating the guide 530. The door bracket 40 can also be integrally formed with the door 20, in which case the door 20 can include the accommodation portion 420 for accommodating the guide 530.

[0173] In the present specification, the guide 530 of the hinge bracket 50 can be referred to as a first guide, and the accommodation portion 420 of the door bracket 40 can be referred to as a second guide. In the case of one 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 accommodated in the second guide.

[0174] Conversely, the first guide can be formed in the door bracket 40, and the second guide can be formed in the hinge bracket 50. In this case, it can be understood that the second guide is accommodated in the first guide.

[0175] The accommodation portion 420 can include a slit through which the guide 530 passes. As an example, the accommodation portion 420 can include a single slit through which the first member 532 and the second member 534 pass together.

[0176] The slit can include a first portion 421. The first portion 421 can extend from one end 421a toward a direction close to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. The first portion 421 can extend from one end 421a toward a direction close to the first side surface 20c. Part or all of the first portion 421 can be curved.

[0177] One end 421a of the first portion 421 can be located closer to the automatic closing device 60 than the other end. One end 421a of the first portion 421 can be located closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the other end.

[0178] The slit can further include a second portion 422 extending from the first portion 421. The other end of the first portion 421 can be connected to one end of the second portion 422. That is, the portion where the other end of the first portion 421 is connected to one end of the second portion 422 is a boundary portion 423 of the first portion 421 and the second portion 422.

[0179] The second portion 422 can extend from the boundary portion 423 in a direction away from the front face 10a of the cabinet 10. The second portion 422 can extend from the boundary portion 423 in a direction close to the first side face 20c. A part or all of the second portion 422 can be curved.

[0180] The other end 422a of the second portion 422 can be located closer to the first side face 20c than the boundary portion 423. The boundary portion 423 of the first portion 421 and the second portion 422 can be located closest to the front face 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0181] The distance between the one end 421a of the first portion 421 and the front face 20a of the door 20 can be different from the distance between the other end 422a of the second portion 422 and the front face 20a of the door 20.

[0182] The relative positions of the first member 532 and the second member 534 to the slit can change during the opening of the door 20. The first member 532 and the second member 534 can be located in the first portion 421 when the door 20 is initially opened. The first member 532 and the second member 534 can be located in the second portion 422 when the door 20 is fully opened.

[0183] The length of the first portion 421 can be different from the length of the second portion 422. The length of the first portion 421 can be equal to or greater than the length of the second portion 422.

[0184] The first portion 421 can include a portion having a curvature different from the curvature of the second portion 422.

[0185] The door bracket 40 can further include a protrusion 425 protruding from the one face 401.

[0186] As an example, one protrusion 425 can be continuously formed along the circumference of the accommodation portion 420. Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions 425 can be spaced apart and arranged along the circumference of the accommodation portion 420. Alternatively, more than one protrusion 425 can be arranged at the circumference of the accommodation portion 420.

[0187] The protrusion 425 can prevent the one face 401 of the door bracket 40 from directly contacting the hinge body 520. That is, the protrusion 425 can contact the hinge body 520. Accordingly, the contact area of the door bracket 40 and the hinge body 520 can be reduced, thereby enabling a reduction in friction.

[0188] Figure 8(a) of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the door bracket and the hinge bracket in a state where the door of the first embodiment is closed, Figure 8 (b) of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a first angle.

[0189] Figure 9 (a) of FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a second angle larger than the first angle. Figure 9 (b) of FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a third angle larger than the second angle. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the door in a state where the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0190] Figure 8 to Figure 10 is a diagram showing the door bracket and the hinge bracket as viewed from the lower side of the refrigerator.

[0191] Referring to Figure 3 to Figure 10 In a state where the door 20 is closed, the guide portion 530 can be positioned in the first portion 421. That is, the first member 532 and the second member 534 can be positioned in the first portion 421.

[0192] In a state where the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 can be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the rotation center Al of the lever 620. The rotation center Al of the lever 620 can be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second member 534.

[0193] In a state where the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 can be in contact with one end 421a of the first portion 421.

[0194] In a state where the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0195] In a state where the door 20 is closed, when the door 20 starts to be opened, the door 20 can be rotated in one direction (D1 direction) with the first rotation center C1 as a reference.

[0196] In a state where the door 20 is closed, one end 421a of the first portion 421 or the first member 532 can be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0197] In the present specification, the rotation center of the door 20 can be an imaginary rotation center of the door 20. The imaginary rotation center of the door 20 can be an imaginary rotation center of the guide portion 530.

[0198] The first rotation center C1 can be located at the door 20. As an example, the first rotation center C1 can be located at a position closer to the rear than the front face 20a of the door 20.

[0199] In the present specification, the rear refers to a direction from the door toward the cabinet, and the front refers to a direction from the cabinet toward the door.

[0200] The door 20 can include two side faces. The two side faces can include a first side face 20c adjacent to the hinge bracket 50 and a second side face 20d located at an opposite side of the first side face 20c.

[0201] In a case where the refrigerator 1 is located in the furniture cabinet P, it is required to configure the first side face 20c of the refrigerator 1 adjacent to the furniture cabinet P, and it is required to prevent the door 20 from interfering with the furniture cabinet P during rotation of the door 20.

[0202] In the present embodiment, preferably, the first rotation center C1 is adjacent to the first side face 20c.

[0203] Referring to Figure 8 (b), the door 20 can be rotated with reference to a second rotation center C2 in a state where the door 20 is rotated by a first angle. That is, the rotation center of the door 20 can move during the door 20 is opened by the first angle. The second rotation center C2 can be located at the door 20.

[0204] The second rotation center C2 can be located at a position closer to the front face 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0205] The guide portion 530 can be located at the first portion 421 in a state where the door 20 is rotated by the first angle.

[0206] The contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the second contact face 542 in a state where the door 20 is rotated by the first angle.

[0207] The second rotation center C2 can be located at a position closer to the front face 10a of the cabinet 10 than one end 421a of the first portion 421 in a state where the door 20 is rotated by the first angle. The first member 532 can be located at a position closer to the front face 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2 in a state where the door 20 is rotated by the first angle.

[0208] Since the rotation center of the door 20 moves, the curvature of the first portion 421 can vary to prevent interference between the first and second members 532 and 534 located at the first portion 421 and the door bracket 40.

[0209] Referring to Figure 9 (a) of the door 20, the door 20 can rotate with the third rotation center C3 as a reference.

[0210] The rotation center of the door 20 can move during the opening of the door 20 by the second angle. The third rotation center C3 can be located at the door 20.

[0211] The third rotation center C3 can be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0212] In a state where the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, the first member 532 can be located at the first portion 421, and at least a portion of the second member 534 can be located at the first portion 421. At this time, a portion of the second portion 422 can be located at the boundary portion 423.

[0213] In a state where the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, the contact portion 622 of the rod 620 can be in contact with the first contact surface 541 or a boundary portion of the first contact surface 541 and the second contact surface 542.

[0214] In a state where the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, the third rotation center C3 can be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than one end 421a of the first portion 421.

[0215] Referring to Figure 9 (b) of the door 20, the door 20 can rotate with the fourth rotation center C4 as a reference.

[0216] The rotation center of the door 20 can move during the opening of the door 20 by the third angle. The fourth rotation center C4 can be located at the door 20.

[0217] The fourth rotation center C4 can be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3.

[0218] In a state where the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the first member 532 can be located at the first portion 421, and at least a portion of the second member 534 can be located at the second portion 422.

[0219] In a state where the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the contact portion 622 of the rod 620 can be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541.

[0220] Referring to Figure 10 The door 20 can rotate with the fifth rotation center C5 as a reference before the door 20 is about to open the maximum opening angle.

[0221] The fifth rotation center C5 can be located at the door 20. The fifth rotation center C5 can be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0222] The first member 532 and the second member 534 can be located at the second portion 422 in a state where the door 20 is rotated by the maximum opening angle.

[0223] The second member 534 can be in contact with the other end 422a of the second portion 422 in a state where the door 20 is rotated by the maximum opening angle. Accordingly, the other end 422a of the second portion 422 can function as a stopper that limits the rotation of the door.

[0224] In the present specification, an interval in which the door is opened by a second angle (reference angle) in a state where the door is closed can be referred to as a first door opening interval. An interval in which the door is opened from the second angle (reference angle) to the maximum opening angle can be referred to as a second door opening interval. That is, the door can be opened by the maximum opening angle at the end of the second door opening interval.

[0225] The rotation center of the door 20 can be changed from the first rotation center to a third rotation center in the first door opening interval. The rotation center of the door 20 can be changed from the third rotation center to the fifth rotation center in the second door opening interval.

[0226] The door opening angle of the first door opening interval can be smaller than the door opening angle of the second door opening interval.

[0227] The movement change amount of the rotation center in the X-axis direction in the first door opening interval can be greater than the movement change amount of the rotation center in the X-axis direction in the second door opening interval.

[0228] The movement change amount of the rotation center in the Y-axis direction in the first door opening interval can be smaller than the movement change amount of the rotation center in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening interval.

[0229] The rotation center C3 of the door 20 after the end of the first door opening interval can be closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the rotation center C5 of the door 20 after the end of the second door opening interval. That is, the rotation center of the door 20 can move in a direction away from the furniture cabinet P throughout the entire opening interval of the door.

[0230] The center of rotation of the door 20 can be located outside the guide portion 530 throughout the opening interval of the door.

[0231] The center of rotation of the door 20 can be spaced apart from the guide portion 530 throughout the opening interval of the door.

[0232] The process of closing the door 20 will be briefly described.

[0233] After the door 20 is opened by an angle less than the maximum opening angle, the door 20 can be rotated in the other direction and closed.

[0234] Referring to Figure 9 (b), during the process of closing the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the first contact surface 541.

[0235] During the process of closing the door 20, after the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is in contact with the first contact surface 541, if the door 20 is further closed, the lever 620 can be rotated in the first direction in which elastic force is accumulated.

[0236] During the process of closing the door 20, as the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 moves along the first contact surface 541, the elastic force accumulated in the lever 620 can increase.

[0237] During the process of further closing the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541 and in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0238] If the door 20 is further rotated in the closing direction in the state in which the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is in contact with the second contact surface 542, the lever 620 is rotated in the second direction, which is the opposite direction of the first direction, by the elastic force accumulated in the lever 620, so that the door 20 can be automatically closed. The elastic force accumulated in the lever 620 can act as an automatic closing force of the door 20.

[0239] In the first door opening interval (or the first door closing interval), the automatic closing device 60 can be used to provide a closing force of the door.

[0240] From the perspective of the automatic closing device 60, the distance between the center of rotation A1 of the lever 620 and the center of rotation of the door 20 can change during the process of closing the door 20.

[0241] FIG. 2(b) is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the second embodiment is opened by a first angle. Figure 11 Figure 11 FIG. 2(b) is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the second embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0242] Figure 12 FIG. 2(b) is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the second embodiment is opened by a first angle. Figure 12 FIG. 2(b) is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the second embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0243] Figure 13 FIG. 2(b) is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the second embodiment is opened by a first angle. Figure 13 FIG. 2(b) is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the second embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0244] Figure 11 to Figure 13 FIG. 2(b) is a view showing a positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door in a state in which the door of the second embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0245] In the present embodiment, the only difference from the first embodiment is that the shape center of rotation of the door with respect to the accommodation portion is changed, and the other parts are the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the characteristic part of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0246] Referring to Figure 11 to Figure 13 , the door 25 of the present embodiment can include an accommodation portion 440. The accommodation portion 440 can accommodate a guide portion of a hinge bracket. The guide portion can include a first member 535 (or a first pin) and a second member 536 (or a second pin) which are spaced apart.

[0247] The accommodation portion 440 can include a first portion 441. The accommodation portion 440 can include a second portion 442 extending from the first portion 441. The first portion 441 can include a portion having a curvature different from that of the second portion 442.

[0248] The accommodation portion 440 can further include a third portion 443 extending from the second portion 442. The third portion 443 can include a portion having a curvature different from that of the second portion 442.

[0249] The accommodation portion 440 can further include a fourth portion 444 extending from the third portion 443. The fourth portion 444 can include a portion having a curvature different from that of the third portion 443.

[0250] The shapes and positional relationships of the first member 535 and the second member 536 can be the same as those of the first member 532 and the second member 534 of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description is omitted.

[0251] In the state where the door 25 is closed, the first member 535 can be positioned in the first portion 441. A portion of the second member 536 can be positioned in the first portion 441, and another portion can be positioned in the second portion 442.

[0252] In the state where the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 can be in contact with one end 421a of the first portion 421. In the state where the door 25 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the rod 620 can be in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0253] In the state where the door 25 is closed, when the door 25 starts to open, the door 25 can rotate in one direction with the first rotation center C1 as a reference. The first rotation center C1 can be positioned in the door 25.

[0254] Referring to Figure 11 (b), in the state where the door 25 is rotated by a first angle, the door 25 can rotate with the second rotation center C2 as a reference. That is, the rotation center of the door 25 can move during the process in which the door 20 is opened by the first angle. The second rotation center C2 can be positioned outside the door 25.

[0255] The first rotation center C1 can be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0256] In the state where the door 25 is rotated by the first angle, the first member 535 can be positioned in the first portion 441. The second member 536 can be positioned in the second portion 442.

[0257] In the state where the door 25 is rotated by the first angle, the contact portion 622 of the rod 620 can be in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0258] Referring to Figure 12 (a), in the state where the door 25 is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle, the door 25 can rotate with the third rotation center C3 as a reference.

[0259] The rotation center of the door 25 can move during the process in which the door 25 is opened by the second angle. The third rotation center C3 can be positioned in the door 25. The third rotation center C3 can be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0260] In a state where the door 25 is rotated by the second angle, a portion of the first member 535 can be positioned in the first portion 441, and another portion can be positioned in the second portion 442. A portion of the second member 536 can be positioned in the second portion 442, and another portion can be positioned in the third portion 443.

[0261] In a state where the door 25 is rotated by the second angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the boundary portion of the first contact surface 541 and the second contact surface 542.

[0262] Referring to Figure 12 (b), in a state where the door 25 is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle, the door 25 can be rotated with reference to a fourth center of rotation C4.

[0263] In a process in which the door 25 is opened by the third angle, the center of rotation of the door 25 can move. The fourth center of rotation C4 can be positioned in the door 25.

[0264] In a state where the door 25 is rotated by the third angle, the first member 535 can be positioned in the second portion 442, and the second member 536 can be positioned in the third portion 443.

[0265] The fourth center of rotation C4 can be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third center of rotation C3. The distance between the fourth center of rotation C4 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet can be the same as or different from the distance between the first center of rotation C1 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet.

[0266] In a state where the door 25 is rotated by the third angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be in contact with the first contact surface 541.

[0267] Referring to Figure 13 (a), in a state where the door 25 is rotated by a fourth angle greater than the third angle, the door 25 can be rotated with reference to a fifth center of rotation C5.

[0268] In a process in which the door 25 is opened by the fourth angle, the center of rotation of the door 25 can move. The fifth center of rotation C5 can be positioned in the door 25.

[0269] In a state where the door 25 is rotated by the fourth angle, a portion of the first member 535 can be positioned in the second portion 442, and another portion can be positioned in the third portion 443. The second member 536 can be positioned in the fourth portion 444.

[0270] The fifth rotation center C5 can be located farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0271] In a state where the door 25 is rotated by the fourth angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 can be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541.

[0272] Referring to Figure 13 (b), before the door 25 is about to be opened by the maximum opening angle, the door 25 can be rotated with reference to a sixth rotation center C6.

[0273] The sixth rotation center C6 can be located in the door 25. The sixth rotation center C6 can be located farther from the first member 535 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0274] In a state where the door 25 is rotated by the maximum opening angle, the first member 535 can be located in the third portion 443 and the second member 536 can be located in the fourth portion 444.

[0275] In the case of the present embodiment, in a part of the entire opening range of the door, the rotation center of the door 25 can move in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0276] In another part of the entire opening range of the door, the rotation center of the door 25 can move in a direction close to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. At the beginning of the entire opening range, the rotation center of the door 25 can first be located in the door 25 and then move outward of the door 25, and then can move again to the door 25.

[0277] In the entire opening range of the door, a range in which the rotation center of the door 25 moves in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 can be referred to as a first door opening range. A range after the first door opening range can be referred to as a second door opening range. In the second door opening range, the rotation center of the door 25 can move in a direction close to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. A range after the second door opening range can be referred to as a third door opening range. In the third door opening range, the rotation center of the door 25 can move in a direction close to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0278] The amount of change in movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the Y-axis direction in the first door opening range can be smaller than the amount of change in movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening range.

[0279] The door opening angle of the first door opening range can be smaller than the door opening angle of the second door opening range.

[0280] The amount of change in the movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the X-axis direction in the first door opening section can be smaller than the amount of change in the movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the X-axis direction in the second door opening section.

[0281] In a part of the entire opening section, the rotation center of the door 25 can be close to the first member 535. In another part of the entire opening section, the rotation center of the door 25 can be away from the first member 535.

[0282] In a state where the door 25 is opened by the maximum opening angle, the sixth rotation center C6 of the door 25 can be located at a position farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet than the accommodation portion 440.

[0283] Figure 14 (a) of FIG. 10 is a view showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a door closed state of a third embodiment, Figure 14 (b) of FIG. 10 is a view showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0284] Figure 15 (a) of FIG. 11 is a view showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle, Figure 15 (b) of FIG. 11 is a view showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0285] Figure 16 (a) of FIG. 12 is a view showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by a fourth angle greater than the third angle, Figure 16 (b) of FIG. 12 is a view showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state where the door of the third embodiment is opened by the maximum opening angle.

[0286] Figure 14 to Figure 16 is a view showing a door bracket and a hinge bracket as viewed from the lower side of the refrigerator.

[0287] In the present embodiment, the only difference from the second embodiment is the shape of the guide portion, and the other parts are the same as those of the second embodiment. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0288] In addition, the moving position and the changing manner of the rotation center during the opening of the door 25 are the same as those of the second embodiment, and thus the description of the second embodiment is referred to.

[0289] Referring to Figure 14 to Figure 16 , the door 25 of the present embodiment can include an accommodation portion 440. The guide portion 550 of the hinge bracket can be accommodated in the accommodation portion 440. The guide portion 550 can be a single member.

[0290] The guide portion 550 can include a first surface 551 and a second surface 552 spaced apart from the first surface 551. The guide portion 550 can further include a third surface 553 connecting one end of the first surface 551 and one end of the second surface 552. The guide portion 550 can further include a fourth surface 554 connecting the other end of the first surface 551 and the other end of the second surface 552.

[0291] The first surface 551 can include a curved surface. The second surface 552 can include a curved surface. The third surface 553 can include a curved surface. The fourth surface 554 can include a curved surface.

[0292] The third surface 553 can include a portion having a curvature greater than that of the fourth surface 554. A portion of the third surface 553 can include a portion concave toward the fourth surface 554.

[0293] In a state in which the door 25 is closed, a portion of the guide portion 550 can be positioned in the first portion 441, and another portion can be positioned in the second portion 442.

[0294] At least a portion of the third surface 553 can be spaced apart from the first portion 441. At least a portion of the fourth surface 554 can be in contact with the first portion 441.

[0295] In a state in which the door 25 is closed, when the door 25 starts to open, the door 25 can rotate in one direction with reference to a first center of rotation C1. The first center of rotation C1 can be positioned in the door 25.

[0296] Referring to Figure 16 (b), before the door 25 is about to open a maximum opening angle, the door 25 can rotate with reference to a sixth center of rotation C6. The sixth center of rotation C6 can be positioned in the door 25.

[0297] In a state in which the door 25 is rotated by the maximum opening angle, a portion of the guide portion 550 can be positioned in a third portion 443, and another portion can be positioned in a fourth portion 444.

[0298] In the case of the present embodiment, the center of rotation of the door 25 can move in the direction approaching the door 25 after moving in the direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 throughout the opening interval.

[0299] At the beginning of the entire opening interval, the center of rotation of the door 25 can first be positioned in the door 25 and then move outward of the door 25, and then can move again onto the door 25.

[0300] The sixth center of rotation C6 of the door 25 can be located further from the front surface 10a of the cabinet than the accommodation portion 440 in a state in which the door 25 is opened by the maximum opening angle.

[0301] During opening of the door, the third surface 553 of the guide portion 550 can be prevented from interfering with the door bracket by the recessed form of the third surface 553.

[0302] Figure 17 (a) of FIG. 4 is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a closed state of the door of the fourth embodiment, Figure 17 (b) of FIG. 4 is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state in which the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a first angle, Figure 17 (c) of FIG. 4 is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state in which the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a second angle.

[0303] Figure 18 (a) of FIG. 4 is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state in which the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a third angle, Figure 18 (b) of FIG. 4 is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state in which the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a fourth angle, Figure 18 (c) of FIG. 4 is a view showing the positional relationship of the hinge bracket and the automatic closing device and the positional relationship of the guide portion and the accommodation portion in a state in which the door of the fourth embodiment is opened by a fifth angle.

[0304] Figure 17 and Figure 18 is a view of the hinge bracket as viewed from the lower side of the hinge bracket, and the door is omitted.

[0305] In the present embodiment, the only difference from the previous embodiment is the shape of the contact surface of the hinge bracket, the form of the guide portion, and the shape of the accommodation portion, and the other parts are the same as the previous embodiment.

[0306] Therefore, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0307] Referring to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the hinge bracket 50A of the present embodiment can include a guide portion 730. The guide portion 730 can include a first member 732 (or a first pin) and a second member 734 (or a second pin) spaced apart from each other. The first member 732 and the second member 734 can be referred to as first guides.

[0308] The door can include a receiving portion 840 (or a guide member) that receives the guide portion 730. The receiving portion 840 can include a slit 841 that receives the first member 732 and the second member 734 together. The slit 841 can be referred to as a second guide.

[0309] The slit 841 can be formed in a curved shape. The curvature of the slit 841 can vary. The curvature of the slit 841 can vary continuously or in stages. Figure 17 and Figure 18 It is shown that the curvature of the slit 841 varies in stages.

[0310] If the curvature of the slit 841 varies in stages, the slit 841 can include a plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855 that are divided. That is, the slit 841 can include a plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855 that extend in different directions from each other or have different curvatures.

[0311] The length of a part of the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855 can be different from the length of another part. The length of the first path 851 can be the greatest, and the length of the third path 853 can be the smallest, but is not limited thereto.

[0312] The slit 841 can include a first end portion 841a. The slit 841 can include a second end portion 841b located on the opposite side of the first end portion 841a with reference to the length of the slit 841.

[0313] In a state in which the door is closed, the first member 732 can contact or approach the first end portion 841a. In a state in which the door is opened by the maximum opening angle, the second member 734 can contact or approach the second end portion 841b.

[0314] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 17 , the first end portion 841a can be located closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second end portion 841b. The second end portion 841b can be located closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the first end portion 841a.

[0315] Among the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, the third path 853 can be located close to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0316] The hinge bracket 50A can include a contact surface 540a that acts with the automatic closing device 70.

[0317] The contact surface 540a can include a first contact surface 541a. The first contact surface 541a can be a surface that the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 initially contacts in a process in which the door is closed after the door is opened.

[0318] In a state in which the door is opened by more than a set angle, the lever 760 can not contact the first contact surface 541a. In a process in which the door is closed by an angle smaller than the set angle, the lever 760 can contact the first contact surface 541a.

[0319] The first contact surface 541a can be inclined toward a direction in which the guide portion 730 is farther away as closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0320] The contact surface 540a can further include a second contact surface 542a extending from the first contact surface 541a. The second contact surface 542a can be inclinedly disposed with respect to the first contact surface 541a.

[0321] The second contact surface 542a can be inclined toward a direction in which the guide portion 730 is closer as closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0322] In closing the door, the lever 760 can provide a closing force to the door in a process in which the lever 760 moves along the second contact surface 542a, so that the door can be automatically closed.

[0323] The contact surface 540a can further include a third contact surface 543a extending from the second contact surface 542a. The third contact surface 543a can be inclinedly disposed with respect to the second contact surface 542a.

[0324] The third contact surface 543a can extend from the second contact surface 542a toward a direction in which the guide portion 730 is closer.

[0325] The hinge bracket 50A can further include an accommodation groove 544a for accommodating a portion of the lever 760 or reducing interference with the lever 760 in a state in which the lever 760 contacts the third contact surface 543a.

[0326] Referring to Figure 17 (a), in a state in which the door is closed, the first member 732 can be positioned in a first path 851 and the second member 734 can be positioned in a second path 852.

[0327] In the door-closed state, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 is in contact with the third contact surface 543a. In the door-closed state, the rotation angle of the lever 760 can be greater than 0 degrees with reference to the front surface of the door. In this case, the elastic force of the elastic member is applied by the lever 760, so that the door-closed state can be maintained.

[0328] On the other hand, if the center of rotation of the door is located at the corner of the side surface and the front surface of the door that is expected to first interfere with the furniture cabinet P (refer to Figure 8 when the door starts to open, interference of the door with the furniture cabinet P can be prevented.

[0329] Therefore, the center of rotation of the door can be located adjacent to the corner of the side surface and the front surface of the door at the moment when the door starts to open.

[0330] On the other hand, when the user performs the opening operation of the door, the door can be instantaneously moved in the direction of the first path 851 toward the front and one side, so that the door starts to open.

[0331] The first member 732 and the second member 734 are located in the first path 851 and the second path 852 extending in different directions, so that the door is accurately subjected to the opening operation based on the rotational force without being twisted or slipped.

[0332] When the second member 734 moves in the second path 852, the door can be rotated while being slightly moved toward the front and one side, so that the gasket G abutting against the front surface of the cabinet 10 can be more easily separated. That is, interference caused by the gasket G abutting against the cabinet 10 when the door is rotated can be prevented, and the subsequent rotation operation of the door can be smoother.

[0333] Referring to Figure 17 (b), when the door is rotated by a first angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 can be located at the boundary portion of the second contact surface 542a and the third contact surface 543a. In the state where the door is rotated by the first angle, the first member 732 can be located in the first path 851, and the second member 734 can be located in the second path 852.

[0334] Referring to Figure 17(c) when the door is rotated by a second angle larger than the first angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 can be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. In a state where the door is rotated by the second angle, the first member 732 can be positioned in the first path 851, and the second member 734 can be positioned in the second path 852 or in a boundary portion of the second path 852 and the third path 853.

[0335] Referring to Figure 18 (a) when the door is rotated by a third angle larger than the second angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 can be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. In a state where the door is rotated by the third angle, the first member 732 can be positioned in the first path 851, and the second member 734 can be positioned in the third path 853.

[0336] Referring to Figure 18 (b) when the door is rotated by a fourth angle larger than the third angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 can be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. In a state where the door is rotated by the fourth angle, the first member 732 can be positioned in the first path 851, and the second member 734 can be positioned in the third path 853.

[0337] Referring to Figure 18 (c) when the door is rotated by a fifth angle (reference angle) larger than the fourth angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 can be positioned in a boundary portion of the first contact surface 541a and the second contact surface 542a. In a state where the door is rotated by the fifth angle, the rotation angle of the lever 760 can be the largest with reference to the front surface of the door. That is, the rotation angle of the lever 760 can increase with reference to the front surface of the door until the door is rotated from the closed state to the fifth angle.

[0338] In a state where the door is rotated by the fifth angle, the first member 732 can be positioned in the first path 851 adjacent to the second path 852, and the second member 734 can be positioned in the third path 853.

[0339] When the door is opened by an angle larger than the fifth angle, the first member 732 can move toward the second path 852, and the second member 734 can move toward the fourth path 854.

[0340] When the door is further opened, the first member 732 can move toward the third path 853, and the second member 734 can move along the fourth path 854.

[0341] When the door is further opened, the first member 732 can move toward the fourth path 854, and the second member 734 can move toward the fifth path 855.

[0342] When the door is opened to the maximum opening angle, the angle between the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the back surface of the door can be approximately 110°. At this time, the first member 732 can move along the fourth path 854, and the second member 734 can move to the end of the fifth path 855. The centers of curvature of the plurality of paths are different from each other, and thus the virtual center of rotation of the door moves during opening of the door, thereby having the advantage that the door does not interfere with the cabinet and the opening angle of the door can be secured.

[0343] During closing of the door, the closing force of the automatic closing device 70 can act on the door at the time point when the door is rotated by a fifth angle. During continuous closing of the door, as the rotation angle of the rod 760 decreases, the elastic force can act on the door.

[0344] Figure 19 FIG. 9 is a view showing the configuration of a door and a cabinet according to a fifth embodiment, Figure 20 FIG. 10 is a view showing the configuration of a slit and a pin unit according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 21 FIG. 11 is a view showing the angle of a tangent line of a first path and the angle of a tangent line of a second path with respect to a boundary point between the first path and the second path according to the fifth embodiment.

[0345] In the present embodiment, the only difference from any one of the first to fourth embodiments is the form of the slit and the relative positions of the first member and the second member positioned in the slit, and the other parts are the same as any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0346] Therefore, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0347] Referring to Figure 19 to Figure 21 , the door 20 of the present embodiment is as described in the foregoing embodiments, and the rotation of the door 20 can be guided by a guide portion provided to the hinge bracket.

[0348] The guide portion can include a first member 931 (or a first pin) and a second member 932 (or a second pin) spaced apart from each other. The first member 931 and the second member 932 can be referred to as first guides.

[0349] The door 20 can include a slit 941 in which the first member 931 and the second member 932 are accommodated. The slit 941 can be referred to as a second guide.

[0350] The door 20 can be disposed adjacent to the furniture cabinet P. The refrigerator can be accommodated in the furniture cabinet P. It is preferable to minimize the interval D2 between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and a side wall of the furniture cabinet P. In addition, while minimizing the interval D2, it is necessary to prevent the door 20 from interfering with the furniture cabinet P when the door 20 is opened.

[0351] In the present embodiment, the slit 941 can be designed to prevent the door 20 from interfering with the furniture cabinet P when the door 20 is opened while minimizing the interval D2.

[0352] The corner 20d connecting the front surface 20a and the first side surface 20c of the door 20 can be curved to prevent the door 20 from interfering with the furniture cabinet P when the door 20 is opened.

[0353] The slit 941 can include a first end portion 941a. The slit 941 can include a second end portion 941b located on the opposite side of the first end portion 941a with respect to the length of the slit 941.

[0354] The first member 931 can be in contact with or close to the first end portion 941a in a state in which the door 20 is closed. The second member 932 can be in contact with or close to the second end portion 941b in a state in which the door 20 is opened by the maximum opening angle.

[0355] The second end portion 941b can be located closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the first end portion 941a. The first side surface 20c refers to a side surface of the door 20 adjacent to the furniture cabinet P and the slit 941 among both side surfaces of the door 20.

[0356] The first end portion 941a can be located closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second end portion 941b in a state in which the door 20 is closed.

[0357] The slit 941 can be formed in a curved shape. The curvature of the slit 941 can vary. The curvature of the slit 941 can vary continuously or in stages. Figure 20 It is shown that the curvature of the slit 941 varies in stages.

[0358] If the curvature of the slit 941 varies in stages, the slit 941 can include a plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 divided. That is, the slit 941 can include a plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 extending in different directions from each other or having different curvatures.

[0359] A length of a portion of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 can be different from a length of another portion.

[0360] A length of the first path 951 can be greater than a length of the second path 952. A length of the first path 951 can be greater than a length of the third path 953. A length of the second path 952 can be greater than a length of the third path 953.

[0361] Among the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, a length of the first path 951 can be the greatest.

[0362] A center RC1 of a curvature of the first path 951 can be located on the door 20, with reference to a state in which the door 20 is closed.

[0363] A center RC2 of a curvature of the second path 952 can be located outside the door 20, with reference to a state in which the door 20 is closed. As an example, the center RC2 can be located further forward than the front surface 20a of the door 20. The center RC2 can be located closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC1.

[0364] A center RC3 of a curvature of the third path 953 can be located outside the door 20, with reference to a state in which the door 20 is closed. As an example, the center RC3 can be located closer to the front than the front surface 20a of the door 20. The center RC2 can be located closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC3.

[0365] A center RC4 of a curvature of the fourth path 954 can be located on the door 20, with reference to a state in which the door 20 is closed. As an example, the center RC4 can be located closer to the first end portion 941a than the second end portion 941b. The center RC4 can be located closer to the back surface 20b of the door 20 than the center RC1.

[0366] A center RC5 of a curvature of the fifth path 955 can be located on the door 20, with reference to a state in which the door 20 is closed. As an example, the center RC4 can be located closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC5. The center RC5 can be located closer to the back surface 20b of the door 20 than the center RC4. The first end portion 941a can be located closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC5.

[0367] A line connecting a center of curvature RC5 of the fifth path 955 and a position of the fifth path 955 can pass through an area between the first end portion 941a of the slit 941 and the boundary point BP with reference to a state in which the door 20 is closed. The slit 941 can be located between the second end portion 941b and the center of curvature RC5 of the fifth path 955.

[0368] Referring to Figure 21 When a position at which the first path 951 and the second path 952 intersect is referred to as a boundary point BP, an angle formed by a first line passing through the boundary point BP and contacting the first path 951 and a reference line passing through the boundary point BP and parallel to the front surface 20a or the back surface 20b of the door 20 can be referred to as a first angle A1.

[0369] An angle formed by a second line passing through the boundary point BP and contacting the second path 952 and the reference line passing through the boundary point BP can be referred to as a second angle A2.

[0370] At this time, the first angle A1 can be greater than the second angle A2.

[0371] The first angle A1 can affect a gap between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P during opening of the door 20.

[0372] The first angle A1 can be 40 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0373] If the first angle A1 is greater than 45 degrees, there is a risk that the door 20 interferes with the furniture cabinet P during opening of the door 20. In contrast, if the first angle A1 is less than 40 degrees, there is a risk that one door (or a panel of one door) interferes with the other door when one of the doors disposed on both sides is opened.

[0374] A difference between the first angle A1 and the second angle A2 can affect a relationship between a gasket (see Figure 22 G) provided in the door 20 and the cabinet 10.

[0375] The difference can be 2 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less. If the difference is greater than 5 degrees, there is a risk that an amount of interference between the gasket G and the cabinet 10 increases at the beginning of opening of the door 20, and thus an amount of wear of the gasket G increases.

[0376] In contrast, if the difference is less than 2 degrees, there is a risk that the door 20 slides during opening of the door 20, and thus the door 20 cannot be smoothly rotated.

[0377] The length of the second path 952 can be greater than the length of the third path 953. The length of the third path 953 can be greater than the length of the fourth path 954. The length of the fifth path 955 can be greater than the length of the fourth path 954.

[0378] The third path 953 can be closest to the back surface 20b of the door 20, but is not limited thereto.

[0379] The distance between the bisection position bisecting the length of the third path 953 and the first end portion 941a can be greater than the distance between the bisection position and the second end portion 941b.

[0380] Figure 22 FIG. 10 is a view showing the positional relationship between the opening and the slit in a case where the opening is formed in the door of the fifth embodiment.

[0381] Referring to Figure 19 and Figure 22 An opening 960 can be formed in a position adjacent to the slit 941 on the door 20 of the present embodiment. As an example, the opening 960 can pass one or more of a water pipe through which water flows and a wire connected to a component provided in the door 20.

[0382] Figure 22 The maximum size of the opening 960 that can be formed in the door 20 is shown, and the size of the opening 960 can be changed.

[0383] It is noted that, in Figure 22 the position of the opening 960 is exemplary, and the position of the opening 960 can also be changed.

[0384] In one embodiment, a portion of the opening 960 can overlap an imaginary connecting line connecting the first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b of the slit 941. That is, a portion of the opening 960 can be located in a region between the spaced apart first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b.

[0385] A portion of the opening 960 can be located closer to the back surface 20b of the door 20 than the first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b.

[0386] Another portion of the opening 960 can be located closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b.

[0387] On the other hand, the slit 941 can be disposed in a region indicated by a dotted line in the door 20. That is, the slit 941 can be disposed in a region that does not interfere with a structure provided or incorporated in the door 20.

[0388] The minimum distance between the back surface 20b of the door 20 and the slit 941 can be greater than the minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the first end portion 941a.

[0389] The minimum distance between the back surface 20b of the door 20 and the slit 941 can be greater than the minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the second end portion 941b.

[0390] The minimum distance between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and the slit 941 can be smaller than the minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the first end portion 941a.

[0391] Figure 23 to Figure 25 FIG. 5 is a view showing the positions of the door and the furniture cabinet when the door of the fifth embodiment is opened. Figure 26 and Figure 27 FIG. 6 is a view showing the imaginary center of rotation of the door when the door of the fifth embodiment is opened.

[0392] Figure 23 (a) of FIG. 7 shows a state in which the door is closed, Figure 23 (b) of FIG. 7 shows a state in which the door is opened by a first angle, Figure 24 (a) of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the door is opened by a second angle, Figure 24 (b) of FIG. 8 shows a state in which the door is opened by a third angle, Figure 25 FIG. 9 shows a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0393] Referring to Figure 22 to Figure 25 A line extending along the first side surface 20c of the door 20 in a state in which the door 20 is closed can be referred to as an imaginary line IL1.

[0394] In the case of the present embodiment, when the door 20 is opened using the slit 941, the door 20 can not move to a space between the imaginary line IL1 and the furniture cabinet P. Therefore, even if the refrigerator is configured such that the interval D2 between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P is close to 0, the door 20 can be opened without interfering with the furniture cabinet P during the opening of the door 20.

[0395] In the present embodiment, when the slit 941 is designed such that the first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b are apart from each other, the interval D2 can be reduced.

[0396] For example, in a state in which the position of the second end portion 941b is fixed, the interval D2 can be smaller in a case in which the distance between the first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b is large than in a case in which the distance between the first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b is small.

[0397] To increase the distance between the first end portion 941a and the second end portion 941b, the curvature of at least one of the first path to the third path 951, 952, 953 of the slit 941 can be reduced.

[0398] On the other hand, with reference to Figure 19 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 , the slit 941 includes a plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, and the center of curvature of each of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 can be located at different positions.

[0399] In the case where the door 20 is rotated in a state where the first member 931 and the second member 932 are fixed in position, the positions of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 can be changed.

[0400] The center of curvature of each of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 is different, and thus the center of curvature of each of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 can also move during rotation of the door 20.

[0401] During rotation of the door 20, the relative positions of the first member 931 and the second member 932 to the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 can be changed, and thus the center of curvature of a path in which the first member 931 and the second member 932 are located or correspond to can become the center of rotation of the door 20 during rotation of the door 20. Alternatively, the center of rotation of the door 20 can be located on a line connecting the centers of curvature of two adjacent paths.

[0402] For example, in the case where the first member 931 and the second member 932 are located in the first path 531, the center of rotation C1 of the door is the same as the center of curvature of the first path 531.

[0403] At the beginning of rotation of the door 20, the door 20 can be rotated with reference to a first center of rotation C1. The first center of rotation C1 can be located on the door 20.

[0404] When the door 20 is further rotated, the door 20 can be rotated with reference to a second center of rotation C2. The second center of rotation C2 can be located outside the door 20.

[0405] The second center of rotation C2 can be located further from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first center of rotation C1.

[0406] The second rotation center C2 can be located farther from the second member 932 than the first rotation center C1.

[0407] The second rotation center C2 can be located closer to the furniture cabinet P than the first rotation center C1.

[0408] The door 20 can rotate with reference to a third rotation center C3 as the door 20 is further rotated. The third rotation center C3 can be located outside the door 20.

[0409] The second rotation center C2 can be located closer to the furniture cabinet P than the third rotation center C3.

[0410] The third rotation center C3 can be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0411] The third rotation center C3 can be located closer to the second member 932 than the second rotation center C2.

[0412] The door 20 can rotate with reference to a fourth rotation center C4 as the door 20 is further rotated. The fourth rotation center C4 can be located in the door 20.

[0413] The third rotation center C3 can be located closer to the furniture cabinet P than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0414] The fourth rotation center C4 can be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3.

[0415] The fourth rotation center C4 can be located closer to the second member 932 than the third rotation center C3.

[0416] The door 20 can rotate with reference to a fifth rotation center C5 as the door 20 is further rotated, thereby the door 20 is about to open a maximum opening angle. The fifth rotation center C5 can be located in the door 20.

[0417] The fifth rotation center C5 can be located closer to the furniture cabinet P than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0418] The fourth rotation center C4 can be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0419] The fourth rotation center C4 can be located closer to the second member 932 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0420] When the movement pattern of the imaginary center of rotation of the door 20 is observed, the entire opening interval of the door 20 can include a first interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is away from the front face 10a of the cabinet 10, a second interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is close to the front face 10a of the cabinet 10, and a third interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is away from the front face 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0421] At this time, the opening angle of the door 20 in the second interval can be greater than the opening angle of the door 20 in the first interval and the opening angle of the door 20 in the third interval.

[0422] When the movement pattern of the imaginary center of rotation of the door 20 is observed from the other side, the entire opening interval of the door 20 can include a first interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is away from the first member (or the second member), a second interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is close to the first member (or the second member), and a third interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is away from the first member (or the second member).

[0423] At this time, the opening angle of the door 20 in the second interval can be greater than the opening angle of the door 20 in the first interval and the opening angle of the door 20 in the third interval.

[0424] When the movement pattern of the imaginary center of rotation of the door 20 is observed from the other side, the entire opening interval of the door 20 can include a first interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is close to the furniture cabinet P, a second interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is away from the furniture cabinet P, and a third interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is close to the furniture cabinet P.

[0425] At this time, the opening angle of the door 20 in the second interval can be greater than the opening angle of the door 20 in the first interval and the opening angle of the door 20 in the third interval.

[0426] When the movement pattern of the imaginary center of rotation of the door 20 is observed from the other side, the entire opening interval of the door 20 can include a first interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is located at the door 20, a second interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is located at the outside of the door 20, and a third interval in which the imaginary center of rotation is located at the door 20.

[0427] At this time, the opening angle of the door 20 in the second interval can be greater than the opening angle of the door 20 in the first interval. The opening angle of the door 20 in the third interval can be greater than the opening angle of the door 20 in the first interval.

[0428] Figure 28 is a view showing Figure 19 a deformation example of a corner of the door.

[0429] First, referring to Figure 28In (a), the corner 20d of the door 20 adjacent to the furniture cabinet P can include an inclined surface. That is, the door 20 can be partially cut to form the corner 20d.

[0430] The position where a line extending along the front surface of the door 20 and a line extending along the first side surface 20c of the door 20 intersect each other can be referred to as a crossing point.

[0431] The door 20 and the cabinet 10 can be arranged in a Y-axis direction, and an X-axis can be perpendicular to the Y-axis. As an example, the Y-axis direction can be a front-rear direction of the refrigerator, and the X-axis direction can be a left-right direction of the refrigerator.

[0432] A distance in the X-axis direction from the crossing point to the corner 20d can be referred to as a first distance L1, and a distance in the Y-axis direction from the crossing point to the corner 20d can be referred to as a second distance L2. In this case, the first distance L1 can be the same as or similar to the second distance L2. One or more of the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 can be 4 mm or more.

[0433] With such a design of the corner 20d, interference of the door 20 with the furniture cabinet P during opening of the door 20 can be prevented.

[0434] Next, first referring to Figure 28 In (b), the corner 20d of the door 20 adjacent to the furniture cabinet P can include an inclined surface. That is, the door 20 can be partially cut to form the corner 20d.

[0435] The position where a line extending along the front surface of the door 20 and a line extending along the first side surface 20c of the door 20 intersect each other can be referred to as a crossing point.

[0436] A distance in the X-axis direction from the crossing point CP to the corner 20d can be referred to as a third distance L3, and a distance in the Y-axis direction from the crossing point to the corner 20d can be referred to as a fourth distance L4. In this case, the fourth distance L4 can be greater than the third distance L3. The fourth distance L4 can be 4 times or more the third distance L3, but is not limited thereto.

[0437] With such a design of the corner 20d, interference of the door 20 with the furniture cabinet P during opening of the door 20 can be prevented.

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: Comprising: 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; the first guide includes a first member and a second member; the second guide accommodates the first member and the second member; an imaginary center of rotation of the door moves in at least a part of an entire opening interval of the door; in a closed state of the door, the imaginary center of rotation is located at the door. 2.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the entire opening interval of the door includes: a first door opening interval as an interval of a reference angle of the door opening from the closed state; and a second door opening interval after the first door opening interval; a variation amount of movement of the imaginary center of rotation in a Y-axis direction in the first door opening interval is smaller than a variation amount of movement of the imaginary center of rotation in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening interval; the Y-axis direction is a direction of arrangement of the door and the cabinet in the closed state of the door. 3.The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein a variation amount of movement of the imaginary center of rotation in an X-axis direction in the first door opening interval is greater than a variation amount of movement of the imaginary center of rotation in the X-axis direction in the second door opening interval; the X-axis direction intersects the Y-axis direction. 4.The refrigerator of claim 2 or 3, wherein a door opening angle in the first door opening interval is smaller than a door opening angle in the second door opening interval. 5.The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the door opens a maximum opening angle at an end of the second door opening interval; in the entire second door opening interval, the imaginary center of rotation moves in a direction close to a front surface of the cabinet. 6.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in the entire opening interval of the door, the imaginary center of rotation is located at a position farther from the front surface of the cabinet than the first member. 7.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in the entire opening interval of the door, the imaginary center of rotation is located outside the first guide. 8.The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein in the entire opening interval of the door, the imaginary center of rotation is located outside the second guide. 9.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a minimum separation distance of the first member and the second member is equal to or smaller than a diameter of the first member or a diameter of the second member. 10.The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising an automatic closing device provided to the door and operating to automatically close the door, the automatic closing device having a lever rotatable with respect to the door, a distance between the imaginary center of rotation of the door and a center of rotation of the lever is changeable during opening or closing of the door. 11.The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein ​ ​ The distance between the center of rotation of the rod and the first member is shorter than the distance between the center of rotation of the rod and the second member. 12.The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein, The entire opening interval of the door includes: a first door opening interval as an interval in which the door is opened by a reference angle from a closed state; and a second door opening interval after the first door opening interval. The automatic closing device provides a closing force to the door in the first door opening interval.

13. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: includes: 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; In at least a part of the entire opening interval of the door, the imaginary center of rotation of the door moves in a direction away from the front surface of the cabinet. 14.The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein, In the closed state of the door, the imaginary center of rotation of the door is located at the door. 15.The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein, The entire opening interval of the door includes: a first door opening interval as an interval in which the door is opened by a reference angle from a closed state; and a second door opening interval after the first door opening interval. In the first door opening interval, the imaginary center of rotation moves in a direction away from the front surface of the cabinet. In the second door opening interval, the imaginary center of rotation moves in a direction close to the front surface of the cabinet. 16.The refrigerator of claim 15, wherein, The change amount of the imaginary center of rotation in the Y-axis direction in the first door opening interval is smaller than the change amount of the imaginary center of rotation in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening interval; The Y-axis direction is a direction in which the door and the cabinet are arranged in the closed state of the door. 17.The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein, The change amount of the imaginary center of rotation in the X-axis direction in the first door opening interval is smaller than the change amount of the imaginary center of rotation in the X-axis direction in the second door opening interval; The X-axis direction intersects the Y-axis direction. 18.The refrigerator of claim 16 or 17, wherein, The door opening angle in the first door opening interval is smaller than the door opening angle in the second door opening interval. 19.The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein, Further comprising an automatic closing device provided to the door and operating to automatically close the door, the automatic closing device having a rod rotatable with respect to the door; The distance between the imaginary center of rotation of the door and the center of rotation of the rod is changeable during opening or closing of the door. 20.The refrigerator of claim 19, wherein, In a part of the entire opening interval of the door, the imaginary center of rotation is located between the second guide and the automatic closing device. 21.The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein, The first guide includes spaced first and second members; The second guide receives the first and second members.

22. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein The first guide includes a single member received in the second guide; The second guide includes a single slot for receiving the single member.

23. A refrigerator, characterized by Comprise: a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door opening and closing the storage compartment; a hinge bracket provided to the cabinet; first and second pins provided to the hinge bracket; a guide member provided to the door having pin slots receiving the first and second pins; and an automatic closing device provided to the door and operating to automatically close the door, the automatic closing device having a lever rotatable relative to the door; The pin slots include a plurality of paths having different curvatures or extending in different directions.

24. The refrigerator of claim 23, wherein In a state in which the door is closed, the first pin is located in a first path and the second pin is located in a second path.

25. The refrigerator of claim 24, wherein If the door is closed by a reference angle after being opened, a closing force generated by the automatic closing device acts on the door, the first pin is located in the first path, and the second pin is located in a third path.

26. The refrigerator of claim 25, wherein In a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first pin is located in a fourth path and the second pin is located in a fifth path.

27. The refrigerator of claim 23, wherein In a state in which the door is closed, the first pin is located in a first path among a plurality of paths; In a case in which a position at which the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path intersect is referred to as a boundary point, an angle formed by a first line passing through the boundary point and in contact with the first path and a reference line passing through the boundary point and parallel to a front surface or a rear surface of the door is referred to as a first angle, and an angle formed by a second line passing through the boundary point and in contact with the second path and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle, the first angle is greater than the second angle.

28. The refrigerator of claim 27, wherein The first angle is 40 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

29. The refrigerator of claim 27, wherein A difference between the first angle and the second angle is 2 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less.

30. The refrigerator of any one of claims 12, 19, and 23, wherein The automatic closing device further includes an elastic member elastically supporting the lever, and in a case in which the door is closed, an elastic force is used as a closing force of the door to enable the door to be automatically closed.

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