Refrigerator

The refrigerator's innovative hinge mechanism with eccentric axes and movable virtual centers of rotation increases the door's opening angle and prevents interference with surrounding structures, enhancing operational ease.

WO2025154831A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-07-24LG ELECTRONICS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/000729
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-15
Publication Date
2025-07-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing refrigerators face limitations in door opening angle due to interference with surrounding structures when installed in cabinets or walls, necessitating a solution to increase the opening angle without causing interference.

Method used

A refrigerator design utilizing a first and second hinge mechanism with eccentrically positioned axes and movable virtual centers of rotation, allowing the door to open wider by shifting its center of rotation away from interfering structures.

Benefits of technology

The design enhances the door's opening angle while preventing interference with cabinets or walls, and reduces the force required for door operation through a simplified structure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A refrigerator according to an aspect includes: a cabinet forming a storage chamber; a door for opening and closing the storage chamber; a first hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting the upper side of the door to the cabinet; and a second hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting the lower side of the door to the cabinet, wherein the first hinge mechanism includes: a first hinge body installed in the cabinet; and a first rotary part connected to the door and having a first shaft rotatably connected to the first hinge body, the second hinge mechanism includes: a second hinge body installed in the cabinet; and a second rotary part connected to the door and having a second shaft rotatably connected to the second hinge body, and the center of the first shaft is eccentric with the center of the second shaft.
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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 and having 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] Meanwhile, as a prior art document, a refrigerator is disclosed in International Publication No. WO2019 / 007278A1.

[0007] One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the opening angle of the door is increased by a simple structure.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the force applied to the axis of the rotating part connected to enable rotation of the door is reduced.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the door opens while the virtual center of rotation of the door moves, thereby preventing interference with surrounding structures during the door opening process.

[0010] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a first hinge mechanism rotatably connecting an upper side of the door to the cabinet; and a second hinge mechanism rotatably connecting a lower side of the door to the cabinet.

[0011] The first hinge mechanism may include a first hinge body installed in the cabinet, a first shaft rotatably connected to the first hinge body, and a first rotating part connected to the door.

[0012] The second hinge mechanism may include a second hinge body installed in the cabinet, a second shaft rotatably connected to the second hinge body, and a second rotating part connected to the door.

[0013] The center of the first axis may be eccentric with the center of the second axis.

[0014] The first rotating part may include a first upper coupling part, and a second upper coupling part may be provided on the upper side of the door so as to be relatively movably coupled to the first upper coupling part.

[0015] The second rotating part may include a first lower coupling part, and a second lower coupling part may be provided on the lower side of the door so as to be relatively movably coupled to the first lower coupling part.

[0016] The second upper coupling portion may extend in a first direction, and the second lower coupling portion may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction and the second direction may be orthogonal.

[0017] The virtual center of rotation of the door is located at the intersection of the second upper joint and the second lower joint, and the virtual center of rotation of the door can move during the opening process of the door.

[0018] The first hinge body may include a first end portion adjacent to a side of the door adjacent to the first axis among both sides of the door. In a portion of the entire opening range of the door, the virtual center of rotation may move away from the first end portion.

[0019] In some sections of the entire opening range of the door, the virtual center of rotation may move in a direction closer to the front of the cabinet. In other sections of the entire opening range of the door, after the partial section, the virtual center of rotation may move in a direction away from the front of the cabinet.

[0020] In some other section after the above-mentioned section among the entire opening sections of the above-mentioned door, the virtual center of rotation can move in a direction away from the front of the above-mentioned cabinet.

[0021] In another part of the entire opening section of the door after the part of the entire opening section, the virtual center of rotation can move in a direction closer to the first end.

[0022] The first upper connecting portion may include a groove, and the second upper connecting portion may include a protrusion received in the groove. The volume of the protrusion inserted into the groove during the opening process of the door may be variable.

[0023] The first upper connecting portion may include a protrusion, and the second upper connecting portion may include a groove in which the protrusion is received. The length of the groove may be greater than the length of the protrusion.

[0024] The first lower joint portion may include a groove, and the second lower joint portion may include a protrusion received in the groove. The volume of the protrusion inserted into the groove during the opening process of the door may be variable.

[0025] The first lower joint may include a protrusion, and the second lower joint may include a groove in which the protrusion is received. The length of the groove may be greater than the length of the protrusion.

[0026] When the eccentric distance between the center of the first axis and the center of the second axis is D, the center of rotation of the door can move along an imaginary circle having a diameter D that passes through the centers of the two axes.

[0027] In one embodiment, since the second upper connecting portion and the second lower connecting portion are formed on the upper and lower sides of the door, respectively, the structure of the door is simplified, and there is an advantage in that the opening angle of the door is increased due to the simple structure.

[0028] In one embodiment, the virtual center of rotation of the door is moved away from the cabinet, so that the opening angle of the door can be increased while preventing interference between the door and the cabinet.

[0029] In one embodiment, since the two eccentric rotating parts rotate while the door moves relative to each other during the rotation process of the door, there is an advantage in that the force applied to the axis of the rotating parts is reduced.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second hinge mechanism of the door of the first embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the joint relationship between the first hinge mechanism, the second hinge mechanism, the door, and the cabinet according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 5 (a) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the arrangement of the first rotating part and the first connecting part, and Fig. 5 (b) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the arrangement of the first rotating part and the first connecting part.

[0035] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the relative positions of the first rotating part and the second rotating part.

[0036] Fig. 7 (a) is a drawing showing the movement path of the virtual center of rotation of the door during the opening and closing process of the door, and Fig. 7 (b) is a drawing showing the principle of movement of the virtual center of rotation of the door by two rotating parts.

[0037] Figures 8 and 9 are drawings showing the door opening process according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 10 (a) is a drawing showing the arrangement of the first rotating part and the second rotating part according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 10 (b) is a drawing showing the arrangement of the first rotating part and the second rotating part according to the third embodiment.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment may be installed independently in a kitchen, or may be installed in a form accommodated in a furniture cabinet (P) (see FIG. 8) or a wall within an indoor space. When the refrigerator (1) is installed in a furniture cabinet or a wall within an indoor space, the refrigerator (1) may be installed alone or may be installed so as to be arranged left and right together with other refrigerators.

[0043] The above refrigerator (1) may include a cabinet (10) having a storage space. The above refrigerator (1) may further include a door (20) for opening and closing the storage space.

[0044] The above storage space is not limited, but may be divided into a first space (11) on the upper side and a second space (12) on the lower side. The door (20) may also include a first door (21) that opens and closes the first space (11) and a second door (22) that opens and closes the second space (12).

[0045] 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.

[0046] At least one of the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be a rotary door. Alternatively, a single door (20) may be a rotary door. Hereinafter, a rotary door (20) will be described as an example.

[0047] In the present embodiment, a door (20) of a rotation type can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge mechanism (100) and a second hinge mechanism (200).

[0048] The first hinge mechanism (100) may be connected to the upper side of the door (20). The second hinge mechanism (200) may be connected to the lower side of the door (20). The first hinge mechanism (100) may be referred to as an upper hinge mechanism. The second hinge mechanism (200) may be referred to as a lower hinge mechanism.

[0049] The first hinge mechanism (100) may include a first hinge body (110). The first hinge body (110) may be coupled to the upper surface or front surface of the cabinet (10). A portion of the first hinge body (110) may overlap the upper side of the door (20) in a vertical direction.

[0050] The second hinge mechanism (200) may include a second hinge body (210). The second hinge body (210) may be coupled to the front or bottom of the cabinet (10). A portion of the second hinge body (210) may overlap the lower side of the door (20) in a vertical direction. The second hinge body (210) may support the load of the door (20).

[0051] When a refrigerator (1) is installed inside a piece of furniture or a wall in an indoor space, the opening angle of the door (20) needs to be increased without interfering with the piece of furniture or the wall during the opening process of the door (20).

[0052] In the present embodiment, the opening angle of the door (20) can be increased by the first hinge mechanism (100) and the second hinge mechanism (200) without the door (20) interfering with the furniture or the wall. For example, the first hinge mechanism (100) and the second hinge mechanism (200) can cause the door (20) to open as the virtual center of rotation of the door (20) moves.

[0053] Below, the first hinge mechanism (100) and the second hinge mechanism (200) are described in detail.

[0054] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relationship between the first hinge mechanism, the second hinge mechanism, the door, and the cabinet according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 (a) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism as seen from above to show the arrangement of the first rotating part and the first connecting part, and Fig. 5 (b) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism as seen from below to show the arrangement of the first rotating part and the first connecting part. Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the relative positions of the first rotating part and the second rotating part.

[0055] Fig. 7 (a) is a drawing showing the movement path of the virtual rotation center of the door during the door opening process, and Fig. 7 (b) is a drawing showing the principle of movement of the virtual rotation center of the door by two rotating parts.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the first hinge mechanism (100) may further include a first rotating part (120) rotatably connected to the first hinge body (110).

[0057] The first rotating part (120) may be connected to the upper side of the door (20). For example, the door (20) may be connected to the first rotating part (120) so as to be movable relative to it.

[0058] The first rotating part (120) may include a first shaft (121). The first hinge body (110) may include a first shaft coupling part (112) to which the first shaft (121) is coupled. The first shaft coupling part (112) may be, for example, a hole or groove into which the first shaft (121) is inserted.

[0059] The first axis (121) can be rotated during the opening and closing process of the door (20) while being inserted into the first axis coupling portion (112). As another example, it is also possible for the first hinge body (110) to include the first axis, and the first rotating portion (120) to include the first axis coupling portion to which the first axis is coupled.

[0060] The first rotating part (120) may include a first upper coupling part (123). For example, a first shaft (121) may be provided on the upper side of the first rotating part (120), and the first upper coupling part (123) may be provided on the lower side.

[0061] The upper side of the door (20) may be provided with a second upper coupling portion (25) coupled to the first upper coupling portion (123). For example, the first upper coupling portion (123) may be a groove, and the second upper coupling portion (25) may be a protrusion inserted into the first upper coupling portion (123). Alternatively, the second upper coupling portion (25) may be a groove, and the first upper coupling portion (123) may be a protrusion inserted into the second upper coupling portion (25).

[0062] The above-mentioned protrusion may be formed in a straight shape, for example. The above-mentioned groove may be formed in a straight shape to accommodate the straight-shaped protrusion. If the first upper coupling portion (123) is a groove, the first upper coupling portion (123) may be arranged to cross the central portion of the first rotation portion (120). For example, both sides and the lower surface of the first rotation portion (120) may be open.

[0063] With the protrusion inserted into the groove, the door (20) can rotate relative to the first rotating part (110). Therefore, the size of the groove may be larger than the size of the protrusion. When the door (20) rotates with the protrusion accommodated in the groove, the protrusion can move within the groove in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion.

[0064] When the first upper connecting portion (123) is a groove, the volume of the protrusion inserted into the groove during the opening and closing process of the door (20) can be varied. When the second upper connecting portion (25) is a groove, the length of the groove is formed to be longer than the length of the protrusion, so that the protrusion can move within the groove.

[0065] The second hinge mechanism (200) may further include a second rotating portion (220) rotatably connected to the second hinge body (210). When at least one of the first hinge body (110) and the second hinge body (210) is coupled to the front of the cabinet (10), at least one hinge body may include a coupling portion coupled to the cabinet and an extension portion extending horizontally from the coupling portion. In this case, the rotation portion may be connected to the extension portion.

[0066] The second rotating part (220) may be connected to the lower side of the door (20). For example, the door (20) may be connected to the second rotating part (220) so as to be movable relative to it.

[0067] The second rotating part (220) may include a second shaft (221). The second hinge body (210) may include a second shaft coupling part (212) to which the second shaft (221) is coupled. The second shaft coupling part (212) may be, for example, a hole or groove into which the second shaft (221) is inserted.

[0068] The second axis (221) can be rotated during the opening and closing process of the door (20) while being inserted into the second axis coupling portion (212). As another example, it is also possible for the second hinge body (210) to include the second axis, and for the second rotating portion (120) to include the second axis coupling portion to which the second axis is coupled.

[0069] The second rotating part (120) may include a first lower coupling part (223). For example, a second shaft (221) may be provided on the lower side of the second rotating part (220), and the first lower coupling part (223) may be provided on the upper side.

[0070] The lower side of the door (20) may be provided with a second lower coupling portion (26) coupled to the first lower coupling portion (123). For example, the first lower coupling portion (223) may be a groove, and the second lower coupling portion (26) may be a protrusion inserted into the first lower coupling portion (223). Alternatively, the second lower coupling portion (26) may be a groove, and the first lower coupling portion (223) may be a protrusion inserted into the second lower coupling portion (26).

[0071] The above-mentioned protrusion may be formed in a straight shape, for example. The above-mentioned groove may be formed in a straight shape to accommodate the straight-shaped protrusion. If the first lower coupling portion (223) is a groove, the first lower coupling portion (223) may be arranged to cross the central portion of the second rotation portion (220). For example, both sides and the upper surface of the second rotation portion (120) may be open.

[0072] With the protrusion inserted into the groove, the door (20) can rotate relative to the second rotating part (220). Therefore, the size of the groove may be larger than the size of the protrusion. When the door (20) rotates with the protrusion accommodated in the groove, the protrusion can move within the groove in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion.

[0073] When the first lower connecting portion (223) is a groove, the volume of the protrusion inserted into the groove during the opening and closing process of the door (20) can be varied. When the second lower connecting portion (26) is a groove, the groove is formed to be longer than the length of the protrusion, so that the protrusion can move within the groove.

[0074] The rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121) may not coincide with the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221). That is, the rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121) and the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221) may be eccentric.

[0075] At this time, depending on the sizes of the first axis (121) and the second axis (221), a part of the first axis (121) may be arranged to overlap a part of the second axis (221) in the vertical direction, or the entire first axis (121) may be arranged to not overlap the entire second axis (221) in the vertical direction.

[0076] In FIG. 6, as an example, the rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121) and the rotation center line (C1) of the second axis (221) are shown spaced apart in the front-back direction (or Y-axis direction) of the refrigerator or in the arrangement direction of the cabinet and the door (20). In addition, the rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121) and the rotation center line (C1) of the second axis (221) may also be spaced apart in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

[0077] Referring to (a) of Fig. 5, the second upper connecting portion (25) may extend in a first direction from the door (20). The first direction may be, for example, a left-right direction (or X-axis direction) or a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with the left-right direction.

[0078] Referring to (b) of FIG. 5, the second lower joint (26) may extend from the door (20) in a second direction. The second direction may be, for example, a forward-backward direction (or a Y-axis direction) or a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with the forward-backward direction. For example, the second direction may intersect the first direction. Specifically, the second direction may be orthogonal to the first direction.

[0079] By the arrangement of the second upper coupling portion (25) and the second lower coupling portion (26) and the arrangement of the first rotation portion (120) and the second rotation portion (220), the virtual rotation center (C3) of the door (20) can be moved during the opening and closing process of the door (20). That is, in the case of the present embodiment, an Oldham coupling structure can be applied to the structure for the rotation of the door (20).

[0080] In this specification, the virtual center of rotation (C3) can move continuously or stepwise.

[0081] The virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) may be located at the intersection of the second upper coupling portion (25) and the second lower coupling portion (26). Since the second upper coupling portion (25) and the second lower coupling portion (26) intersect each other, and each of the second upper coupling portion (25) and the second lower coupling portion (26) moves together with the door (20), the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) may move.

[0082] When the eccentric distance between the center of the first axis (121) and the center of the second axis (221) is D, an imaginary circle having a diameter D passing through two rotation center lines (C1, C2) can be drawn, and the imaginary rotation center (C3) can move along the imaginary circle.

[0083] Depending on the sizes of the first axis (121) and the second axis (221), the movement trajectory (300) of the virtual center of rotation (C3) may be located only on the first axis (121) or only on the second axis (211). Alternatively, some of the movement trajectories (300) of the virtual center of rotation (C3) may be located on the first axis (121), and other parts may be located outside the first axis (121).

[0084] Alternatively, some of the movement trajectories of the virtual center of rotation (C3) may be located on the first axis (121), and others may be located on the second axis (221). Alternatively, some of the movement trajectories of the virtual center of rotation (C3) may be located on the second axis (221), and others may be located outside the second axis (121). Alternatively, some of the movement trajectories of the virtual center of rotation (C3) may be located on the second axis (221), and others may be located on the first axis (121).

[0085] The movement trajectory (300) of the above virtual center of rotation (C3) can pass through at least one of the first center of rotation (C1) and the second center of rotation (C2).

[0086] Figures 8 and 9 are drawings showing the door opening process according to the first embodiment.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, in order to open the door (20) when the door (20) is closed, the door (20) can be rotated in one direction. When the door (20) is rotated, the first rotating part (120) and the second rotating part (130) connected to the door (20) also rotate in one direction.

[0088] As described above, the first axis (121) and the second axis (221) are eccentric, and the second upper coupling portion (25) and the second lower coupling portion (26) are arranged to intersect, so that the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) can move.

[0089] In the present embodiment, when the door (20) is positioned, for example, within a furniture piece (P) (or a wall), the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) can move away from the furniture piece (P) in a part of the entire open section of the door (20) so that the door (20) does not interfere with the furniture piece (P).

[0090] When the end adjacent to the furniture (P) among the portions of the first hinge body (110) that overlap with the door (20) is referred to as the first end (110a), the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) can move away from the first end (110a) (or the furniture) at the initial opening of the door (20). The first end (110a) may be an end adjacent to a side adjacent to the first axis (121) among both sides of the door (20).

[0091] In some sections (first sections) of the sections in which the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) moves away from the first end (110a), the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) can move toward the front surface (10a) of the cabinet (10).

[0092] In the process of opening the door (20), in another section (second section) among the sections in which the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) moves away from the first end (110a), the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) may move away from the front side (10a) of the cabinet (10).

[0093] After the second section, the virtual center of rotation (C3) of the door (20) can move in a direction closer to the first end (110a).

[0094] In some sections (third sections) of the sections in which the virtual center of rotation (C3) moves in a direction closer to the first end (110a), the virtual center of rotation (C3) may move in a direction away from the front surface (10a) of the cabinet (10).

[0095] In some other sections (the fourth section) among the sections in which the virtual center of rotation (C3) moves in a direction closer to the first end (110a), the virtual center of rotation (C3) can move in a direction closer to the front surface (10a) of the cabinet (10).

[0096] The relationship between the first end (110a) and the virtual center of rotation (C3) is equally applied to the relationship between the first end adjacent to the furniture (P) in the second hinge body (220) and the virtual center of rotation (C3).

[0097] In summary, the entire opening section of the door (20) can be divided into first to fourth sections. Depending on the embodiment, one or more of the first and fourth sections may be omitted.

[0098] In the present embodiment, since the second upper joint portion and the second lower joint portion are formed on the upper and lower sides of the door, respectively, the structure of the door is simplified, and there is an advantage in that the opening angle of the door is increased due to the simple structure.

[0099] In particular, since the virtual center of rotation of the door moves away from the furniture, interference between the door and the furniture can be prevented while increasing the opening angle of the door.

[0100] In addition, in the case of the present invention, since the two eccentric rotating parts rotate while the door moves relative to each other during the rotation process of the door, there is an advantage in that the force applied to the axis of the rotating parts is reduced.

[0101] Fig. 10 (a) is a drawing showing the arrangement of the first rotating part and the second rotating part according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 10 (b) is a drawing showing the arrangement of the first rotating part and the second rotating part according to the third embodiment.

[0102] The second and third embodiments are otherwise identical to the first embodiment, except for the arrangement of the rotating parts. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of each embodiment will be described below.

[0103] Referring to (a) of FIG. 10, the first rotating part (120A) may include a first axis (121A). The second rotating part (220A) may include a second axis (221A).

[0104] The rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121A) may be eccentric with the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221A). For example, the rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121A) may be spaced apart from the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221A) in the X-axis direction.

[0105] Referring to (b) of FIG. 10, the first rotating part (120B) may include a first axis (121B). The second rotating part (220B) may include a second axis (221B).

[0106] The rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121B) may be eccentric with the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221B). For example, the rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121B) may be spaced apart from the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221B) in the X-axis direction. In addition, the rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121B) may be spaced apart from the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221B) in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the rotation center line (C2) of the second axis (221B) may be positioned closer to the front of the cabinet (10) than the rotation center line (C1) of the first axis (121B).

Claims

1. Cabinet forming a storage room; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; a first hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting the upper side of the door to the cabinet; and A second hinge mechanism is included on the lower side of the door so as to be rotatably connected to the cabinet, The above first hinge mechanism, A first hinge body installed in the above cabinet, having a first axis rotatably connected to the first hinge body and including a first rotating part connected to the door; The above second hinge mechanism, A second hinge body installed in the above cabinet, A second shaft rotatably connected to the second hinge body and including a second rotating part connected to the door, A refrigerator wherein the center of the first axis is eccentric with the center of the second axis.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first rotating part includes a first upper coupling part, A refrigerator, wherein the upper side of the door is provided with a second upper joint part that is movably coupled to the first upper joint part.

3. In paragraph 2, The second rotating part includes a first lower coupling part, A refrigerator, wherein a second lower joint portion is provided on the lower side of the door so as to be relatively movably connected to the first lower joint portion.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the second upper joint extends in a first direction, and the second lower joint extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the first and second directions are orthogonal.

6. In paragraph 3, The virtual center of rotation of the above door is located at the intersection of the second upper joint and the second lower joint, During the opening process of the above door, the virtual center of rotation of the door is the moving refrigerator.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first hinge body, Including a first end portion adjacent to the side adjacent to the first axis among the two sides of the door, In some sections of the entire opening section of the above door, A refrigerator in which the above virtual center of rotation moves away from the first end.

8. In paragraph 7, In some sections of the entire opening section of the above door, A refrigerator in which the above virtual center of rotation moves in a direction closer to the front of the cabinet.

9. In paragraph 8, In some other section after the above part of the entire opening section of the above door, A refrigerator in which the above virtual center of rotation moves away from the front of the cabinet.

10. In paragraph 7, In some other section after the above part of the entire opening section of the above door, A refrigerator in which the above virtual center of rotation moves away from the front of the cabinet.

11. In paragraph 7, In some other section after the above part of the entire opening section of the above door, A refrigerator in which the above virtual center of rotation moves in a direction closer to the first end.

12. In paragraph 2, The above first upper joint portion includes a groove, The second upper connecting portion includes a protrusion accommodated in the groove, A refrigerator in which the volume of the protrusion inserted into the groove is variable during the opening process of the door.

13. In paragraph 2, The above first upper joint portion includes a protrusion, The second upper joint portion includes a groove in which the protrusion is received, A refrigerator wherein the length of the above home is greater than the length of the above protrusion.

14. In paragraph 3, The above first lower joint comprises a groove, The second lower joint portion includes a protrusion accommodated in the groove, A refrigerator in which the volume of the protrusion inserted into the groove is variable during the opening process of the door.

15. In paragraph 3, The above first lower joint portion includes a protrusion, The second lower joint portion includes a groove in which the protrusion is received, A refrigerator wherein the length of the above home is greater than the length of the above protrusion.

16. In paragraph 1, When the eccentric distance between the center of the first axis and the center of the second axis is D, A refrigerator in which the center of rotation of the above door moves along an imaginary circle having a diameter D passing through the centers of the two axes.

Citation Information

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