refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment may comprise: a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet; a first guide provided on the hinge bracket; and a second guide provided on the door and interacting with the first guide during the rotation of the door, wherein the first guide includes a first member and a second member, the second guide accommodates the first member and the second member, and the rotational center of the door is movable in at least a partial section of the full open section of the door.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing foods in an internal storage space, which is shield by a door, at a low temperature by low temperature air. For this, the refrigerator is configured to accommodate the food in an optimum state by cooling the internal storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] The refrigerator may be independently placed in a kitchen or living room or may be accommodated in a space defined by a furniture cabinet of the kitchen.

[0004] The refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage space and a door connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage space.

[0005] For example, if the refrigerator is installed inside the furniture cabinet, there is a risk that the door may hit the furniture cabinet during an opening process, which may limit an opening angle of the door.

[0006] A refrigerator is disclosed in the prior art document of an international publication WO2019 / 007278A1.

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

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

[0009] According to prior air document, since the hinge body has a structure in which a positioning axis and a guide axis are formed, and the positioning axis and the guide axis are each independently inserted into a positioning groove and a guide groove, there is a disadvantage in that a structure of the hinge body and the guide block becomes complicated.[Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[0010] The present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which an opening angle of a door can be increased by a simple structure.

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

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a door can be automatically closed during an door closing process while increasing an opening angle of the door.[Technical Solution]

[0013] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet to form a storage space. The refrigerator may further include a door that opens and closes the storage space.

[0014] The refrigerator may further include a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet. The refrigerator may further include a first guide provided at the hinge bracket. The refrigerator may further include a second guide provided at the door and interacting with the first guide during a rotation of the door.

[0015] The first guide may include a first member and a second member. The second guide may receive the first member and the second member.

[0016] The second guide may include a single slot that receives both the first member and the second member.

[0017] A rotation center of the door may be moved during at least a portion of an entire opening period of the door. The rotation center of the door may be positioned at the door when the door is closed and when the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0018] The entire opening period of the door may include a first door opening period, which is a period in which the door is opened by a reference angle. The entire opening period may further include a second door opening period following the first door opening period.

[0019] A change amount of movement of a rotation center of the door in a Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of a rotation center of the door in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0020] The Y-axis direction is an arrangement direction of the door and the cabinet when the door is closed.

[0021] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in an X-axis direction may be greater than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period. The X-axis direction is a direction crossing the Y-axis direction.

[0022] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0023] At an end of the second door opening period, the door may be opened by a maximum opening period. Throughout the second door opening section, the rotation center of the door can move in a direction closer to the front of the cabinet.

[0024] In an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned farther from a front surface of the cabinet than the first member.

[0025] In an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned outside the first guide. In an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned outside the second guide.

[0026] A minimum separation distance between the first member and the second member may be equal to or less than a diameter of the first member or the second member.

[0027] The refrigerator may further include an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door. The auto closing device has a lever that may rotate with respect to the door. A distance between the rotation center of the door and a rotation center of the lever may be variable during an opening process or a closing process of the door.

[0028] A distance between the rotation center of the lever and the first member may be less than a distance between the rotation center of the lever and the second member.

[0029] In the first door opening period, the auto closing device may provide closing force to the door.

[0030] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet to form a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet; a first guide provided at the hinge bracket; and a second guide provided at the door and interacting with the first guide during a rotation of the door. The second guide may receive the first guide.

[0031] In at least a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be moved in a direction away from a front surface of the cabinet.

[0032] In another portion of the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be moved closer to the front surface of the cabinet.

[0033] The rotation center of the door may be positioned at the door when the door is closed.

[0034] The entire opening period of the door may include a first door opening period, which is a period in which the door is opened by a reference angle. The entire opening period may further include a second door opening period following the first door opening period.

[0035] In the first door opening period, the rotation center of the door may move in a direction away from a front surface of the cabinet. In the second door opening period, the rotation center of the door may move in a direction closer to the front surface of the cabinet.

[0036] A change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in a Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period. The Y-axis direction may be an arrangement direction of the door and the cabinet when the door is closed.

[0037] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in an X-axis direction may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period. The X-axis direction may be a direction crossing the Y-axis direction.

[0038] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0039] The refrigerator may further include an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door. The auto closing device has a lever rotatable with respect to the door.

[0040] A distance between the rotation center of the door and a rotation center of the lever may be changed during an opening or closing process of the door.

[0041] In a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned between the second guide and the auto closing device.

[0042] The first guide may include a first member and a second member that are spaced apart from each other. The second guide may receive the first member and the second member.

[0043] The first guide may include a single member received in the second guide. The second guide may include a single slot to receive the single member.

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

[0045] When the door is closed, the first member may be positioned at a first path, and the second member may be positioned at a second path.

[0046] When the door is opened and then closed by a reference angle, the first member may be positioned at the first path, and the second member may be positioned at a third path.

[0047] When the door is opened and then closed by the reference angle, a closing force provided by the auto closing device may be applied to the door.

[0048] When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first member may be positioned at a fourth path, and the second member may be positioned at a fifth path.

[0049] When the door is closed, the first member is positioned at a first path among the plurality of paths, and a point where the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path meet may be referred to as a boundary point. An angle formed by a first line contacting the first path while passing through the boundary point and a reference line parallel to a front surface or rear surface of the door while passing through the boundary point is referred to as a first angle. An angle formed by a second line contacting the second path while passing through the boundary point and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle. The first angle may be greater than the second angle.

[0050] The first angle may be greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0051] A difference value between the first and second angles may be greater than or equal to 2 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

[0052] The second guide may include a slot, and the slot may include a first end and a second end. When the door is closed, the first member may be in contact with or adjacent to the first end.

[0053] When the door is closed, a distance between the first end and the front surface of the door may be less than a distance between the second end and the front surface of the door.

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

[0055] At least a portion of the opening may overlap a virtual connection line connecting the first end and the second end.

[0056] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet to form a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet; first and second pins provided at the hinge bracket; a guide member provided at the door and having a pin slot in which the first and second pins are received; and an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door, the auto closing device having a lever rotatable with respect to the door.

[0057] The pin slot may include plurality of paths with different curvatures or extending in different directions.

[0058] When the door is closed, the first pin may be positioned at a first path, and the second pin may be positioned at a second path.

[0059] When the door is opened and then closed by a reference angle, a closing force by the auto closing device is applied to the door, and the first pin may be positioned at the first path and the second pin may be positioned at a third path.

[0060] When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first pin may be positioned at a fourth path, and the second pin may be positioned at a fifth path.

[0061] The first to fifth paths may be arranged sequentially.

[0062] When the door is closed, the first member is positioned at a first path among the plurality of paths, and a point where the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path meet may be referred to as a boundary point. An angle formed by a first line contacting the first path while passing through the boundary point and a reference line parallel to a front surface or rear surface of the door while passing through the boundary point is referred to as a first angle. An angle formed by a second line contacting the second path while passing through the boundary point and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle. The first angle may be greater than the second angle.

[0063] The first angle may be greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0064] A difference value between the first and second angles may be greater than or equal to 2 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.[Advantageous Effects]

[0065] According to one embodiment, an opening angle of a door can be increased by a simple structure.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a rotation center of a door moves as the door opens, thereby preventing interference with surrounding structures during a door opening process.

[0067] According to one embodiment, a door can be automatically closed while increasing an opening angle of the door.[Description of Drawings]

[0068] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a portion of a bottom view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a door bracket and a hinge bracket in a state in which a door is closed according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle. FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle, and FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a third embodiment. FIG. 15A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a third embodiment. FIG. 16A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a third embodiment. FIG. 17A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion in when a door is closed according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 17B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a first angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a second angle according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 18A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a third angle according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 18B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fourth angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 18C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fifth angle according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a door and a cabinet according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a slot and a pin unit according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an angle between a tangent line of a first path and a tangent line of a second path based on a boundary point of a first path and a second path according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between an opening and a slot when an opening is formed in a door according to a fifth embodiment. FIGS. 23 to 25 are drawings showing positions of a door and a furniture cabinet when a door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIGS. 26 and 27 are drawings showing a virtual rotation center of a door when a door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a modified example of a corner of a door illustrated in FIG. 19. [Mode for Invention]

[0069] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0070] Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when one component is "connected", "coupled", "joined" to another component, the former may be directly connected, coupled, or jointed to the latter or may be "connected", coupled", or "joined" to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a portion of a bottom view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may be independently installed at a kitchen or accommodated within an indoor furniture cabinet or a wall. When the refrigerator 1 is installed within an indoor furniture cabinet or the wall, a refrigerator 1 may be installed independently or arranged left and right with another refrigerator.

[0073] The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0074] The storage space may be divided into, but is not limited to, a first space at an upper side and a second space at a lower side. The door 20 may also include a first door 21 than opens and closes the first space and a second door 22 that opens and closes the second space.

[0075] The first space may be a refrigerating chamber and the second space may be a freezing chamber, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space divided left and right. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, and a single door may open and close the storage space.

[0076] At least one of the first door 21 or the second door 22 may be a rotary door. Alternatively, a single door 20 may be a rotary door.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the door 20 of a rotary type may be rotated by a hinge bracket 50.

[0078] For example, hinge brackets 50 of the same or different types may support the door 20 at upper and lower sides of the door 20.

[0079] In FIG. 2, a hinge bracket 50 supporting a lower side of the second door 22 is illustrated as an example. A structure of the guide portion of the hinge bracket 50 described below (see 530 of FIG. 4) can be equally applied to a structure of the hinge bracket installed at upper or lower side of the door 20. Depending on a position at which the hinge bracket 50 supports the door 20, the hinge bracket 50 may be coupled to an upper surface of the cabinet 10, a lower surface, a front surface, or a side surface.

[0080] For convenience of explanation, the hinge bracket 50 will be described below as rotatably supporting the door 20.

[0081] The refrigerator 1 may further include an auto closing device 60 that provides a closing force to the door 20 during a closing process of the door 20. Of course, the auto closing device 60 may be omitted.

[0082] In FIG. 3, for example, a hinge bracket 50 is shown supporting a lower side of the door 20, and the auto closing device 60 is installed at a lower side of the door 20. Of course, it should be noted that there is no limitation on a position of the auto closing device 60.

[0083] The hinge bracket 50 may include a hinge body 520. The hinge body 520 may support the door 20, for example.

[0084] The hinge bracket 50 may further include an extension 510 extending from the hinge body 520.

[0085] The extension 510 may be coupled to the cabinet 10. Depending on an installation location of the hinge bracket 50, a shape of the extension 510 may vary.

[0086] The auto closing device 60 may provide closing force to the door 20 while interacting with the hinge bracket 50 during a closing process of the door 20.

[0087] The auto closing device 60 may be installed at the door 20 at a position adjacent to the hinge body 520. As an example, FIG. 3 illustrates the auto closing device 60 being installed at a lower side of the door 20.

[0088] The auto closing device 60 may have a portion protruding downward from a lower surface of the door 20 to interact with the hinge bracket 50.

[0089] The auto closing device 60 may include a body 610 installed at the door 20. The auto closing device 60 may include a lever 620 movably installed at the body 610. For example, the lever 620 may be rotated relative to the body 610 with respect to a rotation center A1. The lever 620 may be movably connected to the body 610 while being elastically supported. For example, the auto closing device 60 may further include an elastic member for elastically supporting the lever 620.

[0090] The lever 620 may further include a contact portion 622 to be in contact with the hinge bracket 50. The contact portion 622 may be, for example, a rotatable roller or a member whose shape can be changed.

[0091] While the door 20 is closed in a state in which the elastic member connected to the lever 620 is accumulated elastic force, the elastic force acts as a closing force of the door 20, so that the door 20 may be automatically closed.

[0092] Meanwhile, a gasket G may be provided at a rear surface of the door 20. When the door 20 is closed, the gasket G may be in contact with a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the extension 510 may include one or more coupling holes 512. A coupling member may pass through the coupling holes 512 and be coupled to the cabinet 10.

[0095] The hinge body 520 may be formed, for example, in a plate shape.

[0096] At least a portion of the hinge body 520 may be inserted into the door 20 to guide a rotation of the door 20. Alternatively, at least a portion of the door 20 may be inserted into the hinge body 520 to guide the rotation of the door 20 by the hinge body 520.

[0097] The hinge body 520 may include a guide portion 530.

[0098] The guide portion 530 may protrude from one surface of the hinge body 520. For example, the guide portion 530 may extend from one surface of the hinge body 520 toward the door 20.

[0099] When the hinge body 520 is positioned at a lower side of the door 20, the guide portion 530 may protrude from an upper surface of the hinge body 520. Of course, when the hinge body 520 is positioned at an upper side of the door 20, the guide portion 530 may protrude from a lower surface of the hinge body 520.

[0100] At least a portion of the guide portion 530 may be inserted into the door 20 to guide the rotation of the door 20.

[0101] The guide portion 530 may include a first member 532 (or a first pin). The first member 532 may guide the rotation of the door 20. The first member 532 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Alternatively, a circumferential surface of the first member 532 may include a curved surface.

[0102] The guide portion 530 may further include a second member 534 (or a second pin). The second member 534 may guide the rotation of the door 20. The second member 534 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Alternatively, a circumferential surface of the second member 534 may include a curved surface.

[0103] The first member 532 and the second member 534 may be spaced apart from each other. The first member 532 may be spaced apart from the second member 534 in a Y-axis direction.

[0104] A Y-axis direction may be, for example, a front-back direction of the refrigerator, and an X-axis direction may be, for example, a left-right direction of the refrigerator. The front-back direction of the refrigerator may be an arrangement direction of the door 20 and the cabinet 10 when the door 20 is closed.

[0105] A minimum separation distance between the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be equal to or less than a diameter of the first member 532 or the second member 534.

[0106] A portion of the first member 532 may overlap the second member 534 in a Y-axis direction. Another portion of the first member 532 may not overlap the second member 534 in the Y-axis direction.

[0107] In a state in which the hinge bracket 50 is installed at the cabinet 10, a distance (Y-axis direction distance) between the second member 534 and a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 may be less than a distance (Y-axis direction distance) between the first member 534 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0108] A distance between the first member 532 and a rotation center A1 of the lever 620 may be different from a distance between the second member 534 and the rotation center A1 of the lever 620. For example, the distance between the first member 532 and the rotation center A1 of the lever 620 may be less than the distance between the second member 534 and the rotation center A1 of the lever 620.

[0109] Among both side surfaces of the door 20, a distance (X-axis direction distance) between a first side surface 20c adjacent to the hinge bracket 50 and the first member 532 may be different from a distance (X-axis direction distance) between the first side surface 20c and the second member 534. For example, a distance between the first side surface 20c and the first member 532 may be greater than a distance between the first side surface 20c and the second member 534.

[0110] A line connecting a center of the first member 532 and a center of the second member 154 may be inclined with respect to an X-axis and a Y-axis.

[0111] The hinge bracket 50 may further include a contact surface 540 in contact with a contact portion 622 of the lever 620.

[0112] The contact surface 540 may be one surface of the hinge body 520 or one surface of a member coupled to the hinge body 520.

[0113] The contact surface 540 may include a first contact surface 541. The first contact surface 541 may be a surface that the lever 620 first contacts while the door 20 is closed.

[0114] When the door 20 is opened beyond a set angle, the lever 620 may be not in contact with the first contact surface 541. While the door 20 is closed by an angle less than the set angle, the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541.

[0115] The first contact surface 541 may be inclined in a direction away from the guide portion 530 as getting closer to a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0116] The contact surface 540 may further include a second contact surface 542 extending from the first contact surface 541. The second contact surface 542 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the first contact surface 541.

[0117] The second contact surface 542 may be inclined in a direction closer to the guide portion 530 as getting closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0118] While the door 20 is closed, the lever 620 provides closing force to the door 20 while moving along the second contact surface 542, so that the door 20 can be automatically closed.

[0119] The contact surface 540 may further include a third contact surface 543 extending from the second contact surface 542. The third contact surface 543 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the second contact surface 542.

[0120] The third contact surface 543 may extend from the second contact surface 542 in a direction closer to the guide portion 530.

[0121] The hinge bracket 50 may 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.

[0122] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the door 20 may further include a door bracket 40. The door bracket 40 may interact with the guide portion 530 during a rotation of the door 20. The door bracket 40 may be formed integrally with the door 20 or may be coupled to the door 20.

[0124] In a case in which the door bracket 40 is coupled to the door 20, the door bracket 40 may be coupled to a surface of the door 20 facing the hinge body 520.

[0125] For example, the door bracket 40 may be coupled to a lower surface of the door 20. The door bracket 40 may include one or more coupling holes 410 for coupling to the door 20. One surface 401 of the door bracket 40 may be formed to be recessed. The coupling hole 410 may be formed in a recessed portion of the one surface 401. The one surface 401 of the bracket 40 may be a surface facing the hinge body 520.

[0126] The door bracket 40 may further include another surface 402 positioned opposite the first surface 401.

[0127] The door bracket 40 may be positioned apart from the auto closing device 60 at the door 20.

[0128] The door bracket 40 may receive the guide portion 530. The door bracket 40 may further include a receiving portion 420 for receiving the guide portion 530. It is also possible for the door bracket 40 to be formed integrally with the door 20. In this case, the door 20 may include a receiving portion 420 for receiving the guide portion 530.

[0129] In this specification, the guide portion 530 of the hinge bracket 50 may be referred to as a first guide, and the receiving portion 420 of the door bracket 40 may be referred to as a second guide. In one embodiment, the second guide may interact with the first guide during an opening and closing process or ae rotation process of the door 20. For example, the first guide may be received in the second guide.

[0130] Conversely, it is also possible for the first guide to be formed at the door bracket 40 and the second guide to be formed at the hinge bracket 50. In this case, it can be understood that the second guide is received in the first guide.

[0131] The receiving portion 420 may include a slot through which the guide portion 530 passes. For example, the receiving portion 420 may include a single slot through which the first member 532 and the second member 534 pass together.

[0132] The slot may include a first portion 421. The first portion 421 may extend from 421a in a direction closer to a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. The first portion 421 may extend from 421a in a direction closer to the first side 20c. A portion or all of the first portion 421 may be rounded.

[0133] One end 421a of the first portion 421 may be positioned closer to the auto closing device 60 than another end. One end 421a of the first portion 421 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than another end.

[0134] The slot may further include a second portion 422 extending from the first portion 421. The other end of the first portion 421 may be connected to one end of the second portion 422. That is, a portion where the other end of the first portion 421 and one end of the second portion 422 are connected is a boundary portion 423 between the first portion 421 and the second portion 423.

[0135] The second portion 422 may extend in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 from the boundary portion 423. The second portion 422 may extend in a direction closer to the first side surface 20c from the boundary portion 423. A portion or all of the second portion 422 may be rounded.

[0136] Another end 422a of the second portion 422 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c than the boundary portion 423. The boundary portion 423 of the first portion 421 and the second portion 422 may be positioned closest to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0137] A distance between one end 421a of the first portion 421 and the front surface 20a of the door 20 may be different from a distance between the other end 422a of the second portion 422 and the front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0138] During an opening process of the door 20, relative positions of the first member 532 and the second member 534 and the slot may be changed. At a beginning of the opening of the door 20, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the first portion 421. When an opening of the door 20 is completed, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the second portion 422.

[0139] A length of the first portion 421 may be different from a length of the second portion 422. The length of the first portion 421 may be equal to or greater than the length of the second portion 422.

[0140] The first portion 421 may include a portion having a curvature different from a curvature of the second portion 422.

[0141] The door bracket 40 may further include a protrusion 425 protruding from the one surface 401.

[0142] For example, a single protrusion 425 may be formed continuously along a perimeter of the receiving portion 420. Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions 425 may be spaced apart and arranged along the perimeter of the receiving portion 420. Alternatively, one or more protrusions 425 may be positioned around a periphery of the receiving portion 420.

[0143] The protrusion 425 may prevent one surface 401 of the door bracket 40 from directly contacting the hinge body 520. That is, the protrusion 425 may be in contact with the hinge body 520. Accordingly, a contact area between the door bracket 40 and the hinge body 520 may be reduced, thereby reducing friction.

[0144] FIG. 8A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a door bracket and a hinge bracket in a state in which a door is closed according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle.

[0145] FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle, and FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a first embodiment.

[0146] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawing showing a door bracket and hinge bracket viewed from a bottom of the refrigerator.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, when the door 20 is closed, the guide portion 530 may be positioned at the first portion 421. That is, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the first portion 421.

[0148] When the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than a rotation center A1 of the lever 620. The rotation center A1 of the lever 620 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second member 534.

[0149] When the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 may be in contact with one end 421a of the first portion 421.

[0150] When the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0151] While the door 20 starts to be opened, the door 20 may be rotated in one direction (in D1 direction) with respect to a first rotation center C1.

[0152] When the door 20 is closed, one end 421a of the first portion 421 or the first member 532 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0153] In the present specification, the rotation center of the door 20 may be a virtual rotation center of the door 20.

[0154] The virtual rotation center of the door 20 may be a virtual rotation center of the guide portion 530.

[0155] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 20. For example, the first rotation center C1 may be positioned a rearward of the front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0156] In this specification, rearward refers to a direction from the door toward the cabinet, and forward refers to the direction from the cabinet toward the door.

[0157] The door 20 may include both side surfaces. The both side surfaces may include a first side surface 20c adjacent to the hinge bracket 50 and a second side surface 20d positioned opposite the first side surface 20c.

[0158] When the refrigerator 1 is positioned within the furniture cabinet P, the first side surface 20c of the refrigerator 1 needs to be positioned adjacent to the furniture cabinet P, while the door 20 needs to be prevented from interfering with the furniture cabinet P during a rotation of the door 20.

[0159] In this embodiment, it may be preferable that the first rotation center C1 be positioned adjacent to the first side surface 20c.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 8B, in a state in which the door 20 is rotated by a first angle, the door 20 may be rotated based on a second rotation center C2. That is, the rotation center of the door 20 may move in a process of opening the door 20 by the first angle. The second rotation center C2 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0161] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0162] When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the guide portion 530 may be positioned at the first portion 521.

[0163] When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the second contact surface 543.

[0164] When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than one end 421a of the first portion 421. When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the first member 532 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0165] Since the rotation center of the door 20 moves, a curvature of the first portion 421 may be varied so as to prevent interference between the door bracket 40 and the first and second members 532 and 534 positioned at the first portion 421.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 9A, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a third rotation center C3 while the door 20 is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0167] The rotation center of the door 20 may move during the process of opening the door 20 by the second angle. The third rotation center C3 may be located at the door 20.

[0168] The third rotation center C3 may be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0169] When the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, the first member 532 may be positioned at the first portion 421, and at least a portion of the second member 534 may be positioned at the first portion 421. At this time, a portion of the second portion 534 may be positioned at the boundary portion 423.

[0170] When the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541 or a boundary portion between the first contact surface 541 and the second contact surface 542.

[0171] When the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, a third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than one end 421a of the first portion 421.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 9B, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fourth rotation center C4 while the door 20 is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0173] The rotation center of the door 20 may be moved during a process of opening the door 20 by a third angle. The fourth rotation center C4 may be located at the door 20.

[0174] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3.

[0175] When the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the first member 532 may be positioned at the first portion 421, and at least a portion of the second member 534 may be positioned at the second portion 422.

[0176] When the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 10, just before the door 20 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5.

[0178] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned at the door 20. The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0179] When the door 20 is rotated by a maximum opening angle, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the second portion 422.

[0180] When the door 20 is rotated by a maximum opening angle, the second member 534 may be in contact with the other end 422a of the second portion 422. Therefore, the other end 422a of the second portion 422 may act as a stopper that restricts the rotation of the door.

[0181] In this specification, a period during which the door is opened by a second angle (reference angle) may be referred to as a first door opening period. A period during which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle from a second angle (reference angle) may be referred to as a second door opening period. That is, at an end of the second door opening period, the door may be opened by the maximum opening angle.

[0182] In the first door opening period, the rotation center of the door 20 may be changed from a first rotation center to a third rotation center. In the second door opening period, the rotation center of the door 20 may be changed from the third rotation center to a fifth rotation center.

[0183] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0184] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center in an X-axis direction may be greater than a change amount of movement of the rotation center in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0185] A change amount of movement of the rotation center in a Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0186] After an end of the first door opening period, a rotation center C3 of the door 20 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than a rotation center C5 of the door 20 after an end of the second door opening period. That is, during an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door 20 may move in a direction away from the furniture cabinet P.

[0187] In an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned outside the guide portion 530. In the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned outside the receiving portion 420.

[0188] During the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 20 may be spaced apart from the guide portion 530. During the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first member 532.

[0189] A closing process of the door 20 will be briefly described.

[0190] After the door 20 is opened by an angle equal to or less than a maximum opening angle, the door 20 may be closed by rotating in another direction.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 9B, during a closing process of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact portion 541.

[0192] In a closing process of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be rotated in a first direction in which elastic force is accumulated when the door 20 is further closed after being in contact with the first contact portion 541.

[0193] In the closing process of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 moves along the first contact portion 541, and the elastic force accumulated by the lever 620 may be increased.

[0194] In a process of additionally closing the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541 and in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0195] When the door 20 is further rotated in a closing direction in a 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 a second direction opposite to the first direction by the elastic force accumulated by the lever 620, so that the door 20 can be automatically closed. The elastic force accumulated by the lever 620 may act as an automatic closing force of the door 20.

[0196] In the first door opening period (or first door closing period), the closing force of the door may be provided by the auto closing device 60.

[0197] From a perspective of the auto closing device 60, a distance between the rotation center A1 of the lever 620 and a rotation center of the door 20 may be varied during the closing process of the door 20.

[0198] FIG. 12A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a second embodiment.

[0199] FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a second embodiment.

[0200] FIG. 14A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a third embodiment.

[0201] FIGS. 11 to 13 are drawings of a door bracket and a hinge bracket viewed from a lower side of a refrigerator.

[0202] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except that it differs in a change in a movement of a rotation center of a door due to a shape of a receiving portion. Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0203] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a door 25 of the present embodiment may include a receiving portion 440. The receiving portion 440 may receive a guide portion of a hinge bracket. The guide portion may include a first member 535 (or a first pin) and a second member 536 (or a second pin) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0204] The receiving portion 440 may include a first portion 441. The receiving portion 440 may include a second portion 442 extending from the first portion 441. The first portion 441 may include a portion having a different curvature from the second portion 442.

[0205] The receiving portion 440 may further include a third portion 443 extending from the second portion 442. The third portion 443 may include a portion having a different curvature from the second portion 442.

[0206] The receiving portion 440 may further include a fourth portion 444 extending from the third portion 443. The fourth portion 444 may include a portion having a different curvature from the third portion 443.

[0207] A shape and positional relationship of the first member 535 and the second member 536 may be the same as the first member 532 and the second member 534 of the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0208] In a state in which the door 25 is closed, the first member 535 may be positioned at the first portion 441. A portion of the second member 535 can be positioned at the first portion 441, and another portion of the second member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442.

[0209] In a state in which the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 may be in contact with one end 421a of the first portion 421. In a state in which the door 25 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0210] When the door 25 starts to be opened, the door 25 may be rotated in one direction with respect to a first rotation center C1. The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 11B, when the door 25 is rotated by a first angle, the door 25 may be rotated based on a second rotation center C2. That is, a rotation center of the door 25 may be moved in a process of the door 20 being opened by the first angle. The second rotation center C2 may be positioned at an outside of the door 25.

[0212] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0213] In a state in which the door 25 is rotated by the first angle, the first member 535 may be positioned at the first portion 441. The second member 536 may be positioned at the second portion 442.

[0214] When the door 25 is rotated by the first angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 12A, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a third rotation center C3 while the door 25 is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0216] In a process of opening the door 25 by the second angle, the rotation center of the door 25 may be moved. The third rotation center C3 may be positioned at the door 25. The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0217] When the door 25 is rotated by the second angle, a portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the first portion 441, and another portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442. A portion of the second member 536 may be positioned at the second portion 442, and another portion of the second member 536 may be positioned at the third portion 443.

[0218] When the door 25 is rotated by the second angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with a boundary portion between the first contact surface 541 and the second contact surface 542.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 12B, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a fourth rotation center C4 while the door 25 is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0220] A rotation center of the door 25 may be moved during a process of opening the door 25 by a third angle. The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0221] In a state in which the door 25 is rotated by the third angle, the first member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442, and the second member 536 may be positioned at the third portion 443.

[0222] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3. A distance between the fourth rotation center C4 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet may be equal to or different from a distance between the first rotation center C1 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet.

[0223] When the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 13A, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5 while the door 25 is rotated by a fourth angle greater than the third angle.

[0225] The rotation center of the door 25 may be moved during a process of opening the door 25 to the fourth angle. The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0226] When the door 25 is rotated by the fourth angle, a portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442, and another portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the third portion 443. The second member 536 may be positioned at the fourth portion 444.

[0227] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0228] When the door 25 is rotated by the fourth angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 13B, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a sixth rotation center C6 just before the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0230] The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned at the door 25. The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned farther from the first member 535 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0231] When the door 25 is rotated by a maximum opening angle, the first member 535 may be positioned at the third portion 443, and the second member 536 may be positioned at the fourth portion 444.

[0232] In the present embodiment, during a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0233] During another portion of the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. During an initial period of the entire open section, the center of rotation of the door 25 is positioned at the door 25, then moves to an outside of the door 25, and then moves back onto the door 25.

[0234] During the entire opening period of the door, a period in which a rotation center of the door 25 moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 can be referred to as a first door opening period. A period following the first door opening period may be referred to as a second door opening period. In the second door opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. A period following the second door opening period may be referred to as a third door opening period. In the third door opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0235] A change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0236] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0237] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the X-axis direction may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0238] During a portion of the entire opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may be closer to the first member 535. During another portion of the entire opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may be farther away from the first member 535.

[0239] When the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the sixth rotation center C6 of the door 25 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet than the receiving portion 440.

[0240] FIG. 14A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a third embodiment.

[0241] FIG. 15A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a third embodiment.

[0242] FIG. 16A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a third embodiment.

[0243] FIGS. 14 to 16 are views of a door bracket and a hinge bracket viewed from a lower side of the refrigerator.

[0244] This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment in other respects, except that it differs a shape of the guide portion. Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0245] In addition, since a movement position and a change pattern of the rotation center during an opening process of door 25 are the same as those of the second embodiment, a description of the second embodiment will be cited.

[0246] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a door 25 of the present embodiment may include a receiving portion 440. A guide portion 550 of a hinge bracket may be received in the receiving portion 440. The guide portion 550 may be a single member.

[0247] The guide portion 550 may include a first surface 551 and a second surface 552 spaced apart from the first surface 551. The guide portion 550 may 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 may further include a fourth surface 554 connecting another end of the first surface 551 and another end of the second surface 552.

[0248] The first surface 551 may include a curved surface. The second surface 552 may include a curved surface. The third surface 553 may include a curved surface. The fourth surface 554 may include a curved surface.

[0249] The third surface 553 may include a portion having a greater curvature than the fourth surface 554. A portion of the third surface 553 may include a portion that is recess toward the fourth surface 554.

[0250] When the door 25 is closed, a portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the first portion 441 and another portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the second portion 442.

[0251] At least a portion of the third surface 553 may be spaced apart from the first portion 441. At least a portion of the fourth surface 554 may be in contact with the first portion 441.

[0252] When the door 25 starts to be opened, the door 25 may be rotated in one direction with respect to a first rotation center C1. The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 16B, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a sixth rotation center C6 just before the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle. The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0254] When the door 25 is rotated by the maximum opening angle, a portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the third portion 443, and another portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the fourth portion 444.

[0255] Even in the present embodiment, the rotation center of the door 25 may be moved in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 and then moved closer again during the entire opening period.

[0256] During the entire opening period, the rotation center of door 25 is initially positioned at door 25, then moves to an outside of door 25, and then moves back onto door 25.

[0257] When the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the sixth rotation center C6 of the door 25 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet than the receiving portion 440.

[0258] During the opening process of the door, a recessed shape of the third surface 553 of the guide portion 550 can prevent the third surface 553 from interfering with a door bracket.

[0259] FIG. 17A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion in when a door is closed according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 17B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a first angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a second angle according to a fourth embodiment.

[0260] FIG. 18A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a third angle according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 18B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fourth angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 18C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fifth angle according to a fourth embodiment.

[0261] FIGS. 17 and 18 are views of a hinge bracket viewed from a lower side of the hinge bracket, with a door omitted.

[0262] This embodiment is identical to the previous embodiments in other respects, except that it differs a shape of a contact surface of a hinge bracket, a shape of a guide portion, and a shape of a receiving portion.

[0263] Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0264] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a hinge bracket 50A of the present embodiment may include a guide portion 730. The guide portion 730 may include a first member 732 (or first pin) and a second member 734 (or second pin) that are spaced apart from each other. The first member 732 and the second member 734 may be referred to as a first guide.

[0265] The door may include a receiving portion 840 or guide member in which the guide portion 730 is received. The receiving portion 840 may include a slot 841 in which the first member 732 and the second member 734 are received together. The slot 841 may be referred to as a second guide.

[0266] The slot 841 may be formed in a curved shape. A curvature of the slot 841 may be varied. A curvature of the slot 841 may be varied continuously or stepwise. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate that a curvature of the slot 841 changes stepwise.

[0267] When a curvature of the slot 841 is changed stepwise, the slot 841 may include a plurality of distinct paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855. That is, the slot 841 may include a plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855 that extend in different directions or have different curvatures.

[0268] A length of a portion of the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, and 855 may be different from a length of another of the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, and 855. Although not limited, a length of a first path 851 may be maximum, and a length of a third path 853 may be minimum.

[0269] The slot 841 may include a first end 841a. The slot 841 may include a second end 841b positioned opposite the first end 841a based on a length of the slot 841.

[0270] When the door is closed, the first member 732 may be in contact with or adjacent to the first end 841a. When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the second member 734 may be in contact with or adjacent to the second end 841b.

[0271] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 17, the first end 841a may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second end 841b. The second end 841b may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the first end 841a.

[0272] Among the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, and 855, the third path 853 may be positioned close to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0273] The hinge bracket 50A may include a contact surface 540a that interacts with the auto closing device 70.

[0274] The contact surface 540a may include a first contact surface 541a. The first contact surface 541a may be a surface that the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 first contacts during a closing process of the door after the door is opened.

[0275] When the door is opened beyond a set angle, the lever 760 does not in contact with the first contact surface 541a. When the door is closed by an angle less than the set angle, the lever 760 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541a.

[0276] The first contact surface 541a may be inclined in a direction away from the guide portion 730 as getting closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0277] The contact surface 540a may further include a second contact surface 542a extending from the first contact surface 541a. The second contact surface 542a may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the first contact surface 541a.

[0278] The second contact surface 542a may be inclined in a direction closer to the guide portion 730 as getting closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0279] While the door is closed, the lever 760 provides closing force to the door while moving along the second contact surface 542a, so that the door may be automatically closed.

[0280] The contact surface 540a may further include a third contact surface 543a extending from the second contact surface 542a. The third contact surface 543a may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the second contact surface 542a.

[0281] The third contact surface 543a may extend from the second contact surface 542a in a direction closer to the guide portion 730.

[0282] The hinge bracket 50A may further include a receiving groove 544a for receiving a portion of the lever 760 or reducing interference with the lever 760 in a state in which the lever 760 is in contact with the third contact surface 543a.

[0283] Referring to FIG. 17A, when the door is closed, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the second path 852.

[0284] When the door is closed, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the third contact surface 543a. When the door is closed, a rotation angle of the lever 760 with respect to the front surface of the door may be greater than 0 degrees. In this case, the elastic force of the elastic member is applied to the lever 760, so that the door may be maintained in a closed state.

[0285] Meanwhile, when a rotation center of the door is positioned at a corner of a side surface and a front surface of the door where interference with the furniture cabinet (see P of Fig. 8) is expected first when the door starts to be opened, an interference between the door and the furniture cabinet P can be prevented.

[0286] Accordingly, the rotation center of the door at a moment when the door starts to be opened may be positioned adjacent to an edge of the front surface and the side surface of the door.

[0287] Meanwhile, when the user operates the door to open, the door may begin to be opened by moving forward and to one side in a direction of the first path 851.

[0288] Since the first member 732 and the second member 734 are positioned at the first path 851 and the second path 852 extending in different directions, the door is accurately opened by a rotational force by a rotation operation without the door being twisted or slipping.

[0289] When the second member 734 moves in the second path 852, the door may be rotated while moving slightly forward and to one side, and thus, a separation of the gasket G in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 may be made more easily. That is, interference by the gasket G in close contact with the cabinet 10 when the door rotates may be prevented, and a subsequent rotational motion of the door may be made smoother.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 17B, when the door is rotated by a first angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be positioned at a boundary portion between the second contact surface 542a and the third contact surface 543a. In a state in which the door is rotated by the first angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the second path 852.

[0291] Referring to FIG. 17C, when the door is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. When the door is rotated by a second angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the second path 852 or at a boundary portion between the second path 852 and the third path 853.

[0292] Referring to FIG. 18A, when the door is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. In a state in which the door is rotated by the third angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the third path 853.

[0293] Referring to FIG. 18B, when the door is rotated by a fourth angle greater than the third angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. In a state in which the door is rotated by the fourth angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the third path 852.

[0294] Referring to FIG. 18C, when the door is rotated by a fifth angle (reference angle) greater than the fourth angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be positioned at a boundary portion between the first contact surface 541a and the second contact surface 542a. A rotation angle of the lever 760 with respect to the front surface of the door may be maximum when the door is rotated by the fifth angle. That is, the rotation angle of the lever 760 with respect to the front surface of the door may increase until the door is rotated by the fifth angle.

[0295] When the door is rotated by a fifth angle, the first member 732 may be positioned adjacent to the second path 852 at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the third path 852.

[0296] If the door is further opened by an angle greater than the fifth angle, the first member 732 may be moved to the second path 852 and the second member 734 may be moved to the fourth path 854.

[0297] When the door is further opened, the first member 732 may be moved to the third path 853 and the second member 734 may be moved along the fourth path 854.

[0298] When the door is further opened, the first member 732 may be moved to the fourth path 854 and the second member 734 may be moved to the fifth path 855.

[0299] When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, an angle between the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the rear surface of the door may be approximately 110°. At this time, the first member 732 may be moved along the fourth path 854, and the second member 734 may be moved to an end of the fifth path 855. Since centers of curvature of each of the plurality of paths are different, a virtual rotation center of the door moves during an opening process of the door, so that there is an advantage in that the opening angle of the door can be secured without the door interfering with the furniture.

[0300] In the closing process of the door, the closing force of the auto closing device 70 may be applied to the door at a point where the door is rotated by a fifth angle. In a process of continuously closing the door, as a rotation angle of the lever 760 decreases, an elastic force may be applied to the door.

[0301] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a door and a cabinet according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a slot and a pin unit according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an angle between a tangent line of a first path and a tangent line of a second path based on a boundary point of a first path and a second path according to a fifth embodiment.

[0302] This embodiment is identical to any one of first to fourth embodiments in other respects, except that it differs a shape of a slot and relative positions of the first and second members within the slot.

[0303] Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0304] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, a door 20 of the present embodiment may be guided in rotation by a guide portion provided in the hinge bracket, as described in the previous embodiment.

[0305] The guide portion may include a first member 931 (or first pin) and a second member 932 (or second pin) that are spaced apart from each other. The first member 931 and the second member 932 may be referred to as a first guide.

[0306] The door 20 may include a slot 941 in which the first member 931 and the second member 932 are received. The slot 941 may be referred to as a second guide.

[0307] The door 20 may be positioned adjacent to a furniture cabinet P. The refrigerator may be received within the furniture cabinet P. It is preferable that a gap D2 between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and one side wall of the furniture cabinet P be minimized. In addition, while the gap D2 is minimized, it is necessary to prevent interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P while the door 20 is opened.

[0308] In this embodiment, the slot 941 may be designed so that interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P is prevented when the door 20 is opened while the gap D2 is minimized.

[0309] While the door 20 is opened, a corner 20d connecting the front surface 20a and the first side surface 20c of the door 20 may be rounded to prevent interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P.

[0310] The slot 941 may include a first end 941a. The slot 941 may include a second end 941b positioned opposite the first end 941a based on a length of the slot 941.

[0311] When the door 20 is closed, the first member 931 may be in contact with or adjacent to the first end 941a. When the door 20 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the second member 932 may be in contact with or adjacent to the second end 941b.

[0312] The second end 941b may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the first end 941a. The first side surface 20c refers to a side surface of both side surfaces of the door 20 that is adjacent to the furniture cabinet P and the slot 941.

[0313] When the door 20 is closed, the first end 941a may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second end 941b.

[0314] The slot 941 may be formed in a curved shape. A curvature of the slot 941 may be varied. The curvature of the slot 941 may be varied continuously or stepwise. FIG. 20 illustrates the curvature of the slot 941 being varied stepwise.

[0315] When the curvature of the slot 941 is changed stepwise, the slot 941 may include a plurality of distinct paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955. That is, the slot 941 may include a plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 that extend in different directions or have different curvatures.

[0316] A length of a portion of the plurality paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 may be different from a length of another portion of the plurality paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955.

[0317] A length of the first path 951 may be greater than a length of the second path 952. A length of the first path 951 may be greater than a length of the third path 953. A length of the second path 952 may be greater than a length of the third path 953.

[0318] Among the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955, a length of the first path 951 may be maximum.

[0319] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center of a curvature of the first path 951, RC1, may be positioned at the door 20.

[0320] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC2 of a curvature of the second path 952 may be positioned outside the door 20. For example, the center RC2 may be positioned forward of the front surface 20a of the door 20. The center RC2 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC1.

[0321] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC3 of a curvature of the third path 953 may be positioned outside the door 20. For example, the center RC3 may be positioned forward of the front surface 20a of the door 20. The center RC2 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC3.

[0322] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC4 of a curvature of the fourth path 954 may be positioned at the door 20. For example, the center RC4 may be positioned closer to the first end 941a than the second end 941b. The center RC4 may be positioned closer to the rear 20b of the door 20 than the center RC1.

[0323] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC5 of a curvature of the fifth path 955 may be positioned at the door 20. For example, the center RC4 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC5. The center RC5 may be positioned closer to the rear surface 20b of the door 20 than the center RC4. The first end 941a may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC5.

[0324] Based on a closed state of the above door 20, a line connecting the center RC5 of the curvature of the fifth path 955 and a point of the fifth path 955 can pass through an area between the first end 941a and the boundary point BP in the slot 941. The slot 941 may be positioned between the second end 541b and the center RC5 of the curvature of the fifth path 955.

[0325] Referring to FIG. 21, when a point where the first path 951 and the second path 952 meet is referred to as a boundary point BP, an angle formed by a first line in contact with the first path 951 while passing through the boundary point BP and a reference line that is parallel to the front surface 20a or the rear surface 20b of the door 20 while passing through the boundary point BP may be referred to as a first angle A1.

[0326] An angle formed by a second line in contact with the second path 952 while passing through the boundary point BP and the reference line that passes through the boundary point BP can be referred to as a second angle A2.

[0327] At this time, the first angle A1 may be greater than the second angle A2.

[0328] The first angle A1 may affect a gap between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P during an opening process of the door 20.

[0329] The first angle A1 may be 40 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0330] If the first angle A1 is greater than 45 degrees, there is a risk that the door 20 may interfere with the furniture cabinet P during the opening process of the door 20. On the other hand, if the first angle A1 is less than 40 degrees, there is a risk that when one of the doors arranged at both sides is opened, the door (or a filler of the door) may interfere with another door.

[0331] A difference value between the first angle A1 and the second angle A2 may affect a relationship between the gasket (see G in Fig. 22) provided on the door 20 and the cabinet 10.

[0332] The difference value may be 2 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less. If the difference value is greater than 5 degrees, there is a concern that an amount of interference between the gasket G and the cabinet 10 increases at an initial opening of the door 20, thereby increasing an amount of wear of the gasket G.

[0333] On the other hand, if the difference value is less than 2 degrees, there is a risk that the door 20 may slip during the opening process of the door 20, preventing the door 20 from rotating smoothly.

[0334] The length of the second path 952 may be greater than the length of the third path 953. The length of the third path 953 may be greater than the length of the fourth path 954. The length of the fifth path 955 may be greater than the length of the fourth path 954.

[0335] Although not limited, the third path 953 may be located closest to the rear 20b of the door 20.

[0336] A distance between a bisecting point that bisects a length of the third path 953 and the first end 941a may be greater than a distance between the bisecting point and the second end 941b.

[0337] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between an opening and a slot when an opening is formed in a door according to a fifth embodiment.

[0338] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, an opening 960 may be formed adjacent to the slot 941 in the door 20 of the present embodiment. For example, the opening 960 may allow one or more of a water pipe through which water flows and a wire connected to a component provided in the door 20 to pass therethrough.

[0339] In FIG. 22, a maximum size of the opening 960 that can be formed in the door 20 is illustrated, and a size of the opening 960 is variable.

[0340] In FIG. 22, a position of the opening 960 is exemplary, and it is also possible to change a position of the opening 960.

[0341] In one embodiment, a portion of the opening 960 may overlap a virtual connection line connecting the first end 941a of the slot 941 and the second end 941b. That is, a portion of the opening 960 may be positioned at an area between the first end 941a and the second end 941b.

[0342] A portion of the opening 960 may be positioned closer to a rear surface 20b of the door 20 than the first end 941a and the second end 941b.

[0343] Another portion of the opening 960 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the first end 941a and the second end 941b.

[0344] Meanwhile, the slot 941 may be positioned within an area indicated by a dotted line in the door 20. That is, the slot 941 may be positioned within an area that does not interfere with a structure provided or coupled to the door 20.

[0345] A minimum distance between the rear surface 20b of the door 20 and the slot 941 may be greater than a minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the first end 941a.

[0346] A minimum distance between the rear surface 20b of the door 20 and the slot 941 may be greater than a minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the second end 941b.

[0347] A minimum distance between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and the slot 941 may be less than a minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the first end 941a.

[0348] FIGS. 23 to 25 are drawings showing positions of a door and a furniture cabinet when the door is opened according to a fifth embodiment.

[0349] FIGS. 26 and 27 are drawings showing a virtual rotation center of a door when a door is opened according to a fifth embodiment.

[0350] FIG. 23A shows a state in which the door is closed, FIG. 23B shows a state in which the door is opened by a first angle, FIG. 24A shows a state in which the door is opened by a second angle, FIG. 24B shows a state in which the door is opened by a third angle, and FIG. 25 shows a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0351] Referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, a line extending along the first side surface 20c of the door 20 when the door 20 is closed may be referred to as a virtual line IL1. In the present embodiment, when the door 20 is opened by the slot 941, the door 20 may not move into a space between the virtual line IL1 and the furniture cabinet P. Accordingly, even if the refrigerator is placed so that a gap D2 between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P is close to zero, the door 20 can be opened without interfering with the furniture cabinet P during the opening process of the door 20.

[0352] In this embodiment, if the slot 941 is designed so that the first end 941a is far from the second end 941b, the gap D2 can be reduced.

[0353] For example, assuming that a position of the second end 941a is fixed, when a distance between the first end 941a and the second end 941a is large, the gap D2 may be less than when the distance between the first end 941a and the second end 941a is small.

[0354] In order to increase the distance between the first end 941a and the second end 941a, a curvature of at least one of the first to third paths 931, 932, and 933 in the slot 941 can be reduced.

[0355] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 19, FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the slot 941 includes a plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, and centers of curvature of each of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 may be positioned at different positions.

[0356] When the door 20 is rotated while the positions of the first member 931 and the second member 932 are fixed, positions of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 may be changed.

[0357] Since centers of curvature of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 are different from each other, the centers of curvature of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 may also move during a rotation process of the door 20.

[0358] Since relative positions of the first member 931 and the second member 932 and the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 are variable during the rotation process of the door 20, a center of curvature of a path where the first member 931 and the second member 932 are positioned or correspond to can be a rotation center of the door 20. Alternatively, the rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned on a line connecting the centers of curvature of two adjacent paths.

[0359] For example, when the first member 931 and the second member 932 are positioned on the first path 531, a rotation center C1 of the door becomes the same as a center of curvature of the first path 531.

[0360] At a beginning of the rotation of the door 20, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a first rotation center C1. The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0361] When the door 20 is further rotated, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a second rotation center C2. The second rotation center C2 may be positioned outside the door 20.

[0362] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0363] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned farther from the second member 932 than the first rotation center C1.

[0364] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the first rotation center C1.

[0365] When the door 20 is further rotated, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a third rotation center C3. The third rotation center C3 may be positioned outside the door 20.

[0366] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the third rotation center C3.

[0367] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0368] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the second member 932 than the second rotation center C2.

[0369] When the door 20 is further rotated, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fourth rotation center C4. The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0370] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0371] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3.

[0372] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the second member 932 than the third rotation center C3.

[0373] The door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5 just before the door 20 is rotated by a maximum opening angle. The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0374] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0375] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0376] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the second member 932 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0377] Referring to a movement pattern of a virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, a second period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, and a third period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0378] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period and an opening angle of the door 20 in the third period.

[0379] In another aspect, referring to a movement pattern of the virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the first member (or second member), a second period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the first member (or second member), and a third period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the first member (or second member).

[0380] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period and an opening angle of the door 20 in the third period.

[0381] In another aspect, referring to a movement pattern of the virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the furniture cabinet P, a second period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the furniture cabinet P, and a third period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the furniture cabinet P.

[0382] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period and an opening angle of the door 20 in the third period.

[0383] In another aspect, referring to a movement pattern of the virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center is positioned at the door 20, a second period in which the virtual rotation center is positioned outside the door 20, and a third period in which the virtual rotation center is positioned at the door 20.

[0384] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period. An opening angle of the door 20 in the third period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period.

[0385] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a modified example of a corner of a door illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0386] First, referring to FIG. 28A, a corner 20d adjacent to the furniture cabinet Pin the door 20 may include an inclined surface. That is, a portion of the door 20 may be cut to form the corner 20d.

[0387] A point where a line extending the front surface of the door 20 and a line extending the first side surface 20c of the door 20 meet may be referred to as an intersection point.

[0388] The door 20 and cabinet 10 may be arranged in a Y-axis direction, and an X-axis may be perpendicular to the Y-axis. For example, the Y-axis direction may be a front-back direction of the refrigerator, and the X-axis direction may be a left-right direction of the refrigerator.

[0389] A distance in the X-axis direction from the intersection point to the corner 20d may be referred to as a first distance L1, and a distance in the Y-axis direction from the intersection point to the corner 20e may be referred to as a second distance L2. In this case, the first distance L1 may be the same as or similar to the second distance L1. At least one of the first distance L1 or the second distance L2 may be 4 mm or more.

[0390] By designing the corner 20d, interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P may be prevented during the opening process of the door 20.

[0391] Next, referring first to FIG. 28B, the corner 20d adjacent to the furniture cabinet P in the door 20 may include an inclined surface. That is, a portion of the door 20 may be cut to form the corner 20d.

[0392] A point where a line extending the front surface of the door 20 and a line extending the first side surface 20c of the door 20 meet may be referred to as an intersection point.

[0393] A distance in the X-axis direction from the intersection point CP to the corner 20d may be referred to as a third distance L3, and a distance in the Y-axis direction from the intersection point to the corner 20d may be referred to as a fourth distance L4. In this case, the fourth distance L4 may be greater than the third distance L3. Although not limited, the fourth distance L4 may be four times or more than the third distance L3.

[0394] By designing the corner 20d, interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P can be prevented during the opening process of the door 20.

Examples

first embodiment

[0144]FIG. 8A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a door bracket and a hinge bracket in a state in which a door is closed and FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle.

[0145]FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle, and FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a first embodiment.

[0146]FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawing showing a door bracket and hinge bracket viewed from a bottom of the refrigerator.

[0147]Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, when the door 20 is closed, the guide portion 530 may be positioned at the ...

second embodiment

[0244]This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment in other respects, except that it differs a shape of the guide portion. Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0245]In addition, since a movement position and a change pattern of the rotation center during an opening process of door 25 are the same as those of the second embodiment, a description of the second embodiment will be cited.

[0246]Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a door 25 of the present embodiment may include a receiving portion 440. A guide portion 550 of a hinge bracket may be received in the receiving portion 440. The guide portion 550 may be a single member.

[0247]The guide portion 550 may include a first surface 551 and a second surface 552 spaced apart from the first surface 551. The guide portion 550 may 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 may further include a fo...

fifth embodiment

[0337]FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between an opening and a slot when an opening is formed in a door according to a

[0338]Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, an opening 960 may be formed adjacent to the slot 941 in the door 20 of the present embodiment. For example, the opening 960 may allow one or more of a water pipe through which water flows and a wire connected to a component provided in the door 20 to pass therethrough.

[0339]In FIG. 22, a maximum size of the opening 960 that can be formed in the door 20 is illustrated, and a size of the opening 960 is variable.

[0340]In FIG. 22, a position of the opening 960 is exemplary, and it is also possible to change a position of the opening 960.

[0341]In one embodiment, a portion of the opening 960 may overlap a virtual connection line connecting the first end 941a of the slot 941 and the second end 941b. That is, a portion of the opening 960 may be positioned at an area between the first end 941a and the second end 941b...

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing foods in an internal storage space, which is shield by a door, at a low temperature by low temperature air. For this, the refrigerator is configured to accommodate the food in an optimum state by cooling the internal storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] The refrigerator may be independently placed in a kitchen or living room or may be accommodated in a space defined by a furniture cabinet of the kitchen.

[0004] The refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage space and a door connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage space.

[0005] For example, if the refrigerator is installed inside the furniture cabinet, there is a risk that the door may hit the furniture cabinet during an opening process, which may limit an opening angle of the door.

[0006] A refrigerator is disclosed in the prior art document of an international publication WO2019 / 007278A1.

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

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

[0009] According to prior air document, since the hinge body has a structure in which a positioning axis and a guide axis are formed, and the positioning axis and the guide axis are each independently inserted into a positioning groove and a guide groove, there is a disadvantage in that a structure of the hinge body and the guide block becomes complicated.[Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[0010] The present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which an opening angle of a door can be increased by a simple structure.

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

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the present embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a door can be automatically closed during an door closing process while increasing an opening angle of the door.[Technical Solution]

[0013] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet to form a storage space. The refrigerator may further include a door that opens and closes the storage space.

[0014] The refrigerator may further include a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet. The refrigerator may further include a first guide provided at the hinge bracket. The refrigerator may further include a second guide provided at the door and interacting with the first guide during a rotation of the door.

[0015] The first guide may include a first member and a second member. The second guide may receive the first member and the second member.

[0016] The second guide may include a single slot that receives both the first member and the second member.

[0017] A rotation center of the door may be moved during at least a portion of an entire opening period of the door. The rotation center of the door may be positioned at the door when the door is closed and when the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0018] The entire opening period of the door may include a first door opening period, which is a period in which the door is opened by a reference angle. The entire opening period may further include a second door opening period following the first door opening period.

[0019] A change amount of movement of a rotation center of the door in a Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of a rotation center of the door in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0020] The Y-axis direction is an arrangement direction of the door and the cabinet when the door is closed.

[0021] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in an X-axis direction may be greater than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period. The X-axis direction is a direction crossing the Y-axis direction.

[0022] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0023] At an end of the second door opening period, the door may be opened by a maximum opening period. Throughout the second door opening section, the rotation center of the door can move in a direction closer to the front of the cabinet.

[0024] In an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned farther from a front surface of the cabinet than the first member.

[0025] In an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned outside the first guide. In an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned outside the second guide.

[0026] A minimum separation distance between the first member and the second member may be equal to or less than a diameter of the first member or the second member.

[0027] The refrigerator may further include an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door. The auto closing device has a lever that may rotate with respect to the door. A distance between the rotation center of the door and a rotation center of the lever may be variable during an opening process or a closing process of the door.

[0028] A distance between the rotation center of the lever and the first member may be less than a distance between the rotation center of the lever and the second member.

[0029] In the first door opening period, the auto closing device may provide closing force to the door.

[0030] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet to form a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet; a first guide provided at the hinge bracket; and a second guide provided at the door and interacting with the first guide during a rotation of the door. The second guide may receive the first guide.

[0031] In at least a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be moved in a direction away from a front surface of the cabinet.

[0032] In another portion of the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be moved closer to the front surface of the cabinet.

[0033] The rotation center of the door may be positioned at the door when the door is closed.

[0034] The entire opening period of the door may include a first door opening period, which is a period in which the door is opened by a reference angle. The entire opening period may further include a second door opening period following the first door opening period.

[0035] In the first door opening period, the rotation center of the door may move in a direction away from a front surface of the cabinet. In the second door opening period, the rotation center of the door may move in a direction closer to the front surface of the cabinet.

[0036] A change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in a Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period. The Y-axis direction may be an arrangement direction of the door and the cabinet when the door is closed.

[0037] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in an X-axis direction may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period. The X-axis direction may be a direction crossing the Y-axis direction.

[0038] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0039] The refrigerator may further include an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door. The auto closing device has a lever rotatable with respect to the door.

[0040] A distance between the rotation center of the door and a rotation center of the lever may be changed during an opening or closing process of the door.

[0041] In a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door may be positioned between the second guide and the auto closing device.

[0042] The first guide may include a first member and a second member that are spaced apart from each other. The second guide may receive the first member and the second member.

[0043] The first guide may include a single member received in the second guide. The second guide may include a single slot to receive the single member.

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

[0045] When the door is closed, the first member may be positioned at a first path, and the second member may be positioned at a second path.

[0046] When the door is opened and then closed by a reference angle, the first member may be positioned at the first path, and the second member may be positioned at a third path.

[0047] When the door is opened and then closed by the reference angle, a closing force provided by the auto closing device may be applied to the door.

[0048] When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first member may be positioned at a fourth path, and the second member may be positioned at a fifth path.

[0049] When the door is closed, the first member is positioned at a first path among the plurality of paths, and a point where the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path meet may be referred to as a boundary point. An angle formed by a first line contacting the first path while passing through the boundary point and a reference line parallel to a front surface or rear surface of the door while passing through the boundary point is referred to as a first angle. An angle formed by a second line contacting the second path while passing through the boundary point and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle. The first angle may be greater than the second angle.

[0050] The first angle may be greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0051] A difference value between the first and second angles may be greater than or equal to 2 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

[0052] The second guide may include a slot, and the slot may include a first end and a second end. When the door is closed, the first member may be in contact with or adjacent to the first end.

[0053] When the door is closed, a distance between the first end and the front surface of the door may be less than a distance between the second end and the front surface of the door.

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

[0055] At least a portion of the opening may overlap a virtual connection line connecting the first end and the second end.

[0056] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet to form a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet; first and second pins provided at the hinge bracket; a guide member provided at the door and having a pin slot in which the first and second pins are received; and an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door, the auto closing device having a lever rotatable with respect to the door.

[0057] The pin slot may include plurality of paths with different curvatures or extending in different directions.

[0058] When the door is closed, the first pin may be positioned at a first path, and the second pin may be positioned at a second path.

[0059] When the door is opened and then closed by a reference angle, a closing force by the auto closing device is applied to the door, and the first pin may be positioned at the first path and the second pin may be positioned at a third path.

[0060] When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first pin may be positioned at a fourth path, and the second pin may be positioned at a fifth path.

[0061] The first to fifth paths may be arranged sequentially.

[0062] When the door is closed, the first member is positioned at a first path among the plurality of paths, and a point where the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path meet may be referred to as a boundary point. An angle formed by a first line contacting the first path while passing through the boundary point and a reference line parallel to a front surface or rear surface of the door while passing through the boundary point is referred to as a first angle. An angle formed by a second line contacting the second path while passing through the boundary point and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle. The first angle may be greater than the second angle.

[0063] The first angle may be greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0064] A difference value between the first and second angles may be greater than or equal to 2 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.[Advantageous Effects]

[0065] According to one embodiment, an opening angle of a door can be increased by a simple structure.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a rotation center of a door moves as the door opens, thereby preventing interference with surrounding structures during a door opening process.

[0067] According to one embodiment, a door can be automatically closed while increasing an opening angle of the door.[Description of Drawings]

[0068] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a portion of a bottom view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a door bracket and a hinge bracket in a state in which a door is closed according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle. FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle, and FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a third embodiment. FIG. 15A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a third embodiment. FIG. 16A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a third embodiment. FIG. 17A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion in when a door is closed according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 17B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a first angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a second angle according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 18A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a third angle according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 18B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fourth angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 18C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fifth angle according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a door and a cabinet according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a slot and a pin unit according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an angle between a tangent line of a first path and a tangent line of a second path based on a boundary point of a first path and a second path according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between an opening and a slot when an opening is formed in a door according to a fifth embodiment. FIGS. 23 to 25 are drawings showing positions of a door and a furniture cabinet when a door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIGS. 26 and 27 are drawings showing a virtual rotation center of a door when a door is opened according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a modified example of a corner of a door illustrated in FIG. 19. [Mode for Invention]

[0069] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0070] Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when one component is "connected", "coupled", "joined" to another component, the former may be directly connected, coupled, or jointed to the latter or may be "connected", coupled", or "joined" to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a portion of a bottom view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may be independently installed at a kitchen or accommodated within an indoor furniture cabinet or a wall. When the refrigerator 1 is installed within an indoor furniture cabinet or the wall, a refrigerator 1 may be installed independently or arranged left and right with another refrigerator.

[0073] The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0074] The storage space may be divided into, but is not limited to, a first space at an upper side and a second space at a lower side. The door 20 may also include a first door 21 than opens and closes the first space and a second door 22 that opens and closes the second space.

[0075] The first space may be a refrigerating chamber and the second space may be a freezing chamber, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space divided left and right. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, and a single door may open and close the storage space.

[0076] At least one of the first door 21 or the second door 22 may be a rotary door. Alternatively, a single door 20 may be a rotary door.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the door 20 of a rotary type may be rotated by a hinge bracket 50.

[0078] For example, hinge brackets 50 of the same or different types may support the door 20 at upper and lower sides of the door 20.

[0079] In FIG. 2, a hinge bracket 50 supporting a lower side of the second door 22 is illustrated as an example. A structure of the guide portion of the hinge bracket 50 described below (see 530 of FIG. 4) can be equally applied to a structure of the hinge bracket installed at upper or lower side of the door 20. Depending on a position at which the hinge bracket 50 supports the door 20, the hinge bracket 50 may be coupled to an upper surface of the cabinet 10, a lower surface, a front surface, or a side surface.

[0080] For convenience of explanation, the hinge bracket 50 will be described below as rotatably supporting the door 20.

[0081] The refrigerator 1 may further include an auto closing device 60 that provides a closing force to the door 20 during a closing process of the door 20. Of course, the auto closing device 60 may be omitted.

[0082] In FIG. 3, for example, a hinge bracket 50 is shown supporting a lower side of the door 20, and the auto closing device 60 is installed at a lower side of the door 20. Of course, it should be noted that there is no limitation on a position of the auto closing device 60.

[0083] The hinge bracket 50 may include a hinge body 520. The hinge body 520 may support the door 20, for example.

[0084] The hinge bracket 50 may further include an extension 510 extending from the hinge body 520.

[0085] The extension 510 may be coupled to the cabinet 10. Depending on an installation location of the hinge bracket 50, a shape of the extension 510 may vary.

[0086] The auto closing device 60 may provide closing force to the door 20 while interacting with the hinge bracket 50 during a closing process of the door 20.

[0087] The auto closing device 60 may be installed at the door 20 at a position adjacent to the hinge body 520. As an example, FIG. 3 illustrates the auto closing device 60 being installed at a lower side of the door 20.

[0088] The auto closing device 60 may have a portion protruding downward from a lower surface of the door 20 to interact with the hinge bracket 50.

[0089] The auto closing device 60 may include a body 610 installed at the door 20. The auto closing device 60 may include a lever 620 movably installed at the body 610. For example, the lever 620 may be rotated relative to the body 610 with respect to a rotation center A1. The lever 620 may be movably connected to the body 610 while being elastically supported. For example, the auto closing device 60 may further include an elastic member for elastically supporting the lever 620.

[0090] The lever 620 may further include a contact portion 622 to be in contact with the hinge bracket 50. The contact portion 622 may be, for example, a rotatable roller or a member whose shape can be changed.

[0091] While the door 20 is closed in a state in which the elastic member connected to the lever 620 is accumulated elastic force, the elastic force acts as a closing force of the door 20, so that the door 20 may be automatically closed.

[0092] Meanwhile, a gasket G may be provided at a rear surface of the door 20. When the door 20 is closed, the gasket G may be in contact with a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the extension 510 may include one or more coupling holes 512. A coupling member may pass through the coupling holes 512 and be coupled to the cabinet 10.

[0095] The hinge body 520 may be formed, for example, in a plate shape.

[0096] At least a portion of the hinge body 520 may be inserted into the door 20 to guide a rotation of the door 20. Alternatively, at least a portion of the door 20 may be inserted into the hinge body 520 to guide the rotation of the door 20 by the hinge body 520.

[0097] The hinge body 520 may include a guide portion 530.

[0098] The guide portion 530 may protrude from one surface of the hinge body 520. For example, the guide portion 530 may extend from one surface of the hinge body 520 toward the door 20.

[0099] When the hinge body 520 is positioned at a lower side of the door 20, the guide portion 530 may protrude from an upper surface of the hinge body 520. Of course, when the hinge body 520 is positioned at an upper side of the door 20, the guide portion 530 may protrude from a lower surface of the hinge body 520.

[0100] At least a portion of the guide portion 530 may be inserted into the door 20 to guide the rotation of the door 20.

[0101] The guide portion 530 may include a first member 532 (or a first pin). The first member 532 may guide the rotation of the door 20. The first member 532 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Alternatively, a circumferential surface of the first member 532 may include a curved surface.

[0102] The guide portion 530 may further include a second member 534 (or a second pin). The second member 534 may guide the rotation of the door 20. The second member 534 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Alternatively, a circumferential surface of the second member 534 may include a curved surface.

[0103] The first member 532 and the second member 534 may be spaced apart from each other. The first member 532 may be spaced apart from the second member 534 in a Y-axis direction.

[0104] A Y-axis direction may be, for example, a front-back direction of the refrigerator, and an X-axis direction may be, for example, a left-right direction of the refrigerator. The front-back direction of the refrigerator may be an arrangement direction of the door 20 and the cabinet 10 when the door 20 is closed.

[0105] A minimum separation distance between the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be equal to or less than a diameter of the first member 532 or the second member 534.

[0106] A portion of the first member 532 may overlap the second member 534 in a Y-axis direction. Another portion of the first member 532 may not overlap the second member 534 in the Y-axis direction.

[0107] In a state in which the hinge bracket 50 is installed at the cabinet 10, a distance (Y-axis direction distance) between the second member 534 and a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 may be less than a distance (Y-axis direction distance) between the first member 534 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0108] A distance between the first member 532 and a rotation center A1 of the lever 620 may be different from a distance between the second member 534 and the rotation center A1 of the lever 620. For example, the distance between the first member 532 and the rotation center A1 of the lever 620 may be less than the distance between the second member 534 and the rotation center A1 of the lever 620.

[0109] Among both side surfaces of the door 20, a distance (X-axis direction distance) between a first side surface 20c adjacent to the hinge bracket 50 and the first member 532 may be different from a distance (X-axis direction distance) between the first side surface 20c and the second member 534. For example, a distance between the first side surface 20c and the first member 532 may be greater than a distance between the first side surface 20c and the second member 534.

[0110] A line connecting a center of the first member 532 and a center of the second member 154 may be inclined with respect to an X-axis and a Y-axis.

[0111] The hinge bracket 50 may further include a contact surface 540 in contact with a contact portion 622 of the lever 620.

[0112] The contact surface 540 may be one surface of the hinge body 520 or one surface of a member coupled to the hinge body 520.

[0113] The contact surface 540 may include a first contact surface 541. The first contact surface 541 may be a surface that the lever 620 first contacts while the door 20 is closed.

[0114] When the door 20 is opened beyond a set angle, the lever 620 may be not in contact with the first contact surface 541. While the door 20 is closed by an angle less than the set angle, the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541.

[0115] The first contact surface 541 may be inclined in a direction away from the guide portion 530 as getting closer to a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0116] The contact surface 540 may further include a second contact surface 542 extending from the first contact surface 541. The second contact surface 542 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the first contact surface 541.

[0117] The second contact surface 542 may be inclined in a direction closer to the guide portion 530 as getting closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0118] While the door 20 is closed, the lever 620 provides closing force to the door 20 while moving along the second contact surface 542, so that the door 20 can be automatically closed.

[0119] The contact surface 540 may further include a third contact surface 543 extending from the second contact surface 542. The third contact surface 543 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the second contact surface 542.

[0120] The third contact surface 543 may extend from the second contact surface 542 in a direction closer to the guide portion 530.

[0121] The hinge bracket 50 may 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.

[0122] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to a first embodiment.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the door 20 may further include a door bracket 40. The door bracket 40 may interact with the guide portion 530 during a rotation of the door 20. The door bracket 40 may be formed integrally with the door 20 or may be coupled to the door 20.

[0124] In a case in which the door bracket 40 is coupled to the door 20, the door bracket 40 may be coupled to a surface of the door 20 facing the hinge body 520.

[0125] For example, the door bracket 40 may be coupled to a lower surface of the door 20. The door bracket 40 may include one or more coupling holes 410 for coupling to the door 20. One surface 401 of the door bracket 40 may be formed to be recessed. The coupling hole 410 may be formed in a recessed portion of the one surface 401. The one surface 401 of the bracket 40 may be a surface facing the hinge body 520.

[0126] The door bracket 40 may further include another surface 402 positioned opposite the first surface 401.

[0127] The door bracket 40 may be positioned apart from the auto closing device 60 at the door 20.

[0128] The door bracket 40 may receive the guide portion 530. The door bracket 40 may further include a receiving portion 420 for receiving the guide portion 530. It is also possible for the door bracket 40 to be formed integrally with the door 20. In this case, the door 20 may include a receiving portion 420 for receiving the guide portion 530.

[0129] In this specification, the guide portion 530 of the hinge bracket 50 may be referred to as a first guide, and the receiving portion 420 of the door bracket 40 may be referred to as a second guide. In one embodiment, the second guide may interact with the first guide during an opening and closing process or ae rotation process of the door 20. For example, the first guide may be received in the second guide.

[0130] Conversely, it is also possible for the first guide to be formed at the door bracket 40 and the second guide to be formed at the hinge bracket 50. In this case, it can be understood that the second guide is received in the first guide.

[0131] The receiving portion 420 may include a slot through which the guide portion 530 passes. For example, the receiving portion 420 may include a single slot through which the first member 532 and the second member 534 pass together.

[0132] The slot may include a first portion 421. The first portion 421 may extend from 421a in a direction closer to a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. The first portion 421 may extend from 421a in a direction closer to the first side 20c. A portion or all of the first portion 421 may be rounded.

[0133] One end 421a of the first portion 421 may be positioned closer to the auto closing device 60 than another end. One end 421a of the first portion 421 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than another end.

[0134] The slot may further include a second portion 422 extending from the first portion 421. The other end of the first portion 421 may be connected to one end of the second portion 422. That is, a portion where the other end of the first portion 421 and one end of the second portion 422 are connected is a boundary portion 423 between the first portion 421 and the second portion 423.

[0135] The second portion 422 may extend in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 from the boundary portion 423. The second portion 422 may extend in a direction closer to the first side surface 20c from the boundary portion 423. A portion or all of the second portion 422 may be rounded.

[0136] Another end 422a of the second portion 422 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c than the boundary portion 423. The boundary portion 423 of the first portion 421 and the second portion 422 may be positioned closest to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0137] A distance between one end 421a of the first portion 421 and the front surface 20a of the door 20 may be different from a distance between the other end 422a of the second portion 422 and the front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0138] During an opening process of the door 20, relative positions of the first member 532 and the second member 534 and the slot may be changed. At a beginning of the opening of the door 20, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the first portion 421. When an opening of the door 20 is completed, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the second portion 422.

[0139] A length of the first portion 421 may be different from a length of the second portion 422. The length of the first portion 421 may be equal to or greater than the length of the second portion 422.

[0140] The first portion 421 may include a portion having a curvature different from a curvature of the second portion 422.

[0141] The door bracket 40 may further include a protrusion 425 protruding from the one surface 401.

[0142] For example, a single protrusion 425 may be formed continuously along a perimeter of the receiving portion 420. Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions 425 may be spaced apart and arranged along the perimeter of the receiving portion 420. Alternatively, one or more protrusions 425 may be positioned around a periphery of the receiving portion 420.

[0143] The protrusion 425 may prevent one surface 401 of the door bracket 40 from directly contacting the hinge body 520. That is, the protrusion 425 may be in contact with the hinge body 520. Accordingly, a contact area between the door bracket 40 and the hinge body 520 may be reduced, thereby reducing friction.

[0144] FIG. 8A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a door bracket and a hinge bracket in a state in which a door is closed according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle.

[0145] FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle, and FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a first embodiment.

[0146] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawing showing a door bracket and hinge bracket viewed from a bottom of the refrigerator.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, when the door 20 is closed, the guide portion 530 may be positioned at the first portion 421. That is, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the first portion 421.

[0148] When the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than a rotation center A1 of the lever 620. The rotation center A1 of the lever 620 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second member 534.

[0149] When the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 may be in contact with one end 421a of the first portion 421.

[0150] When the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0151] While the door 20 starts to be opened, the door 20 may be rotated in one direction (in D1 direction) with respect to a first rotation center C1.

[0152] When the door 20 is closed, one end 421a of the first portion 421 or the first member 532 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0153] In the present specification, the rotation center of the door 20 may be a virtual rotation center of the door 20.

[0154] The virtual rotation center of the door 20 may be a virtual rotation center of the guide portion 530.

[0155] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 20. For example, the first rotation center C1 may be positioned a rearward of the front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0156] In this specification, rearward refers to a direction from the door toward the cabinet, and forward refers to the direction from the cabinet toward the door.

[0157] The door 20 may include both side surfaces. The both side surfaces may include a first side surface 20c adjacent to the hinge bracket 50 and a second side surface 20d positioned opposite the first side surface 20c.

[0158] When the refrigerator 1 is positioned within the furniture cabinet P, the first side surface 20c of the refrigerator 1 needs to be positioned adjacent to the furniture cabinet P, while the door 20 needs to be prevented from interfering with the furniture cabinet P during a rotation of the door 20.

[0159] In this embodiment, it may be preferable that the first rotation center C1 be positioned adjacent to the first side surface 20c.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 8B, in a state in which the door 20 is rotated by a first angle, the door 20 may be rotated based on a second rotation center C2. That is, the rotation center of the door 20 may move in a process of opening the door 20 by the first angle. The second rotation center C2 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0161] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0162] When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the guide portion 530 may be positioned at the first portion 521.

[0163] When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the second contact surface 543.

[0164] When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than one end 421a of the first portion 421. When the door 20 is rotated by the first angle, the first member 532 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0165] Since the rotation center of the door 20 moves, a curvature of the first portion 421 may be varied so as to prevent interference between the door bracket 40 and the first and second members 532 and 534 positioned at the first portion 421.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 9A, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a third rotation center C3 while the door 20 is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0167] The rotation center of the door 20 may move during the process of opening the door 20 by the second angle. The third rotation center C3 may be located at the door 20.

[0168] The third rotation center C3 may be located closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0169] When the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, the first member 532 may be positioned at the first portion 421, and at least a portion of the second member 534 may be positioned at the first portion 421. At this time, a portion of the second portion 534 may be positioned at the boundary portion 423.

[0170] When the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541 or a boundary portion between the first contact surface 541 and the second contact surface 542.

[0171] When the door 20 is rotated by the second angle, a third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than one end 421a of the first portion 421.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 9B, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fourth rotation center C4 while the door 20 is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0173] The rotation center of the door 20 may be moved during a process of opening the door 20 by a third angle. The fourth rotation center C4 may be located at the door 20.

[0174] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3.

[0175] When the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the first member 532 may be positioned at the first portion 421, and at least a portion of the second member 534 may be positioned at the second portion 422.

[0176] When the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 10, just before the door 20 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5.

[0178] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned at the door 20. The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0179] When the door 20 is rotated by a maximum opening angle, the first member 532 and the second member 534 may be positioned at the second portion 422.

[0180] When the door 20 is rotated by a maximum opening angle, the second member 534 may be in contact with the other end 422a of the second portion 422. Therefore, the other end 422a of the second portion 422 may act as a stopper that restricts the rotation of the door.

[0181] In this specification, a period during which the door is opened by a second angle (reference angle) may be referred to as a first door opening period. A period during which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle from a second angle (reference angle) may be referred to as a second door opening period. That is, at an end of the second door opening period, the door may be opened by the maximum opening angle.

[0182] In the first door opening period, the rotation center of the door 20 may be changed from a first rotation center to a third rotation center. In the second door opening period, the rotation center of the door 20 may be changed from the third rotation center to a fifth rotation center.

[0183] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0184] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center in an X-axis direction may be greater than a change amount of movement of the rotation center in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0185] A change amount of movement of the rotation center in a Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0186] After an end of the first door opening period, a rotation center C3 of the door 20 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than a rotation center C5 of the door 20 after an end of the second door opening period. That is, during an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door 20 may move in a direction away from the furniture cabinet P.

[0187] In an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned outside the guide portion 530. In the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned outside the receiving portion 420.

[0188] During the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 20 may be spaced apart from the guide portion 530. During the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first member 532.

[0189] A closing process of the door 20 will be briefly described.

[0190] After the door 20 is opened by an angle equal to or less than a maximum opening angle, the door 20 may be closed by rotating in another direction.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 9B, during a closing process of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact portion 541.

[0192] In a closing process of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be rotated in a first direction in which elastic force is accumulated when the door 20 is further closed after being in contact with the first contact portion 541.

[0193] In the closing process of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 moves along the first contact portion 541, and the elastic force accumulated by the lever 620 may be increased.

[0194] In a process of additionally closing the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541 and in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0195] When the door 20 is further rotated in a closing direction in a 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 a second direction opposite to the first direction by the elastic force accumulated by the lever 620, so that the door 20 can be automatically closed. The elastic force accumulated by the lever 620 may act as an automatic closing force of the door 20.

[0196] In the first door opening period (or first door closing period), the closing force of the door may be provided by the auto closing device 60.

[0197] From a perspective of the auto closing device 60, a distance between the rotation center A1 of the lever 620 and a rotation center of the door 20 may be varied during the closing process of the door 20.

[0198] FIG. 12A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a second embodiment.

[0199] FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a second embodiment.

[0200] FIG. 14A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a third embodiment.

[0201] FIGS. 11 to 13 are drawings of a door bracket and a hinge bracket viewed from a lower side of a refrigerator.

[0202] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except that it differs in a change in a movement of a rotation center of a door due to a shape of a receiving portion. Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0203] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a door 25 of the present embodiment may include a receiving portion 440. The receiving portion 440 may receive a guide portion of a hinge bracket. The guide portion may include a first member 535 (or a first pin) and a second member 536 (or a second pin) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0204] The receiving portion 440 may include a first portion 441. The receiving portion 440 may include a second portion 442 extending from the first portion 441. The first portion 441 may include a portion having a different curvature from the second portion 442.

[0205] The receiving portion 440 may further include a third portion 443 extending from the second portion 442. The third portion 443 may include a portion having a different curvature from the second portion 442.

[0206] The receiving portion 440 may further include a fourth portion 444 extending from the third portion 443. The fourth portion 444 may include a portion having a different curvature from the third portion 443.

[0207] A shape and positional relationship of the first member 535 and the second member 536 may be the same as the first member 532 and the second member 534 of the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0208] In a state in which the door 25 is closed, the first member 535 may be positioned at the first portion 441. A portion of the second member 535 can be positioned at the first portion 441, and another portion of the second member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442.

[0209] In a state in which the door 20 is closed, the first member 532 may be in contact with one end 421a of the first portion 421. In a state in which the door 25 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0210] When the door 25 starts to be opened, the door 25 may be rotated in one direction with respect to a first rotation center C1. The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 11B, when the door 25 is rotated by a first angle, the door 25 may be rotated based on a second rotation center C2. That is, a rotation center of the door 25 may be moved in a process of the door 20 being opened by the first angle. The second rotation center C2 may be positioned at an outside of the door 25.

[0212] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0213] In a state in which the door 25 is rotated by the first angle, the first member 535 may be positioned at the first portion 441. The second member 536 may be positioned at the second portion 442.

[0214] When the door 25 is rotated by the first angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 12A, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a third rotation center C3 while the door 25 is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0216] In a process of opening the door 25 by the second angle, the rotation center of the door 25 may be moved. The third rotation center C3 may be positioned at the door 25. The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0217] When the door 25 is rotated by the second angle, a portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the first portion 441, and another portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442. A portion of the second member 536 may be positioned at the second portion 442, and another portion of the second member 536 may be positioned at the third portion 443.

[0218] When the door 25 is rotated by the second angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with a boundary portion between the first contact surface 541 and the second contact surface 542.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 12B, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a fourth rotation center C4 while the door 25 is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0220] A rotation center of the door 25 may be moved during a process of opening the door 25 by a third angle. The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0221] In a state in which the door 25 is rotated by the third angle, the first member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442, and the second member 536 may be positioned at the third portion 443.

[0222] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3. A distance between the fourth rotation center C4 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet may be equal to or different from a distance between the first rotation center C1 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet.

[0223] When the door 20 is rotated by the third angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 13A, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5 while the door 25 is rotated by a fourth angle greater than the third angle.

[0225] The rotation center of the door 25 may be moved during a process of opening the door 25 to the fourth angle. The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0226] When the door 25 is rotated by the fourth angle, a portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the second portion 442, and another portion of the first member 535 may be positioned at the third portion 443. The second member 536 may be positioned at the fourth portion 444.

[0227] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0228] When the door 25 is rotated by the fourth angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the first contact surface 541.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 13B, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a sixth rotation center C6 just before the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0230] The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned at the door 25. The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned farther from the first member 535 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0231] When the door 25 is rotated by a maximum opening angle, the first member 535 may be positioned at the third portion 443, and the second member 536 may be positioned at the fourth portion 444.

[0232] In the present embodiment, during a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0233] During another portion of the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. During an initial period of the entire open section, the center of rotation of the door 25 is positioned at the door 25, then moves to an outside of the door 25, and then moves back onto the door 25.

[0234] During the entire opening period of the door, a period in which a rotation center of the door 25 moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 can be referred to as a first door opening period. A period following the first door opening period may be referred to as a second door opening period. In the second door opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10. A period following the second door opening period may be referred to as a third door opening period. In the third door opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may move in a direction closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0235] A change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the Y-axis direction in the first door opening period may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the Y-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0236] A door opening angle in the first door opening period may be less than a door opening angle in the second door opening period.

[0237] In the first door opening period, a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the X-axis direction may be less than a change amount of movement of the rotation center of the door 25 in the X-axis direction in the second door opening period.

[0238] During a portion of the entire opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may be closer to the first member 535. During another portion of the entire opening period, the rotation center of the door 25 may be farther away from the first member 535.

[0239] When the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the sixth rotation center C6 of the door 25 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet than the receiving portion 440.

[0240] FIG. 14A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is closed according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle according to a third embodiment.

[0241] FIG. 15A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than a second angle according to a third embodiment.

[0242] FIG. 16A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a fourth angle greater than a third angle according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a third embodiment.

[0243] FIGS. 14 to 16 are views of a door bracket and a hinge bracket viewed from a lower side of the refrigerator.

[0244] This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment in other respects, except that it differs a shape of the guide portion. Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0245] In addition, since a movement position and a change pattern of the rotation center during an opening process of door 25 are the same as those of the second embodiment, a description of the second embodiment will be cited.

[0246] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a door 25 of the present embodiment may include a receiving portion 440. A guide portion 550 of a hinge bracket may be received in the receiving portion 440. The guide portion 550 may be a single member.

[0247] The guide portion 550 may include a first surface 551 and a second surface 552 spaced apart from the first surface 551. The guide portion 550 may 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 may further include a fourth surface 554 connecting another end of the first surface 551 and another end of the second surface 552.

[0248] The first surface 551 may include a curved surface. The second surface 552 may include a curved surface. The third surface 553 may include a curved surface. The fourth surface 554 may include a curved surface.

[0249] The third surface 553 may include a portion having a greater curvature than the fourth surface 554. A portion of the third surface 553 may include a portion that is recess toward the fourth surface 554.

[0250] When the door 25 is closed, a portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the first portion 441 and another portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the second portion 442.

[0251] At least a portion of the third surface 553 may be spaced apart from the first portion 441. At least a portion of the fourth surface 554 may be in contact with the first portion 441.

[0252] When the door 25 starts to be opened, the door 25 may be rotated in one direction with respect to a first rotation center C1. The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 16B, the door 25 may be rotated with respect to a sixth rotation center C6 just before the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle. The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned at the door 25.

[0254] When the door 25 is rotated by the maximum opening angle, a portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the third portion 443, and another portion of the guide portion 550 may be positioned at the fourth portion 444.

[0255] Even in the present embodiment, the rotation center of the door 25 may be moved in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 and then moved closer again during the entire opening period.

[0256] During the entire opening period, the rotation center of door 25 is initially positioned at door 25, then moves to an outside of door 25, and then moves back onto door 25.

[0257] When the door 25 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the sixth rotation center C6 of the door 25 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet than the receiving portion 440.

[0258] During the opening process of the door, a recessed shape of the third surface 553 of the guide portion 550 can prevent the third surface 553 from interfering with a door bracket.

[0259] FIG. 17A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion in when a door is closed according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 17B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a first angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a second angle according to a fourth embodiment.

[0260] FIG. 18A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a third angle according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 18B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fourth angle according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 18C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and an auto closing device and a positional relationship between a guide portion and a receiving portion when a door is opened by a fifth angle according to a fourth embodiment.

[0261] FIGS. 17 and 18 are views of a hinge bracket viewed from a lower side of the hinge bracket, with a door omitted.

[0262] This embodiment is identical to the previous embodiments in other respects, except that it differs a shape of a contact surface of a hinge bracket, a shape of a guide portion, and a shape of a receiving portion.

[0263] Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0264] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a hinge bracket 50A of the present embodiment may include a guide portion 730. The guide portion 730 may include a first member 732 (or first pin) and a second member 734 (or second pin) that are spaced apart from each other. The first member 732 and the second member 734 may be referred to as a first guide.

[0265] The door may include a receiving portion 840 or guide member in which the guide portion 730 is received. The receiving portion 840 may include a slot 841 in which the first member 732 and the second member 734 are received together. The slot 841 may be referred to as a second guide.

[0266] The slot 841 may be formed in a curved shape. A curvature of the slot 841 may be varied. A curvature of the slot 841 may be varied continuously or stepwise. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate that a curvature of the slot 841 changes stepwise.

[0267] When a curvature of the slot 841 is changed stepwise, the slot 841 may include a plurality of distinct paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855. That is, the slot 841 may include a plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, 855 that extend in different directions or have different curvatures.

[0268] A length of a portion of the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, and 855 may be different from a length of another of the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, and 855. Although not limited, a length of a first path 851 may be maximum, and a length of a third path 853 may be minimum.

[0269] The slot 841 may include a first end 841a. The slot 841 may include a second end 841b positioned opposite the first end 841a based on a length of the slot 841.

[0270] When the door is closed, the first member 732 may be in contact with or adjacent to the first end 841a. When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the second member 734 may be in contact with or adjacent to the second end 841b.

[0271] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 17, the first end 841a may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second end 841b. The second end 841b may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the first end 841a.

[0272] Among the plurality of paths 851, 852, 853, 854, and 855, the third path 853 may be positioned close to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0273] The hinge bracket 50A may include a contact surface 540a that interacts with the auto closing device 70.

[0274] The contact surface 540a may include a first contact surface 541a. The first contact surface 541a may be a surface that the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 first contacts during a closing process of the door after the door is opened.

[0275] When the door is opened beyond a set angle, the lever 760 does not in contact with the first contact surface 541a. When the door is closed by an angle less than the set angle, the lever 760 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541a.

[0276] The first contact surface 541a may be inclined in a direction away from the guide portion 730 as getting closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0277] The contact surface 540a may further include a second contact surface 542a extending from the first contact surface 541a. The second contact surface 542a may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the first contact surface 541a.

[0278] The second contact surface 542a may be inclined in a direction closer to the guide portion 730 as getting closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0279] While the door is closed, the lever 760 provides closing force to the door while moving along the second contact surface 542a, so that the door may be automatically closed.

[0280] The contact surface 540a may further include a third contact surface 543a extending from the second contact surface 542a. The third contact surface 543a may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the second contact surface 542a.

[0281] The third contact surface 543a may extend from the second contact surface 542a in a direction closer to the guide portion 730.

[0282] The hinge bracket 50A may further include a receiving groove 544a for receiving a portion of the lever 760 or reducing interference with the lever 760 in a state in which the lever 760 is in contact with the third contact surface 543a.

[0283] Referring to FIG. 17A, when the door is closed, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the second path 852.

[0284] When the door is closed, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the third contact surface 543a. When the door is closed, a rotation angle of the lever 760 with respect to the front surface of the door may be greater than 0 degrees. In this case, the elastic force of the elastic member is applied to the lever 760, so that the door may be maintained in a closed state.

[0285] Meanwhile, when a rotation center of the door is positioned at a corner of a side surface and a front surface of the door where interference with the furniture cabinet (see P of Fig. 8) is expected first when the door starts to be opened, an interference between the door and the furniture cabinet P can be prevented.

[0286] Accordingly, the rotation center of the door at a moment when the door starts to be opened may be positioned adjacent to an edge of the front surface and the side surface of the door.

[0287] Meanwhile, when the user operates the door to open, the door may begin to be opened by moving forward and to one side in a direction of the first path 851.

[0288] Since the first member 732 and the second member 734 are positioned at the first path 851 and the second path 852 extending in different directions, the door is accurately opened by a rotational force by a rotation operation without the door being twisted or slipping.

[0289] When the second member 734 moves in the second path 852, the door may be rotated while moving slightly forward and to one side, and thus, a separation of the gasket G in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 may be made more easily. That is, interference by the gasket G in close contact with the cabinet 10 when the door rotates may be prevented, and a subsequent rotational motion of the door may be made smoother.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 17B, when the door is rotated by a first angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be positioned at a boundary portion between the second contact surface 542a and the third contact surface 543a. In a state in which the door is rotated by the first angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the second path 852.

[0291] Referring to FIG. 17C, when the door is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. When the door is rotated by a second angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the second path 852 or at a boundary portion between the second path 852 and the third path 853.

[0292] Referring to FIG. 18A, when the door is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. In a state in which the door is rotated by the third angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the third path 853.

[0293] Referring to FIG. 18B, when the door is rotated by a fourth angle greater than the third angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542a. In a state in which the door is rotated by the fourth angle, the first member 732 may be positioned at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the third path 852.

[0294] Referring to FIG. 18C, when the door is rotated by a fifth angle (reference angle) greater than the fourth angle, the contact portion 762 of the lever 760 may be positioned at a boundary portion between the first contact surface 541a and the second contact surface 542a. A rotation angle of the lever 760 with respect to the front surface of the door may be maximum when the door is rotated by the fifth angle. That is, the rotation angle of the lever 760 with respect to the front surface of the door may increase until the door is rotated by the fifth angle.

[0295] When the door is rotated by a fifth angle, the first member 732 may be positioned adjacent to the second path 852 at the first path 851, and the second member 734 may be positioned at the third path 852.

[0296] If the door is further opened by an angle greater than the fifth angle, the first member 732 may be moved to the second path 852 and the second member 734 may be moved to the fourth path 854.

[0297] When the door is further opened, the first member 732 may be moved to the third path 853 and the second member 734 may be moved along the fourth path 854.

[0298] When the door is further opened, the first member 732 may be moved to the fourth path 854 and the second member 734 may be moved to the fifth path 855.

[0299] When the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, an angle between the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the rear surface of the door may be approximately 110°. At this time, the first member 732 may be moved along the fourth path 854, and the second member 734 may be moved to an end of the fifth path 855. Since centers of curvature of each of the plurality of paths are different, a virtual rotation center of the door moves during an opening process of the door, so that there is an advantage in that the opening angle of the door can be secured without the door interfering with the furniture.

[0300] In the closing process of the door, the closing force of the auto closing device 70 may be applied to the door at a point where the door is rotated by a fifth angle. In a process of continuously closing the door, as a rotation angle of the lever 760 decreases, an elastic force may be applied to the door.

[0301] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a door and a cabinet according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an arrangement of a slot and a pin unit according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an angle between a tangent line of a first path and a tangent line of a second path based on a boundary point of a first path and a second path according to a fifth embodiment.

[0302] This embodiment is identical to any one of first to fourth embodiments in other respects, except that it differs a shape of a slot and relative positions of the first and second members within the slot.

[0303] Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0304] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, a door 20 of the present embodiment may be guided in rotation by a guide portion provided in the hinge bracket, as described in the previous embodiment.

[0305] The guide portion may include a first member 931 (or first pin) and a second member 932 (or second pin) that are spaced apart from each other. The first member 931 and the second member 932 may be referred to as a first guide.

[0306] The door 20 may include a slot 941 in which the first member 931 and the second member 932 are received. The slot 941 may be referred to as a second guide.

[0307] The door 20 may be positioned adjacent to a furniture cabinet P. The refrigerator may be received within the furniture cabinet P. It is preferable that a gap D2 between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and one side wall of the furniture cabinet P be minimized. In addition, while the gap D2 is minimized, it is necessary to prevent interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P while the door 20 is opened.

[0308] In this embodiment, the slot 941 may be designed so that interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P is prevented when the door 20 is opened while the gap D2 is minimized.

[0309] While the door 20 is opened, a corner 20d connecting the front surface 20a and the first side surface 20c of the door 20 may be rounded to prevent interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P.

[0310] The slot 941 may include a first end 941a. The slot 941 may include a second end 941b positioned opposite the first end 941a based on a length of the slot 941.

[0311] When the door 20 is closed, the first member 931 may be in contact with or adjacent to the first end 941a. When the door 20 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the second member 932 may be in contact with or adjacent to the second end 941b.

[0312] The second end 941b may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the first end 941a. The first side surface 20c refers to a side surface of both side surfaces of the door 20 that is adjacent to the furniture cabinet P and the slot 941.

[0313] When the door 20 is closed, the first end 941a may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the second end 941b.

[0314] The slot 941 may be formed in a curved shape. A curvature of the slot 941 may be varied. The curvature of the slot 941 may be varied continuously or stepwise. FIG. 20 illustrates the curvature of the slot 941 being varied stepwise.

[0315] When the curvature of the slot 941 is changed stepwise, the slot 941 may include a plurality of distinct paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955. That is, the slot 941 may include a plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 that extend in different directions or have different curvatures.

[0316] A length of a portion of the plurality paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 may be different from a length of another portion of the plurality paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955.

[0317] A length of the first path 951 may be greater than a length of the second path 952. A length of the first path 951 may be greater than a length of the third path 953. A length of the second path 952 may be greater than a length of the third path 953.

[0318] Among the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955, a length of the first path 951 may be maximum.

[0319] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center of a curvature of the first path 951, RC1, may be positioned at the door 20.

[0320] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC2 of a curvature of the second path 952 may be positioned outside the door 20. For example, the center RC2 may be positioned forward of the front surface 20a of the door 20. The center RC2 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC1.

[0321] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC3 of a curvature of the third path 953 may be positioned outside the door 20. For example, the center RC3 may be positioned forward of the front surface 20a of the door 20. The center RC2 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC3.

[0322] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC4 of a curvature of the fourth path 954 may be positioned at the door 20. For example, the center RC4 may be positioned closer to the first end 941a than the second end 941b. The center RC4 may be positioned closer to the rear 20b of the door 20 than the center RC1.

[0323] Based on a closed state of the door 20, a center RC5 of a curvature of the fifth path 955 may be positioned at the door 20. For example, the center RC4 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC5. The center RC5 may be positioned closer to the rear surface 20b of the door 20 than the center RC4. The first end 941a may be positioned closer to the first side surface 20c of the door 20 than the center RC5.

[0324] Based on a closed state of the above door 20, a line connecting the center RC5 of the curvature of the fifth path 955 and a point of the fifth path 955 can pass through an area between the first end 941a and the boundary point BP in the slot 941. The slot 941 may be positioned between the second end 541b and the center RC5 of the curvature of the fifth path 955.

[0325] Referring to FIG. 21, when a point where the first path 951 and the second path 952 meet is referred to as a boundary point BP, an angle formed by a first line in contact with the first path 951 while passing through the boundary point BP and a reference line that is parallel to the front surface 20a or the rear surface 20b of the door 20 while passing through the boundary point BP may be referred to as a first angle A1.

[0326] An angle formed by a second line in contact with the second path 952 while passing through the boundary point BP and the reference line that passes through the boundary point BP can be referred to as a second angle A2.

[0327] At this time, the first angle A1 may be greater than the second angle A2.

[0328] The first angle A1 may affect a gap between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P during an opening process of the door 20.

[0329] The first angle A1 may be 40 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0330] If the first angle A1 is greater than 45 degrees, there is a risk that the door 20 may interfere with the furniture cabinet P during the opening process of the door 20. On the other hand, if the first angle A1 is less than 40 degrees, there is a risk that when one of the doors arranged at both sides is opened, the door (or a filler of the door) may interfere with another door.

[0331] A difference value between the first angle A1 and the second angle A2 may affect a relationship between the gasket (see G in Fig. 22) provided on the door 20 and the cabinet 10.

[0332] The difference value may be 2 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less. If the difference value is greater than 5 degrees, there is a concern that an amount of interference between the gasket G and the cabinet 10 increases at an initial opening of the door 20, thereby increasing an amount of wear of the gasket G.

[0333] On the other hand, if the difference value is less than 2 degrees, there is a risk that the door 20 may slip during the opening process of the door 20, preventing the door 20 from rotating smoothly.

[0334] The length of the second path 952 may be greater than the length of the third path 953. The length of the third path 953 may be greater than the length of the fourth path 954. The length of the fifth path 955 may be greater than the length of the fourth path 954.

[0335] Although not limited, the third path 953 may be located closest to the rear 20b of the door 20.

[0336] A distance between a bisecting point that bisects a length of the third path 953 and the first end 941a may be greater than a distance between the bisecting point and the second end 941b.

[0337] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between an opening and a slot when an opening is formed in a door according to a fifth embodiment.

[0338] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, an opening 960 may be formed adjacent to the slot 941 in the door 20 of the present embodiment. For example, the opening 960 may allow one or more of a water pipe through which water flows and a wire connected to a component provided in the door 20 to pass therethrough.

[0339] In FIG. 22, a maximum size of the opening 960 that can be formed in the door 20 is illustrated, and a size of the opening 960 is variable.

[0340] In FIG. 22, a position of the opening 960 is exemplary, and it is also possible to change a position of the opening 960.

[0341] In one embodiment, a portion of the opening 960 may overlap a virtual connection line connecting the first end 941a of the slot 941 and the second end 941b. That is, a portion of the opening 960 may be positioned at an area between the first end 941a and the second end 941b.

[0342] A portion of the opening 960 may be positioned closer to a rear surface 20b of the door 20 than the first end 941a and the second end 941b.

[0343] Another portion of the opening 960 may be positioned closer to the front surface 20a of the door 20 than the first end 941a and the second end 941b.

[0344] Meanwhile, the slot 941 may be positioned within an area indicated by a dotted line in the door 20. That is, the slot 941 may be positioned within an area that does not interfere with a structure provided or coupled to the door 20.

[0345] A minimum distance between the rear surface 20b of the door 20 and the slot 941 may be greater than a minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the first end 941a.

[0346] A minimum distance between the rear surface 20b of the door 20 and the slot 941 may be greater than a minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the second end 941b.

[0347] A minimum distance between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and the slot 941 may be less than a minimum distance between the front surface 20a of the door 20 and the first end 941a.

[0348] FIGS. 23 to 25 are drawings showing positions of a door and a furniture cabinet when the door is opened according to a fifth embodiment.

[0349] FIGS. 26 and 27 are drawings showing a virtual rotation center of a door when a door is opened according to a fifth embodiment.

[0350] FIG. 23A shows a state in which the door is closed, FIG. 23B shows a state in which the door is opened by a first angle, FIG. 24A shows a state in which the door is opened by a second angle, FIG. 24B shows a state in which the door is opened by a third angle, and FIG. 25 shows a state in which the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0351] Referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, a line extending along the first side surface 20c of the door 20 when the door 20 is closed may be referred to as a virtual line IL1. In the present embodiment, when the door 20 is opened by the slot 941, the door 20 may not move into a space between the virtual line IL1 and the furniture cabinet P. Accordingly, even if the refrigerator is placed so that a gap D2 between the first side surface 20c of the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P is close to zero, the door 20 can be opened without interfering with the furniture cabinet P during the opening process of the door 20.

[0352] In this embodiment, if the slot 941 is designed so that the first end 941a is far from the second end 941b, the gap D2 can be reduced.

[0353] For example, assuming that a position of the second end 941a is fixed, when a distance between the first end 941a and the second end 941a is large, the gap D2 may be less than when the distance between the first end 941a and the second end 941a is small.

[0354] In order to increase the distance between the first end 941a and the second end 941a, a curvature of at least one of the first to third paths 931, 932, and 933 in the slot 941 can be reduced.

[0355] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 19, FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the slot 941 includes a plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, and centers of curvature of each of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, 955 may be positioned at different positions.

[0356] When the door 20 is rotated while the positions of the first member 931 and the second member 932 are fixed, positions of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 may be changed.

[0357] Since centers of curvature of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 are different from each other, the centers of curvature of the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 may also move during a rotation process of the door 20.

[0358] Since relative positions of the first member 931 and the second member 932 and the plurality of paths 951, 952, 953, 954, and 955 are variable during the rotation process of the door 20, a center of curvature of a path where the first member 931 and the second member 932 are positioned or correspond to can be a rotation center of the door 20. Alternatively, the rotation center of the door 20 may be positioned on a line connecting the centers of curvature of two adjacent paths.

[0359] For example, when the first member 931 and the second member 932 are positioned on the first path 531, a rotation center C1 of the door becomes the same as a center of curvature of the first path 531.

[0360] At a beginning of the rotation of the door 20, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a first rotation center C1. The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0361] When the door 20 is further rotated, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a second rotation center C2. The second rotation center C2 may be positioned outside the door 20.

[0362] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0363] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned farther from the second member 932 than the first rotation center C1.

[0364] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the first rotation center C1.

[0365] When the door 20 is further rotated, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a third rotation center C3. The third rotation center C3 may be positioned outside the door 20.

[0366] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the third rotation center C3.

[0367] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0368] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the second member 932 than the second rotation center C2.

[0369] When the door 20 is further rotated, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fourth rotation center C4. The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0370] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0371] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3.

[0372] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the second member 932 than the third rotation center C3.

[0373] The door 20 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5 just before the door 20 is rotated by a maximum opening angle. The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0374] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned closer to the furniture cabinet P than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0375] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0376] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the second member 932 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0377] Referring to a movement pattern of a virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, a second period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10, and a third period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0378] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period and an opening angle of the door 20 in the third period.

[0379] In another aspect, referring to a movement pattern of the virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the first member (or second member), a second period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the first member (or second member), and a third period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the first member (or second member).

[0380] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period and an opening angle of the door 20 in the third period.

[0381] In another aspect, referring to a movement pattern of the virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the furniture cabinet P, a second period in which the virtual rotation center moves away from the furniture cabinet P, and a third period in which the virtual rotation center moves closer to the furniture cabinet P.

[0382] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period and an opening angle of the door 20 in the third period.

[0383] In another aspect, referring to a movement pattern of the virtual rotation center of the door 20, an entire opening period of the door 20 may include a first period in which the virtual rotation center is positioned at the door 20, a second period in which the virtual rotation center is positioned outside the door 20, and a third period in which the virtual rotation center is positioned at the door 20.

[0384] At this time, an opening angle of the door 20 in the second period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period. An opening angle of the door 20 in the third period may be greater than an opening angle of the door 20 in the first period.

[0385] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a modified example of a corner of a door illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0386] First, referring to FIG. 28A, a corner 20d adjacent to the furniture cabinet Pin the door 20 may include an inclined surface. That is, a portion of the door 20 may be cut to form the corner 20d.

[0387] A point where a line extending the front surface of the door 20 and a line extending the first side surface 20c of the door 20 meet may be referred to as an intersection point.

[0388] The door 20 and cabinet 10 may be arranged in a Y-axis direction, and an X-axis may be perpendicular to the Y-axis. For example, the Y-axis direction may be a front-back direction of the refrigerator, and the X-axis direction may be a left-right direction of the refrigerator.

[0389] A distance in the X-axis direction from the intersection point to the corner 20d may be referred to as a first distance L1, and a distance in the Y-axis direction from the intersection point to the corner 20e may be referred to as a second distance L2. In this case, the first distance L1 may be the same as or similar to the second distance L1. At least one of the first distance L1 or the second distance L2 may be 4 mm or more.

[0390] By designing the corner 20d, interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P may be prevented during the opening process of the door 20.

[0391] Next, referring first to FIG. 28B, the corner 20d adjacent to the furniture cabinet P in the door 20 may include an inclined surface. That is, a portion of the door 20 may be cut to form the corner 20d.

[0392] A point where a line extending the front surface of the door 20 and a line extending the first side surface 20c of the door 20 meet may be referred to as an intersection point.

[0393] A distance in the X-axis direction from the intersection point CP to the corner 20d may be referred to as a third distance L3, and a distance in the Y-axis direction from the intersection point to the corner 20d may be referred to as a fourth distance L4. In this case, the fourth distance L4 may be greater than the third distance L3. Although not limited, the fourth distance L4 may be four times or more than the third distance L3.

[0394] By designing the corner 20d, interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P can be prevented during the opening process of the door 20.

Examples

first embodiment

[0144]FIG. 8A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a door bracket and a hinge bracket in a state in which a door is closed and FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a first angle.

[0145]FIG. 9A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a second angle greater than a first angle, and FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when a door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to a first embodiment.

[0146]FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawing showing a door bracket and hinge bracket viewed from a bottom of the refrigerator.

[0147]Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, when the door 20 is closed, the guide portion 530 may be positioned at the ...

second embodiment

[0244]This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment in other respects, except that it differs a shape of the guide portion. Therefore, only characteristic portions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0245]In addition, since a movement position and a change pattern of the rotation center during an opening process of door 25 are the same as those of the second embodiment, a description of the second embodiment will be cited.

[0246]Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a door 25 of the present embodiment may include a receiving portion 440. A guide portion 550 of a hinge bracket may be received in the receiving portion 440. The guide portion 550 may be a single member.

[0247]The guide portion 550 may include a first surface 551 and a second surface 552 spaced apart from the first surface 551. The guide portion 550 may 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 may further include a fo...

fifth embodiment

[0337]FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between an opening and a slot when an opening is formed in a door according to a

[0338]Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, an opening 960 may be formed adjacent to the slot 941 in the door 20 of the present embodiment. For example, the opening 960 may allow one or more of a water pipe through which water flows and a wire connected to a component provided in the door 20 to pass therethrough.

[0339]In FIG. 22, a maximum size of the opening 960 that can be formed in the door 20 is illustrated, and a size of the opening 960 is variable.

[0340]In FIG. 22, a position of the opening 960 is exemplary, and it is also possible to change a position of the opening 960.

[0341]In one embodiment, a portion of the opening 960 may overlap a virtual connection line connecting the first end 941a of the slot 941 and the second end 941b. That is, a portion of the opening 960 may be positioned at an area between the first end 941a and the second end 941b...

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet to form a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet; a first guide provided at the hinge bracket; a second guide provided at the door and interacting with the first guide during a rotation of the door, wherein the first guide includes a first member and a second member, wherein the second guide receives the first member and the second member, and wherein a rotation center of the door is moved during at least a portion of an entire opening period of the door.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the rotation center of the door is positioned at the door when the door is closed and when the door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door is positioned farther from a front surface of the cabinet than the first member.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door is positioned outside the first guide.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door is positioned outside the second guide.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door is moved in a direction away from a front surface of the cabinet.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein in another portion of the entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door is moved closer to the front surface of the cabinet.

8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the second guide includes a plurality of paths having different curvatures or extending in different directions.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein when the door is closed, the first member is positioned at a first path, and the second member is positioned at a second path.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein when the door is opened and then closed by a reference angle, the first member is positioned at the first path, and the second member is positioned at a third path.

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, further comprising an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door, and the auto closing device including a lever rotatable with respect to the door, and wherein when the door is opened and then closed by the reference angle, a closing force by the auto closing device is applied to the door.

12. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein when the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first member is positioned at a fourth path, and the second member is positioned at a fifth path.

13. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein when the door is closed, the first member is positioned at a first path among the plurality of paths, a point where the first path and a second path adjacent to the first path meet is referred to as a boundary point, an angle formed by a first line contacting the first path while passing through the boundary point and a reference line parallel to a front surface or a rear surface of the door while passing through the boundary point is referred to as a first angle, an angle formed by a second line contacting the second path while passing through the boundary point and the reference line passing through the boundary point is referred to as a second angle, and the first angle is greater than the second angle.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the first angle is greater than or equal to 40 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

15. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein a difference value between the first angle and the second angle is greater than or equal to 2 degrees and less than or equal to 5 degrees.

16. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising an auto closing device provided at the door and operating to automatically close the door, and the auto closing device including a lever rotatable with respect to the door, and wherein a distance between the rotation center of the door and a rotation center of the lever is changed during an opening process or a closing process of the door.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein a distance between the rotation center of the lever and the first member is less than a distance between the rotation center of the lever and the second member.

18. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein in a portion of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door is positioned between the second guide and the auto closing device.

19. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the second guide includes a slot, and the slot includes a first end and a second end, wherein when the door is closed, the first member is in contact with or adjacent to the first end, and wherein when the door is closed, a distance between the first end and a front surface of the door is less than a distance between the second end and the front surface of the door.

20. The refrigerator of claim 19, wherein the door includes an opening through which one or more of a water pipe or wire passes, and wherein at least a portion of the opening overlaps a virtual connection line connecting the first end and the second end.

Images