Refrigerators and home appliances

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator in which the opening angle of the main door is increased, if the door includes a main door and a sub-door. [Solution] A refrigerator relating to one side includes a cabinet having a storage space, a main door for opening and closing the storage space, a sub-door rotatable relative to the main door, a main hinge mechanism for making the main door rotatable relative to the cabinet, and a sub-hinge mechanism for making the sub-door rotatable relative to the main door. The main hinge mechanism includes a hinge body installed on the cabinet, a pin unit provided on either the hinge body or the main door, and a pin slot provided on the other of the hinge body or the main door, which houses the pin unit. The sub-hinge mechanism includes a hinge pin that provides the rotation center of the sub-door and a bush that houses the hinge pin. During the opening process of the main door, the relative position between the pin slot and the pin unit changes, causing the rotation center of the main door to move.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to refrigerators and household appliances.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that enables food to be stored at a low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a refrigerator door, and is configured to be able to store the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] The refrigerator may be placed independently in a kitchen, a living room, etc., or may be stored in a kitchen furniture cabinet.

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

[0005] When the refrigerator is installed in a furniture cabinet as an example, there is a risk that the door may collide with the furniture cabinet during the opening process of the door, and there is a risk that the opening angle of the door may be limited.

[0006] In recent years, a hinge structure has been developed to prevent the door from interfering with peripheral structures such as a furniture cabinet during the opening process of the door.

[0007] As a related prior art document, there is International Publication WO2019 / 007278A1.

[0008] By the way, the prior art only discloses a hinge structure for a single door, and does not disclose a hinge structure in the case where the door is composed of a first door and a second door rotatable with respect to the first door.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the opening angle of the main door is increased when the door includes a main door and a sub-door.

[0010] Selectively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which interference with surrounding structures is prevented during the opening process of the main door.

[0011] Selectively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which interference between the main door and surrounding structures is prevented during the opening process of the sub-door. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A refrigerator relating to one side may include a cabinet having a storage space, a main door for opening and closing the storage space, a sub-door rotatable relative to the main door, a main hinge mechanism for making the main door rotatable relative to the cabinet, and a sub-hinge mechanism for making the sub-door rotatable relative to the main door.

[0013] The main hinge mechanism may include a hinge body installed in the cabinet, a pin unit provided in either the hinge body or the main door, and a pin slot provided in the other of the hinge body or the main door, which houses the pin unit.

[0014] The sub-hinge mechanism may include a hinge pin that provides the pivot point of the sub-door. The sub-hinge mechanism may further include a bush in which the hinge pin is housed.

[0015] During the opening process of the main door, the relative position between the pin slot and the pin unit is variable, allowing the rotation center of the main door to move.

[0016] During the rotation process of the sub-door, the center of rotation of the sub-door may be fixed in position.

[0017] With the main door closed, at least a portion of the hinge pin may be positioned closer to the front of the sub-door than the pin slot.

[0018] With the main door closed, the hinge pin may be positioned closer to the front of the sub-door than the pin unit.

[0019] When the side of the sub-door adjacent to the sub-hinge mechanism is designated as the first side, with the main door closed, at least a portion of the hinge pin may be located closer to the first side than the pin slot, or at least a portion of the pin slot may be located closer to the first side than the hinge pin.

[0020] When the side of the sub-door adjacent to the sub-hinge mechanism is designated as the first side, the hinge pin may be positioned closer to the first side than the pin unit when the main door is closed, or the pin unit may be positioned closer to the first side than the hinge pin.

[0021] In at least a portion of the fully open section of the main door, the pivot point of the main door may be located further from the front of the cabinet than the pivot point of the sub-door.

[0022] The main door includes an extension that extends from the front of the main door toward the sub-door, and at least a portion of the pin slots may be located in the extension, or at least a portion of the pin unit may be located in the extension.

[0023] The sub-door includes a hinge mounting portion on which the extension portion is located, and at least a portion of the hinge pin may be located in the hinge mounting portion.

[0024] At least a portion of the aforementioned pin slot may overlap the sub-door in the vertical direction.

[0025] The sub-hinge mechanism may further include a first bush provided on the main door and a second bush provided on the sub-door. The hinge pin may penetrate the first bush and be accommodated in the second bush.

[0026] The sub-hinge mechanism may further include a first bush provided on the main door and a second bush provided on the sub-door, and the hinge pin may include a first pin accommodated in the first bush and a second pin accommodated in the second bush.

[0027] The pin unit may include a first pin and a second pin spaced apart from each other, and the first pin and the second pin may be accommodated in the pin slot.

[0028] The pin unit may include a first pin and a second pin spaced apart from each other, and the pin slot may include a first slot in which the first pin is accommodated and a second slot partitioned from the first slot and in which the second pin is accommodated.

[0029] In a part of the fully open interval of the main door, the rotation center of the main door can move in a direction away from the front surface of the cabinet. In another part of the fully open interval of the main door, the rotation center of the main door can move in a direction approaching the front surface of the cabinet.

[0030] In a part of the fully open interval of the main door, the rotation center of the main door may be located outside the sub-door and the main door.

[0031] A refrigerator relating to another aspect includes a cabinet having a storage space, a main door for opening and closing the storage space, a sub-door rotatable relative to the main door, a main hinge mechanism for rotatable the main door relative to the cabinet, and a sub-hinge mechanism for rotatable the sub-door relative to the main door, wherein the main hinge mechanism may include a hinge body installed on the cabinet, a first pin and a second pin provided on either the hinge body or the main door and spaced apart from each other, and a pin slot provided on the other of the hinge body or the main door for housing the first pin and the second pin.

[0032] The sub-hinge mechanism may include a hinge pin that provides the pivot point of the sub-door and is spaced apart from the first and second pins. The sub-hinge mechanism may further include a bush in which the hinge pin is housed.

[0033] When the main door is closed, the hinge pin may be positioned closer to the front of the sub-door than the first and second pins.

[0034] When the main door is open to its maximum opening angle, the hinge pin may be positioned closer to the front of the sub-door than the first and second pins.

[0035] When the main door is open to its maximum opening angle, the first and second pins may be positioned closer to the front of the sub-door than the hinge pin.

[0036] The configuration described above for a refrigerator can also be applied to home appliances. That is, a home appliance relating to one aspect may include a cabinet having a storage space, a main door for opening and closing the storage space, a sub-door rotatable relative to the main door, a main hinge mechanism for making the main door rotatable relative to the cabinet, and a sub-hinge mechanism for making the sub-door rotatable relative to the main door. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] In one embodiment, the main door opens while its pivot point moves, which has the advantage of increasing the opening angle of the main door.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the rotation center of the main door can be moved away from one side of the furniture chest, thereby preventing the door from interfering with surrounding structures during the opening process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This figure shows the refrigerator according to the first embodiment in a state where it is housed inside a chest of drawers. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the first door according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing how the upper main hinge mechanism and the upper sub-hinge mechanism according to the first embodiment are connected to the main door. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view of the upper main hinge mechanism and the upper sub-hinge mechanism. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is an exploded perspective view of the lower main hinge mechanism and the lower sub-hinge mechanism. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing how the upper main hinge mechanism and the upper sub-hinge mechanism are connected to the main door. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the incision line 7-7 in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 2. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the process of connecting the main door and the sub-door. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the operating mechanism located on the underside of the sub-door. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A shows a locking device installed on the sub-door. [Figure 11B]Figure 11B shows how the control panel is installed on the sub-door. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the lock mechanism engaged with the locking mechanism on the main door. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A shows the main door and sub-door in the closed position. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B shows the main door in the first angle of opening. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A shows the main door in a state where it is open by a second angle, which is greater than the first angle. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B shows the main door in a state where it is open by a third angle, which is greater than the second angle. [Figure 15] This figure shows the main door in its maximum open position. [Figure 16A] This diagram illustrates how the sub-door rotates while the main door is closed. [Figure 16B] This diagram illustrates how the sub-door rotates while the main door is closed. [Figure 16C] This diagram illustrates how the sub-door rotates while the main door is closed. [Figure 16D] This diagram illustrates how the sub-door rotates while the main door is closed. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A is a perspective view of the first door according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B shows a sub-hinge mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] This is an exploded perspective view of the sub-hinge mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in Figure 17B. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 20-20 in Figure 19. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 in Figure 19. [Figure 22] This is a plan view showing the first door according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] This figure shows the main door according to the third embodiment in its maximum open angle. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing the main hinge mechanism of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25A] Figure 25A shows a first modified example of the first door. [Figure 25B] Figure 25B shows a second modified example of the first door. [Figure 26A] Figure 26A shows a third modified example of the first door. [Figure 26B] Figure 26B shows a fourth modified example of the first door. [Figure 27A] Figure 27A shows various examples of the arrangement of the pin slots for the main door and the hinge pins for the sub-door. [Figure 27B] Figure 27B shows various examples of the arrangement of the pin slots for the main door and the hinge pins for the sub-door. [Figure 27C] Figure 27C shows various examples of the arrangement of the pin slots for the main door and the hinge pins for the sub-door. [Figure 27D] Figure 27D shows various examples of the arrangement of the pin slots for the main door and the hinge pins for the sub-door. [Figure 27E] Figure 27E shows various examples of the arrangement of the pin slots for the main door and the hinge pins for the sub-door. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to illustrative drawings. It should be noted that, in assigning reference numerals to the components in each drawing, the same components will, to the greatest extent possible, have the same reference numeral even if they appear in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the present invention, if a specific description of a related known configuration or function is deemed to hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0041] Furthermore, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing a component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component. When it is stated that a component is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected, joined, or connected to the other component, but other components may also be “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” between each component.

[0042] In the following, we will describe a refrigerator as an example of a home appliance, but we will demonstrate that the door and hinge mechanism for rotating the door of a refrigerator can be similarly applied to other home appliances that include doors.

[0043] In this specification, the front surface of the sub-door is the surface that forms the front exterior of the first door, and the rear surface of the sub-door is the surface that faces the main door.

[0044] The front surface of the main door forms the front appearance of the main door and faces the back surface of the sub-door. The back surface of the main door faces the cabinet or storage space.

[0045] The front of the main door faces in the direction from the main door toward the sub-door, and the rear of the main door faces in the direction toward the cabinet or storage space.

[0046] Figure 1 shows the refrigerator according to the first embodiment housed in a chest of drawers, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first door according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment may be installed independently in the kitchen, or it may be installed in a form that is housed in a furniture cabinet or wall (hereinafter referred to as "furniture cabinet").

[0048] When the refrigerator 1 is installed in the furniture chest P, the refrigerator 1 may be installed alone, or it may be installed together with other refrigerators so that they are arranged on the left and right sides.

[0049] The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a door 20 for opening and closing the storage space.

[0050] The storage space may, though not limited, be divided into an upper first space 11 and a lower second space 12. The door 20 may also include a first door 21 for opening and closing the first space 11 and a second door 22 for opening and closing the second space 12.

[0051] The first space may be a refrigerator, and the second space may be a freezer, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space divided into left and right sections. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, and a single door may open and close the storage space.

[0052] At least one of the first door 21 and the second door 22 may be a revolving door. Alternatively, a single door 20 may be a revolving door. In the following description, the first door 21 will be described as an example of a revolving door 20.

[0053] In the following explanation, we will use the example of opening and closing the first space 11 with multiple first doors 21 arranged on the left and right sides.

[0054] One or more of the multiple first doors 21 may include a main door 30 (or interior door) and a sub-door 40 (or exterior door) that is rotatable relative to the main door 30.

[0055] The main door 30 can open and close the first space 11. The main door 30 may include an opening.

[0056] With the main door 30 closed, the opening may communicate with the first space 21.

[0057] The sub-door 40 can form part or all of the front exterior of the first door 21. The sub-door 40 can open and close the opening of the main door 30. The left and right widths of the sub-door 40 may be the same as or similar to the left and right widths of the main door 30.

[0058] The sub-door 40 may be formed with a structure that limits the transmission of light. Alternatively, the sub-door 40 may include a door frame having an opening and a panel assembly covering the opening. In this case, the panel assembly may include one or more panels that are capable of transmitting light.

[0059] If the sub-door 40 includes a light-transmitting panel assembly, then when the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 are closed, and a lighting unit provided in the cabinet 10 or the main door 30 is turned on, it is possible to check the items stored in the main door 30 or the cabinet 10 through the panel assembly.

[0060] When the main door 30 rotates, the sub-door 40 may rotate together with the main door 30.

[0061] The main door 30 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by main hinge mechanisms 50 and 70.

[0062] The sub-door 40 may be rotatably connected to the main door 30 by sub-hinge mechanisms 60 and 80.

[0063] The main hinge mechanisms 50 and 70 may include an upper main hinge mechanism 50 and a lower main hinge mechanism 70.

[0064] The upper main hinge mechanism 50 may be connected to the upper side of the main door 30. The lower main hinge mechanism 70 may be connected to the lower side of the main door 30.

[0065] The sub-hinge mechanisms 60 and 80 may include the upper sub-hinge mechanism 60 and the lower sub-hinge mechanism 80.

[0066] The upper sub-hinge mechanism 60 may be connected to the upper side of the sub-door 40. The lower sub-hinge mechanism 80 may be connected to the lower side of the sub-door 40.

[0067] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the upper main hinge mechanism and upper sub-hinge mechanism according to the first embodiment connected to the main door, Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view of the upper main hinge mechanism and upper sub-hinge mechanism, and Figure 5B is an exploded perspective view of the lower main hinge mechanism and lower sub-hinge mechanism.

[0068] Figure 6 is a plan view showing how the upper main hinge mechanism and the upper sub-hinge mechanism are connected to the main door. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 2.

[0069] Referring to Figures 4 to 8, in the upper main hinge mechanism 50 and the lower main hinge mechanism 70 of this embodiment, the structure for rotating the main door 30 may be formed symmetrically.

[0070] The upper sub-hinge mechanism 60 and the lower sub-hinge mechanism 80 in this embodiment may be formed symmetrically.

[0071] The upper main hinge mechanism 50 of this embodiment may include a first hinge body 510. The first hinge body 510 may be coupled to the top or front surface of the cabinet 10. A portion of the first hinge body 510 may overlap vertically with the upper side of the main door 30. A portion of the first hinge body 510 may overlap vertically with the upper side of the sub-door 40.

[0072] The upper main hinge mechanism 50 may further include a first pin unit 520.

[0073] The first pin unit 520 may be formed integrally with the first hinge body 510, or it may be coupled to the first hinge body 510.

[0074] The first pin unit 520 may include a first pin 521 and a second pin 522. The first pin 521 and the second pin 522 may be positioned at a distance from the first hinge body 510.

[0075] The first pin 521 and the second pin 522 may, for example, extend from the first hinge body 510 toward the first door 21. The first pin 521 and the second pin 522 may also extend downward from the first hinge body 510.

[0076] As another example, the first pin 521 and the second pin 522 may be connected by a connecting member. In this case, the first pin unit 520 may be understood to include a single pin. The single pin may be formed in a non-circular shape, however, the first pin unit 520 may include a curved surface so as not to interfere with the wall forming the first slot 532, which will be described later, in the process of opening the first door 21. At least a portion of the curved surface may have the same curvature as the first slot 532.

[0077] The upper main hinge mechanism 50 may further include a first guide member 530.

[0078] The first guide member 530 may include a first pin slot 532 in which the first pin unit 520 is housed.

[0079] The first guide member 530 may be connected to the main door 30. The main door 30 may have a first groove 316a formed therein, which accommodates the first guide member 530.

[0080] Alternatively, the first guide member 530 may be omitted, and the first pin slot 532 may be formed in the main door 30. In this case, one wall of the main door 30 can form the first pin slot 532.

[0081] The main door 30 may include a first extension 316 that extends forward from the front surface 30a of the main door 30. That is, the first extension 316 may extend from the front surface 30a of the main door 30 toward the sub-door 40.

[0082] The thickness of the main door 30 may decrease as the thickness of the first door 21 in the front-rear direction decreases. If the thickness of the main door 30 decreases, the first extension 316 needs to be formed in order to secure space for the first pin slot 532 to be formed. That is, the first extension 316 may protrude forward of the surface of the main door 30 that the gasket of the sub-door 40 contacts (for example, the front surface 30a of the main door 30).

[0083] The first extension 316 may protrude from the upper and lower sides of the front surface 30a of the main door 30, respectively. That is, multiple first extensions 316 may be arranged spaced apart vertically. The upper first extension 316 and the lower first extension are formed in corresponding shapes, so only the upper first extension 316 will be described below.

[0084] At least a portion of the first pin slot 532 may be located in the first extension 316.

[0085] The main door 30 may further include a accommodating section 318 that recesses from the front surface 30a toward the rear surface 30b of the main door 30. A portion of the sub-door 40 may be accommodated in the accommodating section 318. However, if the sub-door 40 is formed to be thin, the accommodating section 318 may be omitted.

[0086] At least a portion of the first pin slot 532 may be aligned with the housing portion 318.

[0087] For example, a portion of the first pin slot 532 may be located in the first extension 316, and another portion of the first pin slot 532 may overlap the housing 318 in the vertical direction.

[0088] A portion of the first pin slot 532 may be located in front of the front surface 30a of the main door 30, while another portion may be located behind the front surface 30a of the main door 30.

[0089] A portion of the first pin slot 532 may overlap the sub-door 40 in the vertical direction.

[0090] The first pin slot 532 (or first guide member 530) may include a first end 532a and a second end 532b located on the opposite side of the first end 532a.

[0091] With the main door 30 closed, the first pin 521 can contact or approach the first end 532a. With the main door 30 open to its maximum opening angle, the second pin 522 can contact or approach the second end 532b.

[0092] The first end 532a and the second end 532b may be located in front of the front surface 30a of the main door 30. The first end 532a and the second end 532b may be located in the first extension 316.

[0093] The first pin slot 532 may extend from the first end 532a toward the housing 318 (or the back of the main door), then bend, and extend toward the housing 318 (or the back of the main door).

[0094] The upper sub-hinge mechanism 60 may include a hinge pin 610. The upper sub-hinge mechanism 60 may further include a first bush 620 that houses the hinge pin 610.

[0095] The hinge pin 610 may be spaced apart from the first pin 521 and the second pin 522. For example, the hinge pin 610 may be spaced horizontally apart from the first pin 521 and the second pin 522.

[0096] The first bush 620 may be coupled to the main door 30. The first bush 620 may, for example, be coupled to an extension 316 of the main door 30. The hinge pin 610 can pass through the first bush 620. The main door 30 may include a hinge hole 316b through which the hinge pin 610 passes. The hinge pin 610 can pass through the extension 316.

[0097] The upper sub-hinge mechanism 60 may further include a second bush 630 that houses the hinge pin 610 passing through the hinge hole 316b. The second bush 630 may be coupled to the sub-door 40. The sub-door 40 may have a coupling groove 412b formed therein for coupling the second bush 630. The first bush 620 and the second bush 630 may form pin slots for housing the hinge pin 610.

[0098] The sub-door 40 may be rotated with the hinge pin 610 around the rotation center SC1.

[0099] During the opening process of the main door 30, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move. On the other hand, during the rotation process of the sub-door 40, the rotation center SC1 of the sub-door 40 may be fixed.

[0100] Referring to Figure 6, the rotation center SC1 of the sub-door 40 may be located in the region between the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2.

[0101] Of the two sides of the main door 30 or the sub-door 40, the side adjacent to the sub-hinge mechanisms 60 and 80 can be designated as the first side 40d.

[0102] The first virtual line L1 can represent a line perpendicular to the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40, passing through the point where the horizontal distance from the first pin slot 532 to the first side surface 40d is minimized.

[0103] The second virtual line L2 can mean a line perpendicular to the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40, passing through the point where the horizontal distance from the first pin slot 532 to the first side surface 40d is maximum.

[0104] At least a portion of the hinge pin 610 may be located in the region between the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2.

[0105] In the upper sub-hinge mechanism 60, the positional relationship between the hinge pin 610 and the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 may be similarly applied to the lower sub-hinge mechanism 80.

[0106] The lower main hinge mechanism 70 may include a second pin unit 720, a second hinge body 710, and a second guide member 730 having a second pin slot.

[0107] The second pin unit 720 may include a first pin 721 (or third pin) and a second pin 722 (or fourth pin) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin 721 of the second pin unit 720 may be aligned vertically with the first pin 521 of the first pin unit 520. The second pin 722 of the second pin unit 720 may be aligned vertically with the second pin 522 of the first pin unit 520.

[0108] As mentioned above, the second pin unit 720 and the second guide member 730 are formed symmetrically with respect to the first pin unit 520 and the first guide member 530 of the upper main hinge mechanism 50, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0109] The lower sub-hinge mechanism 80 may include a hinge pin 810, a first bush 640, and a second bush 650. As described above, the lower sub-hinge mechanism 80 may be formed in the same form as the upper sub-hinge mechanism 60, or in a different form.

[0110] In this embodiment, unlike the upper sub-hinge mechanism 60, the lower sub-hinge mechanism 80 is shown in which the hinge pin 810 does not completely penetrate the first extension 316 extending from the main door 30, and a portion of the hinge pin 810 is housed in the first groove 316c provided in the first extension 316. Of course, it is also possible for the hinge pin 810 to penetrate the first extension 316 in the same structure as the upper sub-hinge mechanism 60.

[0111] The first bush 640 may be housed in the first groove 316c. The second bush 650 may be housed on the underside of the subdoor 40. A portion of the hinge pin 810 may be coupled to the first bush 640, and the other portion may be coupled to the second bush 650.

[0112] On the other hand, the sub-door 40 may include a hinge mounting portion 412. The hinge mounting portion 412 may be formed by the upper surface 40c of the sub-door 40 being recessed downwards. Alternatively, the hinge mounting portion 412 may be formed by one side of the sub-door 40 being recessed toward the other side.

[0113] At least a portion of the first extension 316 may be located in the space formed by the hinge mounting portion 412. Therefore, it is possible to form the first pin slot 532 in the first extension 316 while preventing interference between the first extension 316 and the sub-door 40.

[0114] The second bushes 630 and 650 may be coupled to the hinge mounting portion 412. The coupling groove 412b may be formed in the bottom portion 412a of the hinge mounting portion 412.

[0115] Referring to Figure 8, the sub-door 40 may further include a second extension 414 extending rearward from the rear surface 40b of the sub-door 40. That is, the extension 414 may extend from the rear surface 40b of the sub-door 40 toward the main door 30. The second extension 414 may be housed in the accommodating section 318.

[0116] The second extension 414 of the sub-door 40 may include a plurality of intersecting surfaces.

[0117] The multiple surfaces may include a first surface 414a, a second surface 414b located on one side of the first surface 414a, and a third surface 414c located on the other side of the first surface 414a.

[0118] The second surface 414b may be inclined with the first surface 414a, and the third surface 414c may be inclined with the first surface 414a.

[0119] The second surface 414b may extend from one end of the first surface 414a toward the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40. The third surface 414c may extend from the other end of the first surface 414a toward the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40.

[0120] The width of the second extension 414 may increase as it approaches the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40 from the first surface 414a.

[0121] As another example, the second extension 414 may include a single curved surface that is rounded. The surface may have a constant curvature, or the surface may have a variable curvature.

[0122] The housing portion 318 of the main door 30 may be formed in a form corresponding to the second extension portion 414, or in a similar form.

[0123] While the second extension 414 is housed in the housing 318, the second extension 414 may be separated from the surface forming the housing 318. That is, a gap may be formed between the second extension 414 and the surface forming the housing 318. This gap prevents the second extension 414 from interfering with the main door 30 when the sub-door 40 is rotated relative to the main door 30.

[0124] The surface forming the housing portion 318 may include a plurality of intersecting parts.

[0125] The plurality of parts may include a first part 318a, a second part 318b located on one side of the first part 318a, and a third part 318c located on the other side of the first part 318a.

[0126] The second part 318b may be inclined with the first part 318a, and the third part 318c may be inclined with the first part 318a.

[0127] With the sub-door 40 closed, the first surface 414a may face the first part 318a. The second surface 414b may face the second part 318b. The third surface 414c may face the third part 318c.

[0128] In this embodiment, the second extension 414 may be omitted. In this case, the housing portion 318 may be omitted, or the shape of the housing portion 318 may be changed.

[0129] The rotation center SC1 of the sub-door 40 may be located closer to the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40 than the first pin slot 532. At least a portion of the hinge pins 610, 810 may be located closer to the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40 than the first pin slot 532.

[0130] When the main door 30 is closed and when the main door 30 is opened to its maximum opening angle, the hinge pins 610 and 810 may be positioned closer to the front surface 40a of the sub-door 40 than the first pin unit 520.

[0131] When the side of the main door 30 or sub-door 40 that is adjacent to the sub-hinge mechanisms 60 and 80 is designated as the first side 40d, at least a portion of the hinge pins 610 and 810 may be located closer to the first side 40d than to the first pin slot 532.

[0132] The hinge pins 610 and 810 may be located closer to the first side surface than the first pin unit 520.

[0133] Figure 9 shows the process of connecting the main door and the sub-door.

[0134] Referring to Figure 9, with the lower part of the sub-door 40 securely attached to the main door 30, the upper part of the sub-door 40 may rotate while the first extension 316 of the main door 30 and the hinge mounting portion 412 of the sub-door 40 are aligned vertically. During the process of the lower part of the sub-door 40 being secured to the main door 30, the lower main hinge mechanism 60 and the lower sub-hinge mechanism 80 may be coupled to the main door 30 and the sub-door 40.

[0135] In this state, the upper main hinge mechanism 50 and the upper sub-hinge mechanism 60 may be coupled to the main door 30 and the sub-door 40.

[0136] Figure 10 shows the operating mechanism located on the underside of the sub-door.

[0137] Figure 11A shows a locking device installed on the sub-door, and Figure 11B shows the operating unit installed on the sub-door. Figure 12 shows the locking unit engaged with the locking unit on the main door.

[0138] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the first door 21 may include a locking device for locking the main door 30 and the sub-door 40, and an operating unit 420 operated by the user to unlock the locking device.

[0139] When the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 are locked by the locking device, rotating either the main door 30 or the sub-door 40 may cause both the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 to rotate together.

[0140] When the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 are unlocked by operating the control unit 420, the sub-door 40 can be rotated while the main door 30 is closed.

[0141] The locking device may include a locking section 440 that is operated by receiving the operating force of the operating section 420. For example, the locking section 440 may be rotatably installed on the sub-door 40.

[0142] The locking device may further include a transmission unit 432 that transmits the operating force of the operating unit 420 to the locking unit 440. For example, the operating unit 420 may be located below the sub-door 40, and the locking unit 440 may be located above the operating unit 420.

[0143] The transmission unit 432 may be located between the operating unit 420 and the locking unit 440.

[0144] The locking device may further include an elastic member 430 that provides elastic force to the operating part 420. The elastic member 430 can provide elastic force such that when the operating force on the operating part 420 is removed, the operating part 420 moves to its initial position.

[0145] The main door 30 may be provided with a space 330 for housing the locking mechanism 440. The space 330 may be formed by the front surface of the main door 30 being recessed to the rear.

[0146] The space 330 may be provided with a locking portion 332 for engaging the locking portion 440.

[0147] When the locking portion 440 is engaged with the locking portion 332, the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 are locked.

[0148] When the locking part 440 is operated by the operating part 420 and the locking part 440 and the locking part 332 are released, the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 are in an unlocked state.

[0149] The following describes the process by which both the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 are opened.

[0150] Figure 13A shows the main door and sub-door in the closed position, and Figure 13B shows the main door in the first angle open position. In Figure 13, the arrangement of the pin slots and pin units is schematically represented by the section 13-13 in Figure 3 that has been cut open.

[0151] Figure 14A shows the main door open by a second angle, which is greater than the first angle, and Figure 14B shows the main door open by a third angle, which is greater than the second angle.

[0152] Figure 15 shows the main door in its maximum open angle.

[0153] In the present invention, when the refrigerator 1 is installed in the furniture chest P or in the kitchen, the opening angle of the first door 21 needs to increase without the first door 21 interfering with the furniture chest P during the process of opening the first door 21.

[0154] In this embodiment, the main hinge mechanisms 50 and 70 may increase the opening angle of the first door 21 without interfering with the furniture chest P.

[0155] As an example, the main hinge mechanisms 50 and 70 can be configured such that the center of rotation of the main door 30 moves in at least a portion of the entire opening range of the main door 30. In this case, the center of rotation can move in a direction away from one surface of the furniture chest P.

[0156] In this embodiment, the rotation center (or virtual rotation center) of the main door 30 may be moved depending on the shape of the first pin slot 532.

[0157] Depending on the configuration of the first pin slot 532, the pivot point of the main door 30 can move continuously or in steps.

[0158] Referring to Figures 2 to 15, when the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 are locked, rotating the main door 30 may cause both the main door 30 and the sub-door 40 to rotate together. Although not shown, a handle may be provided on the sub-door 40. In this case, the handle may or may not be provided on the main door 30. Alternatively, a handle may be provided on both the main door 30 and the sub-door 40.

[0159] During the rotation process of the main door 30, the first pin slot 532 may move relative to the first pin unit 520, and the relative position between the first pin unit 520 and the first pin slot 532 may be variable.

[0160] When the curvature of the first pin slot 532 is changed in steps, the first pin slot 532 can include multiple partitioned paths. That is, the first pin slot 532 can include multiple paths that extend in different directions from each other or have different curvatures.

[0161] The lengths of some of the aforementioned paths may differ from the lengths of other parts.

[0162] Referring to Figure 13A, when the main door 30 is closed and then begins to open, the main door 30 may rotate with respect to the first rotation center C1.

[0163] The rotation center of the main door 30 in this specification may be a virtual rotation center of the main door 30.

[0164] The first rotation center C1 may be located on the sub-door 40. The first rotation center C1 may be located on the first extension 316 of the main door 30.

[0165] Referring to Figure 13B, when the main door 30 is rotated by a first angle, the main door 30 may rotate with respect to a second rotation center C2. That is, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move during the process of opening the main door 30 by a first angle. The second rotation center C2 may be located outside the first door 21. That is, the second rotation center C2 may be located outside the main door 30 and the sub-door 40.

[0166] The second rotation center C2 may be located further from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the first rotation center C1.

[0167] Referring to Figure 14A, when the main door 30 is rotated by a second angle, the main door 30 may rotate with respect to a third rotation center C3. That is, during the process of the main door 30 being opened by a second angle, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move. The third rotation center C3 may be located on the sub-door 40.

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

[0169] A virtual line A1 can be defined extending in the front-rear direction from the first side of the cabinet 10 adjacent to the first pin unit 520.

[0170] In this case, the distance between the virtual line A1 and the third rotation center C3 may be greater than the distance between the virtual line A1 and the second rotation center C2.

[0171] Referring to Figure 14B, when the main door 30 is rotated by a third angle, the main door 30 may rotate with respect to a fourth rotation center C4. That is, during the process of the main door 30 being opened by a third angle, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move. The fourth rotation center C4 may be located on the sub-door 40.

[0172] The fourth rotation center C4 may be located further from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the third rotation center C3.

[0173] The distance between the virtual line A1 and the fourth rotation center C4 may be greater than the distance between the virtual line A1 and the third rotation center C3.

[0174] Referring to Figure 15, just before the main door 30 is opened to its maximum opening angle, the main door 30 may be rotated with respect to a fifth rotation center C5. The fifth rotation center C5 may be located on the sub-door 40.

[0175] The fifth rotation center C5 may be located further from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the fourth rotation center C4.

[0176] The distance between the virtual line A1 and the fifth rotation center C4 may be smaller than the distance between the virtual line A1 and the fourth rotation center C4.

[0177] In this embodiment, in a portion of the entire opening section of the main door 30, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move in a direction away from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0178] In some sections of the entire opening range of the main door 30, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move in a direction toward the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10.

[0179] In a portion of the entire open section of the main door 30, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move in a direction away from the virtual line A1 (or one side of the furniture chest).

[0180] In some sections of the entire open section of the main door 30, the rotation center of the main door 30 can move in a direction toward the virtual line A1.

[0181] In at least a portion of the entire opening section of the main door 30, the rotation center of the main door 30 may be located further from the front surface 10a of the cabinet 10 than the rotation center SC1 of the sub-door 40.

[0182] Next, the process of rotating the sub-door 40 will be described.

[0183] Figure 16 illustrates how the sub-door rotates while the main door is closed.

[0184] Referring to Figure 16, the sub-door 40 may rotate with respect to the rotation center SC1. During the rotation of the sub-door 40, the rotation center SC1 may remain fixed in position. Since the rotation center SC1 is located near the corner of the sub-door 40, the sub-door 40 may rotate without interfering with the furniture chest P during the rotation process.

[0185] Figure 17A is a perspective view of the first door according to the second embodiment, and Figure 17B is a diagram showing the sub-hinge mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0186] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-hinge mechanism according to the second embodiment, and Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 in Figure 17B. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 20-20 in Figure 19, and Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 in Figure 19.

[0187] This embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment, except for a difference in the sub-hinge mechanism. Therefore, only the characteristic features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0188] Referring to Figures 17 to 21, the door 21A in this embodiment can include a main door 30A and a sub-door 40A.

[0189] The sub-door 40A may be rotatably connected to the main door 30A by a sub-hinge mechanism 80A.

[0190] The main door 30A may include an extension 316. One side of the sub-hinge mechanism 80A may be connected to the extension 316. The other side of the sub-hinge mechanism 80A may be connected to the sub-door 40A.

[0191] The sub-hinge mechanism 80A may include a hinge pin 810A. The hinge pin 810A can provide the pivot point for the sub-door 40A.

[0192] The hinge pin 810 may include a first pin 811 connected to the main door 30A and a second pin 813 connected to the sub-door 40A.

[0193] A flange 812 may be provided between the first pin 811 and the second pin 813.

[0194] The sub-hinge mechanism 80A may further include a first bush 820 coupled to the main door 30A. The first pin 811 may be housed in the first bush 820.

[0195] A first groove 316c may be formed in the extension 316 of the main door 30A, into which the first bush 820 is connected.

[0196] The sub-hinge mechanism 80A may further include a second bush 830 coupled to the sub-door 40A. The second pin 813 may be housed in the second bush 830.

[0197] In this embodiment, the hinge pin 810A does not penetrate the extension 316 of the main door 30A, and a portion of the hinge pin 810A may be inserted into the extension 316.

[0198] On the other hand, the main door 30A is rotatable relative to the cabinet 10 by the main hinge mechanism 70.

[0199] The main hinge mechanism 70 may include a pin unit composed of a first pin 721 and a second pin 722, and a guide member 730 in which a pin slot 732 is formed to house the pin unit.

[0200] In this embodiment, the hinge pin 810A may include a portion that is located closer to the front surface of the main door 30A than the pin slot 732.

[0201] Even in this embodiment, the rotation center of the main door 30A can be moved by the main hinge mechanism 70.

[0202] Figure 22 is a plan view showing the first door according to the third embodiment, and Figure 23 is a diagram showing the main door according to the third embodiment in the state when it is opened to its maximum opening angle.

[0203] This embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment, except for the position of the first pin unit and the first pin slot. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the first embodiment.

[0204] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the first door 21 in this embodiment may include a main door 30 and a sub-door 40.

[0205] In this embodiment, the main door 30 may be rotated by the main hinge mechanism 70B, and the sub-door 40 may be rotated by the sub-hinge mechanism 80B.

[0206] The main hinge mechanism 70B may include a hinge body 770 having a pin slot 772 and a pin unit 780.

[0207] The sub-hinge mechanism 80B may include a hinge pin 875. The sub-hinge mechanism 80B may also include a bush 874. The configuration of the sub-hinge mechanism 80B may be the same as that of the sub-hinge mechanism described in the first or second embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0208] The pin unit 780 may, for example, be coupled to the upper side of the main door 30, or it may be formed integrally with the main door 30.

[0209] The pin unit 780 may include a first pin 782 and a second pin 784 that are spaced apart from each other.

[0210] The first pin 782 and the second pin 784 may be formed integrally with the main door 30. Alternatively, the pin unit 780 may include a plate that supports the first pin 782 and the second pin 784, and the plate may be coupled to the main door 30.

[0211] The first pin 782 and the second pin 784 may be positioned apart from the refrigerator in the front-to-back direction (or Y-axis direction) or in the direction of arrangement of the first door 21 from the cabinet 10. The first pin 782 and the second pin 784 may also be positioned apart in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

[0212] The pin slot 772 may be a hole through which the first pin 782 and the second pin 784 pass, or it may be a groove into which the first pin 782 and the second pin 784 are inserted.

[0213] The pin slot 772 may include a first slot portion 773. The first slot portion 773 may extend in directions intersecting the X and Y axes. The first slot portion 773 can guide the first pin 782 during the opening and closing process of the main door 30. The first slot portion 773 may extend in a curved shape.

[0214] The pin slot 772 may further include a second slot portion 774 extending from the first slot portion 773. The second slot portion 774 may extend from a position spaced apart from both ends 773a and 773b of the first slot portion 773. The second slot portion 774 can guide the second pin 784 during the opening and closing process of the main door 30. The second slot portion 774 may extend in a curved shape.

[0215] The pin slot 772 may further include a third slot portion 775 extending from the first slot portion 773. The third slot portion 775 may be located on the opposite side of the second slot portion 774 from the first slot portion 773.

[0216] When the main door 30 is closed, the hinge pin 875 may be positioned closer to the front of the sub-door 40 than the first pin 782 and the second pin 784.

[0217] During the process of closing the main door 30, the first pin 782 may contact or come into close proximity with the first end portion 773a, and the second pin 784 may contact or come into close proximity with the end portion of the third slot portion 775.

[0218] During the process of opening the main door 30 to its maximum opening angle, the first pin 782 may contact or come close to the end 774a of the second slot portion 774, and the second pin 784 may contact or come close to the second end 773b of the first slot portion 773.

[0219] When the main door 30 is open to its maximum opening angle, the first pin 782 and the second pin 784 may be positioned closer to the front of the sub-door 40 than the hinge pin 875.

[0220] Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the main hinge mechanism of the fourth embodiment.

[0221] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except for the shape of the guide member. Therefore, only the characteristic features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0222] Referring to Figure 24, the main hinge mechanism of this embodiment may include an upper main hinge mechanism 90 and a lower main hinge mechanism 950.

[0223] The upper main hinge mechanism 90 may include a first hinge body 910 and a first pin unit 920.

[0224] The first pin unit 920 may, for example, extend from the first hinge body 910 toward the main door 30. The first pin unit 920 may also extend downward from the first hinge body 910.

[0225] The first pin unit 920 may include a first pin 921 and a second pin 922. The first pin 921 and the second pin 922 may be arranged at a distance from the first hinge body 910.

[0226] The basic shape and function of the first pin 921 and the second pin 922 are the same as those of the first pin and the second pin in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0227] The upper main hinge mechanism 90 may include a first guide member 930. The first guide member 930 may be provided on the main door 30. The first guide member 930 may form a first pin slot.

[0228] The first pin slot may include a first slot 942 that accommodates the first pin 921 and a second slot 944 that accommodates the second pin 922. The first slot 942 and the second slot 944 may be partitioned and spaced apart.

[0229] The first guide member 930 may include an extension 931 that is fastened to the main door 30. The extension 931 may have a fastening hole 932 through which a fastening member passes. The fastening member may be fastened to the main door 30 by passing through the fastening hole 932.

[0230] The first guide member 930 may include a first body portion 933 that forms the first slot 942 and a second body portion 934 that forms the second slot 944. The first body portion 933 and the second body portion 934 may extend from the extension portion 931.

[0231] The lower main hinge mechanism 950 of this embodiment may include a second hinge body and a second pin unit 960.

[0232] The second hinge body may include, for example, a coupling portion 951 that is coupled to the cabinet 10 and an extension portion 952 that extends from the coupling portion 951. The second pin unit 960 may be provided on the extension portion 952.

[0233] The second pin unit 960 may, for example, extend upward from the extension portion 952.

[0234] The second pin unit 960 may include a first pin 961 and a second pin 962. The first pin 961 and the second pin 962 may be arranged at a distance from the extension 952.

[0235] The lower main hinge mechanism 950 may further include a second guide member 970. The second guide member 970 may be provided on the main door 30.

[0236] The second guide member 970 can form a second pin slot.

[0237] The second pin slot may include a first slot 982 that accommodates the first pin 961 and a second slot 984 that accommodates the second pin 962. The first slot 982 and the second slot 984 may be partitioned and spaced apart.

[0238] The second guide member 970 may include an extension 971 that is fastened to the main door 30. The extension 971 may have a fastening hole 972 through which a fastening member passes. The fastening member may be fastened to the main door 30 by passing through the fastening hole 942.

[0239] The second guide member 970 may include a first body portion 973 that forms the first slot 982 and a second body portion 974 that forms the second slot 984. The first body portion 973 and the second body portion 974 may extend from the extension portion 971.

[0240] The rotation center of the main door 30 can also be moved by the upper main hinge mechanism 90 and the lower main hinge mechanism 950 of this embodiment.

[0241] Figure 25A shows a first modified example of the first door, and Figure 25B shows a second modified example of the first door.

[0242] Figure 26A shows a third modified example of the first door, and Figure 26B shows a fourth modified example of the first door.

[0243] In Figures 25 and 26, the modified form of the first door is changed only by altering one or more of the main door and sub-door configurations, and the basic structure for rotating the main door and sub-door is the same as that described in the previous embodiment.

[0244] First, referring to Figure 3, a portion of the upper side of the sub-door 40 covers the front surface of the main door 30, while a portion of the lower side of the sub-door 40 is cut open, so that the portion to which the hinge is connected on the main door 30 (for example, the first extension) can form the front surface of the first door 21.

[0245] Referring to Figure 25A, the entire sub-door 40 can cover the front surface of the main door 30. That is, the front surface of the sub-door 40 can form the front surface of the first door 21.

[0246] Referring to Figure 25B, a portion of the upper and lower parts of the sub-door 40 are cut open, and the portion to which the hinge is connected to the main door 30 (for example, the first extension) can form the front exterior of the first door 21.

[0247] Referring to Figure 26A, a portion of the lower side of the sub-door 40 covers the front surface of the main door 30, while a portion of the upper side of the sub-door 40 is cut open, so that the portion to which the hinge is connected on the main door 30 (for example, the first extension) can form the front surface of the first door 21.

[0248] Referring to Figure 26B, the vertical length of the sub-door 40 may be smaller than the vertical length of the main door 30. The sub-door 40 may be housed in a accommodating section formed on the front surface of the main door 30. In this modified example, the upper and lower parts of the front surface of the first door 21 may be formed by the main door 30, and the portion between the upper and lower parts may be formed by the sub-door 40.

[0249] Figure 27 shows various examples of the arrangement of the pin slots for the main door and the hinge pins for the sub-door.

[0250] First, referring to Figure 27A, the pin slot 732 of the main door 30 may include a first end 732a and a second end 732b.

[0251] Corresponding to what was described in the first embodiment, when the main door 30 is closed, the first pin 721 can contact or approach the first end 732a. When the main door 30 is open to its maximum opening angle, the second pin 722 can contact or approach the second end 732b.

[0252] Of the two sides of the main door 30, the side adjacent to the pin slot 732 can be designated as the first side 30C.

[0253] With the main door 30 closed, the second end portion 732b may be located closer to the first side surface 30C than the first end portion 732a.

[0254] At least a portion of the hinge pin 810B of the sub-door 40 may be located closer to the first side surface 30C than to the second end 732b.

[0255] Referring to Figure 27B, with the main door 30 closed, the hinge pin 810C of the sub-door 40 may be positioned to face the area between the first end 732a and the second end 732b. For example, with the main door 30 closed, the hinge pin 810C may be located closer to the first pin 721 than to the second end 732b. With the main door 30 closed, the second end 732b may be located closer to the first side surface 30C than to the hinge pin 810C.

[0256] Referring to Figure 27C, with the main door 30 closed, at least a portion of the hinge pin 810D of the sub-door 40 may be located closer to the back surface 30B of the main door 30 than the first end 732a. At least a portion of the hinge pin 810D of the sub-door 40 may be located further away from the back surface 30B of the main door 30 than the second end 732b. With the main door 30 closed, the second end 732b may be located closer to the first side surface 30C than the hinge pin 810C.

[0257] The line connecting the first end 732a and the second end 732b may overlap the hinge pin 810D in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the hinge pin 810D may be located within the region formed by the line connecting the first end 732a and the second end 732b and the pin slot 732.

[0258] Referring to Figure 27D, with the main door 30 closed, the hinge pin 810E of the sub-door 40 may be located closer to the first end 732a than to the second end 732b. At least a portion of the hinge pin 810E of the sub-door 40 may be located further away from the back surface 30B of the main door 30 than to the first end 732a.

[0259] Referring to Figure 27E, with the main door 30 closed, at least a portion of the hinge pin 810F may be located further from the first side surface 30C than the first end 732a and the second end 732b, respectively. At least a portion of the hinge pin 810E of the sub-door 40 may be located further from the back surface 30B of the main door 30 than the first end 732a.

Claims

1. A cabinet with storage space, The main door for opening and closing the aforementioned storage space, A sub-door that is rotatable relative to the main door, A main hinge mechanism that allows the main door to rotate relative to the cabinet, The main hinge mechanism includes a sub-hinge mechanism that makes the sub-door rotatable relative to the main door, and the main hinge mechanism includes a hinge body installed on the cabinet, A pin unit provided in either the hinge body or the main door, The hinge body and a pin slot provided in the other of the main doors, which houses the pin unit, The aforementioned sub-hinge mechanism is Includes a hinge pin that provides the pivot point of the sub-door, A home appliance in which, during the opening process of the main door, the relative position between the pin slot and the pin unit changes, causing the center of rotation of the main door to shift.

2. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the center of rotation of the sub-door is fixed in position during the rotation process of the sub-door.

3. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein, with the main door closed, at least a portion of the hinge pin is located closer to the front surface of the sub-door than the pin slot.

4. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein, with the main door closed, the hinge pin is positioned closer to the front surface of the sub-door than the pin unit.

5. When the side adjacent to the sub-hinge mechanism among the two sides of the sub-door is designated as the first side, The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein, with the main door closed, at least a portion of the hinge pin is located closer to the first side than the pin slot, or at least a portion of the pin slot is located closer to the first side than the hinge pin.

6. When the side adjacent to the sub-hinge mechanism among the two sides of the sub-door is designated as the first side, The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein, with the main door closed, the hinge pin is located closer to the first side surface than the pin unit, or the pin unit is located closer to the first side surface than the hinge pin.

7. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein in at least a portion of the entire opening section of the main door, the rotation center of the main door is located further from the front of the cabinet than the rotation center of the sub-door.

8. The main door includes an extension that extends from the front of the main door toward the sub-door, The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the pin slot is located in the extension portion.

9. The sub-door includes a hinge mounting portion on which the extension portion is located. The home appliance according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the hinge pin is located in the hinge mounting portion.

10. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the pin slots overlaps the sub-door in the vertical direction.

11. The aforementioned sub-hinge mechanism includes a first bush provided in the main door, The present invention further includes a second bush provided in the aforementioned subdoor, The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the hinge pin penetrates the first bush and is housed in the second bush.

12. The aforementioned sub-hinge mechanism includes a first bush provided in the main door, The present invention further includes a second bush provided in the aforementioned subdoor, The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the hinge pin includes a first pin housed in the first bush and a second pin housed in the second bush.

13. The pin unit includes a first pin and a second pin that are separated from each other. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the first pin and the second pin are housed in the pin slot.

14. The pin unit includes a first pin and a second pin that are separated from each other. The pin slot comprises a first slot in which the first pin is housed, The home appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a second slot partitioned from the first slot and housing the second pin.

15. In a portion of the entire opening section of the main door, the center of rotation of the main door moves away from the front of the cabinet. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein in a portion of the entire opening section of the main door, the center of rotation of the main door moves toward the front of the cabinet.

16. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein in a portion of the entire open section of the main door, the rotation center of the main door is located outside the sub-door and the main door.

17. A cabinet with storage space, The main door for opening and closing the aforementioned storage space, A sub-door that is rotatable relative to the main door, A main hinge mechanism that allows the main door to rotate relative to the cabinet, The main hinge mechanism includes a sub-hinge mechanism that makes the sub-door rotatable relative to the main door, and the main hinge mechanism includes a hinge body installed on the cabinet, The hinge body and the main door are provided with a first pin and a second pin which are spaced apart from each other, The hinge body and the other of the main doors include a pin slot that houses the first and second pins, The aforementioned sub-hinge mechanism is A home appliance comprising a hinge pin that provides a pivot point for the sub-door and is spaced apart from the first and second pins.

18. With the main door closed, The home appliance according to claim 17, wherein the hinge pin is located closer to the front surface of the sub-door than the first and second pins.

19. With the main door open to its maximum opening angle, The home appliance according to claim 18, wherein the hinge pin is located closer to the front surface of the sub-door than the first and second pins.

20. With the main door open to its maximum opening angle, The home appliance according to claim 18, wherein the first pin and the second pin are located closer to the front surface of the sub-door than the hinge pin.

Images