refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the embodiment comprises: a cabinet that forms a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; a hinge bracket that is installed on the cabinet; a first guide provided in one of the hinge bracket or the door; and a second guide that is provided in the other of the hinge bracket or the door and acts with the first guide during the rotation of the door. In a first open section of the entire open section of the door, the center of rotation of the door is located on the outside of the first guide. In a second open section following the first open section, the center of rotation of the door is located on the first guide.

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 shielded 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 restrict 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.

[0010] According to prior air document, a guide groove is formed around a positioning groove, and as a door rotates, the guide groove moves along with the door around the positioning groove, which has a disadvantage of making a shape of the guide groove itself complicated.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0011] One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which an opening angle of a door can be increased by a simple structure.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a guide portion guides a rotation of the door and provides a rotation center during at least a portion of a door opening.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a door can be automatically closed during a door closing process while increasing an opening angle of the door.[Technical Solution]

[0014] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a cabinet to form a storage space. The refrigerator may further include a door that opens and closes the storage space.

[0015] The refrigerator may further include a hinge bracket. The hinge bracket may be installed at the cabinet.

[0016] The refrigerator may include a first guide. The first guide may be provided at one of the hinge bracket and the door.

[0017] The refrigerator may further include a second guide. The second guide may interact with the first guide during a rotation of the door. The second guide may be provided at another of the hinge bracket and the door.

[0018] In a first opening period of an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door may be located outside the first guide. In a second opening period after the first opening period, the rotation center of the door may be located at the first guide.

[0019] An opening angle of the door in the second opening period may be greater than an opening angle of the door in the first opening period.

[0020] The first guide may protrude from the hinge bracket and be received in the second guide. Alternatively, the first guide may receive the second guide.

[0021] The first guide may include a first member. The first member may include a rounded portion.

[0022] The first guide may further include a second member. The second member may protrude from one surface of the first member.

[0023] A center of curvature of the rounded portion of the first member may coincide with the rotation center of the door in the first opening period.

[0024] A curvature of the rounded portion of the first member may be constant or variable.

[0025] In the second opening period, the door may rotate with respect to the second member.

[0026] The second guide may include a receiving portion that receives the first member. The receiving portion may include a first region where the first member is positioned in the first opening period. The receiving portion may further include a second region where the first member is positioned in the second opening period.

[0027] A wall forming the second region may include a stopper that restricts the rotation of the door when the door is rotated by a maximum opening angle.

[0028] The first guide may further include a third member. The third member may protrude from the second member.

[0029] The second guide may include a first receiving portion for receiving the first member. The second guide may further include a second receiving portion. The second receiving portion is formed by being recessed in one surface of the first receiving portion and may receive the second member.

[0030] In the first opening period, the rotation center of the door is fixed in position and may be located outside the door or located at the door.

[0031] In the first opening period, the rotation center of the door may be variable in position.

[0032] The second guide may include a stopper that interferes with the first guide and restricts rotation of the door when the door is rotated in the second opening period.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door that opens and close 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.

[0034] In a first opening period of an entire opening period of the door, the door may be rotated with respect to a first rotation center. In a second opening period after the first opening period, the door may be rotated with respect to a second rotation center.

[0035] An angle of the door rotated with respect to the first rotation center may be less than an angle of the door rotated with respect to the second rotation center.

[0036] In the first opening period, the door may move along the first guide.

[0037] In the second opening period, the first guide may provide the second rotation center.

[0038] In the first opening period, a position of the first rotation center may be fixed.

[0039] The first rotation center may be located outside the door. The second rotation center may be located at the door.

[0040] The first guide may include a first member including a rounded portion for guiding the rotation of the door. The first guide may further include a second member protruding from one surface of the second member and providing the second rotation center.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet forming 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 door may be opened while being guided by the first guide in a first opening period of an entire opening period of the door.

[0042] In a second opening period after the first opening period, the door may be rotated with respect to the first guide. An opening angle of the door in the second opening period may be greater than an opening angle of the door in the first opening period.

[0043] During a process of opening the door, the rotation center of the door may move to the first guide.

[0044] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may further include a cabinet forming a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; a hinge bracket installed at the cabinet; and an auto closing device operating to automatically close the door.

[0045] The auto closing device may be installed at the door at a position spaced apart from a rotation center of the door.

[0046] The auto closing device may operate to automatically close the door by interacting with the hinge bracket during a closing process of the door. The auto closing device may include a lever that can rotate with respect to the door.

[0047] During an opening process of the door, a distance between a rotation center of the lever and a rotation center of the door may vary.

[0048] During an opening process of the door, a distance between a rotation center of the lever and a rotation center of the door may decrease.

[0049] During a closing process of the door, the door is automatically closed by the lever, and a position of the rotation center of the door may be changed during a period in which the door is automatically closed..[Advantageous Effects]

[0050] According to one embodiment, an opening angle of a door can be increased by a simple structure.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a guide portion may guide a rotation of the door and provide a rotation center during at least a portion of a door opening.

[0052] According to one embodiment, a door can be automatically closed while increasing an opening angle of the door.[Description of Drawings]

[0053] 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 the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 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 the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state in which a door is closed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when the door is opened by a first angle according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 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 present embodiment. FIG. 14 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 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 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 the present embodiment. FIGS. 16 and 17 are drawings showing various embodiments in which a position of a rotation center of the door is variable. [Mode for Invention]

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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. When the refrigerator 1 is installed within an indoor furniture cabinet, a refrigerator 1 may be installed independently or arranged left and right with another refrigerator.

[0058] The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 having a storage space, and a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the door 20 of a rotary type may be rotated by a hinge bracket 50.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 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.

[0065] For convenience of explanation, the hinge bracket 50 will be described below as rotatably supporting or guiding the door 20.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The hinge bracket 50 may include a hinge body 520. The hinge body 520 may support the door 20, for example.

[0069] The hinge bracket 50 may further include an extension 510 extending from the hinge body 520.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The auto closing device 60 may have a portion protruding from one surface of the door 20 to interact with the hinge bracket 50.

[0074] The auto closing device 60 may include a body 610 installed at the door 20. The auto closing device 60 may further include a lever 620. 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] While the door 20 is closed in a state in which 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, an extension 510 of the present embodiment 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.

[0080] The hinge body 520 may be formed, for example, in a plate shape.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The hinge body 520 may include a guide portion 530.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] At least a portion of the guide portion 530 may be inserted into the door 20 to guide the rotation of the door 20. At least a portion of the guide portion 530 may provide a rotation center of the door 20 during a rotation process of the door 20.

[0086] The guide portion 530 may include a first member 532.

[0087] The first member 531 may guide a rotation of the door 20. For example, the first member 531 may guide the rotation of the door 20 in a portion of an entire rotation period of the door 20.

[0088] The first member 531 may include a rounded portion.

[0089] The first member 531 may be inclined with respect to an X-axis and a Y-axis. The X-axis direction may be, for example, a left-right direction of the refrigerator, the Y-axis direction may be, for example, a front-back direction of the refrigerator, and a Z-axis direction may be, for example, an up-down direction. The Y-axis direction may be a direction in which the cabinet 10 and the door 20 are arranged.

[0090] Alternatively, the Z-axis direction is a direction in which a rotation center of the door 20 extends, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are directions crossing the Z-axis direction.

[0091] The first member 531 may include a first surface 531a. The first surface 531a may include, for example, a rounded portion in a horizontal direction. The rounded portion of the first surface 531a may have a first curvature.

[0092] The first member 531 may further include a second surface 531b spaced apart from the first surface 531a. The second surface 531b may include a portion facing the first surface 531a.

[0093] The second surface 531b may, for example, include a rounded portion in a horizontal direction. The rounded portion of the second surface 531b may have a second curvature. The first curvature and the second curvature may be the same or different.

[0094] The first curvature may be constant or variable. The second curvature may be constant or variable.

[0095] A center R1 of the curvature of the rounded portion in the first surface 531a may be the same as a center R1 of the rounded portion in the second surface 531a. The center R1 may be located outside the hinge bracket 50.

[0096] Alternatively, the first member 531 may include a rounded portion, and a center R1 of the curvature of the rounded portion may be located outside the hinge bracket 50.

[0097] As another example, a center R1 of curvature of the rounded portion may be positioned on the hinge body 520.

[0098] The first member 531 may include a third surface 531c connecting a portion of the first surface 531a and a portion of the second surface 531b. The third surface 531c may include a portion that is rounded or extends in a straight shape.

[0099] The first member 531 may include a fourth surface 531d connecting another portion of the first surface 531a and another portion of the second surface 531b.

[0100] The fourth surface 531d may include a rounded portion.

[0101] A distance between the first side 531a and the second side 531b may be less than a distance between the third side 531c and the second side 531d.

[0102] The guide portion 530 may further include a second member 533. The second member 533 may extend from one surface of the first member 531.

[0103] For example, one surface of the first member 531 may be a surface facing the door 20.

[0104] The second member 533 may protrude from a portion of one surface of the first member 531. The second member 533 may protrude in a Z-axis direction from one surface of the first member 531.

[0105] FIG. 4 illustrates, as an example, the second member 533 protruding from an upper surface of the first member 531.

[0106] The second member 533 may include a rounded portion for a rotation of the door 20.

[0107] The second member 533 may provide a rotation center for the door 20 in another rotation period among an entire rotation period of the door 20. That is, the second member 533 may serve as a rotation shaft in another rotation period of the door 20.

[0108] The second member 533 may be positioned closer to the fourth surface 531d than the third surface 531c of the first member 531.

[0109] A portion of the second member 533 and the fourth surface 531d may form a continuous surface in the X-axis direction.

[0110] A curvature of a rounded portion of the second member 533 may be the same as or similar to a curvature of the fourth surface 531d.

[0111] The second member 533 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example.

[0112] A distance between the first surface 531a and the second surface 531b may be the same as or similar to a diameter of the second member 533.

[0113] The guide portion 530 may further include a third member 535. The third member 535 may extend from one surface of the second member 533.

[0114] For example, one surface of the second member 533 may be a surface facing the door 20.

[0115] The third member 535 may protrude from a portion of one surface of the second member 533. The third member 535 may protrude in the Z-axis direction from one surface of the second member 533. As an example, FIG. 4 illustrates the third member 535 protruding from an upper surface of the second member 533.

[0116] The second member 533 may be positioned between the first member 531 and the third member 535.

[0117] The third member 535 may include a rounded portion for a rotation of the door 20.

[0118] For example, the first member 535 may guide the rotation of the door 20 in a period of an entire rotation period of the door 20. At this time, a period in which the first member 531 guides the rotation of the door 20 and a period in which the third member 535 guides the rotation of the door 20 may be the same or different.

[0119] The third member 535 may have a different size from the first member 531 and may have the same or similar shape. For example, the third member 535 may also include at least four distinct surfaces. At least two of the at least four surfaces may include rounded portions. The third member 535 may be omitted as long as the first member 531 can guide a movement of the door 20.

[0120] The hinge bracket 50 may further include a contact surface 540 in contact with a contact portion 622 of the lever 620.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The first contact surface 541 may be inclined in a direction away from the guide portion 530 as it approaches to a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0125] 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.

[0126] The second contact surface 542 may be inclined in a direction closer to the guide portion 530 as it approaches to the front surface of the cabinet 10.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The third contact surface 543 may extend from the second contact surface 542 in a direction closer to the guide portion 530.

[0130] 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.

[0131] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, a door 20 according to the present embodiment 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.

[0133] The door bracket 40 may be formed integrally with the door 20 or may be coupled to the door 20.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] The door bracket 40 may further include another surface 402 positioned opposite the first surface 401.

[0137] The door bracket 40 may be positioned apart from the auto closing device 60 at the door 20.

[0138] 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. That is, the door 20 may include a receiving portion 420 for receiving the guide portion 530.

[0139] 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 a rotation process of the door 20. For example, the first guide may be received in the second guide.

[0140] 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.

[0141] The receiving portion 420 may include a recessed portion. At least a portion of the receiving portion 420 may be recessed from one surface 401 of the door bracket 40toward another surface 402.

[0142] The receiving portion 420 may include a first receiving portion 422 (or first space) in which the first member 531 is received.

[0143] The first receiving portion 422 may be formed by being recessed from one surface 401 of the door bracket toward another surface 402. A direction from the one surface 401 of the door bracket 40 toward another surface 402 may be, for example, a Z-axis direction.

[0144] The receiving portion 420 may further include a second receiving portion 424 (or second space) in which the second member 533 is received.

[0145] The second receiving portion 424 may be formed by being recessed from a surface forming the first space 422 toward another surface 402 of the door bracket 40.

[0146] A horizontal length of the second receiving portion 424 may be greater than a diameter of the second member 535. Therefore, when the door 20 is opened in a state in which the second member 535 is positioned within the second receiving portion 424, relative positions of the second member 535 and the second receiving portion 424 may be changed.

[0147] The receiving portion 420 may further include a third receiving portion 430 (or a third space) in which the third member 535 is received.

[0148] The third receiving portion 430 may extend from a surface forming the second receiving portion 424 toward another surface 402 of the door bracket 40.

[0149] The first receiving portion 422 may be, for example, a groove. The second receiving portion 424 may be, for example, a groove. The third receiving portion 430 may be, for example, a groove or a hole (through hole).

[0150] The first receiving portion 422 may include a first region 422a. When the door 20 is closed, the first member 531 may be positioned in the first region 422a.

[0151] In a state in which the first member 531 is positioned in the first region 422a, a wall 423 forming the first region 422a may be in contact with the first member 531.

[0152] The wall 423 may, for example, be in contact with the fourth surface 531d of the first member 531. The wall 423 may be in contact with at least one of the first surface 531a or the second surface 531b of the first member 531. The wall 423 may include a rounded portion corresponding to a shape of the first member 531.

[0153] The first receiving portion 422 may further include a second region 422b. The second region 422b may extend from the first region 422a. While the door 20 is opened, the first member 531 may be positioned in the second region 422b.

[0154] A wall forming the second region 422b may include a first wall 423a. The first wall 423a may extend from the wall 423 forming the first region 422a. The first wall 423a may include a rounded portion.

[0155] The wall forming the second region 422b may further include a second wall 423b. The second wall 423b may extend from the first wall 423a.

[0156] The second wall 423b may include a rounded portion. A first curvature of the rounded portion of the first wall 423a may be different from a second curvature of the rounded portion of the second wall 423b. The first curvature may be less than the second curvature.

[0157] The wall forming the second region 422b may further include a third wall 423c. The third wall 423c may extend from the second wall 423b.

[0158] The third wall 423c may include a straight portion or a rounded portion.

[0159] If the third wall 423c includes a rounded portion, a third curvature of the rounded portion of the third wall 423c may be different from the second curvature.

[0160] The third wall 423c may be directly connected to the wall 423 forming the first region 422a or may be connected by a connecting wall.

[0161] The first region 422a may guide a movement of the door 20 at an initial opening period of the door 20. The second region 422b may prevent interference with the guide portion 530 during an opening process of the door 20.

[0162] A portion of the wall forming the second region 422b may restrict the rotation of the door 20 when the door 20 is rotated by a maximum opening angle. For example, the third wall 423c may act as a stopper restricting the rotation of the door 20.

[0163] The third receiving portion 430 may include a first part 431. The first part 431 may guide a movement of the third member 535 during an initial opening period of the door 20.

[0164] The third receiving portion 430 may further include a second part 433 extending from the first part 431. A diameter of the second part 433 may be greater than a width of the first part 431.

[0165] The second part 433 can serve to prevent interference with the third member 535 when the third member 535 rotates during a rotation process of the door 20.

[0166] The door bracket 40 may further include a protrusion 403 protruding from the one surface 401.

[0167] For example, a single protrusion 403 may be formed continuously along a perimeter of the receiving portion 420. Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions 403 may be spaced apart and arranged along the perimeter of the receiving portion 420. Alternatively, one or more protrusions 403 may be positioned around a periphery of the receiving portion 420.

[0168] The protrusion 403 may prevent one surface 401 of the door bracket 40 from directly contacting the hinge body 520. That is, the protrusion 403 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.

[0169] FIG. 10 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 the present embodiment.

[0170] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door in a state in which a door is closed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a hinge bracket and a door when the door is opened by a first angle according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 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 present embodiment. FIG. 14 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 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 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 the present embodiment.

[0171] FIGS. 11A to 15A is a drawing of a door bracket and a hinge bracket viewed from a lower side of a refrigerator, and FIGS. 11B to 15B is a drawing of a door bracket and a hinge bracket viewed from an upper side of a refrigerator.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 15, when the door 20 is closed, the guide portion 530 may be positioned in the first region 422a. That is, the first member 531 may be positioned in the first region 422a.

[0173] When the door 20 is closed, the second member 533 may be positioned at one side of the second receiving portion 424.

[0174] When the door 20 is closed, the third member 535 may be positioned closer to a front surface 20a than a rear surface 20b of the door 20. The third member 535 may be positioned at the first part 431.

[0175] When the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0176] When the door 20 starts to open in a state in which the door 20 is closed, the door 20 may be rotated in one direction (D1 direction) with respect to a first rotation center C1.

[0177] The first rotation center C1 may be a virtual rotation center. The first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20. For example, the first rotation center C1 may be located forward of a front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0178] The first rotation center C1 may coincide with a center R1 of a curvature of the guide portion 530. A position of the first rotation center C1 may vary depending on a shape of the guide portion 530.

[0179] For example, if a curvature of the first member 531 is constant, a position of the first rotation center C1 may be fixed. If the curvature of the first member 531 is variable, the position of the first rotation center C1 may be variable during an opening process of the door 20.

[0180] As another example, it is also possible for the first rotation center C1 to be located at the door 20. However, even in this case, it may be preferable for the first rotation center C1 to be located close to the front surface 20a of the door 20.

[0181] 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.

[0182] When the refrigerator 1 is positioned within the furniture cabinet P, it is necessary to prevent interference between the door 20 and the furniture cabinet P during the rotation of the door 20 while a side surface of the refrigerator 1 is positioned adjacent to the furniture cabinet P.

[0183] For this purpose, in the present embodiment, it may be preferable that the first rotation center C1 be positioned adjacent to the first side surface 20c.

[0184] In this specification, a direction close to the second side surface 20d based on the first rotation center C1 may be referred to as the (+) X-axis direction, and a direction away from the second side surface 20d may be referred to as the (-) X-axis direction.

[0185] Based on the first rotation center C1, a direction away from the cabinet 10 may be referred to as the (+) Y-axis direction, and a direction close to the cabinet 10 may be referred to as the (-) Y-axis direction.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 12, the door 20 may be rotated by a first angle θ1 with respect to the first rotation center C1.

[0187] For example, a point A1 of the door 20 may be rotated with respect to the first rotation center C1. For example, the point A1 of the door 20 may be a rotation center of the lever 620.

[0188] In a process of the door 20 being opened by the first angle θ1, a distance between a point A1 of the door 20 and the first rotation center C1 may be constant.

[0189] Of course, when a position of the first rotation center C1 is changed, a distance between a point A1 of the door 20 and the first rotation center C1 may also be changed in the process of the door 20 being opened by the first angle θ1.

[0190] When the door 20 is rotated by a first angle θ1 with respect to the first rotation center C1, the guide portion 530 may be positioned in the second region 422b.

[0191] As the door 20 moves along the guide portion 530, an opening angle increases, and when the door 20 is opened by the first angle θ1, the guide portion 530 is positioned in the second region 422b.

[0192] The first angle θ1 is not limited, but may be an angle within a range of 13 to 23 degrees.

[0193] During a process of opening the door 20 by the first angle θ1, the first side surface 20c of the door 20 may move away from the furniture cabinet P.

[0194] When the door 20 is opened by a first angle θ1, the first member 531 may be in contact with the first wall 423a. The first member 531 may be in contact with the second wall 423b.

[0195] For example, the first wall 423a may be in contact with the first surface 531a of the first member 531. The second wall 423b may be in contact with the third surface 531c of the first member 531.

[0196] When the door 20 is opened by a first angle θ1, the second member 533 may be positioned at another side of the second receiving portion 424. The other side of the second receiving portion 424 may be positioned closer to the second region 422b than one side of the second receiving portion 424.

[0197] In the process of opening the door 20 by the first angle θ1, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0198] When the door 20 is opened by a first angle θ1, the door 20 may be further opened.

[0199] At this time, when the guide portion 530 is in contact with the second wall 423b forming the second region 422b, the door 20 can no longer rotate with respect to the first rotation center C1. That is, a second wall 423b forming the second region 422b is interfered with by the guide portion 530, so that the door 20 can no longer move along the guide portion 530.

[0200] When the door 20 is opened by a first angle θ1, the door 20 can be rotated with respect to the guide portion 530. That is, after the door 20 is opened by a first angle θ1, the guide portion 530 can provide a rotation center of the door 20.

[0201] Before the door 20 is opened by the first angle θ1, the rotation center of the door 20 may be located outside the guide portion 530. After the door 20 is opened by the first angle θ1, the rotation center of the door 20 may be located at the guide portion 530.

[0202] The second member 533 may provide a second rotation center C2 of the door 20. Accordingly, after the door 20 is opened by the first angle θ1, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to the second member 533. When the door 20 is rotated with respect to the second member 533, the second member 533 may be maintained in a state of being positioned at the other side of the second receiving portion 424.

[0203] In this embodiment, in an opening period of an entire opening period of the door 20, the door 20 may rotate with respect to the first rotation center C1.

[0204] The opening period may include a period in which the door 20 moves away from the furniture cabinet P.

[0205] In another opening period of an entire opening period of the door 20, the door 20 may rotate with respect to the second rotation center C2.

[0206] In the entire opening period of the door 20, a position of the rotation center of the door 20 may be changed one or more times.

[0207] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned farther away from the first side surface 22c of the door 20 than the first rotation center C1.

[0208] A distance between the second rotation center C2 and a point A1 of the door 20 may be less than a distance between the first rotation center C1 and a point A1 of the door 20.

[0209] In the present embodiment, the second rotation center C2 may be moved in the (+) X-axis direction from the first rotation center C1.

[0210] The second rotation center C2 may be moved in the (-) Y-axis direction from the first rotation center C1.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 13, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to the second rotation center C2 so that the door 20 may be opened by a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0212] When the door 20 is opened by the second angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with a point of the first contact surface 541.

[0213] When the door 20 is opened by the second angle, the first wall 423a may be spaced apart from the first member 531.

[0214] For example, the first wall 423a may be spaced apart from the first surface 531a of the first member 531. In the process of changing an opening angle of the door 20 from the first angle to the second angle, the second wall 423b may be in contact with the third surface 531c of the first member 531. In the process of rotating the door 20 with respect to the second rotation center C2, the second wall 423b may slide with the third surface 531c of the first member 531.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 14, the door 20 may be additionally rotated with respect to the second rotation center C2 so that the door 20 may be opened by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0216] When the door 20 is opened by the third angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with another point of the first contact surface 541.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 15, the door 20 may be additionally rotated with respect to the second rotation center C2 so that the door 20 may be opened by a maximum opening angle θ2 greater than the third angle.

[0218] When the door 20 is opened by the maximum opening angle, the first member 531 may be in contact with a wall that acts as a stopper of the second region 422b, so that the rotation of the door 20 can be restricted.

[0219] That is, when the door 20 is opened by the maximum opening angle, the first member 531 may be in contact with the third wall 423c, thereby restricting further rotation of the door 20.

[0220] When the door 20 is opened by the maximum opening angle, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the contact surface 540.

[0221] According to this embodiment, since the guide portion guides the rotation of the door and can provide a rotation center in at least a period while the door is opened, there is an advantage in that an opening angle of the door can be increased by a simple structure.

[0222] A closing process of the above door 20 will be briefly described.

[0223] After the door 20 is opened by an angle less than the maximum opening angle, the door 20 may be closed by rotating in another direction.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 14, when the door 20 is rotated with respect to the second rotation center C2 and the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be in contact with the first contact surface 541.

[0225] In a process of closing 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 surface 541.

[0226] In the process of closing the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 moves along the first contact surface 541, and the elastic force accumulated by the lever 620 may be increased.

[0227] 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 may be in contact with the second contact surface 542.

[0228] When the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is further rotated in a closing direction of the door 20 while being in contact with the second contact surface 542, the door 20 may be automatically closed by the elastic force accumulated by the lever 620.

[0229] The elastic force accumulated by the lever 620 may act as an automatic closing force of the door 20.

[0230] A position of the rotation center of the door 20 can be changed in a state in which the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 is in contact with the second contact surface 542. That is, when the door 20 is in contact with the second contact surface 542, the door 20 may rotate with respect to the second rotation center C2. After being in contact with the second contact surface 542, the door 20 may rotate with respect to the first rotation center C1.

[0231] From a perspective of the auto closing device 60, a distance between lever 620 and the rotation center of the door 20 may vary during the closing process of the door 20.

[0232] A position of the rotation center of the door 20 may vary during an auto closing period by lever 620 of an entire closing period of the door 20.

[0233] The door 20 can be automatically closed to a closed position by the lever 620. During the auto closing period of the door 20, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may be spaced apart from the second contact surface 542 and may be in contact with the third contact surface 543. When the door 20 is closed, the contact portion 622 of the lever 620 may remain in contact with the third contact surface 543.

[0234] FIGS. 16 and 17 are drawings showing various embodiments in which a position of a rotation center of the door is variable.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a position of the rotation center of the door 20 may be changed during an opening process of the door 20.

[0236] In a first period of an entire opening period of the door 20, the door 20 may rotate with respect to the first rotation center C1. At this time, the first opening period may be a period from when the door 20 begins to open until the door 20 is opened by a first angle.

[0237] In the first opening period, a position of the first rotation center C1 may be fixed or variable. In a second opening period after the first opening period, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to the second rotation center C2. In the second opening period, a position of the second rotation center C2 may be fixed or variable.

[0238] Hereinafter, a case in which the position of the first rotation center C1 changes in the first opening period is described.

[0239] Referring to FIG. 16A, a first rotation center C1 of the first opening period may move in the (+) X-axis direction.

[0240] At the beginning of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20. At the end of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20.

[0241] After the first rotation center C1 moves in the (+) X-axis direction, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to the second rotation center C2 in a second opening period, which is a period after the first opening period.

[0242] As another example, referring to FIG. 16B, the first rotation center C1 can move in the (+) X-axis direction and the (-) Y-axis direction in the first opening period.

[0243] At the beginning of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20. At the end of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be positioned outside the door 20 or at the door 20.

[0244] That is, in the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may move in a direction closer to the cabinet 10.

[0245] As another example, referring to FIG. 16C, in the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may move in the (+) X-axis direction and the (+) Y-axis direction.

[0246] At the beginning of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20. At the end of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located outside the door 20.

[0247] In the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may move in a direction away from the cabinet 10.

[0248] As another example, referring to FIG. 17A, the first rotation center C1 of the first opening period may move in the (+) X-axis direction.

[0249] At the beginning of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located at the door 20. At the end of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 20.

[0250] After the first rotation center C1 moves in the (+) X-axis direction, the door 20 may be rotated with respect to the second rotation center C2 in a second opening period, which is a period after the first opening period.

[0251] As another example, referring to FIG. 17B, in the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may move in the (+) X-axis direction and the (-) Y-axis direction.

[0252] At the beginning of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 20. At the end of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the door 20. In the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may move in a direction closer to the cabinet 10.

[0253] As another example, referring to FIG. 17C, in the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may move in the (+) X-axis direction and the (+) Y-axis direction.

[0254] At the beginning of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located at the door 20. At the end of the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may be located at the door 20 or outside the door 20.

[0255] In the first opening period, the first rotation center C1 may move in a direction away from the cabinet 10.

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 one of the hinge bracket and the door; and a second guide provided at another of the hinge bracket and the door and that interacts with the first guide during a rotation of the door, wherein in a first opening period of an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door is located outside the first guide, and in a second opening period after the first opening period, the rotation center of the door is located at the first guide.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein an opening angle of the door in the second opening period is greater than an opening angle of the door in the first opening period.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first guide protrudes from the hinge bracket and is received in the second guide.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first guide includes a first member including a rounded portion, and a second member protruding from one surface of the first member.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein a center of curvature of the rounded portion of the first member coincides with the rotation center of the door in the first opening period, or a curvature of the rounded portion of the first member is constant or variable.

6. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein in the second opening period, the door rotates with respect to the second member.

7. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the second guide includes a receiving portion that receives the first member, and wherein the receiving portion includes a first region where the first member is positioned in the first opening period, and a second region where the first member is positioned in the second opening period.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein a wall forming the second region includes a stopper that restricts a rotation of the door when the door is rotated by a maximum opening angle.

9. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the first guide includes a third member protruded from the second member.

10. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the second guide includes a first receiving portion configured to receive the first member, and a second receiving portion formed by being recessed in one surface of the first receiving portion and configured to receive the second member.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in the first opening period, the rotation center of the door is fixed in position and is located outside the door or located at the door, or in the first opening period, the rotation center of the door is variable in position.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the second guide includes a stopper that interferes with the first guide and restricts a rotation of the door when the door is rotated in the second opening period.

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in the first opening period, the door moves along the first guide.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein in the second opening period, the first guide provides a rotation center of the door.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein in the first opening period, the rotation center of the door is located outside the door, and in the second opening period, the rotation center of the door is located at the door.

16. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising an auto closing device installed at the door at a position spaced apart from the rotation center of the door, the auto closing device being operated to automatically close the door by interacting with the hinge bracket during a closing process of the door and including a lever rotatable with respect to the door, wherein during an opening process of the door, a distance between a rotation center of the lever and the rotation center of the door is variable.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein during the opening process of the door, a distance between the rotation center of the lever and the rotation center of the door is decreased.

18. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein during the closing process of the door, the door is automatically closed by the lever, and a position of the rotation center of the door is changed during a period in which the door is automatically closed.

19. 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 one of the hinge bracket and the door; and a second guide provided at another of the hinge bracket and the door and that interacts with the first guide during a rotation of the door, wherein in a first opening period of an entire opening period of the door, the door is rotated with respect to a first rotation center, in a second opening period after the first opening period, the door is rotated with respect to a second rotation center, and an angle of the door rotated with respect to the first rotation center is less than an angle of the door rotated with respect to the second rotation center.

20. 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 one of the hinge bracket and the door; and a second guide provided at another of the hinge bracket and the door and that interacts with the first guide during a rotation of the door, wherein in a first opening period of an entire opening period of the door, the door is opened while being guided by the first guide, in a second opening period after the first opening period, the door is rotated with respect to the first guide, and an opening angle of the door in the second opening period is greater than an opening angle of the door in the first opening period.

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