refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present embodiment comprises: a cabinet having storage chambers; doors for opening / closing the storage chambers; and a hinge device for rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet, wherein the hinge device includes a pin unit and a pin slot in which the pin unit is accommodated, the pin unit includes a first pin and a second pin spaced apart from each other, the pin slot includes a first slot in which the first pin is accommodated and a second slot in which the second pin is accommodated, and the center of rotation of the door moves during opening of the door by means of a change in the relative position of the pin unit and the pin slot.

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] Recently, a hinge structure has been developed to prevent the door from interfering with surrounding structures such as a furniture cabinet during a door opening process.

[0007] There is a prior art document of International Publication No. WO2019 / 007278A1.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0008] One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which an opening angle of a door increases.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which interference with surrounding structures is prevented.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a door opens smoothly without rattling during a door opening and closing process.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a drawer is prevented from interfering with the door when the drawer is inserted or pulled out in a state in which the door is open at a maximum opening angle.[Technical Solution]

[0012] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include may include a cabinet to form a storage space; a door that opens and close the storage space; and a hinge device rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet.

[0013] The hinge device may include a pin unit and a pin slot to receive the pin unit.

[0014] The pin unit may include a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other. The pin slot may include a first slot to receive the first pin and a second slot to receive the second pin.

[0015] By varying relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot, a rotation center of the door may move during a door opening process.

[0016] The hinge device may further include a hinge body installed at the cabinet. The pin unit may extend from the hinge body, and the pin slot may be provided at the door.

[0017] The hinge device may further include a guide member that forms the pin slot and is coupled to the door.

[0018] The hinge device may further include a hinge body installed at the cabinet. The pin unit may be provided at the door, and the pin slot may be formed at the hinge body.

[0019] The first slot may include a portion whose curvature is variable in a longitudinal direction, and the second slot may include a portion whose curvature is variable in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The first slot may include a first portion in contact with or adjacent to the first pin when the door is closed, and a second portion in contact with or adjacent to the first pin when the door is opened by a maximum opening angle. When the door is closed, the first portion may be positioned closer to the second slot than the second portion.

[0021] When the door is closed, a portion between the first portion and the second portion may be positioned closer to the cabinet than the first portion and the second portion.

[0022] The first slot and the second slot may be formed to include a portion formed to be identical to a trajectory created by a point on a circumference of a circle when a circle rolls, such as a cycloid trajectory, or to include a portion similar to the trajectory.

[0023] The trajectory of the rotation center of the door may include a curve.

[0024] When a point where a front surface of the door and a first surface among both side surfaces adjacent to a hinge device meet is referred to as a first point, a distance between the first point and the first pin may be reduced during at least a period of an entire opening period of the door.

[0025] During at least a period of the entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door may move in a direction away from the cabinet.

[0026] During at least a period of an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door may move toward the cabinet.

[0027] During a period of an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door may move in a direction away from the cabinet, and during another period following the period of the entire opening period, a rotation center of the door may move in a direction away from the cabinet.

[0028] During at least a period of an entire opening period of the door, a distance between a rotation center of the door and the first pin may be increased.

[0029] During at least a period of an entire opening period of the door, a distance between a rotation center of the door and the second pin may be increased.

[0030] Among both side portions of the cabinet, a portion adjacent to the pin unit is referred to as a first side portion, and based on a virtual line extending in a direction away from the cabinet while passing through the first side portion, a rotation center of the door may move in a direction closer to the virtual line during at least a period of an entire opening period of the door.[Advantageous Effects]

[0031] According to one embodiment, a door opens as a rotation center of the door moves, thereby providing an advantage in that an opening angle of the door increases.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a rotation center of the door can be moved in a direction away from one surface of a furniture cabinet, so that the door can be prevented from interfering with surrounding structures during a door opening process.

[0033] According to one embodiment, since at least a portion of a trajectory of a rotation center of a door includes a curve, there is an advantage in that the door can rotate smoothly without rattling.

[0034] According to one embodiment, while a drawer of a refrigerator is inserted in or pulled out in a state in which the door is open at a maximum opening angle, interference between the drawer and the door is prevented.[Description of Drawings]

[0035] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to the present embodiment installed in a furniture cabinet. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first hinge device of a door according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second hinge device of a door according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first hinge device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second hinge device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a first pin unit received in a first pin slot. FIG. 8A is a drawing schematically showing a movement path of a rotation center point according to a movement of two pins having the same rotation center point, and FIG. 8B is a drawing schematically showing a movement path of a rotation center point according to a relative movement of a pin unit and a pin slot. FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings schematically showing relative positions of a pin unit and a pin slot and a movement path of the rotation center according to a relative movement of a first member having a pin unit and a second member having a pin slot. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing movement trajectory of multiple points of a first door and a change in distance between a first point and a first pin during an opening process of a first door. FIG. 12A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when the first door is closed according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when the first door is opened by a first angle according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12D is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a fourth angle greater than the third angle according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a left door and a right door opened with a distance between the left door and the right door at a minimum according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a left door and a right door opened with a distance between a pillar and the right door at a minimum according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a distance between a first door and a furniture cabinet is at a minimum. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing positions of a first door and a furniture cabinet when the first door is open by a maximum opening angle. FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a drawer being pulled out from a storage space in a state in which a first door is opened by a maximum opening angle. [Mode for Invention]

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Before explaining, a direction is defined. In an embodiment of the present invention, a direction in which a front of a door as shown in FIG. 2 faces is defined as forward, a direction toward a cabinet based on a front of the door is defined as rearward, a direction toward a floor surface where the refrigerator is installed is defined as downward, and a direction away from the floor surface is defined as upward. When describing an undefined direction, it can be described to define a direction based on each drawing.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to the present embodiment installed in a furniture cabinet. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first hinge device of a door according to the present embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second hinge device of a door according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first hinge device according to the present embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment may be independently installed at a kitchen or accommodated within an indoor furniture cabinet (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "furniture cabinet P").

[0042] When the refrigerator 1 is installed within the furniture cabinet, a refrigerator 1 may be installed independently or arranged left and right with another refrigerator.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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. Hereinafter, a rotary type door 20 will be described, with the first door 21 as an example. The following contents can be equally applied to the second door 22.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the first door 21 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by a first hinge device 30 and a second hinge device 40.

[0048] When the first door 21 comprises a left door and a right door, each of the doors may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by a first hinge device 30 and a second hinge device 40. At this time, a first hinge device 30 and a second hinge device 40 connected to the left door and a first hinge device 30 and a second hinge device 40 connected to the right door can be arranged in a symmetrical form.

[0049] The first hinge device 30 may be connected to an upper side of the first door 21. The second hinge device 40 may be connected to a lower side of the first door 21. The first hinge device 30 may be referred to as an upper hinge device. The second hinge device 40 may be referred to as a lower hinge device.

[0050] The first hinge device 30 may include a first hinge body 310. The first hinge body 310 may be coupled to an upper surface or a front surface of the cabinet 10.

[0051] A portion of the first hinge body 310 may overlap an upper side of the first door 21 in a vertical direction.

[0052] The first door 21 may include a hinge mounting portion 210. The hinge mounting portion 210 may be formed by an upper surface of the first door 21 being recessed downward. Alternatively, the hinge mounting portion 210 may be formed by a rear surface of the first door 21 being recessed forward. A portion of the first hinge body 310 may be positioned at the hinge mounting portion 210.

[0053] The second hinge device 40 may include a second hinge body 410. The second hinge body 410 may be coupled to a front surface or a lower surface of the cabinet 10. A portion of the second hinge body 410 may overlap a lower side of the first door 21 in a vertical direction. The second hinge body 410 may support a load of the first door 21.

[0054] Meanwhile, when a refrigerator 1 is installed in furniture cabinet P, the smaller a gap between a refrigerator 1 and a furniture cabinet P, the greater the sense of unity between the refrigerator 1 and the furniture cabinet P. In this case, since a gap between the first door 21 and the furniture cabinet P is small, the first door 21 should not interfere with the furniture cabinet P or surrounding structures during an opening process of the first door 21.

[0055] In this embodiment, an opening angle of the first door 21 can be increased without interfering with a furniture cabinet or surrounding structures by the first hinge device 30 and the second hinge device 40.

[0056] For example, the first hinge device 30 and the second hinge device 40 may cause a virtual rotation center of the first door 21 to move during at least a period of an entire opening period of the first door 21.

[0057] Hereinafter, the first hinge device 30 and the second hinge device 40 will be described in detail.

[0058] The first hinge device 30 may further include a first pin unit 320.

[0059] The first pin unit 320 may include a first pin 321 and a second pin 322. The first pin 321 and the second pin 322 may be spaced apart from each other at first hinge body 310.

[0060] At least one of the first pin 321 or the second pin 322 may be coupled to the first hinge body 310. Alternatively, at least one of the first pin 321 or the second pin 322 may be formed integrally with the first hinge body 310.

[0061] The first pin 321 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or may be formed in a non-cylindrical shape and include a round surface.

[0062] The second pin 322 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or may be formed in a non-cylindrical shape and include a round surface.

[0063] The first pin 321 and the second pin 322 may extend from the first hinge body 310 toward the first door 21, for example. The first pin 321 and the second pin 322 may extend downward from the first hinge body 310.

[0064] The first door 21 may include a first pin slot. The first pin unit 320 may be received in the first pin slot.

[0065] The first pin slot may include a first slot 230 in which the first pin 321 is received, and a second slot 240 in which the second pin 322 is received.

[0066] The first slot 230 and the second slot 240 may be formed as one side of the first door 21 is recessed downward. In this case, the first slot 230 and the second slot 240 may be positioned at a bottom 211 of the hinge mounting portion 210.

[0067] Alternatively, a first guide member 220 coupled to the first door 21 may form the first slot 230 and the second slot 240.

[0068] The first guide member 220 may include a first plate 221 coupled to the hinge mounting portion 210. A coupling hole 222 through which a coupling member passes may be formed in the first plate 221. The coupling member may be coupled to the hinge mounting portion 210 by passing through the coupling hole 222.

[0069] The first guide member 220 may include a first guide 223 forming the first slot 230 and a second guide 224 forming the second slot 240. The first guide 223 and the second guide 224 may extend from the first plate 221.

[0070] The second hinge device 40 may further include a second pin unit 420.

[0071] The second hinge body 410 may include, for example, a coupling portion 411 coupled to the cabinet 10, and an extension 412 extending from the coupling portion 411. The second pin unit 420 may be provided at the extension 412.

[0072] The second pin unit 420 may, for example, extend from the second hinge body 410 toward the first door 21. The second pin unit 420 may extend upward from the extension 412.

[0073] The second pin unit 420 may include a third pin 421 and a fourth pin 422. The third pin 421 and the second pin 422 may be spaced apart from each other at the second hinge body 410.

[0074] At least one of the third pin 421 or the fourth pin 422 may be coupled to the second hinge body 410. Alternatively, at least one of the third pin 421 or the fourth pin 422 may be formed integrally with the second hinge body 410.

[0075] The third pin 421 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or may be formed in a non-cylindrical shape and include a round surface.

[0076] The fourth pin 422 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or may be formed in a non-cylindrical shape and include a round surface.

[0077] The third pin 421 may be aligned with the first pin 321 in a vertical direction. The fourth pin 422 may be aligned with the second pin 322 in a vertical direction.

[0078] The first door 21 may further include a second pin slot. The second pin unit 420 may be received in the second pin slot.

[0079] The second pin slot may include a third slot 260 to receive the third pin 421 and a fourth slot 270 to receive the fourth pin 422.

[0080] The third slot 260 and the fourth slot 270 may be formed by one surface of the first door 21 being recessed upward.

[0081] Alternatively, a second guide member 250 coupled to the first door 21 may form the third slot 260 and the fourth slot 270.

[0082] The second guide member 250 may include a second plate 251 coupled to the first door 21. A coupling hole 252 through which a coupling member passes may be formed in the second plate 251. The coupling member may be coupled to the first door 21 by passing through the coupling hole 252.

[0083] The second guide member 250 may include a third guide 253 forming the third slot 260 and a fourth guide 254 forming the fourth slot 270. The third guide 253 and the second guide 254 may extend from the second plate 251.

[0084] Since a basic structure and an operation of the second hinge device are the same as those of the first hinge device, a relationship between the first hinge device and the first pin slot will be described in more detail below.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a first pin unit received in a first pin slot. FIG. 8A is a drawing schematically showing a movement path of a rotation center point according to a movement of two pins having the same rotation center point, and FIG. 8B is a drawing schematically showing a movement path of a rotation center point according to a relative movement of a pin unit and a pin slot.

[0086] First, referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the first pin 321 and the second pin 322 in the first door 21 may be spaced apart in an X-axis direction.

[0087] In this specification, a Y-axis direction may be an arrangement direction of the cabinet 10 and the door 20 or a front-back direction of the refrigerator.

[0088] The (+) Y-axis direction is a direction away from the cabinet 10, and the (-) Y-axis direction is a direction closer to the cabinet 10.

[0089] The X-axis direction may be a left-right direction of the refrigerator, which is a direction that crosses the Y-axis direction in a horizontal direction.

[0090] The (+) X-axis direction may be a direction away from the furniture cabinet P adjacent to the first door 21, or a direction closer to a door adjacent to the first door 21 in a horizontal direction.

[0091] The (-) X-axis direction is a direction toward furniture cabinet P adjacent to the first door 21 or a direction away from a door adjacent to the first door 21 in a horizontal direction.

[0092] Among both side surfaces of the first door 21, a side surface positioned adjacent to the first pin unit 320 may be referred to as a first side surface 21c.

[0093] The first pin 321 may be positioned closer to the first side 21c than the second pin 322.

[0094] The first pin unit 320 may be positioned closer to a front surface 21a of the first door 21 than a rear surface 21b.

[0095] The first slot 230 may be formed in a shape that includes a trajectory drawn by the first pin 321 while the first door 21 is rotated.

[0096] The first slot 230 may include a first portion 231 in contact with or adjacent to the first pin 321 when the first door 21 is closed.

[0097] The first slot 230 may include a second portion 232 in contact with or adjacent to the first pin 321 when the first door 21 is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0098] Based on a closed state of the first door 21, the first portion 231 may be positioned closer to the second pin 322 than the second portion 232.

[0099] Based on a closed state of the first door 21, a portion between the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 may be positioned closer to the cabinet 10 than the first portion 231 and the second portion 232.

[0100] The second slot 240 may be formed in a shape that includes a trajectory drawn by the second pin 322 while the first door 21 is rotated.

[0101] The second slot 240 may include a third portion 241 in contact with or adjacent to the second pin 322 when the first door 21 is closed.

[0102] The second slot 240 may include a fourth portion 242 in contact with or adjacent to the second pin 322 when the first door 21 is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0103] The third portion 241 may be positioned closer to a front surface 21a of the first door 21 than the fourth portion 242.

[0104] The first portion 231 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 21c than the third portion 241. When the first door 21 is closed, the fourth portion 242 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 21c than the second portion 232.

[0105] Due to a difference in position between the first pin 321 and the second pin 322, shapes of the first slot 230 and the second slot 240 may differ from each other.

[0106] The first slot 230 may include a curve. The second slot 240 may include a curve.

[0107] A length of the first slot 230 may be different from a length of the second slot 240. For example, the length of the second slot 240 may be greater than the length of the first slot 230.

[0108] The first slot 230 may include a portion whose curvature is variable in a longitudinal direction. The second slot 240 may include a portion whose curvature is variable in the longitudinal direction.

[0109] A curvature of at least a portion of the first slot 230 may be different from a curvature of the second slot 240.

[0110] As another example, the pin unit is formed at the hinge body and the pin slot is formed at the first door as an example described above, but alternatively, the pin unit may be provided at the door and the pin slot for receiving the pin unit may be provided at the hinge body. For example, the pin unit provided at the door may include a first pin and a second pin. The pin slot provided at the door hinge may include a first slot through which the first pin passes, and a second slot through which the second pin passes.

[0111] Referring to 8A and 8B, a first pin P1 and a second pin P2 have the same rotation center point, and when the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 move, a rotation center point also moves.

[0112] In a state in which the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 are received in the first slot and the second slot, respectively, the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 may move, or in a state in which the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 are stationary, the first slot and the second slot can move.

[0113] In both cases, from a perspective of a relative movement of the two pins P1, P2 and the first and second slots, the two pins P1, P2 can be described as moving using the same rotation center point. A movement path of the same rotation center point may be a movement path of the virtual rotation center of the door L1 to L3. At this time, the movement path may vary depending on a diameter of the pin, a distance between the two pins, a relative position between the two pins, etc.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the first slot 230 and the second slot 240 may be formed to include a portion formed to be identical to a trajectory created by a point on a circumference of a circle when the circle rolls, such as a cycloid trajectory, or to include a portion similar to the trajectory.

[0115] The first slot 230 and second slot 240 may have different shapes depending on a diameter of the pin, a distance between the two pins, a relative position between the two pins, a distance between the same rotation center point and the pins (the rotation radius of the pin), etc.

[0116] During an opening process of the first door 21, a rotation center of the first door 21 can move. A trajectory (or movement path) drawn by the rotation center of the door may include a curve. Alternatively, the trajectory drawn by the rotation center of the door may include a straight line.

[0117] Alternatively, a trajectory drawn by the rotation center of the door may include straight lines and curves. Alternatively, a trajectory drawn by the rotation center of the door may include a plurality of straight lines and one or more curves. Alternatively, a trajectory drawn by the rotation center of the door may include a plurality of curves and one or more straight lines.

[0118] For example, referring to FIG. 8B, movement paths L1, L2, L3 may sequentially include a first path L1, a second path L2, and a third path L3. Although not limited, when each of the first path L1, the second path L2, and the third path L3 includes a curve, a curvature of the second path L2 may be greater than a curvature of the first path L1. The curvature of the first path L1 may be greater than a curvature of the third path L3.

[0119] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings schematically showing relative positions of a pin unit and a pin slot and a movement path of the rotation center according to a relative movement of a first member having a pin unit and a second member having a pin slot.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a first member 50 may include a first slot S1 and a second pin S2, and a second member 60 may include a first pin P1 and a second pin P2. During a relative movement of the first member 50 and the second member 60, the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 may move along the same rotation center point.

[0121] The first member 50 is one of the first door 21 and the hinge body 310, 410, and the second member 60 is another one of the first door 21 and the hinge body 310, 410.

[0122] Depending on which member is to be moved, positions of the first pin P1 and the second pin P2 may be changed, and accordingly, a shape or a length of the first slot S1 and the second slot S2 may be changed.

[0123] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing movement trajectory of multiple points of a first door and a change in distance between a first point and a first pin during an opening process of a first door.

[0124] FIG. 12A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when the first door is closed according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when the first door is opened by a first angle according to the present embodiment.

[0125] FIG. 12C is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12D is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle according to the present embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a fourth angle greater than the third angle according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a drawing showing a positional relationship between a first pin unit and a first pin slot when a first door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to the present embodiment.

[0127] It is to be noted that the numbers and angles shown in the drawing of FIG. 11 are exemplary and that the present invention is not limited to the numbers or angles.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, the first door 21 may be rotated in one direction to open the first door 21 when the first door 21 is closed.

[0129] During a rotation process of the first door 21, the first slot 230 and the second slot 240 move with respect to the first pin 321 and the second pin 322, so that relative positions of each pin 321, 322 and each slot 230, 240 may be changed.

[0130] When the first door 21 is closed, the first pin 321 may be in contact with the first portion 231, for example, and the second pin 322 may be in contact with the third portion 241.

[0131] In a process of rotating the first door 21 in one direction to open the first door 21, the first pin 321 may be spaced apart from the first portion 231, and the second pin 322 may be spaced apart from the third portion 241.

[0132] In a state in which the first door 21 is closed and the first door 21 begins to open, the first door 21 may rotate with respect to a first rotation center C1.

[0133] In this specification, a rotation center of the first door 21 may be a virtual rotation center of the first door 21.

[0134] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned at the first door 21.

[0135] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned farther from a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first pin 321 and the second pin 322.

[0136] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned closer to the first pin 321 than the second pin 322.

[0137] The first pin 321 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 21c than the first rotation center C1.

[0138] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 21c than the second pin 322.

[0139] The first rotation center C1 may be positioned closer to the third portion 241 than the fourth portion 242.

[0140] Referring to b of FIG. 12, the first door 21 may be rotated with respect to a second rotation center C2 when the first door 21 is rotated by a first angle. That is, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in a process of opening the first door 21 by the first angle. The second rotation center C2 may be positioned at the first door 21.

[0141] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned farther from a front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0142] The second rotation center C2 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first pin 321 and the second pin 322.

[0143] A path along which the first rotation center C1 moves to a position of the second rotation center C2 may include a straight line or a curve.

[0144] A first path along which the first rotation center C1 moves to a position of the second rotation center C2 may include a (+) Y-axis direction movement path. Alternatively, the first path may include a (+) Y-axis direction movement path and a (-) X-axis direction movement path.

[0145] Alternatively, the first path may include a (+) X-axis direction path and a (+) Y-axis direction movement path. Alternatively, the first path may include a (+) X-axis direction path, a (+) Y-axis direction movement path, and a (-) X-axis direction movement path.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 12C, the first door 21 may be rotated with respect to a third rotation center C3 when the first door 21 is rotated by a second angle. That is, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in a process of opening the first door 21 by the second angle. The third rotation center C3 may be positioned at the first door 21.

[0147] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the second rotation center C2.

[0148] The third rotation center C3 may be positioned farther from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first pin 321 and the second pin 322.

[0149] Among both side portions of the cabinet 10, a portion adjacent to the first pin unit 320 is referred to as a first side portion 10c, and a line extending in the (+) Y-axis direction while passing through the first side portion 10c may be referred to as a virtual line A1.

[0150] A distance between the third rotation center C3 and the virtual line A1 may be equal to or greater than a distance between the first pin 321 and the virtual line A1.

[0151] A distance between the third rotation center C3 and the virtual line A1 may be greater than a distance between the second rotation center C2 and the virtual line A1.

[0152] Referring to d of FIG. 12, the first door 21 may be rotated with respect to a fourth rotation center C4 when the first door 21 is rotated by a third angle. That is, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in the process of opening the first door 21 by a third angle. The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned at the first door 21.

[0153] A distance between the fourth rotation center C4 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 may be equal to or less than a distance between the third rotation center C3 and the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0154] The fourth rotation center C4 may be positioned closer to the virtual line A1 than the first pin 321.

[0155] A distance between the fourth rotation center C4 and the virtual line A1 may be greater than a distance between the third rotation center C3 and the virtual line A1.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 13A, the first door 21 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5 when the first door 21 is rotated by a fourth angle. That is, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in the process of opening the first door 21 by the fourth angle. The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned at the first door 21.

[0157] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0158] A distance between the fifth rotation center C5 and the virtual line A1 may be greater than a distance between the fourth rotation center C4 and the virtual line A1.

[0159] The fifth rotation center C5 may be positioned closer to the virtual line A1 than the first pin 321.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 13B, immediately before the first door 21 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the first door 21 may be rotated with respect to a sixth rotation center C6. The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned at the first door 21.

[0161] The sixth rotation center C6 may be positioned closer to the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fifth rotation center C5.

[0162] When the first door 21 is opened by the maximum opening angle, the first pin 321 may be in contact with the second portion 232, and the second pin 322 may be in contact with the fourth portion 242.

[0163] When the first door 21 is opened by a maximum opening angle, the third portion 241 may be positioned closer to the virtual line A1 than the first portion 231.

[0164] In the process of opening the first door 21, a trajectory of a first point A where the front surface 21a of the first door 21 and the first side surface 21c of the first door 21 meet, a trajectory of a second point B where a rear surface 21b of the first door 21 and a first side surface 21c meet, and a trajectory of the rotation center of the first door 21 are as follows.

[0165] In the present embodiment, the rotation center of the first door 21 may be varied by varying relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot.

[0166] A trajectory of the first point A may include a trajectory moving in a direction closer to the cabinet 10 ((-) Y-axis direction trajectory).

[0167] A trajectory of the first point A may include a first trajectory moving in a direction closer to the first side surface 21c ((-) X-axis direction trajectory). The trajectory of the first point A may include a second trajectory moving in a direction away from the first side surface 21c ((+) X-axis direction trajectory).

[0168] A length of the second trajectory may be greater than a length of the first trajectory.

[0169] A trajectory of the second point B may include a trajectory moving in a direction away from the first side surface 21c ((+) X-axis direction trajectory).

[0170] The trajectory of the second point B may include a third trajectory moving in a direction closer to the cabinet 10 ((-) Y-axis direction trajectory). The trajectory of the second point B may include a fourth trajectory moving in a direction away from the cabinet 10 ((+) Y-axis direction trajectory).

[0171] A length of the fourth trajectory may be greater than a length of the third trajectory.

[0172] A distance between the first point A and the first pin 321 may be reduced during at least a period of an entire opening period of the first door 21.

[0173] A distance between the rotation center of the first door 21 and a center of the first pin 321 may be increased during at least a period of the entire opening period of the first door 21.

[0174] During at least a period of the entire opening period of the first door 21, a distance between the rotation center of the first door 21 and a center of the second pin 322 may be increased.

[0175] During at least a period of the entire opening period of the first door 21, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in a direction away from the cabinet 10.

[0176] During a period of the entire opening period of the first door 21, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in a direction away from the cabinet 10. During another period following the period of the entire opening period, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in a direction closer to the cabinet 10.

[0177] During at least a period of the entire opening period of the first door 21, the rotation center of the first door 21 may move in a direction closer to the virtual line A1.

[0178] A trajectory of the rotation center of the first door 21 may include a curve. In a case in which the trajectory of the rotation center includes a curve, the first door 21 may rotate smoothly without rattling during the rotation process of the first door 21.

[0179] According to this embodiment, since the rotation center of the first door 21 moves and the first door 21 opens, there is an advantage in that an opening angle of the first door 21 increases.

[0180] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a left door and a right door opened with a distance between the left door and the right door at a minimum according to the present embodiment.

[0181] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a left door and a right door opened with a distance between a pillar and the right door at a minimum according to the present embodiment.

[0182] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when looking at the door of the refrigerator 1 from a front of the refrigerator 1, the first door 21 may include, for example, a left door 21a and a right door 21b. Each of the left door 21a and the right door 21b may include a gasket 213 to prevent cold air leakage.

[0183] Either the left door 21a or the right door 21b may be provided with a pillar 214 to prevent cold air from leaking between the left door 21a and the right door 21b when the left door 21a and the right door 21b are closed.

[0184] For example, the pillar 214 may be provided at the left door 21a.

[0185] In the present embodiment, the first hinge device 30 and the second hinge device 40 are designed to prevent interference with each other during an opening process of the left door 21a and the right door 21b.

[0186] For example, in a process of opening the left door 21a and the right door 21b simultaneously, a minimum gap G1 between the left door 21a and the right door 21b is greater than zero.

[0187] In the process of opening the left door 21a and the right door 21b simultaneously, a minimum gap G2 between the pillar 214 and the right door 21b is greater than zero. At this time, G1 may be greater than G2.

[0188] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which a distance between a first door and a furniture cabinet is at a minimum. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing positions of a first door and a furniture cabinet when the first door is open by a maximum opening angle.

[0189] Referring to Fig. 16, during the opening process of the first door 21, a minimum gap G3 between the first door 21 and the furniture cabinet P may be greater than zero. At this time, G3 may be smaller than G1 and G2.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 17, when the first door 21 is opened by a maximum opening angle, a minimum gap G4 between the first door 21 and the furniture cabinet P may be greater than zero. At this time, G4 may be greater than G3.

[0191] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a drawer being pulled out from a storage space in a state in which a first door is opened by a maximum opening angle.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 18, the storage space may be provided with a drawer 110 that can be inserted or pulled out. The drawer 110 may be provided in the refrigerating chamber 11, a freezing chamber 12, or each of the refrigerating chamber 11 and the freezing chamber 12.

[0193] When the first door 21 is opened by the maximum opening angle, the drawer 110 may be pulled out from the storage space without interference with the first door 21.

[0194] That is, when the first door 21 is opened by the maximum opening angle, a minimum gap G5 between the gasket of the first door 21, for example, and the drawer 110 is greater than zero.

[0195] G5 may be greater than G3.

[0196] According to this embodiment, since the rotation center of the first door 21 can move in a direction away from one side of the furniture cabinet P, the first door 21 can be prevented from interfering with the surrounding structure during the door opening process.

[0197] Additionally, interference between the left and right doors can be prevented during a rotation of each of the left and right doors.

[0198] Furthermore, interference between the pillar and a door adjacent to the pillar can be prevented during the opening of each of the left and right doors.

[0199] Additionally, the drawer of the storage space can be pulled out without interference with the door when the door is open by the maximum opening angle.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet to form a storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; and a hinge device rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet, wherein the hinge device includes a pin unit and a pin slot to receive the pin unit, the pin unit includes a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other, the pin slot includes a first slot to receive the first pin and a second slot to receive the second pin, and a rotation center of the door moves during a door opening process by varying relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the hinge device further includes a hinge body installed at the cabinet, the pin unit extends from the hinge body, and the pin slot may be provided at the door.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the hinge device further includes a guide member that forms the pin slot and is coupled to the door.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the hinge device further includes a hinge body installed at the cabinet, the pin unit is provided at the door, and the pin slot is formed at the hinge body.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first slot includes a portion whose curvature is variable in a longitudinal direction, and the second slot includes a portion whose curvature is variable in the longitudinal direction.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first slot includes a first portion in contact with or adjacent to the first pin when the door is closed, and a second portion in contact with or adjacent to the first pin when the door is opened by a maximum opening angle, and wherein when the door is closed, the first portion is positioned closer to the second slot than the second portion.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein when the door is closed, a portion between the first portion and the second portion is positioned closer to the cabinet than the first portion and the second portion.

8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first slot and the second slot are formed to include a portion formed to be identical to a trajectory created by a point on a circumference of a circle when the circle rolls, such as a cycloid trajectory, or to include a portion similar to the trajectory.

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a trajectory of the rotation center of the door includes a curve.

10. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein when a point where a front surface of the door and a first surface among both side surfaces adjacent to the hinge device meet is referred to as a first point, a distance between the first point and the first pin is reduced during at least a period of an entire opening period of the door.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein during at least a period of the entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door moves in a direction away from the cabinet.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein during at least a period of an entire opening period of the door, a rotation center of the door moves toward the cabinet.

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein during a period of an entire opening period of the door, the rotation center of the door moves in a direction away from the cabinet, and during another period following the period of the entire opening period, the rotation center of the door moves in a direction away from the cabinet.

14. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein during at least a period of an entire opening period of the door, a distance between a rotation center of the door and the first pin is increased.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein during at least a period of an entire opening period of the door, a distance between a rotation center of the door and the second pin is increased.

16. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a portion among both side portions of the cabinet adjacent to the pin unit is referred to as a first side portion, and based on a virtual line extending in a direction away from the cabinet while passing through the first side portion, a rotation center of the door moves in a direction closer to the virtual line during at least a period of an entire opening period of the door.

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