Refrigerator

Abstract

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

Description

refrigerator

[0001] This specification relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a refrigerator door. It is configured to store stored food in an optimal condition by cooling the interior of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] The above refrigerator can be placed independently in a kitchen or living room, or stored inside a kitchen cabinet.

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

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

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

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

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

[0009] According to prior literature, since the hinge body has a structure in which a positioning axis and a guide axis are formed respectively, and the positioning axis and the guide axis are inserted into a positioning groove and a guide groove respectively, there is a disadvantage in that the structure of the hinge body and the guide block becomes complicated.

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

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

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

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

[0014] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

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

[0016] The refrigerator may include a first guide. The first guide may be provided on either the hinge bracket or the door.

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

[0018] In a first opening section among the entire opening sections of the door, the center of rotation of the door may be located outside the first guide. In a second opening section following the first opening section, the center of rotation of the door may be located on the first guide.

[0019] The opening angle of the door in the second opening section may be greater than the opening angle of the door in the first opening section.

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

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

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

[0023] The center of curvature of the rounded portion of the first member may coincide with the center of rotation of the door in the first open section.

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

[0025] In the second open section, the door can be rotated relative to the second member.

[0026] The second guide may include a receiving portion for receiving the first member. The receiving portion may include a first region in which the first member is positioned in the first open section. The receiving portion may further include a second region in which the first member is positioned in the second open section.

[0027] The wall forming the second region may include a stopper that limits rotation of the door when the door is rotated to the maximum opening angle.

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

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

[0030] In the first open section, the center of rotation of the door is fixed in position and can be located on the outside of the door or on the door.

[0031] In the first open section, the center of rotation of the door can be positioned differently.

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

[0033] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a hinge bracket installed in the cabinet; a first guide provided in the hinge bracket; and a second guide provided in the door and interacting with the first guide during the rotation of the door.

[0034] In a first opening section among the entire opening sections of the door, the door can be rotated about a first rotation center. In a second opening section following the first opening section, the door can be rotated about a second rotation center.

[0035] The angle of the door rotated around the first rotation center may be smaller than the angle of the door rotated around the second rotation center.

[0036] In the first open section, the door can move along the first guide.

[0037] In the second open section, the first guide can provide the second rotation center.

[0038] The position of the first rotation center in the first open section can be fixed.

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

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

[0041] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include: a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a hinge bracket installed in the cabinet; a first guide provided on the hinge bracket; and a second guide provided on the door and interacting with the first guide during the rotation of the door. The door may be opened while being guided by the first guide in a first opening section among the entire opening sections of the door.

[0042] In a second opening section following the first opening section, the door can be rotated relative to the first guide. The opening angle of the door in the second opening section can be greater than the opening angle of the door in the first opening section.

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

[0044] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may further include a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a hinge bracket installed in the cabinet; and an auto-closing device that operates to automatically close the door.

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

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

[0047] The distance between the center of rotation of the lever and the center of rotation of the door can be varied during the process of opening the door.

[0048] During the process of opening the door, the distance between the rotation center of the lever and the rotation center of the door may be reduced.

[0049] During the process of closing the door, the door is automatically closed by the lever, and the position of the center of rotation of the door can be changed during the section in which the door is automatically closed.

[0050] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that the opening angle of the door can be increased by a simple structure.

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

[0052] In one embodiment, the door can be automatically closed while increasing the opening angle of the door.

[0053] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0054] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 1.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a part of the bottom view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0056] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0057] Figure 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0058] Figure 6 is a front view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0059] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0061] Figure 9 is a plan view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the door bracket and the hinge bracket when the door is closed according to the present embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door is closed according to the present embodiment.

[0064] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door according to the present embodiment is opened to a first angle.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door according to the present embodiment is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0066] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door according to the present embodiment is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0067] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door according to the present embodiment is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0068] Figures 16 and 17 are drawings showing various embodiments in which the position of the center of rotation of the door is variable.

[0069] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

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

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment may be installed independently in a kitchen or accommodated within a furniture cabinet indoors. When the refrigerator (1) is installed within a furniture cabinet indoors, the refrigerator (1) may be installed alone or arranged left and right together with other refrigerators.

[0073] The above refrigerator (1) may include a cabinet (10) having a storage space and a door (20) for opening and closing the storage space.

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

[0075] 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 sides. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, with a single door opening and closing the storage space.

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

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

[0078] For example, hinge brackets (50) of the same or different shapes can support the door (20) at the upper and lower sides of the door (20).

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

[0080] For convenience of explanation, the hinge bracket (50) is described below as supporting or guiding the door (20) so as to be rotatably supported.

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

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

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

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

[0085] The above extension (510) can be fastened to the cabinet (10). Depending on the installation position of the hinge bracket (50), the shape of the extension (510) can vary.

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

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

[0088] The auto closing device (60) may have a portion protruding from one side of the door (20) to interact with the hinge bracket (50).

[0089] The auto closing device (60) may include a body (610) installed on the door (20). The auto closing device (60) may further include a lever (620) movably installed on the body (610). The lever (620) may be movably connected to the body (610) while being elastically supported. For example, the auto closing device (60) may further include an elastic member for elastically supporting the lever (620).

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

[0091] When the door (20) is closed while the lever (620) has accumulated elastic force, the elastic force acts as a closing force of the door (20), so that the door (20) can be automatically closed.

[0092] Meanwhile, a gasket (G) may be provided on the back surface of the door (20). When the door (20) is closed, the gasket (G) may come into contact with the front surface (10a) of the cabinet (10).

[0093] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a front view of a hinge bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the extension portion (510) of the present embodiment may include one or more fastening holes (512). A fastening member may pass through the fastening holes (512) and be coupled to the cabinet (10).

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

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

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

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

[0099] When the hinge body (520) is positioned on the lower side of the door (20), the guide part (530) may protrude from the upper surface of the hinge body (520). Of course, when the hinge body (520) is positioned on the upper side of the door (20), the guide part (530) may protrude from the lower surface of the hinge body (520).

[0100] At least a portion of the above guide portion (530) may be inserted into the door (20) to guide the rotation of the door (20). At least a portion of the above guide portion (530) may provide a center of rotation of the door (20) during the rotation of the door (20).

[0101] The above guide portion (530) may include a first member (531).

[0102] The first member (531) can guide the rotation of the door (20). For example, the first member (531) can guide the rotation of the door (20) in a portion of the entire rotation section of the door (20).

[0103] The above first member (531) may include a rounded portion.

[0104] The above first member (531) may be inclined with respect to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The X-axis direction may be, for example, the left-right direction of the refrigerator, the Y-axis direction may be, for example, the front-back direction of the refrigerator, and the Z-axis direction may be, for example, the up-down direction. The Y-axis direction may be the direction in which the cabinet (10) and the door (20) are arranged.

[0105] Alternatively, the Z-axis direction is the direction in which the center of rotation of the door (20) extends, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are directions intersecting the Z-axis direction.

[0106] The first member (531) may include a first surface (531a). The first surface (531a) may include, for example, a rounded portion in a horizontal direction. The rounded portion of the first surface (531a) may have a first curvature.

[0107] The first member (531) may further include a second surface (531b) spaced apart from the first surface (531a). The second surface (531b) may include a portion facing the first surface (531a).

[0108] The second surface (531b) may include, for example, a rounded portion in a horizontal direction. The rounded portion of the second surface (531b) may have a second curvature. The first curvature and the second curvature may be the same or different.

[0109] The first curvature may be constant or variable. The second curvature may be constant or variable.

[0110] The center (R1) of the curvature of the rounded portion on the first surface (531a) may be the same as the center (R1) of the rounded portion on the second surface (531a). The center (R1) may be located on the outside of the hinge bracket (50).

[0111] Alternatively, the first member (531) may include a rounded portion, and the center of curvature (R1) of the rounded portion may be located on the outside of the hinge bracket (50).

[0112] As another example, it is also possible for the center of curvature (R1) of the rounded portion to be located on the hinge body (520).

[0113] The first member (531) may include a third surface (531c) connecting a portion of the first surface (531a) and a portion of the second surface (531b). The third surface (531c) may include a portion that extends in a rounded or straight shape.

[0114] The first member (531) may include a fourth side (531d) connecting another part of the first side (531a) and another part of the second side (531b).

[0115] The above fourth side (531d) may include a rounded portion.

[0116] The distance between the first surface (531a) and the second surface (531b) may be smaller than the distance between the third surface (531c) and the second surface (531d).

[0117] The above guide portion (530) may further include a second member (533). The second member (533) may extend from one side of the first member (531).

[0118] For example, one side of the first member (531) may be a side facing the door (20).

[0119] The second member (533) may protrude from a portion of one side of the first member (531). The second member (533) may protrude in the Z-axis direction from one side of the first member (531).

[0120] As an example, FIG. 4 illustrates that the second member (533) protrudes from the upper surface of the first member (531).

[0121] The second member (533) may include a rounded portion for rotation of the door (20).

[0122] The second member (533) can provide a center of rotation of the door (20) in some other rotation sections among the entire rotation sections of the door (20). That is, the second member (533) can serve as a rotation axis in some other rotation sections of the door (20).

[0123] The second member (533) may be positioned closer to the fourth side (531d) than to the third side (531c) of the first member (531).

[0124] A portion of the second member (533) and the fourth surface (531d) can form a continuous surface in the X-axis direction.

[0125] The curvature of the rounded portion of the second member (533) may be the same as or similar to the curvature of the fourth surface (531d).

[0126] The above second member (533) may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example.

[0127] The distance between the first surface (531a) and the second surface (531b) may be equal to or similar to the diameter of the second member (533).

[0128] The above guide portion (530) may further include a third member (535). The third member (535) may extend from one side of the second member (533).

[0129] For example, one side of the second member (533) may be a side facing the door (20).

[0130] The third member (535) may protrude from a portion of one surface of the second member (533). The third member (535) may protrude in the Z-axis direction from one surface of the second member (533). As an example, FIG. 4 illustrates the third member (535) protruding from the upper surface of the second member (533).

[0131] The second member (533) may be positioned between the first member (531) and the third member (535).

[0132] The third member (535) may include a rounded portion for rotation of the door (20).

[0133] For example, the first member (535) may guide the rotation of the door (20) in a portion of the entire rotation section of the door (20). At this time, the section in which the first member (531) guides the rotation of the door (20) and the section in which the third member (535) guides the rotation of the door (20) may be the same or different.

[0134] The third member (535) may have a different size from the first member (531) and may have the same or similar shape. For example, the third member (535) may also include at least four distinct faces. At least two of the four faces may include rounded portions. The third member (535) may be omitted as long as the first member (531) can guide the movement of the door (20).

[0135] The above-mentioned Korean paper bracket (50) may further include a contact surface (540) that comes into contact with the contact portion (622) of the lever (620).

[0136] The above contact surface (540) may be one surface of the hinge body (520) or one surface of a member coupled to the hinge body (520).

[0137] The above contact surface (540) may include a first contact surface (541). The first contact surface (541) may be the surface that the lever (620) first comes into contact with when the door (20) is closed after the door (20) is opened.

[0138] When the door (20) is opened to a predetermined angle or more, the lever (620) does not come into contact with the first contact surface (541). When the door (20) is closed to an angle less than the predetermined angle, the lever (620) may come into contact with the first contact surface (541).

[0139] The first contact surface (541) may be inclined in a direction away from the guide portion (530) as it gets closer to the front surface (10a) of the cabinet (10).

[0140] The above contact surface (540) may further include a second contact surface (542) extending from the first contact surface (541). The second contact surface (542) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the first contact surface (541).

[0141] The second contact surface (542) may be inclined in a direction closer to the guide portion (530) as it gets closer to the front of the cabinet (10).

[0142] When the door (20) is closed, the lever (620) moves along the second contact surface (542) and a closing force is provided to the door (20), so that the door (20) can be automatically closed.

[0143] The above contact surface (540) may further include a third contact surface (543) extending from the second contact surface (542). The third contact surface (543) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the second contact surface (542).

[0144] The third contact surface (543) may extend from the second contact surface (542) in a direction approaching the guide portion (530).

[0145] The above hinge bracket (50) may further include a receiving groove (544) for receiving a part of the lever (620) or reducing interference with the lever (620) when the lever (620) is in contact with the third contact surface (543).

[0146] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of a door bracket according to the present embodiment.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, the door (20) of the present embodiment may further include a door bracket (40). The door bracket (40) may interact with the guide portion (530) during the rotation of the door (20).

[0148] The above door bracket (40) may be formed integrally with the door (20) or may be combined with the door (20).

[0149] When the door bracket (40) is coupled to the door (20), the door bracket (40) can be coupled to a surface of the door (20) that faces the hinge body (520).

[0150] For example, the door bracket (40) may be coupled to the lower surface of the door (20). The door bracket (40) may include one or more fastening holes (410) for fastening to the door (20). One side (401) of the door bracket (40) may be formed to be sunken. The fastening hole (410) may be formed in the sunken portion of the one side (401). The one side (401) of the bracket (40) may be a side facing the hinge body (520).

[0151] The above door bracket (40) may further include another side (402) located opposite to one side (401).

[0152] The above door bracket (40) can be positioned apart from the auto closing device (60) on the door (20).

[0153] The above door bracket (40) can accommodate the guide portion (530). The bracket (40) can further include a receiving portion (420) for accommodating the guide portion (530). That is, the door (20) can include a receiving portion (420) for accommodating the guide portion (530).

[0154] In this specification, the guide portion (530) of the hinge bracket (50) may be referred to as a first guide, and the receiving portion (420) of the door bracket (40) may be referred to as a second guide. In one embodiment, the second guide may interact with the first guide during the opening / closing process or the rotation process of the door (20). For example, the first guide may be received in the second guide.

[0155] Conversely, it is also possible for the first guide to be formed on the door bracket (40) and the second guide to be formed on the hinge bracket (50). In this case, it can be understood that the second guide is accommodated in the first guide.

[0156] The above-mentioned receiving portion (420) may include a sunken portion. At least a portion of the receiving portion (420) may be sunken from one side (401) of the door bracket (40) toward the other side (402).

[0157] The above-mentioned receiving portion (420) may include a first receiving portion (422) (or first space) in which the first member (531) is received.

[0158] The first receiving portion (422) may be formed by recessing from one side (401) of the door bracket (40) toward the other side (402). The direction from one side (401) of the door bracket (40) toward the other side (402) may be, for example, the Z-axis direction.

[0159] The above-mentioned receiving portion (420) may further include a second receiving portion (424) (or second space) in which the second member (533) is received.

[0160] The above second receiving portion (424) may be formed by being sunken toward the other surface (402) of the door bracket (40) on the surface forming the first space (422).

[0161] The horizontal length of the second receiving portion (424) may be greater than the diameter of the second member (535). Therefore, when the door (20) is opened while the second member (535) is positioned within the second receiving portion (424), the relative positions of the second member (535) and the second receiving portion (424) may be changed.

[0162] The above-mentioned receiving portion (420) may further include a third receiving portion (430) (or third space) in which the third member (535) is received.

[0163] The third receiving portion (430) may extend toward the other surface (402) of the door bracket (40) from the surface forming the second receiving portion (424).

[0164] The first receiving portion (422) may be, for example, a groove. The second receiving portion (424) may be, for example, a groove. The third receiving portion (430) may be, for example, a groove or a hole (through hole).

[0165] The first receiving portion (422) may include a first region (422a). When the door (20) is closed, the first member (531) may be positioned in the first region (422a).

[0166] In a state where the first member (531) is positioned in the first region (422a), the wall (423) forming the first region (422a) can come into contact with the first member (531).

[0167] The wall (423) may, for example, be in contact with the fourth surface (531d) of the first member (531). The wall (423) may be in contact with at least one of the first surface (531a) and the second surface (531b) of the first member (531). The wall (423) may include a rounded portion corresponding to the shape of the first member (531).

[0168] The first receiving portion (422) may further include a second region (422b). The second region (422b) may extend from the first region (422a). When the door (20) is opened, the first member (531) may be positioned in the second region (422b).

[0169] The wall forming the second region (422b) may include a first wall (423a). The first wall (423a) may extend from the wall (423) forming the first region (422a). The first wall (423a) may include a rounded portion.

[0170] The wall forming the second region (422b) may further include a second wall (423b). The second wall (423b) may extend from the first wall (423a).

[0171] The second wall (423b) may include a rounded portion. The first curvature of the rounded portion of the first wall (423a) may be different from the second curvature of the rounded portion of the second wall (423b). The first curvature may be smaller than the second curvature.

[0172] The wall forming the second region (422b) may further include a third wall (423c). The third wall (423c) may extend from the second wall (423b).

[0173] The third wall (423c) may include a straight portion or a rounded portion.

[0174] When the third wall (423c) includes a rounded portion, the third curvature of the rounded portion of the third wall (423c) may be different from the second curvature.

[0175] The third wall (423c) may be directly connected to the wall (423) forming the first region (422a) or may be connected by a connecting wall.

[0176] The first region (422a) can guide the movement of the door (20) during the initial opening of the door (20). The second region (422b) can prevent interference with the guide portion (530) during the opening of the door (20).

[0177] A portion of the wall forming the second region (422b) may limit the rotation of the door (20) when the door (20) is rotated to the maximum opening angle. For example, the third wall (423c) may serve as a stopper limiting the rotation of the door (20).

[0178] The third receiving portion (430) may include a first part (431). The first part (431) may guide the movement of the third member (535) during the initial opening of the door (20).

[0179] The third receiving portion (430) may further include a second part (433) extending from the first part (431). The diameter of the second part (433) may be larger than the width of the first part (433).

[0180] The second part (433) may serve to prevent interference with the third member (535) when the third member (535) rotates during the rotation process of the door (20).

[0181] The above door bracket (40) may further include a protrusion (403) protruding from the one side (401).

[0182] For example, a single protrusion (403) may be formed continuously along the periphery of the receiving portion (420). Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions (403) may be spaced apart and arranged along the periphery of the receiving portion (420). Alternatively, one or more protrusions (430) may be positioned around the periphery of the receiving portion (420).

[0183] The above protrusion (403) can prevent one side (401) of the door bracket (40) from directly contacting the hinge body (520). That is, the protrusion (403) can contact the hinge body (520). Therefore, the contact area between the door bracket (40) and the hinge body (520) can be reduced, thereby reducing friction.

[0184] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the door bracket and the hinge bracket when the door is closed according to the present embodiment.

[0185] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door is closed according to the present embodiment. Fig. 12 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door is opened by a first angle according to the present embodiment. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle according to the present embodiment. Fig. 14 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door is opened by a third angle greater than the second angle according to the present embodiment. Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the hinge bracket and the door when the door is opened by a maximum opening angle according to the present embodiment.

[0186] In FIGS. 11 to 15, (a) is a drawing of the door bracket and the hinge bracket viewed from the lower side of the refrigerator, and (b) is a drawing of the door bracket and the hinge bracket viewed from the upper side of the refrigerator.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 15, when the door (20) is closed, the guide portion (530) can be positioned in the first region (422a). That is, the first member (531) can be positioned in the first region (422a).

[0188] When the door (20) is closed, the second member (533) can be positioned on one side of the second receiving portion (424).

[0189] When the door (20) is closed, the third member (535) can be positioned closer to the front (20a) than the rear (20b) of the door (20). The third member (535) can be positioned on the first part (531).

[0190] When the door (20) is closed, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can contact the third contact surface (543).

[0191] When the door (20) starts to open while the door (20) is closed, the door (20) can be rotated in one direction (direction D1) based on the first rotation center (C1).

[0192] The first rotation center (C1) may be a virtual rotation center. The first rotation center (C1) may be located on the outside of the door (20). For example, the first rotation center (C1) may be located forward of the front surface (20a) of the door (20).

[0193] The first rotation center (C1) may coincide with the center of curvature (R1) of the guide portion (530). The position of the first rotation center (C1) may vary depending on the shape of the guide portion (530).

[0194] For example, if the curvature of the first member (531) is constant, the position of the first rotation center (C1) can be fixed. If the curvature of the first member (531) is variable, the position of the first rotation center (C1) can be variable during the opening process of the door (20).

[0195] As another example, it is also possible for the first rotation center (C1) to be located at the door (20). However, even in this case, it may be preferable for the first rotation center (C1) to be located close to the front surface (20a) of the door (20).

[0196] The above door (20) may include two sides. The two sides may include a first side (20c) adjacent to the hinge bracket (50) and a second side (20d) located opposite the first side (20c).

[0197] In the case where the refrigerator (1) is positioned within a cabinet (P), it is necessary to prevent interference between the door (20) and the cabinet (P) during the rotation of the door (20) while the side of the refrigerator (1) is positioned adjacent to the cabinet (P).

[0198] For this purpose, in the present embodiment, it may be preferable that the first rotation center (C1) be positioned adjacent to the first side surface (20c).

[0199] In this specification, the direction approaching the second side (20d) with respect to the first rotation center (C1) may be referred to as the + X-axis direction, and the direction away from the second side (20d) may be referred to as the - X-axis direction.

[0200] The direction moving away from the cabinet (10) based on the first rotation center (C1) may be referred to as the + Y-axis direction, and the direction moving closer to the cabinet (10) may be referred to as the - Y-axis direction.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 12, the door (20) can be rotated by a first angle (θ1) based on the first rotation center (C1).

[0202] For example, a point (A1) of the door (20) can be rotated based on the first rotation center (C1). The point (A1) of the door (20) can be, for example, the rotation center of the lever (620).

[0203] In the process of the door (20) being opened by the first angle (θ1), the distance between a point (A1) of the door (20) and the first rotation center (C1) may be constant.

[0204] Of course, when the position of the first rotation center (C1) is changed, the distance between a point (A1) of the door (20) and the first rotation center (C1) may also be changed in the process of the door (20) being opened by the first angle (θ1).

[0205] When the door (20) above is rotated by a first angle (θ1) based on the first rotation center (C1), the guide part (530) can be positioned in the second area (422b).

[0206] As the door (20) moves along the guide portion (530), the opening angle increases, and when the door (20) is opened by the first angle (θ1), the guide portion (530) is positioned in the second area (422b).

[0207] The above first angle (θ1) is not limited, but may be an angle within the range of 13 degrees to 23 degrees.

[0208] In the process of opening the door (20) by the first angle (θ1), the first side (20c) of the door (20) can move away from the furniture (P).

[0209] When the door (20) is opened to a first angle (θ1), the first member (531) can come into contact with the first wall (423a). The first member (531) can come into contact with the second wall (423b).

[0210] For example, the first wall (423a) may be in contact with the first surface (531a) of the first member (531). The second wall (423b) may be in contact with the third surface (531c) of the first member (531).

[0211] When the door (20) is opened by a first angle (θ1), the second member (533) can be positioned on the other side of the second receiving portion (424). The other side of the second receiving portion (424) can be positioned closer to the second area (422b) than one side of the second receiving portion (424).

[0212] In the process of the door (20) being opened by the first angle (θ1), the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can come into contact with the second contact surface (542).

[0213] When the door (20) is opened by a first angle (θ1), the door (20) can be opened further.

[0214] At this time, when the guide part (530) is in contact with the second wall (423b) forming the second region (422b), the door (20) can no longer rotate around the first rotation center (C1). That is, the second wall (423b) forming the second region (422b) is interfered with by the guide part (530), so that the door (20) can no longer move along the guide part (530).

[0215] When the door (20) is opened by a first angle (θ1), the door (20) can be rotated based on the guide part (530). That is, after the door (20) is opened by a first angle (θ1), the guide part (530) can provide a center of rotation of the door (20).

[0216] Before the door (20) is opened by the first angle (θ1), the rotation center of the door (20) may be located outside the guide part (530). After the door (20) is opened by the first angle (θ1), the rotation center of the door (20) may be located at the guide part (530).

[0217] The second member (533) may provide a second rotation center (C2) of the door (20). Therefore, after the door (20) is opened by the first angle (θ1), the door (20) may be rotated with respect to the second member (533). When the door (20) is rotated with respect to the second member (533), the second member (533) may be maintained in a state of being positioned on the other side of the second receiving portion (424).

[0218] In this embodiment, among the entire open section in which the door (20) is opened, in some open sections, the door (20) can rotate based on the first rotation center (C1).

[0219] The above-mentioned partially open section may include a section in which the door (20) moves away from the furniture (P).

[0220] Among the entire open section in which the door (20) is opened, in some other open sections, the door (20) can rotate based on the second rotation center (C2).

[0221] The position of the center of rotation of the door (20) can be changed more than once during the entire opening section in which the door (20) is opened.

[0222] The second rotation center (C2) may be positioned further away from the first side (22c) of the door (20) than the first rotation center (C1).

[0223] The distance between the second rotation center (C2) and a point (A1) of the door (20) may be shorter than the distance between the first rotation center (C1) and a point (A1) of the door (20).

[0224] In this embodiment, the second rotation center (C2) can be moved in the + X-axis direction from the first rotation center (C1).

[0225] The second rotation center (C2) can be moved in the Y-axis direction from the first rotation center (C1).

[0226] Referring to FIG. 13, the door (20) can be rotated around the second rotation center (C2) so that the door (20) can be opened by a second angle greater than the first angle.

[0227] When the door (20) is opened to the second angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can contact one point of the first contact surface (541).

[0228] When the door (20) is opened to the second angle, the first wall (423a) can be spaced apart from the first member (531).

[0229] For example, the first wall (423a) may be spaced apart from the first surface (531a) of the first member (531). In the process of the opening angle of the door (20) changing from the first angle to the second angle, the second wall (423b) may remain in contact with the third surface (531c) of the first member (531). In the process of the door (20) rotating around the second rotation center (C2), the second wall (423b) may slide with the third surface (531c) of the first member (531).

[0230] Referring to FIG. 14, the door (20) can be additionally rotated around the second rotation center (C2) so that the door (20) can be opened by a third angle greater than the second angle.

[0231] When the door (20) is opened to the third angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can contact another point of the first contact surface (541).

[0232] Referring to FIG. 15, the door (20) can be additionally rotated around the second rotation center (C2) so that the door (20) can be opened by a maximum opening angle (θ2) greater than the third angle.

[0233] When the door (20) is opened to the maximum opening angle, the first member (531) comes into contact with the wall that acts as a stopper of the second area (422b), so that the rotation of the door (20) can be restricted.

[0234] That is, when the door (20) is opened to the maximum opening angle, the first member (531) comes into contact with the third wall (423c), so that further rotation of the door (20) may be restricted.

[0235] When the door (20) is opened to the maximum opening angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can be spaced apart from the contact surface (540).

[0236] According to this embodiment, since the guide part can guide the rotation of the door and provide a center of rotation in at least some section where the door is opened, there is an advantage in that the opening angle of the door can be increased with a simple structure.

[0237] The process of closing the above door (20) will be briefly explained.

[0238] After the door (20) is opened at an angle less than the maximum opening angle, the door (20) can be closed by rotating in the other direction.

[0239] Referring to FIG. 14, when the door (20) is rotated around the second rotation center (C2) and the door (20) is closed, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can come into contact with the first contact portion (541).

[0240] In the process of closing the door (20), the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can be rotated in the first direction in which elastic force is accumulated when the door (20) is further closed after contacting the first contact portion (541).

[0241] In the process of closing the door (20), the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) moves along the first contact portion (541), and the elastic force accumulated by the lever (620) can increase.

[0242] In the process of additionally closing the door (20), the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can be spaced apart from the first contact surface (541) and come into contact with the second contact surface (542).

[0243] When the door (20) is further rotated in the closing direction while the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) is in contact with the second contact surface (542), the door (20) can be automatically closed by the elastic force accumulated by the lever (620).

[0244] The elastic force accumulated by the above lever (620) can act as an automatic closing force of the door (20).

[0245] The position of the rotation center of the door (20) can be changed when the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) is in contact with the second contact surface (542). That is, when the door (20) is in contact with the second contact surface (542), the door (20) can rotate around the second rotation center (C2). After contacting the second contact surface (542), the door (20) can rotate around the first rotation center (C1).

[0246] From the perspective of the auto closing device (60), the distance between the lever (620) and the center of rotation of the door (20) can be varied during the closing process of the door (20).

[0247] Among the entire closing section in which the door (20) is closed, the position of the center of rotation of the door (20) can be changed in the automatic closing section by the lever (620).

[0248] The door (20) can be automatically closed to the closed position by the lever (620). In the automatic closing section of the door (20), the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can be spaced apart from the second contact surface (542) and come into contact with the third contact surface (543). When the door (20) is closed, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can remain in contact with the third contact surface (543).

[0249] Figures 16 and 17 are drawings showing various embodiments in which the position of the center of rotation of the door is variable.

[0250] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the position of the center of rotation of the door (20) can be changed during the opening process of the door (20).

[0251] Among the entire opening section in which the door (20) is opened, in the first opening section, the door (20) can rotate around the first rotation center (C1). At this time, the first opening section may be the section from when the door (20) begins to open until it opens by a first angle.

[0252] In the first open section, the position of the first rotation center (C1) may be fixed or variable. In the second open section following the first open section, the door (20) may be rotated around the second rotation center (C2). In the second open section, the position of the second rotation center (C2) may be fixed or variable.

[0253] Below, a case where the position of the first rotation center (C1) is changed in the first open section is described.

[0254] Referring to (a) of Fig. 16, the first rotation center (C1) of the first open section can move in the +X-axis direction.

[0255] At the beginning of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located outside the door (20). At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located outside the door (20).

[0256] After the first rotation center (C1) is moved in the +X-axis direction, the door (20) can be rotated based on the second rotation center (C2) in the second open section, which is the section after the first open section.

[0257] As another example, referring to (b) of FIG. 16, in the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) can move in the +X-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction.

[0258] At the beginning of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located outside the door (20). At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located outside the door (20) or may be located in the door (20).

[0259] That is, in the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) can move in a direction closer to the cabinet (10).

[0260] As another example, referring to (c) of FIG. 16, in the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) can move in the +X-axis direction and the +Y-axis direction.

[0261] At the beginning of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located outside the door (20). At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located outside the door (20).

[0262] In the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) can move away from the cabinet (10).

[0263] As another example, referring to (a) of FIG. 17, the first rotation center (C1) of the first open section can move in the +X-axis direction.

[0264] At the beginning of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located at the door (20). At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located at the door (20).

[0265] After the first rotation center (C1) is moved in the +X-axis direction, the door (20) can be rotated based on the second rotation center (C2) in the second open section, which is the section after the first open section.

[0266] As another example, referring to (b) of FIG. 17, in the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) can move in the +X-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction.

[0267] At the beginning of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located at the door (20). At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located at the door (20). In the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may move in a direction closer to the cabinet (10).

[0268] As another example, referring to (c) of FIG. 17, in the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) can move in the +X-axis direction and the +Y-axis direction.

[0269] At the beginning of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located at the door (20). At the end of the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) may be located at the door (20) or may be located outside the door (20).

[0270] In the first open section, the first rotation center (C1) can move away from the cabinet (10).

Claims

1. Cabinet forming a storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage space; Hinge bracket installed in the above cabinet; A first guide provided on one of the hinge brackets and the door; and A second guide is provided on the other of the hinge bracket and the door, and acts with the first guide during the rotation of the door. In the first opening section of the entire opening section of the door, the center of rotation of the door is located outside the first guide, A refrigerator wherein the center of rotation of the door is located on the first guide in the second opening section after the first opening section.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the opening angle of the door in the second open section is greater than the opening angle of the door in the first open section.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the first guide protrudes from the hinge bracket and is accommodated in the second guide.

4. In paragraph 1, The above first guide comprises a first member including a rounded portion, A refrigerator comprising a second member protruding from one side of the first member.

5. In paragraph 4, The center of curvature of the rounded portion of the first member coincides with the center of rotation of the door in the first open section, or A refrigerator wherein the curvature of the rounded portion of the first member is constant or variable.

6. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the door rotates relative to the second member in the second open section.

7. In paragraph 4, The second guide includes a receiving portion that receives the first member, The above-mentioned receiving portion comprises a first region in which the first member is positioned in the first open section, and A refrigerator comprising a second region in which the first member is positioned in the second open section.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator wherein the wall forming the second region includes a stopper that restricts rotation of the door when the door is rotated to the maximum opening angle.

9. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator wherein the first guide further includes a third member protruding from the second member.

10. In paragraph 4, The above second guide comprises a first receiving portion for accommodating the first absence, and A refrigerator comprising a second receiving portion formed by being sunken in one surface of the first receiving portion and configured to receive the second member.

11. In paragraph 1, In the above first open section, the center of rotation of the door is fixed in position and located outside the door or located in the door, A refrigerator wherein the center of rotation of the door is variable in position in the first open section.

12. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the second guide includes a stopper that interferes with the first guide and restricts rotation of the door when the door is rotated in the second open section.

13. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the door moves along the first guide in the first open section.

14. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator in which the first guide in the second open section provides a center of rotation of the door.

15. In paragraph 1, In the above first open section, the center of rotation of the door is located on the outside of the door, A refrigerator wherein the center of rotation of the door in the second open section is located at the door.

16. In paragraph 1, An auto-closing device is further provided, which is installed on the door at a position spaced from the center of rotation of the door, operates to automatically close the door by interacting with the hinge bracket during the closing process of the door, and has a lever that can rotate with respect to the door. A refrigerator in which the distance between the center of rotation of the lever and the center of rotation of the door is variable during the process of opening the door.

17. In paragraph 16, A refrigerator in which the distance between the center of rotation of the lever and the center of rotation of the door decreases during the process of opening the door.

18. In paragraph 16, A refrigerator in which the door is automatically closed by the lever during the closing process of the door, and the position of the center of rotation of the door is variable during the section in which the door is automatically closed.

19. Cabinet forming a storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage space; Hinge bracket installed in the above cabinet; A first guide provided on one of the hinge brackets and the door; and A second guide is provided on the other of the hinge bracket and the door, and acts with the first guide during the rotation of the door. In the first opening section of the entire opening section of the door, the door rotates about the first rotation center, In the second opening section after the first opening section, the door rotates around the second rotation center, A refrigerator wherein the angle of the door rotated around the first rotation center is smaller than the angle of the door rotated around the second rotation center.

20. Cabinet forming a storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage space; Hinge bracket installed in the above cabinet; A first guide provided on one of the hinge brackets and the door; and A second guide is provided on the other of the hinge bracket and the door, and acts with the first guide during the rotation of the door. In the first opening section of the entire opening section of the above door, the door is opened while being guided by the first guide, In the second opening section after the first opening section, the door rotates relative to the first guide, A refrigerator wherein the opening angle of the door in the second open section is greater than the opening angle of the door in the first open section.

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